Your case lube
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SlowFuse
Member
There are ways to lube large amounts of brass that I use that involve spray and a ziplock bag.
But for your purpose doing small amounts of brass I haven't found anything better than imperial wax. I've tried a few.
But for your purpose doing small amounts of brass I haven't found anything better than imperial wax. I've tried a few.
FROGO207
Member
There are possibly as many types of case lube as there are reloaders. The ink pad needs a liquid lube such as available from RCBS. Imperial Sizing Wax is a good solution you apply with your fingers. I use a home made alcohol and lanolin mix to spray lube mine with good results. One Shot aerosol works well IF you follow the instructions and shake frequently while applying; some have problems with it though. The tube of Lee lube is used with good results by many. There are many other commercial products as well. Look up home made resizing lube on the net for a long read.
Look up resizing lube on a site such as Midway USA for the popular brands and descriptions of how to use. Basically it has to keep the brass from sticking in the die and either be easily removable or not hurt the propellant that is in the reloaded round if left there after the brass is resized.
Look up resizing lube on a site such as Midway USA for the popular brands and descriptions of how to use. Basically it has to keep the brass from sticking in the die and either be easily removable or not hurt the propellant that is in the reloaded round if left there after the brass is resized.
badkarmamib
Member
I reload rifle 20-30 at a time, pistol 50-100 at a time. I use a single-stage press. For my needs, the cheap toothpaste tube of Lee lube works great, easy to apply, easy to wipe back off, any residue missed is not supposed to have any effect on powder. And, most importantly, I have not had a stuck case yet!
Dog Soldier
member
Most all petroleum based case lubes are made from paraffin. Paraffin is a by product of gasoline refining. It is sold as an oil additive at NAPA stores and Walmart. It has names like STP Motor Magic etc.
When you buy small tubes labeled RCBS, Lyman etc. it is expensive. Buy a jar marked STP and it will last a life time.
When you buy small tubes labeled RCBS, Lyman etc. it is expensive. Buy a jar marked STP and it will last a life time.
For handgun cases, I spritz some lanolin/alcohol case lube on the cases and then resize in a carbide sizing die. Reduces the load especially on large diameter cases such as 45 Colt or 44 Mag/Special.
I've used the lanolin/alcohol to good effect on 204 Ruger and 300 BLK but have not tried it on anything larger. Put the cases in a plastic tub, spritz, shuffle, and let dry.
For most rifle cases, I use either RCBS Case lube on a pad or Imperial sizing wax being careful to not get any lube on the shoulder.
All cases get tumbled after sizing to remove the lubricant.
I've used the lanolin/alcohol to good effect on 204 Ruger and 300 BLK but have not tried it on anything larger. Put the cases in a plastic tub, spritz, shuffle, and let dry.
For most rifle cases, I use either RCBS Case lube on a pad or Imperial sizing wax being careful to not get any lube on the shoulder.
All cases get tumbled after sizing to remove the lubricant.
mgmorden
Member
For rifle I use lanolin - the thick stuff and I just apply a very thin coat with my fingers on each case before I size it.
Lee's lube works too - as does mink oil. For me anything that's inexpensive and keeps cases from sticking in my dies is fine.
For pistol I just use carbide dies and don't bother.
Lee's lube works too - as does mink oil. For me anything that's inexpensive and keeps cases from sticking in my dies is fine.
For pistol I just use carbide dies and don't bother.
morcey2
Member
If you're not doing a lot, I'd recommend just using either Lee Lube in the tube or Imperial Sizing Wax and applying it with your fingers. I did that with Lee until I started doing large batches of 223. ("large" being a relative term). I've never used Imperial, but I know many who do and it works great. I've since started using the same Lee lube dissolved in isopropyl alcohol (Iso-Heet in the red bottle) and sprayed on the cases in a zip-lock bag. Works great.
Matt
Matt
I do similar for volume reloading, and use rcbs lube on a pad and my fingers for small batch workups...that way you dont end up with lube anywhere besides where you want it. Makes it a simple wipe off after sizing rather then a cleaning.
Dog Soldier
member
If you live in the West you have a constant problem with "Blow Sand". It matters not how tight your windows and doors. You wipe away the sand and it is back tomorrow.
This sand gets on the greasy RCBS lube pads. The case attract this very fine silicate. The sand cuts and scores you sizing dies.
This sand gets on the greasy RCBS lube pads. The case attract this very fine silicate. The sand cuts and scores you sizing dies.
entropy
Member
<flame suit on> One Shot.
ColtPythonElite
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Hornady One Shot has worked fine for me for nearly a decade.
Cemetery21
Member
Imperial or mink oil paste.
I doubt there's a definitve answer to your question because the factors that make one lube or another "the best" (i.e. effecitveness, ease of application, ease of removal, etc.) are going to vary from one person to the next.
I suggest you read up on them and then buy a couple and experiment.
Personally, I use Lee or Hornady Unique.
Decoy80
Member
Nickle plated cases if possible for semi-auto actions. It seems to cycle well in the dies without lube. Burts Beeswax for dry ,cracked hands has similar results as Imperial sizing wax. WalMart usually has it and tumble as usual before loading. I have used my wifes Pam cooking oil spray in a pinch but I dont tell her. She thinks its only to be used on her cornbread skillet.
midland man
Member
Hornady One Shot has worked fine for me!!
rjbmjb
Member
In my experience, Imperial is the best by far. I use it to resize 50 BMG cartridges- RCBS and One Shot don't work nearly as well. For smaller rifle calibers, RCBS and One Shot both work well for me, but I generally use RCBS and a lube pad because I don't like waiting the 3-5 minutes for One Shot to dry.
springer99
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The best case lube is a very subjective topic around here. Any of the ones already noted will work fine, as long as they're applied properly. Nothing magic here. In my case, I use Hornady OneShot. Why?,..... because it's very easy to apply and I don't have to remove the small amount remaining after I've loaded the cases. For that reason, it's why I consider it the best.
I tumble 50 to 60 rifle cases at a time in a foam lined coffee can turning in a Thumblers Tumbler. I put several drops of my lube in it first. Cases all have a uniform amount of lube all over them and full length size to quite uniform dimensions. Much better than finger, spray or pad lube application systems. It all cleans off washing cases in lacquer thinner.
Blue68f100
Member
If I'm only doing a small number of cases I use Imperial Sizing wax. But if I've got 100's to do I will use Once Shot or Lanolin spray. With OS you do not have to remove afterwards. With all other it's recommended to clean the lube off.
I used to use spray lube in a ziploc bag, but after a long time without problems, I started to get stuck cases (I suspect something happened to the lube itself). Switched to manually-applied wax lube (Unique brand, IIRC), and haven't had a problem since.
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