I have a Lee .457 sizing die I need to open up to .458 or .459. What is the best way for a non machinest fumbled fingered fellow to do this. Thanks in advance.

If it was me, and since the Lee sizing dies are pretty cheap- in case I messed up, I'd roll some bullets around in lapping compound, then run a couple through. Clean it, then run a clean bullet through and check the size- then repeat if necessary.

Slit the end of a 1/4 inch dowel or drillrod, slip a small square of emery paper (about 220 grit) in it, chuck it in a handdrill and spin it in the die. Lube the emery paper with light oil. The Lee dies have a fairly small bearing surface for sizing, so it will cut pretty quick. Stop every 30 seconds or so and check your diameter.

Very simple process.

Charley got it perfect. Go slow and it should work fine.

If it was me, and since the Lee sizing dies are pretty cheap- in case I messed up, I'd roll some bullets around in lapping compound, then run a couple through. Clean it, then run a clean bullet through and check the size- then repeat if necessary.


This way is slower and more labor intensive but is less likely for an unsteady hand to egg an opening or go a little too far. Either way will work when done right.

Thanks for the info. Looks like either of these should be easy enough. But then again, I have been known for making the simple confusing and the confusing impossible.

Have you tried just shooting them un-sized?

Yea they shoot good unsized but I need to install a gas check on one bullet and don't want it sized to small.

Lee will send you a die that just fits the nose of the bullet that you can use to seat gas checks with. I have an old single cavity Lee mold that will not properly seat a g/c unless I put it through the sizer base first. I e-mailed Lee and they sent the nose profile die and all is well....

Lee will send you a die that just fits the nose of the bullet that you can use to seat gas checks with. I have an old single cavity Lee mold that will not properly seat a g/c unless I put it through the sizer base first. I e-mailed Lee and they sent the nose profile die and all is well....

I'm confused! I'm trying to visualize what you are talking about and I can't! You are talking about the Lee push through sizing die, right?:confused:

Most mfgrs will help w/ special needs. Just contact them and explain.