*_*Cleaning your reloading dies?*_*

Status
Not open for further replies.

wdallis

Member
Joined
Jan 12, 2011
Messages
71
Location
Tahlequah, Oklahoma
Just wondering what everyone else is using to clean thier reloading dies and is there a certian way to do it? Thanks
 
Last edited:
I first take mine apart, then get a can of carburetor cleaner and hose 'em down. Wipe off the cleaner with a clean rag and re-assemble the die, you'll have to readjust to the proper settings specific to the cartridge. I've also taken some Kano Kroil on a Q-tip and given the threaded parts a quick wipe before putting into the press. You should have many more rounds loaded before needing anymore cleaning.
 
I have a 1/2" nylon bottle brush hanging above the reloading bench.

I just run it in & out a few times when I get a round tuit.

Other then bullet lube getting packed in handgun seater dies, I don't take them apart, hardly ever never.
(unless I need to change seating stems for a different bullet shape or something.)

I don't lube them for storage either.
Never had any issues with rust in nearly 50 years.
I just keep them in the plastic boxes they came in.

rc
 
The problem I see with carb cleaner is, it works too good.

It removes all traces of sizing lube or oil, and leaves the dies unprotected against rust.

So then you have to oil them again.

rc
 
I do about the same as rcmodel except occasionally I have problems with ressizing lubricant building up in rifle sizing dies causing dents in the shoulders. Yes, I get too much lubricant on the cases at times.

After removing the decapping pin, I wipe the inside die down with a swab of some sort to wipe up the excess lubricant. A patch on the end of a pistol cleaning rod works well, or a paper towel wrapped around a pencil. Rarely do I resort to solvents.
 
"wondering what everyone else is using to clean thier reloading dies and is there a certian way to do it?"

If there were a certian way to do it, it would certainly be written in die instructions and loading manuals. Dies are pieces of steel, just clean 'em.
 
Thank goodness for that video ... who'd have known how to use a brush to clean a die...?! and, solvent too!!


Probably 3 pages of warnings in the pkg to suggest you really shouldn't huff the aerosol ...

/Bryan
 
After completely taking them apart, I run a cleaning swab drenched in acetone or denatured alcohol through them, and use a brass brush where necessary to remove any build up. Pretty straight forward, just avoid using solvents or other solutions that leave a residue, and don't use anything that is an abrasive type compound to avoid scratching them.
 
I use the same stuff as for cleaning my bores - homemade Ed's Red. And the ATF in it will act as a rust inhibitor.
 
About the only die that I make sure is clean is powder thru expander dies. Other dies I don't clean unless I have some trouble to find.

I like to use 90% isopropyl alcohol and a cylinder brush. This because I load in my basement and don't like strong solvents in the house.
 
I take the FL sizing die apart, cram a paper towel up into the body with something small like the decapping pin and rod that I just removed, and twist the paper towel a couple of times then pull it out. This gets out most of the excess lube and carbon inside the die, and I wipe down the decapping pin and rod with the same paper towel. Works well, leaves a bit of lube up in there, and doesn't require any solvent or abrasives or brushes. I have a single stage press, so I don't have to deal with some of the additional dies on a progressive.
 
I take them apart and spray them with brake cleaner. Wipe with a clean rag push it through the openings and then a light spray of silicone spray, wipe and or blast with compressed air.
 
I just use a q-tip every once and a while to get any big stuff cleaned out, they really don't get too dirty even with cast bullets. When I'm done loading I wipe everything down with some WD40.

I used brake cleaner once (red can) and like someone above said about carb cleaner, it cleaned too well. I started to get surface rust and had to clean them up w/ steel wool.
 
I use Hornady One-Shot to clean and lube my dies occasionally. Use the same stuff to lube my cases, BTW.
 
Mine have surface rust - guess i've been too busy working and not having enough fun at the range...:( I remember reading that someone just put them into his tumbler....
 
Mine get swabbed out with a q-tip soaked in rubbing alcohol every once in a while.

Clean cases help keep the dies clean too.
 
Take 'em apart & drop 'em into a jar of Hoppe's #9.
Wait 5 minutes & then use a brush if needed.

Don't forget a light spritz of oil afterward.
I forgot once - my dies are kept in the house & my 223 dies still got a light surface of rust on the outside.
 
i pull mine apart and tumble with treated media along with some of my brass. the walnut removes any surface rust and the car polish gives a nice treatment. i simply blow them out to remove any debris.
 
I pretty much leave my dies alone unless there is a problem with them. This is most often needed with bullet seating dies to remove the wax. I have purchased used dies that were dirty, had gulled brass inside, or were really rusty all over. I just take apart and tumble. Then use 600 grit paper on a split dowel to remove galling if needed. I usually lube lightly after cleaning with a silicone based spray--whatever I have on hand. I have occasionally used PB Blaster and then wiped them down. All lubes work well if not overdone for me.
 
Hoppes inside and out and a rag. Wipe outside clean, and thread the rag through the die bodies and twist and use a "shoeshine like" action with the rag.
 
Status
Not open for further replies.
Back
Top