Case Lube, favorites, suggestions?

[SARuger]

I'm new to re-loading and just starting to load rifle. I have been loading handgun rounds for a month or so and haven't needed case lube.

My first rifle rounds will be .223. I de-capped 50 rounds the other day and used the LEE lube that came with my LTP. I have noticed some spray lubes that might work better/less mess than the tube lube that I have.

Suggestions? Or stay with the LEE

 

[BrianC636]

Recently I've moved away from alcohol and lanolin to alcohol and coconut oil. 12:1 ratio, makes sizing buttery smooth and seems to clean up really easy in the tumbler.

I just spray 3-4 squirts in a zip lock with a handful or two of brass then massage them around for a bit. Dump them in a bowl and let the alcohol flash off and go to town. I did about 500 pieces last night with not one issue.

 

[herrwalther]

I stick with Lee. You can make it last a whole lot longer by diluting a tube of Lee into a spray bottle of rubbing alcohol. I believe it is a 1:2 ratio, it should say so on the bottle. Just be sure to swirl it around before you use it, as it tends to separate if left still.

 

[SARuger]

I see some people using spray on cooking oils(vegetable). Is this a bad idea?

 

[JimKirk]

I use Imperial sizing wax on rifle cartridges ...

Lanolin and alcohol on pistol/revolver cartridges even when using carbide dies...

 

[ColoradoShooter77]

I like the Lee lube on a pad....roll about 10 cases around and it goes pretty quick, 10 at a time.

 

[joem1945]

I like the dillon case lube but I cut it with alcohol solvent. Spray it in a gallon zip loc bag with cases and shake.

 

[MEHavey]

First time out, get/use either RCBS Case Lube or Lee Case Lube & use straight/as-is.
Play games later after you have your feet on the ground.

USE (Don't use a pad):
- Put a very small amount (less than a small BB) on a single case and grease the rest/lower half of the case using thumb/forefinger.
- The amount on your fingers can then be used on 3-4 additional cases before adding more/
Don't use spray lube -- it's too EZ to wind up w/ a stuck case at this point.

 

[hdbiker]

I used the lube pad for 40 years until I tryed Imperial Sizing Wax.I like it much better . hdbiker.

 

[surveyor]

Imperial size wax for me.

 

[OilyPablo]

Recently I've moved away from alcohol and lanolin to alcohol and coconut oil. 12:1 ratio.....

What precisely is the advantage of coconut oil?

I assume none of the lubricants mentioned play havoc with propellant?

 

[Swampman]

I like mink oil for rifle cases. It works just like Imperial but costs about a tenth as much.

Kiwi brand works well, but is thicker than needed and tends to "load up" tumbling media.

I got some Angelus brand mink oil a couple of years ago and I honestly can't tell any difference between it and Imperial.

I just smear a small amount on the inside of a Ziploc bag, them tumble the cases around for a few seconds and size. Works like a charm.

 

[satexas]

Coconut oil solidifies at a temp less than 76F. Does the alcohol help in keeping it in solution?

 

[Swampman]

I see some people using spray on cooking oils(vegetable). Is this a bad idea?

I haven't actually used it, but from my experience with other oils, I'd guess that unless you're careful to wipe it off the outside of the neck and shoulder, it's likely to cause oil dents.

 

[BrianC636]

What precisely is the advantage of coconut oil?

I assume none of the lubricants mentioned play havoc with propellant?

I found the lanolin wasn't coming off my cases as well when I wet tumbled with wash and wax.

I gave the coconut oil a try and while it's thin I've found I can't really "overdue" it and get oil dents.

I've not used the coconut oil with 99% alcohol only 91% so it does solidify in my shop but I'm about out so I'll pick up some 99% and try it next to see if the issue persists.

 

[dh1633pm]

I use lanolin with 99% alcohol. Mix in a spray bottle. This stuff works great. Check ebay for good deals on the stuff.

 

[entropy]

<flameproof suit on> Hornady One-Shot has worked great for me for years.

<sits back with popcorn....>

 

[Reloadron]

<flameproof suit on> Hornady One-Shot has worked great for me for years.

<sits back with popcorn....>

Plenty of members have had very good success with the One Shot. The trick, if there is one, seems to be follow the directions and let it dry. No need for a flame suit.

I use the RCBS in the small hand pump spray bottles and also still have several aerosol cans of RCBS no longer made. Only because I have a small pile of the stuff and will likely die of old age before I run out.

Ron

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

This question has been asked wayyyy too many times here. Did you do a search here for the answer?

My answer is always the same: Imperial Sizing Wax and Dry Neck Lube.

 

[macgrumpy]

I also recommend the Imperial products. It takes a VERY small amount on the case even if you small base resize. I've also found that the Imperial Resizing Wax improves the headspace dimension of my cases because the wax doesn't build up like other lubricants so the case to die fit is more consistent.

 

[AnselHazen]

First time out, get/use either RCBS Case Lube or Lee Case Lube & use straight/as-is.
Play games later after you have your feet on the ground.

USE (Don't use a pad):
- Put a very small amount (less than a small BB) on a single case and grease the rest/lower half of the case using thumb/forefinger.
- The amount on your fingers can then be used on 3-4 additional cases before adding more/
Don't use spray lube -- it's too EZ to wind up w/ a stuck case at this point.

Lol. @SaRuger, I drilled 3 cases in my first with a group of about 300. There are those who swear by Hornady One Shot but they are a more seasoned bunch who have been let in on the mystical mumbo jumbo that must be observed to use it. I thought I had followed directions but alas ......

Drilling cases actually isn't very hard. If you have the tools it goes pretty quick. But it's still a royal pain to pull the die apart and go through the whole rigamarole. It'll cost you 5 min prob once you're good at it.

I'm interested in the coconut oil. Seems far more readily available. I've had no luck finding lanolin locally

 

[BrianC636]

I'm interested in the coconut oil. Seems far more readily available. I've had no luck finding lanolin locally

I've had really good luck with the coconut oil since I've been using it. I've done about 4000 cases with it and not one issue of a stuck case or dent in the neck from too much of it. Many would say I probably over do it if they saw me apply it.

 

[Reloadron]

Lol. @SaRuger, I drilled 3 cases in my first with a group of about 300. There are those who swear by Hornady One Shot but they are a more seasoned bunch who have been let in on the mystical mumbo jumbo that must be observed to use it. I thought I had followed directions but alas ......

Drilling cases actually isn't very hard. If you have the tools it goes pretty quick. But it's still a royal pain to pull the die apart and go through the whole rigamarole. It'll cost you 5 min prob once you're good at it.

I'm interested in the coconut oil. Seems far more readily available. I've had no luck finding lanolin locally

But if you really get a stuck case and you don't have the tools you will know the inner meaning of being screwed, so screwed.

My first experience was with a tube of Lee Case Lube and 30-06 cases. Thank God I had the tools. That was 1972 and I remember that evening like it was a week ago.

Ron

 

[SARuger]

This question has been asked wayyyy too many times here. Did you do a search here for the answer?

Yes, I used the "Search this forum" button at the top right. I basically got the same results as just opening up the reloading forum. So I google searched and found answers but wanted the opinions and suggestions of the THR users.

 

[Walkalong]

RCBS Case Lube II, Imperial Sizing Die Wax. If they don't work, it's not a lube problem.