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Old June 1, 2013, 05:44 AM   #1
revolvers_good
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Sizing lube - when and how to use?

I have a Lee challenger press, and will be reloading 357 and 45 acp.

My kit came with sizing lube.

Can you give advice as to when I apply lube, and where do I apply it?

Thanks
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Old June 1, 2013, 06:00 AM   #2
dahermit
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What dies do you have? If they are carbide (sizing die), then no lube is required, but would reduce the force needed to size, but nevertheless, is more like gilding the lily and wastes time.
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Old June 1, 2013, 06:10 AM   #3
revolvers_good
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Hi dahermit,

I have Lee dies, so carbide sizing die. Thanks for info, nice to know I don't need to use it.
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Old June 1, 2013, 07:19 AM   #4
flyguy958
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I lube about every 5 cases even when using a carbide die, make them all glide right through.
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Old June 1, 2013, 08:45 AM   #5
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Not needed, but it doesn't hurt either. It will make the job easier.
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Old June 1, 2013, 09:06 AM   #6
revolvers_good
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Thanks guys. How much lube do you use? Do you put a small amount on the edge of the rim? After you have sized it, do you need to let lube dry before next stage?
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Old June 1, 2013, 09:21 AM   #7
Rifleman1776
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As said, not necessary. But if you want to lube nobody will come after you. I think those roll pads are archaic and messy. I use Dillion Rapid Lube 5000. It is a spray and works great with no mess or fuss.
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Old June 1, 2013, 09:44 AM   #8
serf 'rett
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As stated, lube is not needed when using a carbine sizing die on straight of taper walled handgun cases; however, a small amount of lube will definitely make the sizing easier. From a purely mechanical standpoint, when using lube, there will be less stress on the brass, equipment and operator – which conceivably could lead to longer operational life of all three.

I have used Imperial Die Wax for the last 2-1/2 years and 20,000+ pistol cases. The simple method is to set the open can on the bench and touch two fingers tips and a thumb to the wax about every 5th to 10th case. Twirl the case in route to the press to distribute the lube. The amount used is so small that I easily have 2/3 of the original can left. I don't bother with trying to remove the lube either.
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Last edited by serf 'rett; June 1, 2013 at 10:08 AM.
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Old June 1, 2013, 09:49 AM   #9
Mohave-Tec
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Straight walled pistol cases sized in carbide dies do not need lube and is a waste of time and resources. Compound structure steel dies for bottleneck rifle (yes, 223 as well) will require lube along the case body as if rolled on a stamp pad. No lube required on the exterior of the neck. Pistol cases can last 40 loadings without ever being lubed.
Most rifle rounds require the inside of the neck to be lubed for bullet seating. If I use dry tumbled once fired 223 cases I don't lube the inside neck as the chalking carbon film left behind from the tumbling is lube enough. But that's just me.
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Old June 1, 2013, 09:55 AM   #10
BillM
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For straight wall pistol cases--pick up an aerosol can
of Hornady One-Shot. With carbide dies I just give the
cases a little spritz---really does make a difference.
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Old June 1, 2013, 09:56 AM   #11
Silver00LT
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For pistol cases I stopped using lube. It made the process easier, but I got tired of cleaning the lube off so I stopped using it all together since my dies are carbide dies.
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Old June 1, 2013, 02:28 PM   #12
Edward429451
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You do not need sizing lube for pistol rounds. Especially short brass like 45acp, and the only time I could ever dream of needing it on a 357 would be when it was loaded super hot and had maximum expansion.
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