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Warning: Exercise caution at all times when hollow pointing. The force required to hollow point is VERY low, if any resistance is encountered, stop and double check your setup. Always wear proper personal protection during use including impact rated eye protection. Do not press a hollow point with any part of your body touching the die or above it. Position the shell holder at a 90 degree angle away (to either the left or right) from the press operator as shown in the exploded view.
DO NOT USE WITH LEAD FREE 22LR AMMUNITION
The BoreBuddy 22lr hollow pointing die allows you to add a hollow point, fragmenting point, or flat point to 22LR ammo of your choice. Running ammo through the die will bump the bullet diameter close to SAAMI maximum for accuracy and consistency. Punch depth is user adjustable allowing you to tune expansion/fragmentation/Flat point characteristics to your use case.
In addition to making the diameter uniform, the nose profiles offer the following characteristics:
Fragmenting Point: Rapid expansion with 4 petal fragmentation at sufficient velocities that is enhanced by 1:12 twist (or faster).
Hollow Point: Controlled to Rapid expansion depending on HP depth
Flat Point: Consistent holes on paper targets, deep penetration. Potentially increased BC.
Die setup: Insert the 22lr shellholder into the ram and partially thread the die into the press. Raise the ram all the way up and screw the die clockwise until the bottom of the die is approximately 1/4” from touching the shell holder. Tighten the die lock ring to hold the die at that position. Some presses (like the Lee Breech Lock) may not require a lock ring – follow the press manufacturer recommendations for retaining the die at the correct position.
Hollow point depth setup: Unscrew the depth lock ring and depth plunger until nearly unscrewed from the die body. Insert a 22lr cartridge and raise the ram fully to insert it into the die. You should not feel any resistance. Slowly thread the depth plunger down until the pointer makes contact with the 22lr bullet. Lower the die slightly and thread the depth plunger down until the hollow or flat point depth you desire is achieved. Each turn increases or decreases the depth by 0.035”. When desired profile is achieved, tighten the depth lock ring.
Hollow pointing: Waxy ammo may eventually cause issues when it clogs up the die. Periodically inspect and clean wax from the die. Apply a small drop of mineral oil to a q-tip and oil the inside the die cavity prior to use ensures smooth operation. Re-oil as needed.
Changing pointer types: To change pointer punches, remove the depth plunger and lock ring, remove the pointer and replace with the pointed end facing downward. Replace depth plunger and lock ring.
Recommended Depth:
Each turn increases or decreases the depth by 0.035”, below are the recommended depths based on turns from bullet contact.
Hollow Point: 2-6 turns
Fragmenting Point: 3-6 turns
Flat Point: 0.5-1 turn
Die Diameters:
The HP Die is available with different main bore diameters, one as the dies drop from the machine (no reaming) and 3 reamed diameter choices. SAAMI maximum diameter for 22lr is 0.2255″.
Below SAAMI MAX
0.224-0.225 Standard (No reaming) – Our standard bore with no additional charge for reaming. Dies land somewhere between 0.224 and 0.225 depending on production variances.
0.225″ (Reamed) – Smooth reamed finish at 0.225″ provides our largest and smoothest bullets without exceeding SAAMI MAX diameter. Recommended for semi-auto target rifles or manual action rifles if chamber dimensions are unknown. This is the safe bet and the die we recommend to most people who are not experts or shoot multiple firearms or more than one specific chamber.
Above SAAMI MAX – CAUTION REQUIRED, SEMI-AUTO NOT RECOMMENDED
0.226″ (Reamed) – slightly over SAAMI MAX for a slightly tighter fit in manual action chambers.
0.227″ (Reamed) – This diameter puts the bullets at the minimum diameter for SAAMI Sporting chambers and provides a nice tight fit for manual action guns to emulate a match chamber.
0.2285″ (Reamed) – Available by special request only.