Case Lubrication Questions

[haskins02]

I plan to get back into reloading after a long break and have the following questions on case lubrication for .308 Winchester. I plan to buy a Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press, which comes with Lee Case Sizing lube. I have the following questions on how to best use this lube (unless there is a very good reason to use another brand):

1. I have read to NEVER lube the case shoulder (to avoid a dimpled shoulder during sizing), but the Lee reloading manual implies the entire outside case should be lubed. Should I avoid lubing the case shoulder with Lee lube?

2. After sizing, should any residual lube that was applied to the inside of the case neck be removed prior to seating the bullet with the seating die?

3. I understand that NO lube is required when using a Lee collet neck sizing die. Does this no-lube rule also extend to inside of the case neck?

4. Lee recommends using a Q-tip for lubing inside of case neck with their lube. Is this OK, or would lubing with a case neck brush be better?

5. How is a case neck brush different from a bore cleaning brush?

Thanks.

Greg

 

[Steve C]

I've tried several different lubes over the years, including the lube from Lee that comes in a tube. The best I've found for rifles has been Imperial die wax. It comes in a tin like shoe polish, very little on the fingers and lightly over the case and it works great. Its reasy to wipe off the case and fingers afterwards. Running the finger over the case mouth helps working the sizing ball on the decapping stem. A tin of IDW lasts about forever.

 

[41 Mag]

1. I have read to NEVER lube the case shoulder (to avoid a dimpled shoulder during sizing), but the Lee reloading manual implies the entire outside case should be lubed. Should I avoid lubing the case shoulder with Lee lube?

2. After sizing, should any residual lube that was applied to the inside of the case neck be removed prior to seating the bullet with the seating die?

3. I understand that NO lube is required when using a Lee collet neck sizing die. Does this no-lube rule also extend to inside of the case neck?

4. Lee recommends using a Q-tip for lubing inside of case neck with their lube. Is this OK, or would lubing with a case neck brush be better?

5. How is a case neck brush different from a bore cleaning brush?

Thanks.

++ for the Imperial Wax. One can will last you seemingly forever. Apply as directed.
#2, yes a quick wipe with a q-tip is pretty much all that is needed. Do a couple with one end then swap.
#3, I have two sets but haven't broken the seal on either yet, so I cannot speak to this part.
#4, yes this works well or simply slide the mouth across your palm is your using the ISW and you will get enough in there.
#5, most of what I have seen called neck brushes were nylon, I generally use one of my older bronze brushes. You do however want to be sure that you do not leave broken off bristles in the cases after you clean the necks.

 

[loadedround]

Second the Imperial Sizing Wax.

 

[dardascastbullets]

Hi Haskins!

I believe that you are confused on what type of 'sizing' you intend to do on your .308 cases. May I explain. You will need to full length resize if you intend to fire 'firm' charges. You will only need to neck size if you intend to fire 'light' loads. Eventually though, the neck sized cases will need to be full length resized due to case expansion.

A great case lubricant is required to experience a successful full length case sizing operation. The lubricant must be able to withstand high pressures developed during the full length resizing of the cases without breaking down. I have attempted to use the Lee sizing lubricant without success (among many others as well). Imperial Sizing Die Wax is a good product of which I have used for many decades. The universal lubricant that never fails (whether you are full length resizing the largest calibers or swaging bullets) is anhydrous lanolin. Anhydrous lanolin can withstand very high pressures during forming operations. It is fairly easy to remove in a vibratory or rotary tumbler with corn cob or similar media. The lanolin is applied to the cases by applying a tiny amount to the palm of your hand and then rubbing both palms together to warm it. Three to four cases can be rolled at one time. A lot of cases can be lubricated in very short order.

I trust that this information will help you.

 

[243winxb]

1NEVER lube the case shoulder. 2. The expander will remove any excess lube, if applied with a nylon brush. 3. No lube is needen on the case, inside or out. But the die itself needs to be taken apart and cleaned & lubed with light grease. 4. No Q-tips, use a nylon brush. RCBS lube will not contaminate powders. 5. Nylon does not leave brass bristles in the cases

 

[aerod1]

I reload for 223 as well as several pistol calibers and use the Lee method and the Lee sizing lube. It has worked well for me.

 

[ranger335v]

Addressing two of your questions'

There is no harm in lubing your shoulders. and it may even help, a little, but there is harm in over doing it. Excess lube it causes unsightly but harmless lube dents and many people over do it - none is better than too much. Imperial Die Wax or it's equivilent lubes are finger applied so thin it doesn't matter.

The Lee Collet die has no sliding contact that amounts to much so no neck lube is helpful.

 

[Walkalong]

I don't try to lube shoulders, but some will get on them. A little usually doesn't cause problems. The body if the case is where lube is most critical. I use a carbide expander ball where I can, but even then a touch of graphite, motor mica, or RCBS lube on a nylon brush will help. Just a touch.

I like......RCBS Case Lube II and Imperial Sizing Die Wax.......

 

[fireman 9731]

I personally hate RCBS lube. its sticky, messy, and real PIA to apply if you ask me.

I do however really like Hornady Unique sizing lube. I have never been able to find any Imperial sizing die wax but I hear its pretty similar.

Just apply a THIN coat all over the outside of the case. Whenever I do it, I usually manage to get a tiny bit around the case mouth so I don't worry about using a neck brush.

 

[haskins02]

Thanks for all of your numerous suggestions – quite few, as always! Thanks for your help.

Greg

 

[FlyinBryan]

imperial sizing wax is the best most user friendly that ive tried.

i dont try anything else anymore.

i lube hundreds at a time, and can do it just about as fast as i can pick them up and toss them in a container.

ive lubed a few hundred cases with it, then not sized them for a week and it works great.

it almost seems to work better the longer it sits on them.

i just wipe down the entire case, then brush my finger across the case mouth for the expander ball.

i will wipe my thumb, pointer, and meany finger in the tin and then lube 5-6 cases, then hit the tin again.

no special attention to keep it off the shoulder.

 

[nhm16]

Relatedly, what about aerosol lubes like Hornady's or Lyman's? Should I just give the entire loading block of cases a light spray on all sides? Should I aim some into the inside of the case necks? I know that you should let these spray lubes dry for more than the instructions suggest.

 

[Historian]

I would stay away from the aerosol lubes. My experience is that they are unreliable. I have been using Imperial Wax for a couple of years. I have reloaded a few thousand .223 rounds in that time and have never had a case stick in the die. I remove it after resizing by running the brass through the tumbler for about an hour. Best of luck...be safe.

Historian

"Democracy requires wisdom."

 

[Ky Larry]

I've used both Lee and Imperial Sizing Wax . Both work. Apply "LIGHTLY." Remember, less is more. I lube the inside and outside with a Q-tip, lube the case body, and not the case shoulder. Works for me.