Bullet swaging

[Eargasm]

Does anyone here swage their own bullets using a Corbin press?

Tell me about it.

Lets say I want to start swaging my own .223 using spent .22LR cases, how many of their dies will I need? I find that the videos on youtube don't really explain everything you'll need, nor does the Corbin website.

[mif_slim]

Its 700 bucks to get started. I plan on getting one just to fool around but I have greater projects I have to fulfill first before my play stuff.

[Sky_DiveR]

Ya, the initial outlay is the kicker. The 224 kit to make 224 bullets from 22LR brass, is $803 and $208 for the lead core swage die to bleed off the excessive lead. That's using a standard single stage press... another $600 if you want the Corbin press.

Other than that, it's fun once ya get over how much it is to get started.

BTW, you need to find 22LR brass shot with a round firing pin (usually a revolver). If it's shot with a square firing pin (most guns) the brass will tear where the firing pin has struck the brass while you are swaging the jacket.

[bumpo628]

They have a swaging forum over at castboolits:

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/forumdisplay.php?f=41

[Eargasm]

If I wanted to form projectiles with hollow points, open tips, or fmj, would I need a separate die for each one?

[Sky_DiveR]

Hollow points and open tips can be done with the same die set. You just trim down the brass to different sizes.You need a different punch to make totally encased or FMJ bullets.

[bohoki]

wow it sounds easier to lathe 3 gauge copper wire into bullets

[gorblimey]

Check out the Walnut Hill press from Richard Corbin:

http://rceco.com/MN.asp?pg=products&specific=81&from=36

The press is a work of art, and dealing with Richard has been a pleasure.

That said, in my opinion, your swaging time would probably be better spent on some more exotic and/or expensive caliber. On the other hand, the smaller the caliber, the greater the benefit imparted by the high concentricity of a carefully swaged bullet. I guess it depends on your ultimate goals.

[sargenv]

The problem with swaging isn't so much the cost, but the fact that both Corbin Brothers are one man shops.. so lead time for anything runs in the 12-18 month range.. On the Walnut hill press, the idea is put in your order, give him your cc #, and then forget about it.. at some undetermined time in the future, your card will be charged, and you will have a large heavy package on your doorstep..

While I have not actually seen one of these, people who have them, absolutely love them.

[Eargasm]

They have a swaging forum over at castboolits:
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/forumdisplay.php?f=41

Thanks for this! I spent several hours browsing the swaging forum yesterday.

The problem with swaging isn't so much the cost, but the fact that both Corbin Brothers are one man shops.. so lead time for anything runs in the 12-18 month range..

I came across some plans on the castboolits website (see above) to build your own press. Total cost for the parts is ~$144. I'm thinking I'll give that a try first before I plop down $800 for a press. There's also a guy over there who's making dies for sale, they seem to be getting good reviews and the cost is about 50% of what the Corbin dies go for.

[bumpo628]

Thanks for this! I spent several hours browsing the swaging forum yesterday.

Careful - some guys go in there and never come out.

When I see some of the stuff those guys make it makes me want to get into it too. But I am time-limited as it is...that's a whole other animal. If you have the time, go for it. Those guys will give you plenty of help and you can probably buy everything you need either in the swappin & sellin forum or the vendor sponsor forum.

[sargenv]

Careful - some guys go in there and never come out.

I feel like that sometimes.... I try really hard NOT to go looking in their swapping and selling section not to mention their "mold group buy section".. I overspent myself this week :P

[bumpo628]

I feel like that sometimes.... I try really hard NOT to go looking in their swapping and selling section not to mention their "mold group buy section".. I overspent myself this week :P

I know the feeling. The other day I bought 3100 pcs of 9mm brass just because it was a good deal. Save me from myself....

By the way, I noticed that someone is selling a swaging press with dies for $175. It might be worth taking a looksee.

http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=110257