Manual

Finned Shotgun Slug Swage Kit
The finned hollow cavity shotgun slug is
formed in three steps, using a CSW-1-H
core swage, CS-1-H core seater, and
PF-1-H point form die. An ejector frame is used,
with special ejecting external punch and punch holder,
to free the finned slug from the final punch. The usual
FPH-1-H floating punch holder is NOT used in the final
operation of forming the point. It can be used in the first two
steps.
The 12-gauge set is designed to make slugs from 1.125 to
1.375 ounces. Heavier slugs are not recommended. Never
attempt to make a slug lighter than 1.125 ounces as it will
cause the destrution of the dies and punches. If a die or
punch is damaged, all of the parts associated with the die
must be returned for hand fitting. Modifications to the slug
design will require return of the entire set along with the
ejectors and accessories.
STEP 1. Make pure lead (Bhn 5 hardness) cores. For 12-
gauge, these would be approximately .70-inch diameter by
.50-inch long. Use clean lead: reclaimed lead may contain
grit and alloys that will destroy the punches and dies. Cores
can be cast 3 at a time in a Corbin CM-3 Core Mould,
available for 10, 12, and 20 gauge as well as other sizes.
The cores must weigh approximately 1.25 to 1.375 ounces
for 12-gauge, and .75 to .875 ounces for 20-gauge. Lighter
weights will destroy the punches.
STEP 2. Swage the lead cores. In a 12-gauge, this will
require approximately 1,500 psi on the Hydro-Press gauge.
In 20-gauge, the pressure should be about 1,200 psi. Use
the lightest pressure that will form the shape
completely. The lead cores must be lubricated
lightly. Too much lube will prevent cores from
forming fully, and too little will increase pres-
sure and extrude excess lead. A bleed-off of
5-10 grains is correct. Attempting to bleed off
too much lead can break the die from excess
pressure. The correctly formed slug will have a
deep cavity on one end and a conical shape
on the other.
STEP 3. Change to the CORE SEAT DIE
(CS-1-H) and punch, and form the fins on the
conical end of the slug. This uses approximately
the same gauge pressure as the first step. The
external (top) punch aligns itself in the
cavity of the slug. Raise the ram
slightly, so the preformed core can
be inserted easily into the cavity of the
slotted punch. Do not press the slug into
the die under power without first
starting in this way or the slotted
punch may be
broken.
Lubricate the
slug, and put it
into the die
with the conical end down. The internal punch is equpped
with an ejector rod to push the slug clear of the fins on the
down stroke. Raise the press ram and hold the pressure on
the slug for two seconds by keeping the UP button de-
pressed. Lower the ram slightly and then raise it again to
swage a second time. This uses lower pressure than trying
to form completely in one pass. Lower the ram to eject the
slug.
If the slug sticks in the punch, place a small piece of lead
wire in the cavity of the slug to increase the volume of lead.
Raise the ram so that you can see the ejector punch, which
passes through the fin punch. Make sure this ejector punch
is pulled down, out of the lead (raise the ram enough so you
can use a wood, brass, or plastic stick to push this punch
down if it is stuck in the up position). The end of the ejection
punch should be clear of the rectangular knock-out bar,
which passes through the slot in the press ram. Never
attempt to melt a stuck slug out of the punch, as this ruins
the temper of the tool steel punch.
Lubricate the lead slug at each step with Corbin Swage
Lube. To make the lubricant thinner, you can dilute the
swage lube with castor oil, and simply dip the end of the slug
(with the fins) into it. The fins should be sharp and com-
pletely formed with points at the base. If they are not, check
for excess lube build-up, or particles of lead in the bottom of
the punch slots. Do NOT try to increase
the pressure and form the slug in one
pass: it will not form reliably and may
break the die. Swaging the slug twice
at lower pressure without ejecting
between
passes does
a much
better job.