Powder sticking to lube in case mouth?

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Baron

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Hi all - loading .223 with H335. I'm using Imperial Sizing Wax and run a finger over the case mouth when lubing so the expander ball stays happy. I elected not to tumble to remove the lube after sizing so I won't have to stick a paper clip in every single blasted flash hole to dislodge any media; instead I've decided to tumble the loaded rounds once completed to remove the lube.

However, I quickly noticed that powder is clinging to the inside of the case mouth, presumably due to the wax. Is there any reason to worry about this? I suppose my only recourse would be to retumble after sizing but I'd rather not go through the hassle of unblocking flash holes.

Ideas? Thanks, all.
 
Is there any reason to worry about this?
Click to expand...
no. just push the powder into the case w/ a paper clip or whatever.

I suppose my only recourse would be to retumble after sizing but I'd rather not go through the hassle of unblocking flash holes.

Ideas?
Click to expand...
yes... tumble after sizing, then when you get the cases out of the tumbler, put them in upside down in your ammo box. then you can see at a glance how many problems you have, and they are very easy to punch out when held like this. you should be able to do 100 cases in under 30 seconds.

also, i use corn cob for media - it doesn't plug the flash holes near as bad as walnut. if you are using walnut, try switching to corn cob - it helped me some. i still have to unplug the holes, but there are significantly fewer problems than when i used walnut.

good luck!
 
Same problem, little different situation. I normally only neck size (bottle neck rifle, several different) and use various dabs of lubricant on the neck. I have the same problem (if it's a problem) with a few powder granules sticking to the case mouth. I gave up--let the bullet push those few into the load, and all seems fine--I'm talking of over 40 years of this. I used to worry about it--hell, I still do occasionally--but it seems to be a non-issue.

Incidently, as good as Imperial is, you really don't need to go to that level of lub unless you're making pretty big case alterations. It's full name is Imperial Sizing Die Wax. I believe (could be mistaken) that it was originally referred to as Case Forming Wax. If you're not forming cases from something else, there are much easier lubs to use--that said, there's nothing better than Imperial.
 
There are a couple of documented recounts that you can find using google that say tumbling live ammo can change, (increase) it's burn rate due to individual granule break up. Increased burn rate = higher pressures.

There are probably a thousand people who will say they tumble live cartridges routinely.
But, safety doesn't just happen by popular vote.

It doesn't sound like a wise idea.
 
Tumbling live rounds for an hour or so, doesn't do too much to the powder. Heck, it proberly gets more shaken up than that, during shipping.

Tumbling for several days at a time maybe a little different, though.
 
There are probably a thousand people who will say they tumble live cartridges routinely
Click to expand...
Yep, and not a casual vote, real life doing it. Millions of rounds have been tumbled over the years.
 
as for the powder sticking to the case mouth, it happens to me as well. i use the lee lube and it specificly happens when i neck size my 300 win mag shells. i do not worry about it. even if those few granuals of powder do not burn, it is not like it will alter the velocity or accuracy much. just go and enjoy life. it is to short to sweat the small stuff.
 
I use carbide expander balls, no need to lube the inside of the case. For the cases I can not get a carbide expander for I use a dry powder neck lube.
 
Baron,

I don't like the way the powder sticks to the case mouth either, and most of my reloading is for bolt rifles and neck sizing with collet dies (no lube needed) so I use powder mica and dip each case mouth, or you can use a nylon brush, and clean the case mouths and install the mica at the same time.

An ounce of this stuff lasts for a long time, you can get it from Frankford Arsenal in 1 oz. container or in a nifty little case mouth prep station for little $.

It may be the solution to your problem or it may be an extra step that you don't really care to do.
 
Here's another solution. Use the next finer media, I use corn cob 20/40 and no more media in the flash holes, and it polishes just as good.

Availabilty most Industrial supply houses handle it or can get it. I use Graingers, 40 #'s for around $25.00, pick it up yourself and no shipping.

Add a little Nu-Finish to it.
 
Hi Baron!

I would highly recommend that you get your hands on some molyebdenum disulfide powder (made by Dow Corning) and end the application of 'wet' lubing your case necks. This powder will lubricate your case necks with very little required - it is very prolific! I used it for 35 years (and I only had a very small plastic bottle of it so it goes a long ways. The necks are dipped just a small distance into the powder and then they are tapped against the container's side to knock off any excess. The case necks will glide through your full length die like greased lightening. This is the only material that I found in 36 years of highpower and long range competitive shooting that worked for me flawlessly.
 
You are using way too much inside neck lube.

You really only need to do about 1 out of 3-4 cases anyway to prevent expander ball friction. Enough will stay on the ball to carry over to several more cases.

But a better method is to get a .22 nylon bore brush, apply very little lube to it, (like roll it on a lube pad) then use it to brush every case mouth.

You will end up with just enough lube to do the job, but not so much you have powder sticking too it.

Remember, just a little dab will do'ya!

However, with all that said, if you have so much lube inside the cases that powder is sticking too it, you can't be helping consistant case neck tension any at all!

rcmodel
 
The way I solved the powder sticking to the case mouth was using silicon spray for lube. After it dries the powder does not stick to the case mouth. Silicon seems as slick as any sizing lube I have used.
 
If a few kernels of powder stick inside a neck just use the base of a bullet to push it the rest of the way in. I mean, seat and shoot.
 
Push it in, along with the oil that will contaminate the powder?

I say again:
If you have powder sticking too it,
You are using way too much inside neck lube.

rcmodel
 
You might try switching to dipping the necks in mica or graphite, but rcmodel is right, if a lot of kernels are sticking in the necks, it's too much lube.

The plastic brush thing works great. "a little dab will do'ya!"
 
"Hi all - loading .223 with H335. I'm using Imperial Sizing Wax and run a finger over the case mouth when lubing so the expander ball stays happy."

Imperial Wax ain't oil and it ain't grease. It's a harmless wax.
 
Great wisdom, all - thanks for so many helpful replies. Looks like dry lube it is! Many thanks.
 
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