What equipment is needed to make benchrest quality bullets and where can I get the equipment?
1) A good set of dies – preferably carbide, especially if one plans on making bullets to sell. Carbide dies are less likely to become damaged and will make more bullets. For the individual who plans on making bullets for himself and a few pals, tool steel dies make excellent bullets and should last a life-time. 2) Converted press(es) – that is presses which have had the ram replaced to accept bullet making punches. Preferably, the presses will either be true, or have been trued by the converter/manufacturer. 3) Paraphernalia to straighten and cut lead wire into slugs for squirting. Most of the die makers can supply the dies and core cutting paraphernalia. Though ‘squirted’ (preformed) cores may be purchased, my experience is that such cores are never as uniform as I can squirt by hand – this does require time, but I prefer to know every bullet by its first, last and middle name. In my experience, Bill and Brian Niemi make excellent carbide dies: W.B. Niemi Engineering P.O.
