cleaning reloading dies
- Thread starter RussellC
- Start date
- Status
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
I keep a 1/2" nylon bottle brush hanging over the loading bench.
Just brush them out from time to time.
Unless you are loading lead bullets with a lot of excess lube, there shouldn't be much to clean.
That sometimes requires removal of the seating stem to dig out the packed bullet lube.
Other then that, that's about all the die cleaning I ever do.
rc
Just brush them out from time to time.
Unless you are loading lead bullets with a lot of excess lube, there shouldn't be much to clean.
That sometimes requires removal of the seating stem to dig out the packed bullet lube.
Other then that, that's about all the die cleaning I ever do.
rc
Most of what i load is lead that is lubed with wax. Its dirty stuff and it builds up in the seating die. The threads get gummed up and it can be hard to turn and especially tighten down when it really builds up. You do have to take out the seating plug/stem and knob and get in there and clean it out with a dowel or something else. Whats left over I use a brush with acitone to get the rest. Gotta do that at least ever 1 thousand rounds. I've heard brake cleaner works well but have not tried it. Use eye protection!
I also use Lee dies. FMJ may build up some dirt from the case over thousands of rounds but its a non issue mostly.
I also use Lee dies. FMJ may build up some dirt from the case over thousands of rounds but its a non issue mostly.
Just clean them like a gun. Some solvent and a brush . I spray some silicone in the,m and blow out with compressed air..
Word of advice, do not take the resizing /depriming die apart. There is no need to remove the top collet nut as it is a really pain to put back in. If you must , just loosen it with a 1/2" wrench on the nut and a 3/4" wrench on the dies body. The pin will then fall out. (same for removing a stuck 223 brass)
Word of advice, do not take the resizing /depriming die apart. There is no need to remove the top collet nut as it is a really pain to put back in. If you must , just loosen it with a 1/2" wrench on the nut and a 3/4" wrench on the dies body. The pin will then fall out. (same for removing a stuck 223 brass)
witchhunter
Member
Yup, unless you are loading lead bullets they will usually stay fairly clean. Spray with cleaner, wipe out with a pistol rod and a proper size patch or brush. Pistol dies for lead bullets get soaked in solvent once in a while to keep em seating correctly.
FROGO207
Member
I take mine apart and dump them in the tumbler with corn cob media with some Nu-Finish car wax when they get rusty on the outside. Otherwise clean them with a bit of carb cleaner and a brass brush as needed. Worked for me for over 40 years so far.
Thanks guys, I dont do cast lead, but use hornady wax or imperial wax, and I saw a thread where someone sent a die with stuck case back to I believe RCBS, who said 90% of the stuck case/dies they get are from being gummed up with wax lubricants, and did not recommend them.....thoughts?
(sorry about the run on sentence!)
Russellc
(sorry about the run on sentence!)
Russellc
rcmodel
Member in memoriam
BS!
Stuck cases are caused by no case lube, or not enough case lube.
No matter what kind of lube it is.
Nothing more, or less.
Wax case lube, or oil case lube simply cannot 'build up' in a sizing die.
The pressure involved in sizing will squish out just about anything you put in there.
Except high grade sizing lube of one type or another.
But regardless of that, it does not build up in a sizing die and cause stuck cases!
The only possible problem excess lube or wax can cause is shuolder dents in bottle-neck rifle cases.
rc
Stuck cases are caused by no case lube, or not enough case lube.
No matter what kind of lube it is.
Nothing more, or less.
Wax case lube, or oil case lube simply cannot 'build up' in a sizing die.
The pressure involved in sizing will squish out just about anything you put in there.
Except high grade sizing lube of one type or another.
But regardless of that, it does not build up in a sizing die and cause stuck cases!
The only possible problem excess lube or wax can cause is shuolder dents in bottle-neck rifle cases.
rc
Last edited:
osteodoc08
Member
- Joined
- Jun 23, 2005
- Messages
- 1,261
I reload a lot of cast and as such, lube gets all up in there an gunks up the works. I usually disassemble, toss in the ultrasonic cleaner and run a cycle. Brush them out and run through another cycle. Come out looking brand new. Blow off with compressed air, a light rem oil coat and wipe with clean dry towel and load up some more.
I know when to clean when the old lube starts getting everywhere.
I know when to clean when the old lube starts getting everywhere.
345 DeSoto
Member
...OR you can use "Carburetor and Choke Cleaner" in the spray can with the little red tube. Also works great to clean out trigger housings...
45lcshooter
Member
yep take them a part. solvent and brush. ive even put them in ultrasonic if they got rusty or bought some that some neglected. I take mine apart once a year for 2 reasons, 1 to clean them, 2 to inspect them.
its always good to take them apart to inspect things every once and a while.
its always good to take them apart to inspect things every once and a while.
howlnmad
Member
I disassemble them and use a clp on my Lee dies but use brake cleaner on my RCBS, Hornady, Herters and Lyman. I worry about the brake cleaner affecting the o-rings in the Lee dies. After they're clean, I'll give them a shot of Rem oil if they won't be used for awhile.
Hondo 60
Member
While Dillon dies are EXTREMELY expensive (compared to Lee)
cleaning is one advantage.
Just remove the top clip, the die comes apart without removing it from the toolhead.
To clean any dies, I use the same stuff I use on my guns - Hoppe's #9.
If you use jacketed or plated bullets, cleaning needs to be done rarely.
If you use greased lead, then it needs it quite a bit more often.
cleaning is one advantage.
Just remove the top clip, the die comes apart without removing it from the toolhead.
To clean any dies, I use the same stuff I use on my guns - Hoppe's #9.
If you use jacketed or plated bullets, cleaning needs to be done rarely.
If you use greased lead, then it needs it quite a bit more often.
witchhunter
Member
Just to back up RC. Stuck cases are caused by lack of lube.
- Status
