cleaning dies

[MoreIsLess]

I have Lee carbide dies for my 9mm reloading. The bullet seating die is all gunked up with lead. What is the best way to clean this die? Is there something I can soak it in to loosen the crud?

 

[rw6mm]

I read RCBS awhile back that to get rid of the lube iin the sizing die that possible build up by the 'rolling pad' was to swab out with rubbing alchol. RW6mm

 

[Rushthezeppelin]

I'm betting an ultrasonic would probably work well for that.

 

[ReloaderFred]

You clean your dies the same way you clean your guns, and with the same equipment. Take them apart, and after they're clean, very lightly oil the outsides.

Hope this helps.

Fred

 

[Crashbox]

I'm betting an ultrasonic would probably work well for that.

I've used mine before for cleaning up used dies I purchased, and it works quite well IMO. Seems I also tried it a while ago on my .357 dies that I load cast with, and from what I recall it worked well too.

 

[Hondo 60]

I just use the same stuff I use to clean my guns.
A bronze bore brush dipped in Hoppe's #9.

 

[oldreloader]

I use Hoppe's #9 or brake cleaner if I have some handy.

 

[Jesse Heywood]

After you get the die cleaned wax it. I use Renaissance Wax, tough to beat.

 

[lightman]

I have used most of the techniques list above, depending on how dirty the die gets. If I get a brass build up or lots of grit, they see a bore brush or mop and some copper solvent. It its just lube and crud, brake cleaner or some other solvent followed by a squirt of oil. Tumbling your brass helps alot with die cleanup. I've had to polish out a few scratches before, so I'm more careful now! Lightman

 

[Vodoun da Vinci]

Got brand new .32 ACP dies last Friday and started loading some test loads this weekend. I cleaned the dies and oiled them well with Break Free CLP. I clean my dies after every use and lightly reoil.

Probably overkill but I never have to worry about crud build up, rust, or contamination and, done after every session, it only adds a couple minutes.

VooDoo