Rust look on 38 spl die set

losixxx · November 19, 2015, 09:34 PM

Today I was getting ready to reload some 38 spl and i noticed a rust look or rust it self on the bullet seater and crimp die, I checked the other reloading dies none of the others seem to have any. It only looks to be on the outside.
Is there a way to a, clean this off and b, to prevent this from happening again and to the other die sets.

condor bravo · November 19, 2015, 09:56 PM

You'll get various replies on removing rust but one of the best is by the use of Naval Jelley, available from hardware or building supply stores. Comes in small pint quantities, not required to get enough to de-rust a battle ship. Apply with a brush, let sit, rinse with water and repeat if necessary. This is a pretty potent rust disolver and may leave a dull finish to the metal if originally polished. I have used it on a number of dies and the rust has so far not returned. There may be other dry ways recommended such as tumbling in your case polisher but not sure how effective that might be.

Whisper 300 · November 21, 2015, 10:13 AM

I take the die over to my bench grinder set up with a bronze 8" brush (or wire wheel) and have at it.
Remove the surface rusting and liberally coat it in eeze-ox or Ballistol.

If I think it will be a long time before the next use, I spray a paper towel with CLP or Ballistol and zip lock bag it squeezing out all the air.
I have considered using the vacuum food saver but I am leary of pulling in vapors from the preservatives into the machine which I will later use on food.

Gary

Metal god · November 21, 2015, 11:31 AM

I have the same thing on a couple dies but most do not ( which seems odd in it's self ) and my Hornady powder measure . I have so fare just left it there on the dies only because I just noticed it there a couple weeks a go . How ever the powder measure has had rust on it pretty much after about a month owning , so a few years now . I never wanted to apply any rust remover or oils so not to contaminate the powders .

I get that rust is bad to metals but how important is it to remove that "light" orange rust off ?

I'll take some pics later of the rust and you guys can tell me how bad they really are .

mikld · November 21, 2015, 12:16 PM

Since it's only on the outside, next time you tumble some brass just toss it in with the cases. A light coating of oil on the outside will deter any rusting and I know of fellers that wax their tools (good measuring tools, gauges, etc.).

Ed Jaws · November 21, 2015, 12:42 PM

I wouldn't worry about it. I got a 35 years old set of Lyman 357 mag dies that have that red haze (nothing flaking off) type of surface rust to the knurled areas of the dies. I just take a small stainless steel brush to it and spray it with Hornady One Shot dry lube.

My old Lyman #55 powder measure has that same kind of surface rust inside and I cleaned it with the SS brush and gave it a good dose of powdered graphite in it while working all the slides to lube those too.

lamarw · November 21, 2015, 01:14 PM

Take a few tea bags and make a small batch of very strong tea. Drop the rusty item(s) in and let soak a few hours. Rinse, dry with hair dryer then lightly lubricate.

Warning: Do not drink the tea afterwards.

wogpotter · November 21, 2015, 03:05 PM

Evap-o-rust!
http://rustremover.net/evapo-rust_1-quart.htm
Seriously good stuff, water soluble, reusable & non toxic, doesn't even really have a smell.

dismantle, de-grease with alcohol, drop in & let soak overnight.

Remove wash with HOT water.

Dry thoroughly & use gun oil while still hot.

I inherited some seriously rusty dies & this fixed them up like new.

November 19, 2015, 09:34 PM	#1
losixxx Member Join Date: April 29, 2012 Location: KY Posts: 28	Rust look on 38 spl die set Today I was getting ready to reload some 38 spl and i noticed a rust look or rust it self on the bullet seater and crimp die, I checked the other reloading dies none of the others seem to have any. It only looks to be on the outside. Is there a way to a, clean this off and b, to prevent this from happening again and to the other die sets.

November 19, 2015, 09:56 PM	#2
condor bravo Senior Member Join Date: August 23, 2014 Location: Nevada/Ariz/CA Posts: 1,753	You'll get various replies on removing rust but one of the best is by the use of Naval Jelley, available from hardware or building supply stores. Comes in small pint quantities, not required to get enough to de-rust a battle ship. Apply with a brush, let sit, rinse with water and repeat if necessary. This is a pretty potent rust disolver and may leave a dull finish to the metal if originally polished. I have used it on a number of dies and the rust has so far not returned. There may be other dry ways recommended such as tumbling in your case polisher but not sure how effective that might be. __________________ Ouch, the dreaded "M-1 thumb", you just know it will happen eventually, so why not do it now and get it over with?? Last edited by condor bravo; November 19, 2015 at 10:14 PM.

November 21, 2015, 11:31 AM	#4
Metal god Senior Member Join Date: April 10, 2012 Location: San Diego CA Posts: 6,876	I have the same thing on a couple dies but most do not ( which seems odd in it's self ) and my Hornady powder measure . I have so fare just left it there on the dies only because I just noticed it there a couple weeks a go . How ever the powder measure has had rust on it pretty much after about a month owning , so a few years now . I never wanted to apply any rust remover or oils so not to contaminate the powders . I get that rust is bad to metals but how important is it to remove that "light" orange rust off ? I'll take some pics later of the rust and you guys can tell me how bad they really are . __________________ If Jesus had a gun , he'd probably still be alive ! I almost always write my posts regardless of content in a jovial manor and intent . If that's not how you took it , please try again .

November 21, 2015, 03:05 PM	#8
wogpotter Senior Member Join Date: September 27, 2004 Posts: 4,811	Evap-o-rust! http://rustremover.net/evapo-rust_1-quart.htm Seriously good stuff, water soluble, reusable & non toxic, doesn't even really have a smell. dismantle, de-grease with alcohol, drop in & let soak overnight. Remove wash with HOT water. Dry thoroughly & use gun oil while still hot. I inherited some seriously rusty dies & this fixed them up like new. __________________ Allan Quatermain: “Automatic rifles. Who in God's name has automatic rifles”? Elderly Hunter: “That's dashed unsporting. Probably Belgium.”

November 21, 2015, 10:13 AM	#3
Whisper 300 Senior Member Join Date: December 29, 2006 Posts: 155	I take the die over to my bench grinder set up with a bronze 8" brush (or wire wheel) and have at it. Remove the surface rusting and liberally coat it in eeze-ox or Ballistol. If I think it will be a long time before the next use, I spray a paper towel with CLP or Ballistol and zip lock bag it squeezing out all the air. I have considered using the vacuum food saver but I am leary of pulling in vapors from the preservatives into the machine which I will later use on food. Gary

November 21, 2015, 12:16 PM	#5
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	Since it's only on the outside, next time you tumble some brass just toss it in with the cases. A light coating of oil on the outside will deter any rusting and I know of fellers that wax their tools (good measuring tools, gauges, etc.). __________________ My Anchor is holding fast! I've learned how to stand on my own two knees...

November 21, 2015, 12:42 PM	#6
Ed Jaws Member Join Date: August 10, 2011 Location: Illinois Posts: 23	I wouldn't worry about it. I got a 35 years old set of Lyman 357 mag dies that have that red haze (nothing flaking off) type of surface rust to the knurled areas of the dies. I just take a small stainless steel brush to it and spray it with Hornady One Shot dry lube. My old Lyman #55 powder measure has that same kind of surface rust inside and I cleaned it with the SS brush and gave it a good dose of powdered graphite in it while working all the slides to lube those too.

November 21, 2015, 01:14 PM	#7
lamarw Senior Member Join Date: April 12, 2010 Location: Lake Martin, AL Posts: 3,311	Take a few tea bags and make a small batch of very strong tea. Drop the rusty item(s) in and let soak a few hours. Rinse, dry with hair dryer then lightly lubricate. Warning: Do not drink the tea afterwards.