Large Ring Gauge Punch Cutter

CasaDooley · 08-25-2010, 10:10 PM

This is the biggest punch I have found at 12mm and after more then 5 years it is still extremely sharp.
http://www.vintagechiccigar.com/index.php?cPath=129_456

SvilleKid · 08-25-2010, 10:23 PM

I've never made a punch from a .45, but have half a dozen from .270 and .30-06 rifle rounds. I found that these work best when the edge is well sharpened, but which still leaves a slightly saw-toothed edge. The secret to using them in this state is to gently rotate the punch back and forth, verses using as a pure punch. This consistently produces a clean cut for me, never had one tear the wrapper. I have a set of cheap jeweler files that allow me to sharpen the inside edge once I get the outside edge to the shape/sharpness I want. You are right that you will never get the soft brass sharp enough to use as a punch. But modifying your punch technique to what basically amounts to a hole saw style should give you desirable results. The longer rifle casings do make it easier to twirl the casing back and forth than with shorter pistol rounds. I also find that punching the primer out can give you a good route to push the plugs back out. Then, buff the casing to a luster, and clear-coat with clear Krylon. Keeps the casing from tarnishing.

If you want, PM me for my addy, send me a few spent casings, and I'll try my hand at making some up for you.

NCRadioMan · 08-25-2010, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CasaDooley

This is the biggest punch I have found at 12mm and after more then 5 years it is still extremely sharp.
http://www.vintagechiccigar.com/index.php?cPath=129_456

That's the one! Solingen steel will keep an edge for a long time.

awsmith4 · 08-26-2010, 09:12 AM

Thanks for all the info guys! At $6 I'll probably order him a few.

And Cliff, next time I go to the range I'll take my rifle too and send you some casings. I'll PM you when I get a chance to go, thanks for the offer!

08-26-2010, 04:26 PM

If you know anyone who reloads their own ammunition, they probably have a case reamer to clean burrs from the mouth of the cases prior to reloading, especially after trimming the length of rifle cases. I've never tried it but I think, with a little patience, you could use such a reamer to sharpen that .45 case for that purpose.

08-25-2010, 10:10 PM	#1
CasaDooley Herf Crew of 2 Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Kevin Location: The birthplace of Fathers Day Posts: 2,465 Trading: (41)	Re: Large Ring Gauge Punch Cutter This is the biggest punch I have found at 12mm and after more then 5 years it is still extremely sharp. http://www.vintagechiccigar.com/index.php?cPath=129_456 __________________ *Founding member of the Lilac City Dedicated Herfers*

08-25-2010, 10:23 PM	#2
SvilleKid Yes I am a Pirate Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: 33°46′08″N 86°28′16″W / 33.76895°N 86.471037°W Posts: 2,776 Trading: (52)	Re: Large Ring Gauge Punch Cutter I've never made a punch from a .45, but have half a dozen from .270 and .30-06 rifle rounds. I found that these work best when the edge is well sharpened, but which still leaves a slightly saw-toothed edge. The secret to using them in this state is to gently rotate the punch back and forth, verses using as a pure punch. This consistently produces a clean cut for me, never had one tear the wrapper. I have a set of cheap jeweler files that allow me to sharpen the inside edge once I get the outside edge to the shape/sharpness I want. You are right that you will never get the soft brass sharp enough to use as a punch. But modifying your punch technique to what basically amounts to a hole saw style should give you desirable results. The longer rifle casings do make it easier to twirl the casing back and forth than with shorter pistol rounds. I also find that punching the primer out can give you a good route to push the plugs back out. Then, buff the casing to a luster, and clear-coat with clear Krylon. Keeps the casing from tarnishing. If you want, PM me for my addy, send me a few spent casings, and I'll try my hand at making some up for you. __________________ Ceilin' fan it stirs the air, Cigar smoke does swirl. The fragrance on the pillow case, and he thinks about the girl. Thanks, JB, 1975.

08-26-2010, 09:12 AM	#4
awsmith4 Simple Pleasures - 2oL Join Date: Oct 2008 First Name: Albert Location: Marietta, Georgia Posts: 4,602 Trading: (111)	Re: Large Ring Gauge Punch Cutter Thanks for all the info guys! At $6 I'll probably order him a few. And Cliff, next time I go to the range I'll take my rifle too and send you some casings. I'll PM you when I get a chance to go, thanks for the offer! __________________ Its THIS easy to support our troops

08-26-2010, 04:26 PM	#5
lawman Guest Posts: n/a	Re: Large Ring Gauge Punch Cutter If you know anyone who reloads their own ammunition, they probably have a case reamer to clean burrs from the mouth of the cases prior to reloading, especially after trimming the length of rifle cases. I've never tried it but I think, with a little patience, you could use such a reamer to sharpen that .45 case for that purpose.