case lube for neck sizing?

[nyctpt]

I was unsure if I should start a new thread or post this in the other one I started but figured it was a different question so here goes:

Do I need case lube if I am only neck sizing? The lee site says that it is not required with their collet neck sizing die. I'll use lube/wax if its better for the brass, is that the case?


Thanks,
Ryan

 

[rfwobbly]

That's correct; NO lube required for the collet die. That's because there's no sliding friction. The fingers of the collet press inward in a radial fashion rather than some sort of ring being pressed down over the neck, as with traditional die sets.

Collet dies also require very little force. When you first use them you'll be unsure you really did anything, if you are accustomed to using FL sizing dies.

 

[jcwit]

I don't using my Lee Loader, neither does my frient who uses Wilson dies.

 

[lightman]

I don't own a Lee die,but I use Imperial sizing die wax with my Redding and Wilson neck dies.You can apply it with your fingers,its not messy,and a can will last a long time. Lightman

 

[USSR]

I use a TiN bushing to necksize, and no lube is required.

Don

 

[ranger335v]

Is a case lube required for neck sizing? No, in that it won't rip the necks apart but it is advisable.

Rubbing two dry metals together under pressure causes 'galling', in which the softer metal will adhere to the harder as firmly as if welded. It starts microscopic but the bits will quickly grow to bigger clumps and start scratching the cases. That's unsightly at best and, if allowed to continue, can eventually cut deep enough to weaken the thin necks to cause premature splits.

 

[jcwit]

I've got over 100 reloads on my .223 neck sized cases at this point, have had to bump size once at around 75/80 reload. I have no galling on the necks, see no need to worry at this point. This is with the same 5 cases I've been shooting for years.

 

[FROGO207]

Neither do I lube for neck sizing with carbide ring dies. As mentioned the collet type Lee dies squeeze inward and do not slide so that they would not ever need to be lubed that way. Gotta LOL, jcwit I was worried that my 3.5K of 223 brass was not going to last for long in my guns. I may relax some now. Some is for use in a couple gas guns but I have 3 bolts and a Handi Rifle that I use mostly.

 

[jcwit]

Load for accuracy in a bolt rifle and brass should last a heck of a long time.

My load for my .223 bolt rifle is, 22 1/2 grains of Accurate 2015, 53 gr. Sierra Match King HPFB bullet. This is not the hottest load but gives 1 hole groups if I do my part.