metal shavings in lee die set - normal?
- Thread starter aplehr
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It isn't that uncommon. Happens on most machined parts from time to time. I once got a new remington rifle with lots of shavings in the barrel and action and have seen it on a number of different brands of dies. Clean new dies and guns before using them just because of these kind of things. Sometimes clean up is missed at the factory. As long as you clean before using it, it shouldn't cause a problem.
SquirrelNuts
Member
Most of my dies are filthy when I get them. I clean them all down twice before I use them. I have seen shavings before.
CSA 357
Member
Brass shavings? Or lead?
yes, they appear to be steel shavings. part of the reason i asked was i am unfamiliar with lee dies and didn't know if maybe it was plating that might have chipped off, or something like that. after further inspection, all of the dies are structurally sound and just needed a good cleaning. seems like something that should have been done at the factory, but otherwise the dies are fine. thanks for the responses.
I'm reading on other threads that people CAN'T GET dies....I bet they are running flat out trying to get dies out the door, and that may impact on cleaning up etc... before putting in the box.
Good idea to take apart, look, clean.
Have fun!
gordon
Good idea to take apart, look, clean.
Have fun!
gordon
I was a machinist for a lot of years. After you make a part, you try to clean it the best you can, and sometimes there's other people in the process to clean and deburr, but stuff gets missed. Not just dies, but ALL kinds of products in every industry. Chips happen.
jcwit
member
Its a machined part. You aught to see whats inside lawn mower engines sometimes.
SquirrelNuts
Member
I have seen metal shavings come out of a brand new car in an oil change at 1,000 miles. We ran a clean magnet through the oil and it was not a warm and fuzzy feeling.
How'd that work out for ya?
I purchased a Lee powder charging die for some .223 plinking, was full of heavy oil. First Lee die that was even remotely dirty, didn't catch it till it was full of powder stuck to the inside
That batch of reloads, didn't fly to well, if ya know what I mean. On the bright side of my learning experience, I hand weight every rifle load now, and get very good resultsSquirrelNuts
Member
It wasn't my car, so I don't know the final outcome of that vehicle.
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