Lube & Resizing Question

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Hi All,

I've been told a few different stories, and I'm wanting to get a better understanding of the why's and why not's behind it:

In one corner I've been told that I should lube my pistol cases before resizing, but I don't need to worry too much about cleaning the lube off later - just put it in the gun and shoot.

In the other corner, I've been told if I do lube, I should definitely wipe the lube off afterwards, but that lube isn't necessary if I use carbide dies, so don't worry about it at all.

Both sides seem to err on caution in one area, and disregard it in the other...

So my questions are:

1) Is lube required, and (more importantly)...

2) Why do some people say the lube need to be cleaned after loading. Will it damage the inside of my firearms, etc?

TIA

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[walker2713]

I use Lee carbide pistol dies, and have NEVER used lube on those cases.....

No problem.

[Luke]

Are you loading rifle or pistol?

[JV_]

For pistol reloading, I've tried it with and without. My 1050 feels a whole lot smoother with case lube.

I clean off the Dillon lube from loaded rounds, otherwise my hands get pretty filthy after a few hundred round range session (from loading mags).

[mtnbkr]

If using carbide pistol dies or neck-size-only rifle dies, you don't need to lube.

If you're using steel pistol dies or full-length rifle dies, you should lube.

I would endeavor to clean the lube off before loading, but it depends on how much excess your chosen method of lubing leaves behind. I use a pad saturated with wax lube and there isn't enough excess for me to bother. No issues so far...

Chris

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Thanks all for the replies. To answer the questions mentioned (and to ask a few more of my own )....

Are you loading rifle or pistol?

Sorry - I should have said... Pistol rounds in a progressive press...

I clean off the Dillon lube from loaded rounds, otherwise my hands get pretty filthy after a few hundred round range session (from loading mags).

So the downside to not cleaning lube off is simply dirty hands? I don't need to worry about my firearm, additional die's in the press, etc?

I would endeavor to clean the lube off before loading, but it depends on how much excess your chosen method of lubing leaves behind. I use a pad saturated with wax lube and there isn't enough excess for me to bother. No issues so far...

How does one do this with a progressive press? (Or what would be the correct sequence of events). I'm struggling to see how you could use the progressive press to it's advantage if you have to take out every case from station 2 to wipe it clean and then go again? Am I missing something there?

[Luke]

How about the bell/powder fill stage? Any way to make that smoother or not stick coming back down.

[BN]

Reloading straight wall pistol cases, I spray lube with Hornady One Shot Case Lube. http://www.midwayusa.com/product/438...e-5-oz-aerosol I put about 500 cases in a container and spray them, shake around and spray again. Let sit for a couple of minutes and start loading. I use carbide dies and the lube makes sizing easier.

Just spray it on and forget it. I don't clean it off. It sort of drys and isn't messy. I have loaded tens of thousands of rounds with it.

For good reloading info go here: http://www.brianenos.com/forums/index.php?showforum=4

[JV_]

So the downside to not cleaning lube off is simply dirty hands?

I haven't seen any other issues.

I use carbide dies, and I still find it's smoother with case lube.

I'm struggling to see how you could use the progressive press to it's advantage if you have to take out every case from station 2 to wipe it clean and then go again? Am I missing something there?

Lube it before it goes in the case feeder, clean it off when it comes out of the press (ie. the loaded round).

[Stumpnav]

Straight walled pistol cases in carbide dies do not NEED lube...however, the press runs so much smoother if you do.

Like others, I use the Hornady One Shot. Place the cases in a plastic grocery bag, spray, shake, spray again...then load.

To 'clean' them, I put them in a big towel, pick up both ends and roll then around for a minute. Gets rid of most of the lube.

Mostly though, I don't worry about getting the lube off...just shoot them.