In order to participate in the GunBroker Member forums, you must be logged in with your GunBroker.com account. Click the sign-in button at the top right of the forums page to get connected.
Options
Carbide Dies, do I lube anything at all?
floorguy24
Member Posts: 1,343 ✭✭✭✭✭
I'm about to run my very first set of dies/brass and need to know if there is anything to lube, since my dies are carbide?
I'm reloading new Starline 44 magnum pistol brass that has been tumbled clean.
I've been told that steel dies need lubing, but not carbide.
Any input would be great!
I'm reloading new Starline 44 magnum pistol brass that has been tumbled clean.
I've been told that steel dies need lubing, but not carbide.
Any input would be great!
Comments
In contrast, you practically can't find steel handgun dies any more, as they are all carbide. When you get your carbide dies, go ahead and size a dozen or so cases dry. Then apply just the faintest whisper of a good lube like (like Imperial Sizing Wax) to a case. When you feel the difference, you'll be astounded. Add that whisper of slickery to about every tenth case for true sizing ease.
Have NEVER lubed the first piece.
Clean brass goes through fine.
Agreed . RCBS adds a foot note inside their " Carbide " 500 S&W dies stating to lube ( I believe ) every 10th case or so .
For what little trouble it is , sure does make em go smoother . Try and lube a few then you be the judge .
I use Imperial Sizing Wax, and the method with that lube is to lightly swipe your fingertips across the wax, and then simply handle the cases as usual. Just picking them up to place them in the shellholder applies enough lube. Lubing (whether for steel or carbide) could not be any simpler, or more effective. Repeat the finger swipe every 10 to 20 cases. My original two-ounce tin has only a slight dip in the surface of the wax after almost ten years. Doesn't take much!
The exception is slightly tapered cases like the M1 carbine.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=293530
[?][?]
Yup.
I use Imperial Sizing Wax, and the method with that lube is to lightly swipe your fingertips across the wax, and then simply handle the cases as usual. Just picking them up to place them in the shellholder applies enough lube. Lubing (whether for steel or carbide) could not be any simpler, or more effective. Repeat the finger swipe every 10 to 20 cases. My original two-ounce tin has only a slight dip in the surface of the wax after almost ten years. Doesn't take much!
+1
Now, just to clarify, carbide dies don't REQUIRE lube. But it isn't forbidden, either. Using just a wee bit makes things go sooooo much better.
Got it? [:D]
OK guys, what we older, more experienced guys are trying to tell you is that you can force it in dry if you want to, but it is so much easier and nicer to have a touch of lube on it so it will slide right in, no muss-no fuss and a lot less effort........
Got it? [:D]
We are talking about sizing brass, right Bruce? [;)]
Really though, I've tried it both ways, and I don't deny a little lube makes it smoother; to me though a little more effort resizing (still minimal) is worth it compared to the extra step and mess of lubing, particularly if running them progressively.
Your call, folks, either way just be safe.
However, that may very well change as a precaution/convenience in the near future. [;)]
Experience can be a hard teacher.
I use a single stage press and I use Dillion case lube.
I load around 15,000 rds a year so a little lube makes everything easier.
Paul
Since I use a case lube when resizing my rifle brass...I don't really have a horse in this race. However, when looking up Imperial Sizing Wax I came across this article....Which contains commentary from RCBS regarding stuck cases and the use of wax lubes.
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=293530
[?][?]
I'm gonna call B.S. on this one. I don't use lube on the pistol dies mostly because I'm on a dillon and I have developed a feel for what is happening on the press. If wax build up was a sticking issue, I'm sure I would have seen it in the thousands of other rounds run through other dies... I'm just sayin
Carbide dies are a little bit like hot dogs. They are just fine on their own. But if you add a little bit of mustard ...
The 30 Carbine is one cartridge that rquires lube, even with a carbide die or the brass sizes with considerable effort and withdrawing the sized shell from the die not only requires more effort, but stretches some of the brass.
It is known the 9mm and 38 Super brass will sometimes stretch withdrawing the shell from a carbide die that wasn't lubed.
Much depends on how much the brass was expanded from firing. Large chambers and heavy loads size harder that tight chambers and light loads.