Which do you like better Lee Toothpaste Tube lube or Imperial Sizing Wax?

stubbicatt · August 7, 2013, 04:26 PM

Which do you like better and why?

Dan Newberry · August 7, 2013, 05:17 PM

RCBS case lube blows them both away...

Strafer Gott · August 7, 2013, 07:02 PM

The Lee stuff mixes well with water, so you can really get creative with it.
I dribble some in a freezer bag like shake and bake cases, then dump the brass in a tray to dry. If for a few cases, I just smear some on. Dies clean up well with Ballistol. Post sizing tumble polishing with walnut cleans everything up, and Bob's your uncle.

jepp2 · August 7, 2013, 07:33 PM

It takes less Imperial lube so dents are never an issue. Lee is water based and can rust your dies.

But neither are my choice for volume loading. Much too slow to apply and size.

FiveInADime · August 7, 2013, 08:34 PM

I use and love the Dillon lanolin spray lube. I can't imagine a lube easier or more effective. For tough stuff like case forming I would use Imperial. The Lee stuff seems a little messy to me for using for every day sizing.

Jim243 · August 7, 2013, 09:56 PM

Lee Lube in a spray bottle (about 1/4 oz) and 4 oz of alcohol (medicine cabinet type) shake well, spray cases and let sit for 10 min the alcohol will evaporate and leave the cases well lubed.

Jim

thump_rrr · August 8, 2013, 12:51 AM

Imperial sizing wax or Hornady Unique for my single stage and Dillon spray lube for bulk reloading. Dillon spray lube is liquid Lanolin and alcohol.

therifleman556 · August 8, 2013, 05:31 AM

Ive always used Hornady quick shot spray on the outside and applied the Lee lube to the inside of necks and shoulders with a q tip.

stubbicatt · August 8, 2013, 07:47 AM

I like them both, but mostly I like the Lee for sizing because it disappears quickly and one doesn't have to remove it before firing his rifle, at least per instructions.

I have a tin of the Imperial, most of it is gone. I bought it in maybe 1994 or something. I use it to lube the insides of case necks prior to neck turning. It works really well in that application.

I've used lanolin type lubes, and they work really well, just that I get shoulder dents with that stuff. I have not received dents with the Lee or Imperial, neither have I stuck a case with either of them either.

homesick · August 8, 2013, 07:47 AM

Imperial sizing wax

David Bachelder · August 8, 2013, 08:17 AM

+Dan Newberry

Louca · August 8, 2013, 08:53 AM

Since I shoot mostly bolt action rifles, with one rifle for a caliber, I do not full-length size and only neck size, using graphite on the neck. When I do need to full-length size, I like Imperial and have used it for many years. I like that it is not sticky, will not dent cases if applied lightly (like you should), and wipes off easily.

Lou

wncchester · August 8, 2013, 10:46 AM

Imperial is a wax, all water soluable lubes are soaps. Both types work quite well so it's a matter of taste largely based on how we choose to apply either type - and some folk's application methods are lousy; that's probably why spray lubes became so popular.

The tiny amount of water in any soap lube will dry quickly and it's gone, not much of a rust hazard there.

howlnmad · August 8, 2013, 11:05 AM

Imperial. Works better and less of a mess to use.

noylj · August 8, 2013, 05:25 PM

I like mixing it with water and putting in spray bottle.

stubbicatt · August 9, 2013, 08:25 AM

Oh. I nearly forgot... With the Lee if you get some in the case necks so that expander ball isn't a "drag," the powder doesn't stick to it.

Marco Califo · August 10, 2013, 12:38 AM

I use White Lithium Grease and tumble after sizing. It is only carried in special stores like HD, near the garage door openers and WD40.
It greatly reduce the effort needed to resize cartridges.

Eppie · August 13, 2013, 01:13 PM

Does anyone know if Imperial Sizing Wax and petroleum jelly , like Vaselline are the same thing?

I happened to have a jar of Vaseline on my bench and got to looking at it and it feels just like Imperial Sizing Wax. Its an old jar and may have dried out a bit over the years.

Eppie · August 13, 2013, 02:14 PM

duplicate post

Eppie · August 13, 2013, 02:15 PM

Guess what guys? I just resized 25 cases and not a single issue. It was even smoother than Imperial sizing wax. Boy, am surprised. I've been a big advocate of Imperial sizing wax until now.

A couple of ounce can cost $10 + s&h at Sinclair's a 4 oz. jar of generic petroleum jelly cost $1.48 at Walmart.

Learned something new today. Enjoy.

stubbicatt · August 13, 2013, 05:41 PM

Vaseline, eh? I always knew there was another use for it...

howlnmad · August 13, 2013, 06:13 PM

Neutral Kiwi shoe polish will work well also.

Swampman1 · August 13, 2013, 08:27 PM

So which lubes are ok to get inside the case neck? Are there some more advisable than others? Maybe that's why my .223 decapping/resizing die has a BIG catch at times on the down stroke.

OEF-Vet · August 13, 2013, 08:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dan Newberry

RCBS case lube blows them both away...

Agreed it's all I use.

A pause for the COZ · August 13, 2013, 08:31 PM

Boy there sure is not a whole lot of us that like LEE.
Tell you why I like the LEE goop.
Just a couple days ago I needed to size about 250 .223 cases.

I put them all into a ice cream bucket. Put a dab of lube in both palms.
I then just rub my hand in the brass and roll them between my palms.
Takes all of two minutes to lube 250 cases.

Unlike the spray lubes. If it drys out it works better. Heck you could leave them in the bucket a week and come back and size them.

After sizing I just throw them back into the ice cream bucket and wash them off. This lube is water soluble so they come out squeaky clean with zero lube residue.

When I am not volume sizing I may use another lube. But I have found a dab of LEE lube on a small piece of wax paper is just as convenient to use as any other hand applied lube.

One thing I can say for 100% sure. I have never had a stuck case or a crushed shoulder using LEE lube.

I keep trying to replace it. But like a fat girl who can cook. I keep coming back.

View Poll Results: Which do you like better?
Lee ToothPaste Tube Lube	10	21.28%
Imperial Sizing Wax	37	78.72%
Voters: 47. You may not vote on this poll

August 7, 2013, 04:26 PM	#1
stubbicatt Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2007 Posts: 1,707	Which do you like better Lee Toothpaste Tube lube or Imperial Sizing Wax? Which do you like better and why?

August 7, 2013, 05:17 PM	#2
Dan Newberry Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2012 Location: Wytheville, VA Posts: 216	RCBS case lube blows them both away... __________________ *www.BANGSTEEL.com* Practical Long Range Rifle Courses... Optimal Charge Weight handload consulting

August 7, 2013, 07:33 PM	#4
jepp2 Senior Member Join Date: December 24, 2008 Location: Loveland, CO Posts: 1,476	It takes less Imperial lube so dents are never an issue. Lee is water based and can rust your dies. But neither are my choice for volume loading. Much too slow to apply and size. __________________ NRA Benefactor Life member

August 7, 2013, 09:56 PM	#6
Jim243 Senior Member Join Date: January 5, 2009 Location: Just off Route 66 Posts: 5,067	Lee Lube in a spray bottle (about 1/4 oz) and 4 oz of alcohol (medicine cabinet type) shake well, spray cases and let sit for 10 min the alcohol will evaporate and leave the cases well lubed. Jim __________________ Si vis pacem, para bellum

August 7, 2013, 07:02 PM	#3
Strafer Gott Senior Member Join Date: May 12, 2011 Location: New Mexico Posts: 1,315	The Lee stuff mixes well with water, so you can really get creative with it. I dribble some in a freezer bag like shake and bake cases, then dump the brass in a tray to dry. If for a few cases, I just smear some on. Dies clean up well with Ballistol. Post sizing tumble polishing with walnut cleans everything up, and Bob's your uncle.

August 7, 2013, 08:34 PM	#5
FiveInADime Senior Member Join Date: January 25, 2012 Posts: 607	I use and love the Dillon lanolin spray lube. I can't imagine a lube easier or more effective. For tough stuff like case forming I would use Imperial. The Lee stuff seems a little messy to me for using for every day sizing.

August 8, 2013, 12:51 AM	#7
thump_rrr Senior Member Join Date: October 12, 2010 Posts: 403	Imperial sizing wax or Hornady Unique for my single stage and Dillon spray lube for bulk reloading. Dillon spray lube is liquid Lanolin and alcohol.

August 8, 2013, 05:31 AM	#8
therifleman556 Member Join Date: April 6, 2013 Location: Central Wisconsin Posts: 43	Ive always used Hornady quick shot spray on the outside and applied the Lee lube to the inside of necks and shoulders with a q tip.

August 8, 2013, 07:47 AM	#9
stubbicatt Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2007 Posts: 1,707	I like them both, but mostly I like the Lee for sizing because it disappears quickly and one doesn't have to remove it before firing his rifle, at least per instructions. I have a tin of the Imperial, most of it is gone. I bought it in maybe 1994 or something. I use it to lube the insides of case necks prior to neck turning. It works really well in that application. I've used lanolin type lubes, and they work really well, just that I get shoulder dents with that stuff. I have not received dents with the Lee or Imperial, neither have I stuck a case with either of them either.

August 8, 2013, 07:47 AM	#10
homesick Senior Member Join Date: February 11, 2011 Location: Central Florida Posts: 378	Imperial sizing wax

August 8, 2013, 08:17 AM	#11
David Bachelder Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2011 Location: Trinity, Texas Posts: 636	+Dan Newberry __________________ David Bachelder Trinity, Texas I load, 9mm Luger, 38 and 40 S&W, 38 Special, 357Magnum, 45ACP, 45 Colt, 223, 300 AAC, 243 and 30-06

August 8, 2013, 08:53 AM	#12
Louca Senior Member Join Date: June 22, 2013 Location: Michigan Posts: 231	Since I shoot mostly bolt action rifles, with one rifle for a caliber, I do not full-length size and only neck size, using graphite on the neck. When I do need to full-length size, I like Imperial and have used it for many years. I like that it is not sticky, will not dent cases if applied lightly (like you should), and wipes off easily. Lou

August 8, 2013, 10:46 AM	#13
wncchester Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2002 Posts: 2,832	Imperial is a wax, all water soluable lubes are soaps. Both types work quite well so it's a matter of taste largely based on how we choose to apply either type - and some folk's application methods are lousy; that's probably why spray lubes became so popular. The tiny amount of water in any soap lube will dry quickly and it's gone, not much of a rust hazard there.

August 8, 2013, 11:05 AM	#14
howlnmad Senior Member Join Date: April 29, 2009 Location: Harriman Tn Posts: 424	Imperial. Works better and less of a mess to use.

August 8, 2013, 05:25 PM	#15
noylj Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2007 Location: Between CA and NM Posts: 858	I like mixing it with water and putting in spray bottle.

August 9, 2013, 08:25 AM	#16
stubbicatt Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2007 Posts: 1,707	Oh. I nearly forgot... With the Lee if you get some in the case necks so that expander ball isn't a "drag," the powder doesn't stick to it.

August 10, 2013, 12:38 AM	#17
Marco Califo Senior Member Join Date: April 4, 2011 Location: LA (Greater Los Angeles Area) Posts: 2,596	WLG I use White Lithium Grease and tumble after sizing. It is only carried in special stores like HD, near the garage door openers and WD40. It greatly reduce the effort needed to resize cartridges. __________________ ............

August 13, 2013, 01:13 PM	#18
Eppie Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 802	Does anyone know if Imperial Sizing Wax and petroleum jelly , like Vaselline are the same thing? I happened to have a jar of Vaseline on my bench and got to looking at it and it feels just like Imperial Sizing Wax. Its an old jar and may have dried out a bit over the years. __________________ "Socialized Medicine is the Keystone to the Arch of the Socialist State.” -Vladimir Lenin "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." - Thomas Jefferson (An early warning to Obama care)

August 13, 2013, 02:14 PM	#19
Eppie Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 802	duplicate post __________________ "Socialized Medicine is the Keystone to the Arch of the Socialist State.” -Vladimir Lenin "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." - Thomas Jefferson (An early warning to Obama care)

August 13, 2013, 02:15 PM	#20
Eppie Senior Member Join Date: January 7, 2010 Location: Houston, TX Posts: 802	Guess what guys? I just resized 25 cases and not a single issue. It was even smoother than Imperial sizing wax. Boy, am surprised. I've been a big advocate of Imperial sizing wax until now. A couple of ounce can cost $10 + s&h at Sinclair's a 4 oz. jar of generic petroleum jelly cost $1.48 at Walmart. Learned something new today. Enjoy. __________________ "Socialized Medicine is the Keystone to the Arch of the Socialist State.” -Vladimir Lenin "I predict future happiness for Americans if they can prevent the government from wasting the labors of the people under the pretense of taking care of them." - Thomas Jefferson (An early warning to Obama care)

August 13, 2013, 05:41 PM	#21
stubbicatt Senior Member Join Date: September 15, 2007 Posts: 1,707	Vaseline, eh? I always knew there was another use for it...

August 13, 2013, 06:13 PM	#22
howlnmad Senior Member Join Date: April 29, 2009 Location: Harriman Tn Posts: 424	Neutral Kiwi shoe polish will work well also.

August 13, 2013, 08:27 PM	#23
Swampman1 Senior Member Join Date: February 17, 2013 Location: South Louisiana Posts: 432	So which lubes are ok to get inside the case neck? Are there some more advisable than others? Maybe that's why my .223 decapping/resizing die has a BIG catch at times on the down stroke.

August 13, 2013, 08:31 PM	#25
A pause for the COZ Senior Member Join Date: October 11, 2012 Location: Braham, Minnesota Posts: 1,314	Boy there sure is not a whole lot of us that like LEE. Tell you why I like the LEE goop. Just a couple days ago I needed to size about 250 .223 cases. I put them all into a ice cream bucket. Put a dab of lube in both palms. I then just rub my hand in the brass and roll them between my palms. Takes all of two minutes to lube 250 cases. Unlike the spray lubes. If it drys out it works better. Heck you could leave them in the bucket a week and come back and size them. After sizing I just throw them back into the ice cream bucket and wash them off. This lube is water soluble so they come out squeaky clean with zero lube residue. When I am not volume sizing I may use another lube. But I have found a dab of LEE lube on a small piece of wax paper is just as convenient to use as any other hand applied lube. One thing I can say for 100% sure. I have never had a stuck case or a crushed shoulder using LEE lube. I keep trying to replace it. But like a fat girl who can cook. I keep coming back.

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