223 again....

[74shooter]

Just received my 223 dies and sample lube package, the instructions are to apply small amount of lube inside the case neck with a Q-tip, this could take forever to lube 200-300, must be a better way. Many say the spray lubes still yield stuck cases, is it because the lube does not reach inside the neck? What is you process for lube and lube suggestions, all new to me this is my first attempt at rifle (223) loading.

 

[SlowFuse]

I don't put a ton of emphasis on lubing inside necks.

For rifle I'm an imperial wax type guy, I finger lube all rifle cases. The first few cases I'm particular on having some lube in the interior of neck, after that it doesn't seem that important.

I use what gets on the inside edge of the mouth by sliding fingertips over it horizontally. I used q-tips maybe a handful of times similar to what you mention early on. Seems like it's more to clean out before dropping powder. Too much will make powder clump if you dont re-tumble.

I believe after the die parts get a bit of lube from the first few pieces in your loading session the remainder have less importance regarding perfect lubing. I'd focus more about sufficiently lubing the outside case body. A little goes a long way with most of these.

What type of lube is it? You'll get a feel for what works and develop your own routine in no-time.

My first ever hand load was 223, it's a fine place to jump in on rifle cartridges!

Edit to add, One Shot spray gets tons of hate. The main reason people have negative results is not following directions. It has to fully dry. I'd still rather lube with the wax over a spray even if it is slower...

 

[bdb242]

I really like the spray lube, until its time to clean it off. One Shot worked the best for me but I can't find it around here anymore. I line the cases up and spray a little on both sides of the line and hold the spray above the cases and mist into the necks very sparingly. When running the cases thru the sizing die I rub my forefinger over the open end just to add a little more lube every 7th or 8th case. You can feel the extra pull on the handle when a touch more is needed. Reloading is truly a labor of love. Started doing it about 55 years ago.

 

[Bfh_auto]

If you are using a lube pad. You can scoop the neck on it and get enough lube.
If you hear it chirp. Lube the next case. After a few times you will know how often to lube.
I do about every 3 cases.
I used to do every case. But I was getting excess in the case and plugging up the sizer die.

 

[chamokaneman]

Like others, I use a spray. I spritz the sides, roll them a little, spritz again. I load them in the block, and then spritz top down to get a little in there.

Never thought to go across the neck with my finger. Gonna have to try that. Anything to use less, but still have enough. Stuck cases suck.

Nice SAC patch OP!

 

[RikSors]

I prep my case on a progressive machine. I just put a bunch of brass in a ziploc bag and lube/spray inside. And shake it like bread crusting for a fried chicken.

 

[edwardware]

When you're done wiping lube onto the outside of a case, slide a finger over the mouth and you'll leave a bit inside the rim. Maybe qtip the first three because it's all bone dry, but you should be fine after that.

Also, spray lube works fine if you do it correctly. It's just easier to get wrong than manual lubing.

. . . and sample lube package. . .

And do yourself a favor and buy a tin of Imperial next. It's the kittens whiskers for manual lube.

 

[sfl_gunner]

I use spray lube and make it a point to get some lube inside the case. Then I keep a RCBS neck brush with some lube on it and swab the inside of a case here and there. It’s mostly based on how smoothly the press is working. I don’t feel need brush each case.

 

[slickracer]

I put cases in a gallon freezer bag and hit them with a few shots of One Shot, then move them around to distribute the lube. Seems to work good enough.

 

[Walkalong]

No lube inside the neck cannot stick cases, but can stretch the neck on the way back out sometimes, so use a carbide or TIN coated expander, or a tee tiny bit of lube. I have never used a Q-Tip.

 

[cfullgraf]

If you are using a lube pad. You can scoop the neck on it and get enough lube.
If you hear it chirp. Lube the next case. After a few times you will know how often to lube.
I do about every 3 cases.
I used to do every case. But I was getting excess in the case and plugging up the sizer die.

When I use a case lube pad, I basically use the same method as Bfh_auto.

I sometimes use a lubricant like Imperial Sizing wax. I have some nylon brushes similar to bore brushes to brush lubricant inside the case neck. Choose a brush size similar to the diameter of the case neck. Like the case lube pad, I do not lube every case neck. After a short while, you get a feeling on how frequently you need to lubricate the case neck.

 

[Blue68f100]

If I need to lube the inside of the necks I use the Imperial Neck Sizing Mica (graphite). It a dry lube so you don't have to worry about cleaning it off. OS works well too for the 223 provided you can follow the directions.

 

[Charlie98]

Edit to add, One Shot spray gets tons of hate. The main reason people have negative results is not following directions. It has to fully dry.

THAT, x1000!

I stuck 2 .30-06 cases, and wasted a size die... before I read the directions. Now I have no problems.

I lay my brass on a cookie sheet (don't tell my wife!) with the necks toward me, and spray them at a 45^ angle... so the spray gets inside the necks, too. Make sure you get the entire case... don't neglect the base.

 

[AJC1]

Best option is to use an upgraded expander. Second best option is to polish your new expander. Two ways to reduce friction, add a lubricant or reduce drag. Polishing can also prevent scratching and scraping of the necks. Third option and the way I do it is remove the expander completely and use a mandrel just like every pistol case anyone has in the history of reloading.

 

[Lineman65]

I use imperial on the outside of the cases, just a swipe of the finger on the wax does a good few cases. I keep a little plastic cup full of birdshot mixed with powdered graphite next to my press. I’ll dip every fourth of fifth case neck into it before sizing. That seems to be enough to keep the expander lubed. Haven’t had a stuck case. Yet. Good luck to you.

 

[Cemetery21]

I have a q-tip with my Imperial and Mink oil paste to use if I get a squeak. Also have a dry neck clean/lube dohicky screwed to the bench next to the press.
Similar one here https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012692264?pid=301357
It uses motor mica to slick up necks.

 

[doubleh]

I have used Cabela's spray lube for years. I have no idea who actually makes it. I spray them in a flat pan, shake them around and spray again, then let dry which takes only minutes this time of year. Then I do the same thing only using a lighter spray. I pay no attention to inside the neck. I have yet to stick a case doing this. In cold weather I use a hair dryer to speed up drying.

Now I'm going to go find some wood to knock just in case I jinxed myself by bragging.

 

[Harriw]

I use one-shot sizing wax for sizing rifle cases (anyone know how it compares to imperial? I've only ever used the hornady brand). I also just dab the case mouth onto my lubed finger to get a tiny bit of lube inside the rim. Never had a problem doing this.

I really like the graphite w/ lead shot idea lineman65 mentioned though... gonna have to try that!

I do use the one-shot spray lube for straight-walled pistol cases though, and highly recommend it.

 

[RussellC]

When you're done wiping lube onto the outside of a case, slide a finger over the mouth and you'll leave a bit inside the rim. Maybe qtip the first three because it's all bone dry, but you should be fine after that.

Also, spray lube works fine if you do it correctly. It's just easier to get wrong than manual lubing.


And do yourself a favor and buy a tin of Imperial next. It's the kittens whiskers for manual lube.

That is a fact on the Imperial wax! Outstanding stuff.

Russellc

 

[SlowFuse]

I use one-shot sizing wax for sizing rifle cases (anyone know how it compares to imperial? I've only ever used the hornady brand).

If youre talking about the Hornady "Unique" case lube it's a very similar product.

 

[Harriw]

If youre talking about the Hornady "Unique" case lube it's a very similar product.

I'm guessing it's similar, but it's actually this stuff:



Whatever it is, it works well.

 

[shell70634]

I use a mixture of Iso-heet gas line antifreeze and lanolin. Shake well. A couple of handfuls or cases in a plastic bag, couple of shots of spray, and shake. I size and deprime, then tumble clean. Back off size die when I load. No need for lube then and brass not covered with lube to attract dirt.

 

[SlowFuse]

Ah, forgot they had two of them. That in your pic is actually even more similar to the imperial, the only difference I can tell is the color. Haven't used it though.

The unique I was referring to is more of a stiff cream. I guess its most similar common lube comparison would be the Lee stuff in a tube.

 

[snuzzo29]

I use Hornady Unique on the case body and dip the neck in Imperial Dry Neck lube.

 

[kmw1954]

Just received my 223 dies and sample lube package, ... What is you process for lube and lube suggestions, all new to me this is my first attempt at rifle (223) loading.

Right there with you, my dies and other tools will be here early next week. I have a tub of Hornady Unique Case Lube that will be my first try.