Lee Bulge Buster

[345 DeSoto]

I started picking up .45 ACP Range brass, because there's so much of it, and it seemed like so much of a waste to just leave it. The stuff is in all sorts of shape/condition, etc., so I deprime then SS wet tumble to clean up the crud. I noticed that some of the cases had a ring left at the bottom of the case after I FL sized it, so I bought a Lee Bulge Buster to take the ring out. Not only did it take out the rings, but as an added bonus it cleaned up all the extractor knicks and gouges off of the rim. The cases ALL came out in great condition. Now, I'm waiting for my Lee Precision Quick Trim set-up from Natchez. Contrary to what everybody says about trimming .45 ACP brass, I feel that to get the same taper crimp on EVERY round, the cases should be trimmed to Specs for my chamber(s).

 

[jmorris]

Yep the push through dies get even the part of the case that a normal die cannot. I would likely convert my automated Lee single stage push through bullet sizer to a case sizer, just because it would be simple but I already have automated roll sizers that also get inside the extractor groove.

 

[gamestalker]

To be fair, I've never used the Bulge Buster, but I've also not had problems with a standard die set either, so never had a reason to expand my options.

IMHO, if a die is used/adjusted correctly, the load is assembled correctly, powder charge is appropriate, then there is no need for a special die of sorts. No one needed one prior to it's development, so why would we need one now days.

IMO, a die like this could actually mislead a reloader to use worn out, or other wise weak brass by giving it the appearance of being safe. Once brass has been bulged, it has also been weakened.

GS

 

[345 DeSoto]

Some of the cases, mostly Speer, don't seem to fully size with my Full Length die...leaving a ring at the base. Not really a "bulge". The big advantage to me is that it gets rid of the nicks on the rims from the extractor...

 

[steve4102]

No one needed one prior to it's development, so why would we need one now days

First, I don't know if No one needed one or not, years ago. Second, new stuff is always going to be developed and marketed. Take the Bushing dies for example, "No One' needed them prior to development, yet they are widely used today. Same goes for Micrometer Competition seating dies, Stainless pin tumbling, Hi-Tek Coated bullet, Powder Coated Bullets, plastic pistols, power windows, power locks, fuel injection, radial tires, foam insulation, Computers, the list is endless.

If you want to do things the old way because new toys and new technology are not needed, be my guest. Me, I'm always looking for a better "mouse trap".

 

[jmorris]

IMHO, if a die is used/adjusted correctly, the load is assembled correctly, powder charge is appropriate, then there is no need for a special die of sorts. No one needed one prior to it's development, so why would we need one now days.

I reloaded for decades without a rollsizer, it was not until I started competing in timed events where malfunctions could cause cause me to loose, that I started using them.

The problem is the machines we reload with simply cannot size the entire case because the shell holder or plate has to have something to grab onto to pull it out of the dies.

However roll sizers and push through sizers are nothing new companies like Scharch and Magma have been making them for years but the target market is ammunition remanufacturers not hobby reloaders.

http://www.magmaengineering.com/component/banners/click/12/