Lube dies

[wecf]

Does anyone use one? Do they work well or should I just stick to my good 'ol RCBS pad?

http://www.amazon.com/RCBS-87551-Lube-Die-No-1/dp/B0002INRTQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1392152084&sr=8-1&keywords=case+lube+die

[jameshenry]

I place clean brass in a cookie tray, spray with Dillon case lube, roll the brass around in the tray, to lube all cases and let the alcohol evaporate, pour into case feeder mounted on a Dillon 650 press, load em up, tumble the loaded ammo in walnut shells to remove lube, place on towel and bowling ball shine to remove any dust. Shoot and repeat process. I do this for straight wall and bottle neck cases. The press runs smoother with lubed cases.

[longrange99]

i had one and sold it. I wasn't happy.
Find an aerosol that you like, spray per instructions, and size.
James henry's method works, i spay in a box and shake it up. also have used loading trays in order to spray into the case mouth.
I just can't recommend using the die

[wecf]

Every spray on case lube I have ever tried has ended with stuck cases, no thanks. What is the problem with the lube dies?
Thanks.

[krzgoat]

Refilling was a PITA for me. I tried it twice myself with 223. It has a little pad inside that but it's only the size of the outside of the case. I thought it would be a god send but it was more hassle than it was worth.

I ended up going to spray in a tray with homemade case lube. No stuck cases yet.

[Gutz]

RIP Lube..
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[Bumslie]

I got one in yesterday. I'll try it out and let you know.

[the86d]

Better idea:

http://www.dillonprecision.com/content/p/9/pid/23666/catid/8/Dillon_Case_Lube__8_oz__Bottle_

Size and decap with one die... instead.

[BigJ]

I'm using OneShot wax with my single stage and I dunno if I'm doing it wrong, but honestly I don't see how it can be any easier. Here's how I roll:

With my left hand (I'm right handed), every few rounds I'll wipe my index finger across the surface of the wax in the tin. I then rub my index finger and thumb together to spread the stuff out a bit. Now I use that same hand and those fingers to grab the brass from my bin. As I'm transferring from the bin to the press, I roll it a bit between my fingers, just like a cigarette (don't smoke kids). Plunk it in the holder, work the lever with the right hand, and job done. I'm not the most experienced reloader by any means, but so far no stuck cases at all.

Oh and as for resizing bottleneck cases, every 10 rounds or so I'll stab the wax with the mouth of a case. Proceed as normal and the wax in the mouth will transfer to the die and be good for another 10 or so more cases. No need to do every one.

Not a direct answer to your question, but if my experience is any judge, with this method I see no need for a lube die. YMMV.

[Bumslie]

^^^ because with a lube die, you can do everything on a progressive. Clean brass to loaded cartridge

[BigJ]

^^^ because with a lube die, you can do everything on a progressive. Clean brass to loaded cartridge

Makes perfect sense. Thanks.

[anyracoon]

Randal from AR15 on here modified one to use a external reservoir to keep it filled.

[krzgoat]

Yeah I saw that conversion and was going to try it when I started having issues with the material inside and it wearing out so it wasn't making contact to the cases. I ditched all efforts in that area and went the homemade case lube route. I never ran it all through the whole process on the progressive anyways so I just use the spray lube and then resize on a single stage.

[longrange99]

OP - you asked what didn't work for me.

1) The decap pin breaks/bends easily on crimped cases.
2) If you get going on the progressive the lube is unable to keep up with you and your cases will be drier than you want (Even with rubber seal/cover removed)
3) No lube in the case neck, or shoulder as the felt material is cylindrical and can't reach the shoulder or neck.
4) Limited in the lube you can use. Maybe you find one you like, maybe you don't. I didn't like the lube that come with the die.

After plenty of trial this is what I do now:
1) wash off dirty and let brass dry
2) Spray with "Royal Case and Die Lube" This is stuff is amazing. MUCH better than the stuff in the red can. The cases slide with practically no pressure. You need to be able to feel the cases in the die to avoid a stuck case as you experienced. This lube is up to the job. See the reviews on Midway. Make sure with any lube you get the shoulder and inside the neck to avoid a stuck case.
2) Lee decap die in position 1. This die doesn't break and I have not heard of anyone having one break except on berdan primers (oops)
3) Reside die in position 2
4) SS tumble. Washes off the lube for me and gets everything shiny
5) Add protectant to keep my brass shiny, then load.

YMMV but this process works for me. If you get a lube die, report back your findings and let us know how it worked out and which lube you used.

By all means, if you feel pressure, stop and figure out why. As you found out pushing too hard can get you stuck. Lube is not a cure all.

Good luck.

[wecf]

I guess I will stick to my pad and dry neck lube, it has worked for me for 25 years so far.
Thanks.