RCBS Bench Primer: lubing the plunger stem.

[Crashbox]

Howdy-

I've had the RCBS Bench Priming Tool for several years now and one thing that has always been a sticking point (pun intended), is the lubrication of the plunger stem; in particular, along the length of said stem. I've normally used a SMALL amount of very light oil, sometimes fortified with molybdenum disulfide in the form of Henkel SLA-1286 (a moly additive used by oil formulators, I wound up with a gallon of the stuff!). I'm very careful not to overdo it and any excess gets immediately wiped from the shell holder. Still, I'm nervous about possible primer contamination and am considering using some Krytox grease cut with some silicone oil to lube this part... it's worth a try in my opinion.

I was wondering what those in the THR family happen to use with respect to lubing the plunger stem in this most excellent tool. Any input/advice is truly appreciated, thank you very much in advance.

 

[edfardos]

I use a little rcbs lube on the swaged head via qtip Evey dozen rounds or so. (Using their new bench mount swaging tool)

 

[Crashbox]

I'm pretty sure the swager is a different tool but the RCBS lube may be a usable option for my purpose, thank you.

 

[Paddy]

I'm a fan of the spray dry lubes for things like this. Basically ends up as slippery Teflon dust. Contamination free. I use it liberally to keep my shotguns running

 

[fotheringill]

I have the RCBS Ram Primer. After about 400 rounds, the rod, cup and spring started to not drop back down after placing the primer in the cup. I will try some light oil on the rod and see if that helps.

 

[rg1]

I've never used lube on the seating stem on my RCBS Bench Mounted priming tool. Best if clean and dry I would think. Any or most lubes attract dirt from primer pockets or dust. Only thing I've seen is some shellholders vary a bit in the diameter of the center hole. This and a little primer residue can stick the sliding primer holder. I've had one shellholder that the hole was so large that it would let the punch mislocate and the primer wouldn't start into the pocket. Plus I've had a couple that the punch cup would hang up occasionally. A light Dremel grinding stone removed a burr or cleaned it enough to take away the occasional sticking of the sliding primer cup. No lube on mine and I've had it for many years and many thousands of seated primers. You're going to get some primer residue which may require cleaning the punch occasionally.

 

[Crashbox]

Thanks for the responses so far.

I got my tube of Krytox® grease today (for my pressure washer unloader valve) and I did have to use a tiny dab of silicone oil to reduce its viscosity. The plunger stem works flawlessly now. For now. We'll see.

Anyone else who wants to chime in, please feel free to do so.

 

[TexasDon]

I've been using the RCBS bench priming tool with tubes for about 10 years and never needed any lube.
There must be a problem.

The original stem was bent slightly and did not work well, and with a call to RCBS, they sent another set of stem/spring/plunger assy's free.

They should not need anything but to be clean.

Many...many primers/brass have been ran through it without issue.
Look closely at it, maybe check if stem is straight, just a little will cause problems , at least in my case.

TxD

 

[tooltech]

I no longer use my bench primer regularly, but I never needed to lube it. If the stem is sticking, it needs to be cleaned, not lubed. Lubricating it may mask the issue, but as the lube attracts more contaminants, will cause further issues.

 

[Hondo 60]

I'm a fan of the spray dry lubes for things like this. Basically ends up as slippery Teflon dust.

Yup ^^^^^ what he said.

 

[billybob44]

Just keep clean..

For my RCBS Bench prime tool I just keep clean. Be sure that the shell holder stays in place.
A LITTLE case lube (Hornady Unique or Imperial Size Wax) is applied at the start of the priming run + works well for me..

 

[JimKirk]

For small parts that have close tolerances and where oil may not be a good idea ... I like to polish the touching parts with white jewelers rouge and a dremel buffing wheel. The buffing will only polish the surface and make it very slick ... polish only enough to make it shine and not change the part size ... just be sure to clean the part well after polishing ...