Reloading question

[Robin]

I'm back at reloading after a long absence thanks to this crap hole state. Most of my reloading was straight sided pistol cartridges and some 250-300 Savage, not much of those though. Now all I am reloading is rifle, my cartridges have been tumbled, I have cleaned the inside of the neck with a wire brush, and I am currently doing the full length resizing, decapping operation. I lube the brass, when I run it up into the die the case resizing seems to be going smoothly but the neck resize really seems to force itself, especially on the exit swing. I never loaded that many rifle cartridges and don't remember it being that way. I am loathe to lube that pilot for fear of powder contamination. So I guess I'm asking is it normal to have to give it a pretty good tug when resizing the case mouth?
Robin

 

[MilesTeg]

No you need to lube inside the case neck also. What are you using for lube?

 

[Mosinitis]

It's normal to feel a little drag pulling out of the neck. Most of the expender buttons are made of carbide and don't require lubrication.

 

[MilesTeg]

It's normal to feel a little drag pulling out of the neck. Most of the expender buttons are made of carbide and don't require lubrication.

Good point on the carbide button. The next question would lead to the next question what dies are you using?

 

[dsdmmat]

I use imperial dry graphite to lube the insides of the necks. This reduces the drag when pushing the brass over the expander ball and pulling the expander ball back through the brass. It also leaves enough behind to allow the bull terrier to slide into the neck easier

 

[Robin]

The dies and the lube are both RCBS. I'll see about the graphite, is that a hardware store item? Hmmmmm, I have a sharpener for architecture pencils that traps the pencil graphite in a powdery form, maybe I'll dust a Q-tip with some and give it a go. A few of these are really stiff upon exit.
Robin

 

[kev74]

Pencil lead is going to have clay mixed in. I don't know what that will do to its lubricant qualities.

When I reload rifle, I deprime, tumble, lube, resize, tumble again, trim and load. After you get a case stuck and torn in half in a die, you'll be OK putting plenty of lube in the neck. Don't ask how I know.

 

[MilesTeg]

I use the same dies and lube. For the inside of the neck I use some of that RCBS lube with one of these brushes. RCBS Case Neck Brush Large 35 to 45 Cal

My procedure is to roll the brass on the pad, then whilst my hand is still on the brass come through with the linked brush and hit the necks. It only takes about 5 seconds more per batch. To me its worth it even if it isn't needed it makes the whole operation run smoother.

I also don't think RCBS standard rifle dies use a carbide button so you HAVE to lube the inside of the neck.

 

[dsdmmat]

The dies and the lube are both RCBS. I'll see about the graphite, is that a hardware store item? Hmmmmm, I have a sharpener for architecture pencils that traps the pencil graphite in a powdery form, maybe I'll dust a Q-tip with some and give it a go. A few of these are really stiff upon exit.
Robin

No it is not hardware store stuff. Imperial Dry Neck Lube Convenience Pak

 

[Robin]

Thanks dsdmmat, I'm putting that on my next order. I did try my pencil leavings and it didn't do anything. i tried a Q-tip with a hint of RCBS lube and it was like giving the press a good laxative, came out slick as, well, you know, but I will tumble again to remove any remnant of lube. I've got hundreds to do and can't wait on the dry lube. Damn near snowed in and got to move this pile of brass forward. Many thanks fellows you're the best!!!
I know I am going to have another question when it comes to bullet seating, but first things first, Damn, pistol ammo is soooooo much easier, especially with the carbide dies.
Robin

 

[NY Leatherneck]

I use Hornady one shot and its easy and smooth as glass when sizing.

 

[JamieZ]

Not saying you dont have to but Ive never lubed the inside of a case. Ive reloaded thousands and thousands of 223 and 6.8,,,,,and a couple hundred 204,,,,,never a problem not lubing the inside of the neck. Make my own lube with ISO-Heet (isopropyl alcohol) and liquid lanolin and spray the outside of the cases, then mix them up, so they all get lubed.

 

[dwa12479]

I usually drop all the cases in a 1 gallon zip lock bag and load them up with Frankford Arsenal lube. Work it in good to all the cases, they go in and out of the die like butter., Resize and deprime, then soak them all in a mix of hot water, blue Dawn soap, and Lemishine powder for a day. Drain and dry, back in the tumbler. Removes all the case lube.

 

[JamieZ]

I usually drop all the cases in a 1 gallon zip lock bag and load them up with Frankford Arsenal lube. Work it in good to all the cases, they go in and out of the die like butter., Resize and deprime, then soak them all in a mix of hot water, blue Dawn soap, and Lemishine powder for a day. Drain and dry, back in the tumbler. Removes all the case lube.

For shits and giggles try the well known mix I just listed. No washing necessary, it evaporates. 1oz of lanolin to 12oz of iso-heet. Bought the stuff on amazon.

 

[togmaster]

I use Hornady one shot and its easy and smooth as glass when sizing.

This^^^ With the cases standing up a quick spray down at a 45 degree angle will lube the inside of the neck and the outer wall of the case. Once you start using a spray the pads and liquid lube will be history.

 

[Mosinitis]

Frankford arsenal lube is the same thing as alcohol and lanolin. It's the most popular lube. Easy to make, recipes all over the internet.

 

[MilesTeg]

Not saying you dont have to but Ive never lubed the inside of a case. Ive reloaded thousands and thousands of 223 and 6.8,,,,,and a couple hundred 204,,,,,never a problem not lubing the inside of the neck. Make my own lube with ISO-Heet (isopropyl alcohol) and liquid lanolin and spray the outside of the cases, then mix them up, so they all get lubed.

The game plan for myself is to use this once my RCBS runs out. For the people that spray I bet a portion ends up inside the case neck and facilitates the lubing requirement for non carbide buttons.

 

[Mosinitis]

The game plan for myself is to use this once my RCBS runs out. For the people that spray I bet a portion ends up inside the case neck and facilitates the lubing requirement for non carbide buttons.

You are correct. Alcohol/Lanolin mix creeps inside at least some of the necks. Even if it's in 1 in 10 cases, that's enough to keep things slick. However it's not really necessary for any sizing dies that I am know of.
I use Imperial wax on the first 2-3 cases in addition to A/L lube to prime the sizing die if it's dry. Not really necessary, but doesn't hurt.

 

[MilesTeg]

You are correct. Alcohol/Lanolin mix creeps inside at least some of the necks. Even if it's in 1 in 10 cases, that's enough to keep things slick. However it's not really necessary for any sizing dies that I am know of.
I use Imperial wax on the first 2-3 cases in addition to A/L lube to prime the sizing die if it's dry. Not really necessary, but doesn't hurt.

I've stuck a 223 on a RCBS die button before. I forgot to lube in the case neck. I felt it getting worse with every case but figured it was in my head. I think RCBS dropped the ball not having a carbide button.

 

[JamieZ]

The game plan for myself is to use this once my RCBS runs out. For the people that spray I bet a portion ends up inside the case neck and facilitates the lubing requirement for non carbide buttons.

Thing of it is,,,you spray this recipe but with a non aerosol sprayer. Like the ones you can buy at the store, similar to a windex bottle. 3 or 4 squirts on a couple hundred rounds that are laying in a plastic box,,,then just mix them all up.

 

[squib]

If your using a lube pad just press the case neck in the lube pad lightly. I usually polish the cases after in corn cob.

 

[Robin]

I'm good, just lightly swab the inside with a Q-tip with a little RCBS lube on it, just takes a trace. I just finished a few hundred, couple hundred more and I'm done with that phase of the operation, had to take a break!!
Robin

 

[Robin]

Got my Imperial Dry Lube ds, simple, easy, and works like a champ!!!! Thank you!
Robin