Die Question

[pat3332]

After a lot of research, I have ordered a RCBS Pro 2000. My question is about their lube die. Does anyone who has used one have any opinions about it? Right now I am loading mainly .45 ACP and I know you're not suppose to have to lube with the carbide dies, but I've read here that a lot of people do and recommend it. Just wondered if it's worth the investment.

Thanks
Pat

 

[loadedround]

It's a waste of time and money to use a lube die with a quality carbide die set. I must have loaded over 25,000 45ACP rounds and am only on my second set of carbide dies because I bought a Dillon 550 and Dillon Dies. I still have my orginal set of Lyman carbide dies and they are still good as new. I believe carbide dies also get smoother with use. Don't waste your money and make more work for yourself.

 

[The Bushmaster]

Just be sure your cases are clean before you resize them by running them in the tumbler for 15 minutes. Lube for a carbide die? Waste of time and money ...

 

[highlander 5]

either tungsten or titanium carbide will do you well the only dies I didn't care for was Hornady titanium nitride dies.

 

[Jeeper]

I dont see the point of a lube die but I lube everything even with carbide dies. A quick shot of Hornady one Shot lube and you will never load dry again. You dont need the lube but it makes it a lot easier and smoother.

 

[pat3332]

Thanks for the responses. I had read here that although lube is not needed when loading pistol rounds with carbide dies, it makes loading easier and smoother. It's my understanding that the lube die combines the decapping/lubing operation. I thought it might be easier, quicker and less messy, but if it leaks and makes a mess anyway I might be better off spending the money on more supplies.

Thanks again
Pat

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Pat,

One of the best ways to lube your cases when reloading pistol is to use corn cob media in your tumbler and add a capful of Nu Finish car polish to the tumbling media when you clean your brass. The brass will come out looking nice and will run smoother through your press like you're looking for.

You can find Nu Finish car polish at a Dollar General store for around 4 bucks a bottle, which is enough to go a good long time.

Regards,

Dave

 

[redneck2]

Very clean, shiny cases load much easier than semi-clean or particularly dirty ones. The case polish or Nu-Finish idea along with clean cases REALLY makes a difference.

I've lubed pistol cases and it particularly helps if they're not super clean. I'd try cleaning the cases well with the polish and then without and with a very tiny amount of spray lube

 

[4fingermick]

I've been loading bulk pistol rounds for 25 years. I don't feel that it is needed and it has to be cleaned off. Sounds like the people who switch their lights on when driving on a trip so they don't overcharge the battery even though voltage regulators came out about the start of WW1.

If you really want to run lube to lower the effort on sizing I'd probably recommend Lee case lube diluted and a fine mist sprayed over the cases with a hand ironing style spray pump and let dry. That will give you a lubricated case, which doesn;t build up on your equipment and doesn't need cleaning off the brass.

MIck.

 

[JDGray]

I only lube my 9mm brass, with Lee lube & alcohol. Not needed, but sure maks life easier

 

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

4fingerMick,

The Nu Finish car polish doesn't leave any residue and it doesn't need to be cleaned off. That's one of it's really nice benefits, along with the fact it makes reloading pistol on a progressive a nice smooth operation. In addition, it takes minimal effort to apply, since you simply dump a capful in your brass tumbler.

Dave

 

[pat3332]

Good points. Following the hints I've seen here, I have been adding the NuFinish to my media and it made a big difference in how my brass looks. I have also been adding the dryer strips to help keep everything cleaner and they may add a little lubrication also.

 

[ClarkEMyers]

With a single stage I don't lube .45 Automatic with a progressive I do.

With a single stage I don't lube .45 Automatic with a progressive I do. - I go with one of the spray lubes figuring smoother operation makes the progressive more consistent in powder drop and otherwise helps.