Imperial Sizing Wax Q

[strat81]

After having so much fun with spray lube here: http://www.thehighroad.org/showthread.php?t=305660, I've decided to see if I can find some Imperial Sizing Wax or similar at the fun show this weekend.

How do I apply that stuff? I see most guys use their fingers and thumbs, but how much and where do I apply it?
All over the outside of the case (from mouth to rim)?
Inside the case neck (most of my dies have expander balls and I FL size for semi-auto)?
Just on the exterior shoulder/neck area?
Other?

Being the glutton for punishment that I am, I am going to give One Shot one more shot (ha ha ha). Anyone use a combo of One Shot and something else?

 

[Taurus 617 CCW]

The key with imperial sizing wax is moderation. A little goes a long way, even more can cause a lot of problems. Too much wax will build up in your die and attract grit/dirt. That will eventually mar your dies and transfer to your brass. Keep your dies clean!

Rub a light coat on the outside of the case around the neck, all the way down to the rim (if you're full length sizing). Take a cotton swab (cue-tip), lightly coat it with wax and rub it on the inside of the case neck. That will protect your expander ball during resizing. After each reloading session it's a good idea to disassemble your dies and give them a good cleaning. Hoppe's #9 solvent will do. Leave them clean and especially dry when you're done. Hope that helps. PM me if you have any further questions.

 

[Walkalong]

I see most guys use their fingers and thumbs

Yep

All over the outside of the case (from mouth to rim)?

Yep... Well, shoulder to base. I get a little on the neck

Inside the case neck

Nope

I use Redding carbide expander balls on their dies and also on RCBS dies. ( Redding makes both) On my Forster dies I just polish the expander, but I still don't lube the inside of the neck.

 

[OLD DOMENION]

Imperial Resizing Wax

I have been reloading since August 1970.
I have been using HORNADY'S UNIQUE GREASE for over 15 years. If it is not a wax I don't know what is. You have to handle each individual case but, that does not bother me.

 

[fishdog52]

Imperial wax is good stuff. It has been my "go to" lubricant for a couple decades, tho I have tried several others that have come along, but never found a better lube. A little goes a very long ways & it cleans up nicely.

 

[EddieCoyle]

How do you clean the wax off after sizing? I just used Imperial on a bunch of .223 cases. I'd prefer to not re-tumble. Is there a quick/easy way to remove the wax?

 

[ocabj]

You can just wipe it off with a towel or rag.

I prefer to retumble.

 

[strat81]

How do you clean the wax off after sizing? I just used Imperial on a bunch of .223 cases. I'd prefer to not re-tumble. Is there a quick/easy way to remove the wax?

I use a few blasts of brake cleaner, being sure to shake the container while I do it. Dump them onto a towel, fold, shake them, and you're done. However, the primer residue in the primer pocket can hold some of the cleaner and takes a few minutes to evaporate, not sure I'd re-prime immediately after using brake cleaner. Any auto parts store should have brake cleaner for about $3/can.