Inspect your new reloading dies

[clutch]

I just received a Lee 4 die set for 9mm and out of curiosity, I took each die apart. Nothing was too exciting until I got to the powder through die.

I don't think they cleaned the fluids left from machining. The outside of die body looked fine, but inside the neck expander thing and the interior of the die body it was dripping in something that seemed oil based.

If I had just slapped them in the press, there is a chance that I could have loaded contaminated rounds and had issues with proper powder flow to cases.

This isn't a bash Lee post, I have a lot of their dies that have worked fine for me over the years. Just a heads up to fully inspect new reloading dies for contaminates.

Clutch

 

[Sin City Shootist]

That stuff is like cosmoline. They put it on there to keep the dies from rusting during shipping and storage.

 

[kingmt]

What he said.

 

[357Shooter]

I would suspect if you look in the instructions it says to thoroughly clean your dies and all other new components, I know mine always have. They have to protect them or you wouldn't be happy with rusty new dies.

 

[clutch]

I looked at the instructions, no mention of cleaning preservatives off.

Clutch

 

[amlevin]

Some don't have to be told what to do, they just know, and do it.

When starting with a new die a good cleaning and inspection always has been a good idea. Who knows what has found its way inside while waiting to find a place on your bench. I've found everything from congealed oil, metal turnings, plastic foam, and even bugs, inside new dies. I even check those that I haven't used for a while for the same reasons.

 

[Sin City Shootist]

Lee used to have it listed in their FAQ's but they changed their site and I can't find it now.

 

[Lizard1911]

"Some don't have to be told what to do, they just know, and do it."

I did, I didn't, now I do, and I will.

I read the instructions and manuals multiple times as well. Never crossed my mind.

Thank You. Steve B

 

[sellersm]

So what does everyone use to clean them?

 

[lykoris]

as others have said it's to prevent rust whilst in storage and every set of dies I've ever bought had some oil based grease in them. The time between manufacture and ultimate sale to end-user has to be addressed otherwise all their dies would be sent back with 'rust' issues upon purchase.

I use ballistol to clean it out followed by a quick dip in acetone.

 

[Caliber]

Brake cleaner, Or Hornady oneshot

 

[Smaug]

Thanks for posting.

While you're in there, you may want to polish up the radiused part of the expander plug. I've found mine to be pretty roughly turned, and they shave the inside of the cases and take a lot of effort to withdraw the plug if I don't do this.

 

[gamestalker]

+1 to what 357shooter says!

 

[mohunter55]

my rcbs & hornady dies both say to clean before the initial use. Hornady recommended their one shot dry lube, which is what i have been using and works well.

 

[Hondo 60]

I use Hoppe's #9 to clean & then a light wiping of gun oil to protect.

Which reminds me, I need to clean & lube my newest set - 7.62x25

 

[m33p0n3]

I treat dies the same way I would treat a new firearm; the first thing I do is see how they work, field strip, clean and lubricate as needed. For dies, I use Breakfree CLP, since it does a pretty good job of keeping rust from forming.

 

[04JRB]

Im with the others that use Brake cleaner. Every set of dies I buy, I thouroughly clean them before use and coat them with One Shot for rust prevention.