Lubricating Cases
Understanding the
purpose of Case
Lubricant, and how it should be implemented in the reloading process, is
essential for a Handloader to be successful. When used correctly, a
high-quality Case Lube will prevent a host of frustrating problems and
make the endeavor much easier and more enjoyable. High-quality Case
Lubricants, such as Imperial Sizing Die Wax, are formulated with EP
(Extreme Pressure) additives. These
additives are necessary to create and maintain a sufficient barrier
between the cartridge case and the Reloading Die during the compression
and stress generated by the resizing process. Because EP agents are not
present in ordinary oils and greases, they are not suitable for
cartridge case resizing. Use of improper lubricants will result in a
multitude of problems, some of which include: stuck cases, scratched
cases, difficulty resizing, etc.
It is preferable
that Case Lubricant is applied by
hand, one case at a time. This method provides both the opportunity for
thorough lube application, but also the opportunity to individually
inspect each cartridge case for defects or flaws. Due to its thickness, a
tremendous amount of pressure is generated at the head / web of a
cartridge case during the resizing process. By comparison, the shoulder
and neck are relatively thin and require less effort to resize. As
you may have deduced, Case Lubricant should be applied more generously
at the web than other areas of the case (see image #7 below). If the web
is insufficiently lubricated, the case will become stuck in the Die. Handloaders
using spray-on case lubricants need to be particularly mindful of this,
especially if a loading block covers the web of the cartridge cases
during application (be sure that the web is exposed, See image #6
below). If using spray-on lubricants, please follow the
manufacturer’s recommendations with regard to application methods and
adhesion time.
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Please
note that the inside of the case neck should be cleaned with a nylon or
brass bristle brush before lubrication is applied; a few quick passes
is sufficient (see image #8 below this paragraph). Cases should then be wiped free of dirt or debris
Though often neglected, the neck of
the cartridge case should be lubricated. For
this task, we recommend using Imperial Dry Neck Lube. The easiest way
to apply dry neck lube is simply to dip the cartridge case neck into
Imperial Application Media. The media consists of high
density ceramic spheres (spheres approximate the size of #9 lead shot)
that are pre-charged with Imperial Dry Neck Lube. This method allows the
Handloader to lubricate both the inside and outside of the case neck
simultaneously.
To apply Case
Lubricant, please follow the procedure below. Please note that the steps
that follow will prepare a cartridge case to be Full Length Resized. If
Neck Sizing only, please skip ahead to step #6.
1) Work some Imperial Sizing Die Wax between the tip of your forefinger and thumb.
2) When sufficiently coated, use your index finger and thumb to hold the base of the cartridge case.
3) Use your free hand to grip the case’s neck and rotate it so that lubrication transfers to the cartridge case.
4) When the web area has been
completely coated, slowly move toward the shoulder or case mouth,
applying an even coating of case lubricant along the way. If resizing a bottleneck cartridge case, stop at the shoulder/body junction. If lubricant finds its way to the shoulder, simply wipe it away with a clean finger to avoid dents.
5) Should the lubricant become sparse, replenish by repeating step #1.
6) If
resizing a bottleneck cartridge case, we recommend dipping the case
neck into Imperial Application Media to lubricate the inside and outside
of the case neck with dry neck lube (images 5 & 5B below).
Imperial Sizing Die Wax needn’t be
heavily applied to be effective. However, it is advisable to apply
lubricant more liberally on the first few cases to be resized. This will
“season” the Die and help insure that cases do not become stuck.
Experience will garner a feel for how much lubricant is sufficient. If
the resizing process becomes increasingly difficult, this is a good
indication that more case lubricant is necessary. If
you encounter greater than average resistance when pulling the expander
button through the case neck or if it produces an audible “squawk,”
this indicates that you did not clean the case neck or that more dry
neck lubricant is needed.