Anyone ever lube their carbide dies?

[testuser]

Sure, I generally use furniture polish, which was recommended in the Lee manual. It shines up the cases, makes them easier to run in the die, and leaves my brass lemony fresh...

[FTG-05]

I use lube on all my pistol dies, carbide or not. I *think* most of mine are Dillon carbide dies with perhaps the .44 mag dies being regular tool steel.

Before I first use any die, I take a 1/4" rod, cut a 1/2" clit in one end, then use a 400 to 600 grit sandpaper and polish the inside of the die. This makes it very smooth and much easier to operate.

[Berry's MfG]

The older you get the more you realize that everything's better with lube.

[zxcvbob]

I use lube (Dillon Spray Case Lube) when sizing .30 Carbine brass with carbide dies. I've also used Silicone spray and that works good enough -- but make sure it is completely dry before you start reloading cuz it can kill primers.

I keep a can of lube handy (Kiwi Mink Oil) when sizing any pistol brass, and if I think it's taking too much force I lube the next case or two.

BTW, last time I shot .38 Specials the brass was a *little* sooty but other than that looked clean enough so I didn't tumble them. They sized easier than freshly tumble-polished brass. Maybe tumbling gets them too clean.

Originally Posted by Berry's

The older you get the more you realize that everything's better with lube.

Can't argue with that.