Lubing Bullets

Point Blank · July 14, 2001, 07:15 AM

I am using the Lee load all (one at a time) kit.Since i am trying to achieve the best accuracy available using this "primitive" method, should i slightly lube the inside of the case neck or bullet???If so,will Rem. oil or CLP do?? Or am i completly confused and lubing the case is done while resizing to relieve stress on the brass. I read somewhere that lubing the bullet slightly reduces the friction of the bullet as it leaves the case,resulting in better accuracy.Thanks for any replies..

RiverRider · July 14, 2001, 08:52 AM

Hey there PB...

I think there is a bit of confusion here. I'll try and relieve it.

Cast bullets are lubed to prevent leading, and cases are lubed prior to resizing to prevent cases being stuck in the resize die. The only other instance of lubing I can think of is molybdenum sulfide coating for jacketed bullets. Oh, and if your loading bottle-necked cartridges, lubing the inside of the case neck (there are special lubes for this purpose) helps the expander button pass through the neck a little easier, which minimizes any stretching of the case neck due to unnecessary friction. It's NOT a good idea to lube bullets with any kind of oil or grease because you may contaminate your primers, rendering them inert.

I think I covered all the bases. If I didn't I am sure someone will let us both know.

Point Blank · July 14, 2001, 10:16 AM

Yes,you explained that well,thanks!!

Big Bunny · July 15, 2001, 09:46 PM

PB, you can maybe use a little collodial graphite or special resizing HP lube on the neck re-sizing die interior of your Lee Loader, but otherwise I'd leave the lubing well alone as it can contaminate pimers and powder.

I used a 30/30W LeeLoader for years without lube - with no noticable wear on the neck of the die. If anything it polished it!

Good ammo can be made with the LEE - don't let anyone ever make you feel apologetic !

Point Blank · July 15, 2001, 10:42 PM

Thanks...i whacked out two boxes today while i watched t.v. I really enjoy the kit.I am glad i bought the scale,i keep mine within 1/10- 1/20 of what i am reloading.The "big boys" with them fancy set ups would die laughing watching me methodically making percision bullets.Think a tumbler is next on my list so my "stuff" will have a shine to it.

RiverRider · July 16, 2001, 07:54 PM

Hey there PB...don't go thinking that a fancy reloading setup makes someone one of "the big boys". While it may be true that certain equipment makes production of high-quality ammo easier, it's really all the attention to detail that the handloader puts into this endeavor that makes the difference. A guy who takes his time, even with the most minimal equipment, can turn out the finest ammo if he's willing to take his time!

Contender · July 17, 2001, 09:47 PM

PB,

I'll just add that to be sure that you are not distracted by the TV when doing some of the critical steps in the loading process.

Regards

July 14, 2001, 07:15 AM	#1
Point Blank Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2000 Location: Armpit of the South...Atlanta Posts: 516	Lubing Bullets I am using the Lee load all (one at a time) kit.Since i am trying to achieve the best accuracy available using this "primitive" method, should i slightly lube the inside of the case neck or bullet???If so,will Rem. oil or CLP do?? Or am i completly confused and lubing the case is done while resizing to relieve stress on the brass. I read somewhere that lubing the bullet slightly reduces the friction of the bullet as it leaves the case,resulting in better accuracy.Thanks for any replies..

July 14, 2001, 08:52 AM	#2
RiverRider Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2000 Posts: 341	Hey there PB... I think there is a bit of confusion here. I'll try and relieve it. Cast bullets are lubed to prevent leading, and cases are lubed prior to resizing to prevent cases being stuck in the resize die. The only other instance of lubing I can think of is molybdenum sulfide coating for jacketed bullets. Oh, and if your loading bottle-necked cartridges, lubing the inside of the case neck (there are special lubes for this purpose) helps the expander button pass through the neck a little easier, which minimizes any stretching of the case neck due to unnecessary friction. It's NOT a good idea to lube bullets with any kind of oil or grease because you may contaminate your primers, rendering them inert. I think I covered all the bases. If I didn't I am sure someone will let us both know. __________________ NO Compromise!

July 15, 2001, 09:46 PM	#4
Big Bunny Senior Member Join Date: August 9, 1999 Location: New South Wales - Australia Posts: 605	PB, you can maybe use a little collodial graphite or special resizing HP lube on the neck re-sizing die interior of your Lee Loader, but otherwise I'd leave the lubing well alone as it can contaminate pimers and powder. I used a 30/30W LeeLoader for years without lube - with no noticable wear on the neck of the die. If anything it polished it! Good ammo can be made with the LEE - don't let anyone ever make you feel apologetic ! __________________ Bad boys, bad boys...watcha goin' to do - watcha goin' to do when they come for YOU ?!

July 16, 2001, 07:54 PM	#6
RiverRider Senior Member Join Date: November 30, 2000 Posts: 341	Hey there PB...don't go thinking that a fancy reloading setup makes someone one of "the big boys". While it may be true that certain equipment makes production of high-quality ammo easier, it's really all the attention to detail that the handloader puts into this endeavor that makes the difference. A guy who takes his time, even with the most minimal equipment, can turn out the finest ammo if he's willing to take his time! __________________ NO Compromise!

July 14, 2001, 10:16 AM	#3
Point Blank Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2000 Location: Armpit of the South...Atlanta Posts: 516	Yes,you explained that well,thanks!!

July 15, 2001, 10:42 PM	#5
Point Blank Senior Member Join Date: October 25, 2000 Location: Armpit of the South...Atlanta Posts: 516	Thanks...i whacked out two boxes today while i watched t.v. I really enjoy the kit.I am glad i bought the scale,i keep mine within 1/10- 1/20 of what i am reloading.The "big boys" with them fancy set ups would die laughing watching me methodically making percision bullets.Think a tumbler is next on my list so my "stuff" will have a shine to it.

July 17, 2001, 09:47 PM	#7
Contender Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 1998 Location: NY Posts: 680	PB, I'll just add that to be sure that you are not distracted by the TV when doing some of the critical steps in the loading process. Regards