I'm not able

[Watt Tyler]

I'm trying to swage 223 heads down to 221 (5.45) via a set of CH4 dies and a lee single stage press, the force it requires is ridiculous.I know the die needs to be lubed but whats best. its almost ripping the press of my bench it just doesn't seem right.your thoughts are welcome.

 

[ranger335v]

"I'm trying to swage..(with)..a lee single stage press,"

If you are using a Classic Cast (steel) press, fine. If not, understand that none of the alum. alloy presses are designed for swaging/reforming brass. You are more likely to break an alloy press before changing solid brass very much.

"...the die needs to be lubed but whats best."

Imperial Die Wax. Lee Case Lube. STP oil treatment additive, some of which is bottled by both Lyman and RCBS as case lube. Kiwi "Mink Oil" boot treatment. These all work well for case reforming. Be sure to coat the lower part of the case really well or you invite a firmly stuck case.

Whatever you use, do it in progressive steps, not a single pass, and relube between passes.

 

[rcmodel]

I take "heads" to mean you are reducing bullets, not cases.
Regular Sizing die lube or Anhydrous Lanoline should work, I would think?

Have you ask CH-4D and see what they recommend?

Maybe you just need a stronger press.
Some of the Little Lee presses don't have a whole lot of leverage for things like swaging bullets down in size!

rcmodel

 

[RecoilRob]

If you have enough threads on the die, adjust it out so the press is working at maximum leverage just as it cams over at the end of the ram travel.

If this is possible, then screw the die in a turn or two and advance the bullet as far as the press will push it. Keep going until it is through.

I do this on stubborn 50 BMG projos. Most go through the die pretty easily, but the stubborn ones need to be crammed through a bit at a time.