Sizing Die Recommendations?

[frankk]

As I mentioned on another thread, I am new to muzzleloaders but I do a lot of handloading for my centerfires.

What kind of sizing die for 45cal sabotless bullets do you recommend? I’d be mounting it on my Rockchucker press.

Thanks!
Frank

[rambler]

Swinglock smooth form die is what I use. With a rockchucker also


www.arrowheadrifles.com/product/swing-lock-adjustable-smooth-sizing-die/

[billc]

I use a Swinglock full form die. However, now that I'm having difficulty finding the 0.458 bullets I prefer to shoot and after trying some of a friends smooth formed bullets, I may swap to smooth forming. A rockchucker will serve you well in either case. Smooth forming can also work with a Lee hand press.

[thelongrider]

Hanks Precision Gun Parts sells them as well. I have both the Swinglock and Hanks, I like the Hanks better and it's a few dollars cheaper

[frankk]

Hi Longrider,
I’m at a toss-up between the Swinglock and the Hanks. What do you like about the Hanks?
Thanks,
Frank

[billc]

A buddy has Hanks die he doesn't care for Hanks as you have to have a mandrel to open the die back up if you go too far. The Swinglock is adjustable larger or smaller with the hex wrench.

[frankk]

Which die, Swinglock or Hanks, is easier to dial small changes?

[ronc]

I have both sizing dies in 45 cal and I prefer the Hanks. Hanks sizes with less effort and smoother than the older Swinglock does. Fine adjustments is easy on both of them in my experience. Either one will do the job well for you in my opinion. Hank sells just the die separate if you want extras for different bullets. I wound up getting 4 smooth sizing dies, 1 Swinglock and 3 Hanks. I got the Swinglock first...

[thelongrider]

Jan 13, 2022 12:27:58 GMT -5 frankk said:

Hi Longrider,
I’m at a toss-up between the Swinglock and the Hanks. What do you like about the Hanks?
Thanks,
Frank

I like how smooth the die operates (easier to dial) with the provided combo wrench rather than the big allen wrench. I have three of the Hanks dies and like the fact that you can buy the die alone for $115. He also has a video showing how to properly operate the die. Both work very well, but I would buy the Hanks.

[encore50a]

I use the Swinglock for smooth sizing. Mine does not use the big allen wrench but rather wrench alone.
I size three different makes of bullets and with 3 different weight bullets.
I'd purchase it again.
No experience with Hanks.

[frankk]

Thank you all for your replies. I decided to order the Hanks die

[luv2shoot]

I thank you’ll be pleased with the Hankins. I own several sizing dies. The Lee’s for easy peasy sizing work fine for a lot of situations. The Swinglocks in FF and Smooth were my first adjustables. Then I bought some Hankins..
With that said I hands down prefer the Hankins.
I read about in earlier posts about Hankin’s “ mandrel” . I see IMHO absolutely no problem and a great idea having that. If one turns a SF die down to small diameter, the sizing “mandrel” returns the die back to proper dimensions.
For example I have one SML that’s a .442 bbl. (bought the barrel by mistake so don’t ask. LOL ) But it shoots superb. Hankins SF 45 die gets me down to that dia.
So +1 for Hankins.
I have found him to quickly respond and ship BTW.

[cooperfan]

Thank you for the information

I’m ordering a Hankins as well