SmallCaliberCentral

Few questions:

1) Does anyone know if the flash hole in the .204 is the same size as the 22 cals?

I don't have a tool yet, and I see that I can't use a Lyman for under .22 cal.

2) Would I be able to modify a Lyman tool if I buy one?

3) 'Anyone have a clever idea that will keep me blowing $ on a tool just for my .204?

You must have a dedicated .20 cal flashole tool as the stem on the .22 cal tools are too large. I've settled on the K&M, as it is not dependant on case length, and you can't overcut a case with it because it has a positive stop. The new generation Sinclair uses the same method, and is also a good unit, as both cut a nice bevel at the flash hole and remove burrs, and drill the flash hole to uniform diameter if it's undersize. Both tools can also be used with a power screwdriver.

Russ Haydon carries the K&M and the Sinclair tools, and is a good source for accuracy-oriented stuff. He's even got custom actions and Coopers in stock.......good stuff.

http://www.shooters-supply.com/

Yes....any of the RCBS flash hole tools will work for 204's. The shaft diamter is smaller. I bought a 30 caliber flash hole deburring tool and adjust the stop so the opening of the neck on the 204 cases hit this stop.

I was at Gander the other day ans they had an RCBS so I nabbed it. Don't know whether I do or don't like the fact that it doesn't have anything that cuts actually extending THROUGH the hole. 'Letcha know....

bow shot wrote: it doesn't have anything cutter actually extending INTO the hole.

The reason many (including me) much prefer the K&M or Sinclair (new model), because it bevels the flash hole, removing burrs, but also drills it out if needed to the uniform flash hole diameter. Much better for consistency. As also mentioned, these tools are not dependent on case length as is the RCBS tool. They have positive bottom stops that prevent over-drilling/beveling built into the cutter, so they're about as slick as can be, so you can prep new cases without dinking around with trimming prior to fireforming (trimming prior to fireforming is useless, as all cases will stretch/vary in length on the first firing...then time to trim).

Rick in Oregon wrote:

bow shot wrote: it doesn't have anything cutter actually extending INTO the hole.

The reason many (including me) much prefer the K&M or Sinclair (new model), because it bevels the flash hole, removing burrs, but also drills it out if needed to the uniform flash hole diameter.

I use the k&M for the same reason...works well.

BTW.....Nosler .204 Brass flash holes are smaller in diameter and you may may/not want to enlarge them

Git: Nosler brass is made for them by Norma, and as such has drilled vs. punched flash holes, therefore does not need any flash hole deburring or drilling. Only the primer pockets need attention after firing, all the drugery work is eliminated with preminum brass.

One more reason the spendy premium stuff is worth it in the long run.

Something inside said "don't do it!" ... but once again I did it.

I'll leave the Nosler brass alone, and touch up only the Hornady.