Cleaning carbide pistol dies

[ilmonster]

I have a Dillon SDB set up for 9mm, .38 and .44's. I load Missouri Bullet lead bullets for the .38 Spcl. and .44 Spcl. I had a bullet get stuck in the seating die while loading a .44 Spcl load recently, and while taking the dies out to tap the bullet out, noticed there was some lead and bullet lube build up in the #3 and #4 dies (seat and crimp respectively).

Anyone have similar issues with handgun dies, and how should one clean them. I took some Hoppe's on a patch through the dies, then a brass brush to get the lead out. Your thoughts?

 

[James2]

I just wipe them out with a cotton rag on a wood dowell. There doesn't seem to ever be anything in them that won't just wipe off.

Hmmm, odd to stick a bullet in the seater die. Was it just gunk that made it stick?

Yes, especially with lead lubed bullets, the dies need cleaning now and then.

 

[Lucas McDennis]

Hopefully no lead was in there, but with combined seating/taper-crimp dies and too much crimp you will shave a cast bullet and leave some lead up there.

With cast bullets, you'll eventually want to clean your seating and crimp dies. Bullets will stick in the seating die eventually if you don't. That's been my experience.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

On the rare occasions I need to clean my dies I use brake cleaner and then wipe a little Rem Oil inside to prevent rust. (very very little oil)

 

[ilmonster]

Sounds like I did the right thing, with a little Hoppe's and a brass brush. Thanks!

 

[gamestalker]

You might need a different seating stem for that bullet?

 

[ReloaderFred]

It's common to have a buildup in the seating and crimp dies when using a lot of cast bullets. The dies should be cleaned on a regular basis, and the same process as cleaning your firearms will work with your dies.

The buildup will also have an affect on the seating depth of the bullets. As the lube builds up, it will seat the bullets deeper.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Hondo 60]

I use a bit of Hoppe's #9 & a brass bore brush.
Then wipe it down with a Kleenbore silicone embedded rag.

Just make sure you wipe it down with something,
cuz the Hoppe's will remove any sort of protectant lube.