Making your own loading blocks for .45 colt

[Cheyenne Ranger, 48747L]

I love making my own loading blocks and have six for a normal monthly match. Now comes making a set for my bride Sunny- but I REALLY want to find a better way for punching the holes. My experience has been this:

 

1/2" bit is too big.

7/16" bit is too small but I've used a rat-tail file to open them up.

 

What is the perfect size bit to use and where can I find one?

 

Thanks.

[Cheyenne Ranger, 48747L]

THIS IS TOO WEIRD. Cheyenne Ranger DID NOT post this.....

 

How did this happen?????

 

Two Spurs (what actually is in the same club as Cheyenne Ranger)

[Two Spurs]

Dude......

 

Some how I showed to be signed in as CR.

 

Logged out. Logged back in.

 

Twilight Zone.............................................

[Crash]

Hi Guys The same thing just happened to me.

[Quick Draw Granpaw #48525]

Howdy all, holes for .44 & .45 are 14mm. I've sold a lot of these

to the folks that use single stage press. They hold 50 rounds.

QDG

[Missouri Marshal SASS #50682]

If you are talking about loading blocks to use at the loading table to load your rifle and pistols from, I have made and sold over 1600 of them to Cowboys all over the world. 31/64 is the proper size drill bit for 45. 44-40. 44spl, 38-40 loading blocks. You can get them at any Home Depot or Lowes.

[Rio Brazos Kid]

Two Spurs,

31/64 is indeed the correct drill size. You will find that using a Brad Point drill will do the best job on these blocks. Cleaner and splinter-less holes, if properly done. Best to use a drill press. Harbor Freight has these drill sets, on sale now for $13.49.

 

RBK

[Hollifer A. Dollar]

Recently I made up a bunch of loading blocks from 1/2" thick oak with leather toppers. I used a 1/2" forstner bit (pilot-drilled first, then used the 1/2" from both sides to eliminate chipping) & cleaned the holes up with a 0.500" reamer. They work great, the cases drop in & out easily, but the rim catches so they don't fall through. I tried some 38-40 & 44-40 brass that I had & both fit fine.

 

Holler

[Two Spurs]

thanks everyone.

[Quick Draw Granpaw #48525]

Well, shut my mouth....Missouri Marshal is right, I should have

said 13mm not 14mm, but 31/64 is correct..

Happy trails

QDG

[Ninety Caliber Al, 50218]

If you are talking about loading blocks to use at the loading table to load your rifle and pistols from, I have made and sold over 1600 of them to Cowboys all over the world. 31/64 is the proper size drill bit for 45. 44-40. 44spl, 38-40 loading blocks. You can get them at any Home Depot or Lowes.

 

Hey Marshall,

While you're giving instruction, what's the proper size for .38 spec.

[Missouri Marshal SASS #50682]

Hey Marshall,

While you're giving instruction, what's the proper size for .38 spec.

 

Howdy Pard, it's 25/64 Now that I've told all my secrets I might as well close the business...