The difference in size between the punch and die in the hand held may be too large to cut brass clean. ALso the alignment would not be accurate enough to keep the clearance accurate enough. On the cheat, laywer the brass between aluminum or brass at least 1/16 thick, clamp tight and drill. Tool and Die Makers have a tool named a 'Shim Punch' they use for just that purpose. Good ones are expensive. Harbor Freight has a cheap model. You get what you pay for.