Custom Die Work Recommendations

Hello,

In the past, I've had great success with Whidden Gunworks doing custom die work for me. However, they have suspended taking on new custom work.

I'm looking to have my 455 Webley steel dies modified (profile the opening to ease case insertion) and getting my Redding 45 crimp die shortened to get a better crimp.

Would prefer not to have to buy a new custom die set- the backlog at CH4D is at 18 months. 

I can use what I have, but it isn't ideal from a time perspective. I need to be shooting the S&W 455, not babying every step on the 550.

Is there someone you would use to do this work? Is there someone over on CastBoolits that I should be reaching out to?

Thanks,
Chase

Chase,

I suggest contacting Dave / fc60.  He might be able to help you.  Second option - Eugene / Javaduke.  I do not know if he does this type of work, but know that he has all the equipment necessary.

AP

I think most commercial shops that would take on that kind of work have a similar back log to what you have already found. Hornady and LEE will do custom work too, but I think the lead time would be similar. 

Sounds like a project the would be fairly simple for a well equipped machine shop, especially if you know what dimensions you are looking for

The real moral to the story probably is I should have bought the Redding 455 dies to begin with (they are available, just expensive); it was probably false economy to go the way I did.

If Dave is still taking work, there are few people on this planet that I would recommend more highly.

*thinks for a minute*

OK, I can't think of anyone on this planet that I would recommend more highly.

Redding does custom work.

Do you really need a custom die/expander, or can you repurpose other rifle or pistol dies?

I use the wrong dies for 38 Special and 45 ACP since I load lead instead of jacketed bullets and don't want to size too small or expand too much.

A challenge for doing this is the die manufacturers list their products by SAAMI sizes and not list by OD. Grr...

FWIW, Lee makes “455 Webley” dies.  The sizer is marked “45 Colt”. The expander and seater/crimper are .455 tho I’m sure the basics are not. I’ll look as to how they crimp and expand.  I’ll let you know,  

As for modifying the dies you have, any decent machinist worth his toolbox should be able to do what you want.  Some might not have the equipment tho.

john bickar wrote:If Dave is still taking work

I can't think of anyone

Age, '100' ??

I'm assuming that's weeks... which might explain some of your behavior patterns...

As for the dies, I've had to hack on a few of my own over the years.  Never found one that wasn't just a thin case hardening, which barely slows down carbide tooling. I'd bore a taper, 20 to 30 deg, and break the sharp edges with a stone or emery on a stick.

Happen to be, if not standing in front of my lathe for a couple weeks, at least along side it. If you want to pack them up and send them my way ...