BigBill
Absent Comrade
I been loading for 50 years I do get leading inside the seating die with cast non coated bullets.
Reloading Die Maintenance
- Thread starter Dragonwing
- Start date
STORMINORMAN
Member
Bought a dedicated de-priming die with my 1st set of dies: use them to de-prime and, then, thoroughly clean (tumbled with SS pins) all cases before they ever go through the sizing dies.
The sizing dies all look like new.
A shot of Hornady One Shot Gun Cleaner, a few Q-Tips every so often (especially after loading a bunch of lead or coated bullets) keeps the dies functioning as new. At some point I guess I will eventually get anal-retentive and run them through the sonic cleaner...
Cheers!
P.S. I wonder how many actually perform the most basic of all die maintenance: as recommended, thoroughly cleaning them before using them the 1st time?
The sizing dies all look like new.
A shot of Hornady One Shot Gun Cleaner, a few Q-Tips every so often (especially after loading a bunch of lead or coated bullets) keeps the dies functioning as new. At some point I guess I will eventually get anal-retentive and run them through the sonic cleaner...
Cheers!
P.S. I wonder how many actually perform the most basic of all die maintenance: as recommended, thoroughly cleaning them before using them the 1st time?
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After loading cast I use cheapo carb. or brake spray cleaner, wipe with Q- tip til clean, blow out with air( all dies are carbide). Inspect dies with flash light, check for crud.
J. R. WEEMS
Member
DIE MAINTANCE
Have always cleaned new dies when bought, As above, cast bullets can cause some build up but I suspect it would take a few thousand to cause a problem. In such a case, a bit of cleaning, can take place, Gun Scrubber for me, and dusted down now and then with a shaving brush doused with SHEATH when session is finished. I use a Redding Turret press and all dies have their own turret, which is stored in a Tupperware container with foam rubber in the bottom. Dont think they make those containers any more but there must be others out there. All this contained in a wooden cabinet picked up at a yard sale for $10.00 and mounted on the wall. Works for me.
Have always cleaned new dies when bought, As above, cast bullets can cause some build up but I suspect it would take a few thousand to cause a problem. In such a case, a bit of cleaning, can take place, Gun Scrubber for me, and dusted down now and then with a shaving brush doused with SHEATH when session is finished. I use a Redding Turret press and all dies have their own turret, which is stored in a Tupperware container with foam rubber in the bottom. Dont think they make those containers any more but there must be others out there. All this contained in a wooden cabinet picked up at a yard sale for $10.00 and mounted on the wall. Works for me.
I disassemble and thoroughly clean new dies per Redding's instructions. 'On the fly' cleaning is limited to a wipe-out of the business area with a Q-tip and solution. Subsequent detailed cleanings are infrequent.
Equally important is a light coating of oil to prevent rust while keeping it off brass, powder, etc.
Equally important is a light coating of oil to prevent rust while keeping it off brass, powder, etc.
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I clean my Dies at the end of the day after a reloading session. It only takes a few minutes and it keeps thinks running smooth & clean. I use Isopropyl Alcohol and a rag. If there happens to be some stubborn debris I use a Chop Stick which won't scratch the dies. A few minutes of PM can save much time and effort down the road.
I usually clean my dies once a year depending on the use and number of rounds loaded.
My 38 special dies are checked3-4 times a year if shooting a lot of lead reloads.
I find that clean brass with a light lube in my dies will usually last 500 rounds with lead 148 or 158 bullets, before a Q-tip or rag is needed to remove the soil ring, inside the die.
Once you scrach a die, the cases will show marks on their sides, so dirt and sand should be removed from the cases.
My 38 special dies are checked3-4 times a year if shooting a lot of lead reloads.
I find that clean brass with a light lube in my dies will usually last 500 rounds with lead 148 or 158 bullets, before a Q-tip or rag is needed to remove the soil ring, inside the die.
Once you scrach a die, the cases will show marks on their sides, so dirt and sand should be removed from the cases.
I have not reloaded in years, but I just cleaned mine like a pistol bore with Hoppe's or Outer's solvent and bore brush. Lead bullet seating dies got scraped inside with a popsicle stick properly shaped to clean most of the junk away. I did not take them apart and recalibrate( lazy).
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