Cleaning and Lubricating Dies

[chief38]

On my main Press which is a Dillon XL650 I have the Dillon Carbide dies with the quick pull pin release that instantly drops the dies out with no loss of settings. When loading lead bullets I usually clean them after about 500 rounds. The wax is the culprit! When reloading FMJ or Polymer coated bullets I can easily go 1,500 - 2,000 rounds before cleaning.

I normally use Alcohol and a bamboo chop stick to clean them and sometimes when loading 158 grain RNL 38 specials I use Hoppes 9 and a cotton twill patch. Sometimes on the sizing die I use a small amount of Flitz on a cotton flannel Foredom Electric tool polishing wheel to remove brass deposits. That isn't very often.

 

[Donnie805]

I believe that rust often depends on where you live in the country and the humidity in your reloading area (i.e. basement, garage, etc.). I've never had rust problems here in Colorado because of the low humidity. I seldom clean my dies but when I do I de-assemble them and put them in a Harbor Freight sonic cleaner for about 12 minutes or so. I have shinny dies that continue to work great. I hope I'm not doing anything inappropriate, but I'm sure my reloading colleagues with their extensive expertise on this thread will point it out. If so....thank you brothers!

 

[rockquarry]

I only clean seating and crimp dies when they have a buildup of bullet lubricant from loading conventionally-lubed cast bullets and even then they don't always need cleaning. I don't clean other dies and I have die sets fifty years old or older. Many handloaders and shooters have become needlessly fastidious, almost a hobby in itself, but it does no harm.

 

[TAROMAN]

A spritz of Boeshield has permanently prevented rust.