Best handgun brass pre-size lube method?

[Thirties]

I'm relatively new to reloading, and working with handgun brass and carbide dies only. So I have no eperience using a case lubricant prior to sizing.

Recently got into loading for my Nagant revolver with a Lee steel sizing die. I've been using Redding case lube applied with my fingers. Seems to work. I cannot imagine loading more than 200 at any one time. Typically I would be doing 50 at a time.

I'm wondering if I should get a lube pad, or just continue as I'm going, based on my low volume?

Also, do any of you have a better lube product or system to recommend?

I've heard of case wax, but that may be harder to remove. I remove the stuff I'm using now by wiping the cases well with clean rags (red shop towels).

Thanks . . .

 

[larryw]

As a general rule, handgun cases don't need to be lubed when using a carbide die. The only time I lube handgun cases is when using new brass; as the new stuff is more difficult to run through the sizing die (carbide) and seems to stick. And some days when feeling lazy I lube about 20% of the 44Mag cases and mix them in with the rest; the lube gets on the die and helps all.

When lubing, I dump the cases into a flat cardboard box (FedEx,UPS, USPS parcel box with the side cut out works great), spray with case lube (I use the stuff from Dillon, but any spray lube will do), shake around to evenly distribute, and let dry for about 5 min. Works like a charm

 

[Poodleshooter]

Most higher volume reloaders use spray on case lube such as Hornady's One Shot. That seems to be the fastest method.
I use the RCBS oil based lube on a lube pad (any closed cell foam will also work). It's quicker than applying it by finger, but the need to lube the inside of the necks seperately makes the process much slower than spraying.

 

[Quantrill]

I have used a lube pad (RCBS) for the last 30 years and it works great for me. Just relube it when it seems to get dry. I am still using Lyman case lube. The only time I use it is when full length resizing rifle brass in preparation to running the cases through a progressive press. I do not use steel dies for pistol using only the carbide. Quantrill

 

[LIProgun]

For years I used the RCBS Case Lube from the tube, and their lube pad. I switched to RCBS spray lube and will never go back to the pad for general lubing. I do occasionally use the pad to lube an individual case or two when needed.

So far, RCBS is the best spray I've used. I used one other -- either Hornady or Midway (I forget which) -- and found the RCBS has noticeably less drag when resizing.

FWIW, I use an old aluminum roasting pan or cookie sheet, and roll the cases around while spraying to get an even coating. Depending on the cases, I still sometimes use a nylon case mouth brush rolled on the lube pad to lube every fourth or fifth case mouth to reduce drag on the expander ball.

 

[HSMITH]

Spray a couple pumps of HORNADY ONE SHOT in a one gallon zip lock bag, toss in a box of cases and give it a shake, roll around a tad and you have just lubed the outside ONLY of all the cases you wanted to lube. Leave the lube on the cases, One Shot is fine to leave on.

Once you try the One Shot you will never use anything else.

 

[dodgestdshift]

Thirties:

I used to use a lube pad, but I was unable to keep dirt out of it (from the cases). I stopped using it and I now use the lube on fingers to case method.

 

[Thirties]

Thanks, folks. I've ordered a pad, but maybe my fingers will do just fine. I'm not trying to fix what's not broken.

 

[MoNsTeR]

I toss a hundred or so cases in an empty gallon-of-ice-cream bucket, and give them a light spray with Hornady One-Shot. Let them dry for a bit while I fill a primer tube, then rock'n'roll.

One-Shot is THE way to lube pistol cases.

 

[Jeeper]

I also use ONE SHOT. I use those plastic shoe boxes that are 88 cents from walmart. Tos in a bunch of brass and spray. Couldnt be easier. I think that most people that use progressives do it this way. You pretty much have to. ONE shot is one of the few that you dont need to clean off after you size. That is a big advantage.