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View Full Version : Case Lube Stickiness - my weekly question, I guess...



holmes168
06-16-2018, 07:53 PM
Ok- question of the week....I know, I know....
I haven't used case lube in the past- but have been reading- how case lube needs to be used, which is good. No reason I hadn't used it in the past, but since it really seems needed and I want to be a knowledgeable reloader- figured, time to start using case lube.

So- sprayed it on the brass, rolled the brass around, waited a few minutes and cranked up the 650.

I always like to check my first few powder tosses and they were a bit light- which isn't typical. What I noticed is that not all the powder is coming out of the brass- some is staying stuck to the inside of the sides of the brass. Obviously- this will throw off my weight to the low side.

My assumption is that I probably didn't wait long enough for the brass to dry from the case lube- so I am going to eat dinner and try again in 30 minutes.

Do you use case lube? And- have you noticed something like this in the past? I am off by about 0.3 grains- which seems like its sticking.

I really appreciate all the patience you guys are showing- and unless you want to come visit for the weekend- I don't have many other ways to learn other than YouTube (shudder).

Thanks again and sorry.

Clusterfrack
06-16-2018, 08:26 PM
I use Hornady One Shot case lube.

The lanolin based Dillon lube is super sticky and I only use it for the trim/resize step in 5.56 case prep. Then those cases get cleaned.

No worries dude. Glad to help. Reloading isn’t as intuitive as people think.

ranger
06-16-2018, 08:38 PM
I do not use case lube for pistol loading - use carbide sizing die though (Dillon 550 and Square Deal). I have used case lube for pistol to see if it was "better" and it does make loading slightly easier but I choose to skip lubing for pistol.

Clusterfrack
06-16-2018, 08:43 PM
Ranger is right that you don’t need lube in 9mm reloading. But there are good reasons to use it: A smoother stroke and less sticking at the powder drop. I can easily load 1000 per hour, and case lube helps.

holmes168
06-16-2018, 08:47 PM
I use Hornady One Shot case lube.

The lanolin based Dillon lube is super sticky and I only use it for the trim/resize step in 5.56 case prep. Then those cases get cleaned.

No worries dude. Glad to help. Reloading isn’t as intuitive as people think.

Thank you- you have been a big help. I’ll try to figure out how to mail a piece of my wife’s lasagna.
I think I have a tendency to overthink things and I really enjoy reloading. The manuals are great but a lot of this is learn as you go.

On another note- after my resizing/depriming die adjustment- all 65 rounds passed case gauge.

Jamie
06-17-2018, 04:08 AM
I use Farnkford Arsenal case lube for handgun (9mm). It definitely makes for a smoother handloading process.

This is not the best pic, but one I have handy. I make sure all of my brass is laying on it's side, give the Frankford Arsenal lube a good shake, and then spray the approximately 100 pieces of brass the 5 gallon bucket head holds. Having the brass lying on it's side prevents the lube from getting inside the brass to prevent the situation you mentioned. The lube is pretty dry within 5 minutes.

The Hornady One Shot is what I use for 5.56 as well. Good stuff! But the Frankford works out cheaper for bulk 9mm handloading.


https://i.imgur.com/ib6FO1Z.jpg

Leroy
06-17-2018, 07:13 AM
When using the Dillon lube spray it in empty gallon plastic storage bag, through brass in and mix it around. Spraying directly on the cases lends the lube to getting in the case and primer pockets. I use the Dillon lube and never clean it off, I just shoot it, no issues.

ranger
06-17-2018, 09:30 AM
For rifle, I use the Frankford Arsenal spray case lube. I take a cheap plastic grocery bag, put the brass in the bag, spray some lube in there, shake and mix it up, let dry. My rifle reloading area typically has multiple bags of lubed rifle brass waiting to load (the brass is sized and trimmed and prep'd before lube).

GuanoLoco
06-17-2018, 10:55 AM
Lubricating pistol cases and lubricating rifle cases are two completely different scenarios. Lubricate pistol cases with Hornady one shot for easier sizing. It dries nicely - but don’t overdo it.

Lubricate rifle cases with a lanolin type lube that stays greasy. It is easy to make your own with 12 parts isopropyl alcohol to one part clear liquid lanolin. Clean off the lube after sizing. Using a dry lube like one shot will likely lead to cases stuck in your sizing die.

Do not interchange them.

Duelist
06-17-2018, 11:12 AM
I’ve never used a case lube with pistol sizing, just got carbide sizing dies. Maybe I’ll have to try that.

With rifle cases, I’ve used Lee paste, I’ve used RCBS liquid and a lube rolling pad, and both are a messy pain, but work well. Interested to try out some other methods.

LittleLebowski
06-17-2018, 01:37 PM
I strongly recommend either Royal Case Lube (https://www.amazon.com/WIPEOUT-ROYAL-CASE-DIE-LUBE/dp/B01N9W88OW/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1529260475&sr=1-1&keywords=royal+case+lube) or rolling your own Dillon lube with lanolin and ispropyl alcohol (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?28899-A-different-lube-adventure&styleid=17).

Alternatively, you could also just wet tumble using Armorall WashNWax (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?24891-Wet-tumbling-WITHOUT-SS-pins-results). You get clean brass that is slightly slick.

holmes168
06-17-2018, 02:48 PM
I strongly recommend either Royal Case Lube (https://www.amazon.com/WIPEOUT-ROYAL-CASE-DIE-LUBE/dp/B01N9W88OW/ref=sr_1_1?s=sporting-goods&ie=UTF8&qid=1529260475&sr=1-1&keywords=royal+case+lube) or rolling your own Dillon lube with lanolin and ispropyl alcohol (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?28899-A-different-lube-adventure&styleid=17).

Alternatively, you could also just wet tumble using Armorall WashNWax (https://pistol-forum.com/showthread.php?24891-Wet-tumbling-WITHOUT-SS-pins-results). You get clean brass that is slightly slick.

That’s a great thread. I’ve already started to think about switching to wet tumbling. I need to stock up on the three essentials- powder, bullets and primers- then hit the wet tumbler. Went with the Hundo case gauge for my Fathers Day gift!

willie
06-17-2018, 03:19 PM
I suggest that you avoid lubing cases run through carbide dies unless the very smallest amount is used. And then, it should be no than a thin film. In this instance, applying spay lube to a towel and then rolling cases around on it woud be one way. Another tactic is having a small amount on the fingers. It will transfer to cases. If you lube cases with a thick lube and run them through a carbide die, you'll see that the lube will dent or crease cases. The carbide insert pushes the lube into the case. But you can get by nicely and avoid lube altogether when using carbide dies.

PhillySoldier
07-26-2018, 08:38 AM
Ive gone back and forth as far as using it, not using it etc for pistol brass. It does make the press a bit smoother but there are negatives to it. As mentioned powder sticks to it and then it all needs to be cleaned back off after the round is completed which is a pain.

Currently Im back to not using it but something I thought I'd try in the next week is to get another toolhead for my 650 and lube the dirty brass, throw all in the case feeder. Then just crank through the rounds with only the sizing and depriming die set up; before cleaning in the sonic for a 20 minutes. Then the prepped and cleaned brass can be processed without any problems or any case lube mess.

Sal Picante
07-26-2018, 12:39 PM
I'm going to lay some cards on the table here... Please don't hate me...

When I was shooting at the indoor range, I didn't even bother tumbling practice brass before loading. I'd just shake it out, inspect for berdan/plugged holes, then spray it down with lube and get to loading. I waited about ~30 seconds before chucking the first batch into the collator. I don't understand what all the fascination is with shiny/clean brass.

Hornady OneShot case lube is life when you've got automation... It is inert, doesn't really stick to powders, ensures that things move smoothly through the dies.

(Also Hornady OneShot dry lube and cleaner is amazing - you can see it on the bench)

p/Bj7XWBbnDZ0

Clusterfrack
07-26-2018, 12:48 PM
Same here. Indoor pickup brass is GTG. I've even reloaded uncleaned precision rifle brass in .308 and .260 to the shock and horror of my OCD friends.


I'm going to lay some cards on the table here... Please don't hate me...

When I was shooting at the indoor range, I didn't even bother tumbling practice brass before loading. I'd just shake it out, inspect for berdan/plugged holes, then spray it down with lube and get to loading. I waited about ~30 seconds before chucking the first batch into the collator. I don't understand what all the fascination is with shiny/clean brass.

Hornady OneShot case lube is life when you've got automation... It is inert, doesn't really stick to powders, ensures that things move smoothly through the dies.

(Also Hornady OneShot dry lube and cleaner is amazing - you can see it on the bench)

p/Bj7XWBbnDZ0

Sal Picante
07-26-2018, 07:08 PM
Same here. Indoor pickup brass is GTG. I've even reloaded uncleaned precision rifle brass in .308 and .260 to the shock and horror of my OCD friends.

It is a time saver when you're doing 2000K weeks prepping for matches, etc.

Outdoor pickup or unknown origin, I prefer to just tumble in some crushed walnut... We're going for "not damage the press" as opposed to "shiny & like new"...