what is a shell graphiter used for?

mikenbarb · June 28, 2008, 10:29 PM

What is the purpose for a shell graphiter? I dont get it.

Scorch · June 28, 2008, 11:06 PM

To lube the inside of the case neck before resizing. Graphite is a dry lube, and reduces friction so that the case neck does not get stretched as much as resizing without lube when the expander passes through the case neck. Some manufacturers sell mica for lubing case necks, works the same way. The reason you don't want to use the same case lube you use on the outside of the case is that you can contaminate the powder with it.

Martyn4802 · June 29, 2008, 04:45 AM

+1
I use graphite as Scorch described.

mikenbarb · June 29, 2008, 07:30 AM

Does it work well and not harm anything?(I know its messy) What other type of lubes are used for resizing inside necks? I havnt been using anything on the inside of necks and wondering if I should be.

amamnn · June 30, 2008, 04:09 PM

I'm going to guess that you are not loading for a BR rifle or other high precision match rifle. If this is true, you can stop worrying about graphiting your case necks. If, at some time in the future, you might want to load for super accuracy, in a custom rifle, a tool like the Forster case neck graphiter will be useful.

The tool is a trough that you fill with fine ground mica, AKA white graphite, or if you love to be filthy, black graphite. There are brushes mounted perpendicularly in the trough. You pick up the graphite in your case neck and then, in a vaguely obscene imitation of the mating rituals of the south pacific Pygmy, vigorously run the case up and down the brush. This not only lubricates the inside case neck with an inert and non-contaminating substance, but cleans carbon from fired case necks.

The idea is that the expander ball of your FL die will then more easily move through the neck during sizing. This will tend to pull the neck out of alignment less than an unlubed case neck.

If you have a rifle that can benefit from better concenticity in your loads, and you have the tools to measure it, the tool is well worth buying. The only thing I have seen about damage cause by graphiting is in the Forster instructions which urge you to wipe off any graphite on the outside of the neck to avoid and remote possibility of minor scratching of your super expensive benchrest die. There are other lubes, but the above method is the best combination of value and convenience and non-contamination .

Incognito · July 1, 2008, 11:09 AM

amamnn - Post: 666

That's a powdered mica graphiter in red (Foster). You can definitely notice a difference when re-sizing.

mikenbarb · July 1, 2008, 01:34 PM

Yep, Thats what im talking about. Thanks, I think im gonna get one. I use my rifles for long range BR and some for hunting so hopefully it will make life a little better. Being new to reloading I have noticed that the smallest things matter greatly.
Thanks everyone.
BTW, Whats better in them, Graphite or mica?

Incognito · July 1, 2008, 02:38 PM

Quote:

BTW, Whats better in them, Graphite or mica?

Mica is widely available for reloading applications (neck lube), while graphite is primarily sold as a dry weapon lube.

June 28, 2008, 10:29 PM	#1
mikenbarb Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2007 Location: N.J. Posts: 1,111	what is a shell graphiter used for? What is the purpose for a shell graphiter? I dont get it. __________________ Mike B. Gun control= Being able to hit your target. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pifinnercircle

June 28, 2008, 11:06 PM	#2
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	To lube the inside of the case neck before resizing. Graphite is a dry lube, and reduces friction so that the case neck does not get stretched as much as resizing without lube when the expander passes through the case neck. Some manufacturers sell mica for lubing case necks, works the same way. The reason you don't want to use the same case lube you use on the outside of the case is that you can contaminate the powder with it. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

June 29, 2008, 04:45 AM	#3
Martyn4802 Senior Member Join Date: June 12, 2007 Location: Grayling, Michigan Posts: 737	+1 I use graphite as Scorch described. __________________ US Army Retired NRA Benefactor Life Member JPFO

June 29, 2008, 07:30 AM	#4
mikenbarb Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2007 Location: N.J. Posts: 1,111	Does it work well and not harm anything?(I know its messy) What other type of lubes are used for resizing inside necks? I havnt been using anything on the inside of necks and wondering if I should be. __________________ Mike B. Gun control= Being able to hit your target. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pifinnercircle

June 30, 2008, 04:09 PM	#5
amamnn Senior Member Join Date: May 13, 2006 Location: WA, the left armpit of the USA Posts: 1,323	I'm going to guess that you are not loading for a BR rifle or other high precision match rifle. If this is true, you can stop worrying about graphiting your case necks. If, at some time in the future, you might want to load for super accuracy, in a custom rifle, a tool like the Forster case neck graphiter will be useful. The tool is a trough that you fill with fine ground mica, AKA white graphite, or if you love to be filthy, black graphite. There are brushes mounted perpendicularly in the trough. You pick up the graphite in your case neck and then, in a vaguely obscene imitation of the mating rituals of the south pacific Pygmy, vigorously run the case up and down the brush. This not only lubricates the inside case neck with an inert and non-contaminating substance, but cleans carbon from fired case necks. The idea is that the expander ball of your FL die will then more easily move through the neck during sizing. This will tend to pull the neck out of alignment less than an unlubed case neck. If you have a rifle that can benefit from better concenticity in your loads, and you have the tools to measure it, the tool is well worth buying. The only thing I have seen about damage cause by graphiting is in the Forster instructions which urge you to wipe off any graphite on the outside of the neck to avoid and remote possibility of minor scratching of your super expensive benchrest die. There are other lubes, but the above method is the best combination of value and convenience and non-contamination . __________________ "If the enemy is in range, so are you." - Infantry Journal

July 1, 2008, 11:09 AM	#6
Incognito Senior Member Join Date: May 19, 2008 Location: Colorado, USA Posts: 370	amamnn - Post: 666 That's a powdered mica graphiter in red (Foster). You can definitely notice a difference when re-sizing.

July 1, 2008, 01:34 PM	#7
mikenbarb Senior Member Join Date: October 10, 2007 Location: N.J. Posts: 1,111	Graphite or Mica Yep, Thats what im talking about. Thanks, I think im gonna get one. I use my rifles for long range BR and some for hunting so hopefully it will make life a little better. Being new to reloading I have noticed that the smallest things matter greatly. Thanks everyone. BTW, Whats better in them, Graphite or mica? __________________ Mike B. Gun control= Being able to hit your target. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pifinnercircle

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search