Imperial Sizing Die Wax

I don't believe there's any difference, just packaging. Redding bought the Imperial wax name a number of years ago under their name and have changed the logo on the tin a couple of times. I'm still using a tin of the original I bought many years ago.

What you should be aware is since this current panic for all forms of reloading supply buying frenzy, I see tins of Imperial wax being sold for up to $30.00. I believe retail is around $10.00. I wouldn't pay the higher current prices.

A great alternative is the Hornady wax tin, which is available @ a normal $10.00 price. I found it at Midway.

The Hornady tin is 2.25 oz. I have not used the Hornady wax, but from what I've read about it, it is very similar to the Imperial. This is it @ Midway: https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012732777

You get over 2X as much as the 1 oz. Imperial tin.

It makes sense to me to buy the Hornady.

The Green can is the original formula that was introduced in the 70's.

Here is a link to them from Redding https://www.redding-reloading.com/i...w=article&Itemid=15&id=79:imperial-lubricants

Agree with Flight762 the Hornady stuff is just as good if not better.

I use the metal tin, "redding" wax that is green in color. I love the stuff, it is some of the best sizing lube I've ever used. Takes a bit of cleaning up afterwards, but it is nowhere near as messy as other kinds I've tried.

Blue68f100 said:

The Green can is the original formula that was introduced in the 70's.

Here is a link to them from Redding https://www.redding-reloading.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&Itemid=15&id=79:imperial-lubricants

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The can of Imperial I have is very old and could be from the late 70's- early 80's. It is the original. It is NOT green. It is a clear to light amber in color. I don't know when Redding bought the name, but my can is waaaay before that took place. I likely bought it in the late 70's when I kicked the RCBS case lube W / the pad to the curb. Doesn't really matter, but selling 1 oz. cans is a little frugal with a high price. They do offer a 2 oz. tin of the clear. The current gouging on this product is shameful (take a look on Amazon as to what they're selling it for). That is why I recommended the Hornady from midway at a normal, retail price.

It is amazing how long a tin of this lasts. I only use it for small projects. My big projects get the Alcohol / Lanolin lube.

An alternative case lube I use is Mobil 1 synthetic in the thicker viscosities. You do have to be careful not using too much since too much will cause shoulder dents, but used sparingly, it works really well.

The white label is pre Redding, Green label is Redding, current Redding went back to white label. I’ve got 4 tins of Imperial Die wax on my bench with 3 different companies. Some is amber colored and some is a white colored product. Best I can tell it all works the same. I’ve only used the Hornady Unique lube a time or two, I prefer Imperial die wax

Pivot Dr said:

The white label is pre Redding, Green label is Redding, current Redding went back to white label. I’ve got 4 tins of Imperial Die wax on my bench with 3 different companies. Some is amber colored and some is a white colored product. Best I can tell it all works the same. I’ve only used the Hornady Unique lube a time or two, I prefer Imperial die wax

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I have one white label Imperial Sizing Die Wax tin with green print made by LE Clear Industrie, Royal Oak, Mich, and any white label same print as LE Clear but made my E-Z Way System, Newark, Ohio.

Pick up a can of Kiwi neutral shoe polish. $3. Can't tell any difference in performance.

I always wondered how well anhydrous lanolin would do as a sizing lube. It's far cheaper, and has a similar feel to me. A 2oz tin is $10 on Amazon, and the bulk stuff is far cheaper.

But honestly a light spritz of Pam cooking spray would probably do just fine too. Or beeswax, or coconut oil...

Be careful using the one shot with big rifle cases. I use the stuff religiously for all of my handgun brass and for 223. Anything bigger I use the Imperial wax.

I've found that this stuff works as well as Imperial, although you have to use slightly more of it.

The local boot shop always throws in a can when I get a new pair.

From what I understand, Mink Oil is pretty much mostly anhydrous lanolin, which was why I mentioned it.

I think any of this stuff would work just fine.

AKMike,
Anhydrous lanolin and 99% isopropyl alcohol has been a popular case lube for years.

IIRC Dillon now sells it in spray bottles already mixed up.

https://www.thehighroad.org/index.php?threads/home-made-lanolin-based-case-lubes.820543/

Yes , Mink Oil shoe polish works very similarly as Imperial Sizing wax. I bet you that there has not been a run on shoe polish.

I have not tried the imperial but Christmas a year ago I was given the Hornady. I works better that I expected and a very littlest is required. I hold the case by the neck and shoulder and put a little on the lower 3/4.
This tin should last for years.

The green tin is the 1oz tin for $8.99 on Midway USA. The white fun is their 2oz tin for $9.99 on Midway. It's cost effective to purchase the 2oz tin for a dollar more than the 1oz tin.

Both, unfortunately, are on backorder at the moment.

I could not tell you I purchased two tins in 90s
Can't seem to use them up .

It lasts a LONG time for sure, a few cents uplift in price is not so important. When (if) I run out of Imperial I'll try my mink oil, that should last 10 lifetimes, after those lifetimes are used up I'll try the Honady. Oops, I was to in another thread humor is not used here, scratch all that.