Just bought a 1863 and have some questions.

**Nd1887** · 04-10-2020

I think what I will do is buy the .580 Minnie and buy a sizing die of about .578 or .577 and try that. Who makes a good sizing die you can buy in the united states, id like a pedersoli one but cant find any in the united states.

**Muley Gil** · 04-10-2020

I use the push through sizers. Post a "Want to Buy" in the Classifieds for the sizes you want.

**Maillemaker** · 04-10-2020

If you need to buy new, Lee will make custom sizing dies that install in any standard reloading press. I like them. Also, you can buy sizing dies for the Lyman Lubrisizer from places like S&S firearms. I like them also. I'm not a fan of the ones made by North East Trading Company. It's possible I bought one of the ones that were supposedly part of a badly-made batch, but the .515 die I just bought through Lodgewood has a very abrupt shoulder as it transitions from free bore to sizing bore, and does not size the bullet well (pure lead .518 down to .515) as it horribly deforms the base of the bullet.

You can see pictures here:
https://www.n-ssa.net/vbforum/showth...ighlight=smith

Steve

**Nd1887** · 04-10-2020

Originally Posted by Maillemaker

If you need to buy new, Lee will make custom sizing dies that install in any standard reloading press. I like them. Also, you can buy sizing dies for the Lyman Lubrisizer from places like S&S firearms. I like them also. I'm not a fan of the ones made by North East Trading Company. It's possible I bought one of the ones that were supposedly part of a badly-made batch, but the .515 die I just bought through Lodgewood has a very abrupt shoulder as it transitions from free bore to sizing bore, and does not size the bullet well (pure lead .518 down to .515) as it horribly deforms the base of the bullet.

You can see pictures here:
https://www.n-ssa.net/vbforum/showth...ighlight=smith

Steve

that?s to bad I was hoping theirs would work I really don?t want to pay 250$ for the Lyman and don?t want to wait 8 weeks for the Lee sizer. Might try the lodge wood one.

**MR. GADGET** · 04-11-2020

Tom Crone should have all the sizers in stock and able to ship.

Tom Crone. 301-473-5699

So far he is the only one that I have seen are 100% true. I have many.
They workk but not the quality he has. Also was selling bullets so may be able to help you there also.
He has built a lot of custom gear for me. Also great to deal with. Plus a N-SSA guy abd sets up at shoots.

**Nd1887** · 04-11-2020

Originally Posted by MR. GADGET

Tom Crone should have all the sizers in stock and able to ship.

Tom Crone. 301-473-5699

So far he is the only one that I have seen are 100% true. I have many.
They workk but not the quality he has. Also was selling bullets so may be able to help you there also.
He has built a lot of custom gear for me. Also great to deal with. Plus a N-SSA guy abd sets up at shoots.

Ill give him a call then Thanks for all your help.

**Nd1887** · 04-11-2020

One last question, What powder should I try first FFg or FFFg and starting loads for both?

**Maillemaker** · 04-11-2020

I shoot 3F in everything. Typically you can use about 10% less 3F than a given load of 2F and get similar ballistic performance. Since 2F and 3F cost the same - you save 10% shooting 3F.

But, some guns like 2F.

A common target load for .58 muskets is around 45 grains 3F with an RCBS-Hodgdon bullet. There are many others.

**Nd1887** · 04-13-2020

Gave tom crone a call ordered a Sizer, real nice guy sounds like he is in lock-down for the next couple weeks.

**Nd1887** · 04-14-2020

So basically I have gone everywhere in my town and all I can find if Pyrodex is that safe to use or should I bite the bullet and pay 20$ for the hazard fee online?