Removing case lube

[Steve K]

I have a couple of guns with very tight chambers; both 9MM. I lube the cases before resizing to make the process easier since the dies is the Lee undersize die. I've been tumbling the rounds in a mix of lizard and walnut media. The lube is cleaned nicely, but I find media in the hollow point. This presents a problem in that the media gets into the internal parts of the pistols and has caused malfunctions. I tries just lizard media thinking the finer gran would not settle in the holes but it is very dusty and still clogs the hollow point. The only solution I can think of is to size the cases separately and delube in a sonic cleaner.
Any other suggestion would be appreciated.
Thanks

 

[AJ]

I started out many years ago using steel dies and case lube. To get the case lube off I used a rag to wipe off the case lube, sometimes I would use lacquer thinner on the cloth to help out taking the lube off. Then I got smart (atleast to me) and gave the steel dies to friends and bought carbide dies. Have not had to clean cases since after loading. I use over the counter case tumbling media in my tumbler and add a cap full of Brasso every few tumbling sessions. Just the way I do it........

 

[mckenney99]

Steve K, The only cases that I have to remove lube from are rifle cases but I use corncob media with just a small amount of mineral spirits / paint thinner added. It doesn't take much, you don't want to make your media gummy. With just the media in the running tumbler I just give a couple spritzes from a spray bottle, let it mix for a minute, then add the rounds. The mineral spirits speeds up the removal and the rounds don't have to spend very long at all in the tumbler, couple minutes only, although time my vary depending on what your using for lube. If you check around, there are various grades/sizes of media available that might help to mitigate your plugging issue also.

 

[AZ2VET]

What are you using for case lube? I am thinking a lanoline type of lube. Have you tried the Hornady spray case lube? It is a bit pricy at $10 a can but I think it would be worth it to ease what you are currently dealing with. You may also consider the Lee case lube mixed with like 99% alcohol, it can be easily removed by rubbing them in a damp towel once your rounds are completed.

 

[nicky4968]

I don’t tumble loaded rounds.
Outside of center fire rifle, I only have one round I have to lube (because of age). However, if I had the Lee steel die, I would do the same with the 9 mm as I do now with the .45 Colt.
1. Clean the cases by tumbling in corn cob media.
2. Lube cases.
3. Size/deprime and expand cases.
4. Clean cases again.
5. Prime case.
6. Add powder to case.
7. Seat bullet.
8. Crimp bullet.

This is more or less the same as I do with 7 Mauser and .30-30.
Best part of the system is it works.

 

[ken158]

Why are you tumbling loaded ammo? Lube, size, clean and then load. Better yet, use carbide dies and (usually) skip the lube step.

 

[Drm50]

I don't tumble loade rounds either. For common handgun calibers I have carbide dies but I have several sets for obsolete cartridges that are steel.
Rifle dies are all steel. I tumble in media wipe off, lube load and then wipe each round with hard cloth. Same for many years with no problems and I got a couple tight chambered Varmit guns.

 

[trapper9260]

I don’t tumble loaded rounds.
Outside of center fire rifle, I only have one round I have to lube (because of age). However, if I had the Lee steel die, I would do the same with the 9 mm as I do now with the .45 Colt.
1. Clean the cases by tumbling in corn cob media.
2. Lube cases.
3. Size/deprime and expand cases.
4. Clean cases again.
5. Prime case.
6. Add powder to case.
7. Seat bullet.
8. Crimp bullet.

This is more or less the same as I do with 7 Mauser and .30-30.
Best part of the system is it works.

This is how I do all my cases. The only thing different is I use ground walnut for the first cleaning then for the 2nd clean I use ground corn cobs and take care what ever lube in the cases. Do not clean loaded rounds in the tumbler . I would not do that. I clean out the cases after I put them in the tumbler of any walnut or corn cobs.

 

[memtb]

I have used cigarette lighter fluid. Makes them “squeaky” clean! memtb

 

[max]

A bit of WD-40 on a rag or paper towel will take the lube off.

 

[Univibe]

1. Use Hornady One Shot spray lube.

2. Remove line with a paper towel damp with rubbing alcohol.

Problem solved.

 

[AlHunt]

I use a coffee can and brake parts cleaner to remove lube. It does sound like OP is tumbling loaded ammo, which I don't do.

 

[gwpercle]

Lee Case Lube is a water soluble , dry wax . It doesn't have to be removed .
Dissolve the Lee Case lube in denatured alcohol , pour mix into a spray bottle , mist the cases and roll around to evenly spread lube .
They dry in 30 seconds , the loaded rounds can be lain (laid ?) on a towel and rolled around to remove or you can just leave it...handling the rounds removes the thin dry wax film .

Don't tumble hollow points...the media get into any place it can .
Then you have to sit there and pick out every bit .
Use an old towel and brake cleaner if you want to use the greasy sticky lube .
Gary

 

[Bronco89]

What are you using for case lube?
Lee case lube mixed with like 99% alcohol, it can be easily removed by rubbing them in a damp towel once your rounds are completed.

I use the Lee, the stuff will last for ever. I dampen a rag with alcohol and it all wipes away with easy.

 

[LoboGunLeather]

Old worn towel with a bit of mineral spirits or rubbing alcohol will remove the greasy-type case lube. The wax-based lubes usually require nothing more than a quick rub with the old towel.

 

[oldsalt444]

+1 on Hornady case lube. Best stuff out there. Don't have to worry about removing it later. If you insist on using silicone spray, then place your loaded rounds in a big towel, spray with WD-40 and roll them around bowling ball style. Set the rounds out to dry overnight.

 

[Steve K]

Thanks for all the suggestions. I decided to readjust my RCBS carbide die and not use lube. I reloaded a dozen rounds and preformed the plunk test on the two guns I use the most. They worked fine. It is not as smooth as the lubed cases, but it eliminates the clogged hollow points. If I have the need to lube the cases again I will not tumble them but use your suggestions on removing the lube. By the way, the lube I use is nine parts 99% alcohol to one part lanolin. It is a great lube, I use it on all my rifle cases.
Thanks again for the suggestions.