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Cleaning Dies
- Thread starter Poconolg
- Start date
You have to clean the dies ONCE--when you get them.
Get aerosol brake cleaner or Hornady One Shot Cleaner and Dry Lube (not Case Lube).
Spray out the inside to remove any rust preventative and machining remains or whatever detritus you have left from reloading and the outside threads.
If you gum up a die with bullet lube, STOP using so much bullet lube. If you use Lee Liquid Alox, you shouldn't even be able to see it on the bullet.
If you get a build-up of brass shavings, chamfer all case mouths inside and out lightly when you get them and when ever you trim them (don't bother trimming straight-wall handgun cases).
Most of my dies have never been cleaned after the initial cleaning when purchased.
Get aerosol brake cleaner or Hornady One Shot Cleaner and Dry Lube (not Case Lube).
Spray out the inside to remove any rust preventative and machining remains or whatever detritus you have left from reloading and the outside threads.
If you gum up a die with bullet lube, STOP using so much bullet lube. If you use Lee Liquid Alox, you shouldn't even be able to see it on the bullet.
If you get a build-up of brass shavings, chamfer all case mouths inside and out lightly when you get them and when ever you trim them (don't bother trimming straight-wall handgun cases).
Most of my dies have never been cleaned after the initial cleaning when purchased.
I just clean them with whatever standard cleaner/solvent I use on my guns..."gun scrubber", "Ballistol", "Shooters Choice"... or whatever....
I dissassemble and clean my dies about every 3,000 rds thru the press.../ same as recommended by the press mfg for lubricating press...( so I do everything at once...or every time I change calibers on press --- clean press, lube, clean dies in toolhead, etc...).
Q tips, a couple of patches.. no big deal...
I dissassemble and clean my dies about every 3,000 rds thru the press.../ same as recommended by the press mfg for lubricating press...( so I do everything at once...or every time I change calibers on press --- clean press, lube, clean dies in toolhead, etc...).
Q tips, a couple of patches.. no big deal...
ShootistPRS
New member
In cleaning your dies you can use your choice of solvent (I use Stoddard solvent - "mineral spirits / paint thinner) and an old gun cleaning kit. Don't use brushes unless you have the soft brushes used for oil passages or glass tubes. I disassemble my dies and clean all the parts separately. The parts are dried and then wiped down with a soft cotton towel with an oil film - similar to the towel you might use to wipe your gun down after cleaning. The dies are assembled and reset for use.
If you use brake parts cleaner or electrical contact cleaner it is very important to apply a light coat of oil to preserve and protect them.
If you use brake parts cleaner or electrical contact cleaner it is very important to apply a light coat of oil to preserve and protect them.
Stats Shooter
New member
Once I went to imperial sizing wax, using a decapping die, and tumbling my brass before sizing, I never need to clean them. But I do occasionally use a rolled up paper towel and/or q tips and sweet solvent.
disseminator
New member
I do the initial clean in the Ultra Sonic Cleaner with a parts cleaning solution. (Lyman)
After that, I just swab them out as needed and use a little Imperial Case Wax on the insides as needed per the (Redding) instructions.
I only put the body of the dies in the Sonic, I just wipe down the other parts with a little CLP on a rag.
After that, I just swab them out as needed and use a little Imperial Case Wax on the insides as needed per the (Redding) instructions.
I only put the body of the dies in the Sonic, I just wipe down the other parts with a little CLP on a rag.
The exception to one-time-cleaning comes up when you are shooting lubricated lead bullets. Depending on the bullet, I have to clean the seating ram of my 45 Auto seating die every 500-2000 rounds or so, or the cartridges start getting shorter from the build-up. Q-tip, mineral spirits.
Don Fischer
New member
I'm pretty much a one time cleaner also but now and then I do spray them with One Shot cleaner. Now and then I also give them a squirt with One Shot case lube. Don't know that either is necessary, haven't had a problem either wy.
I use Tri Clore (sp?) great stuff, illegal now (kills ozones) but I have a bit left.
New brake cleaner.
Once clean, you have to lube as they get really growly.
The following statement leave me a bit baffled. "You never have to clean them the first time, except if you over lube but then you still don't have to clean them, just don't over lube"
I clean mine occasionally by the way and lube up with Hornady One Shot Lube.
"You have to clean the dies ONCE--when you get them.
Get aerosol brake cleaner or Hornady One Shot Cleaner and Dry Lube (not Case Lube).
Spray out the inside to remove any rust preventative and machining remains or whatever detritus you have left from reloading and the outside threads.
If you gum up a die with bullet lube, STOP using so much bullet lube. If you use Lee Liquid Alox, you shouldn't even be able to see it on the bullet.
If you get a build-up of brass shavings, chamfer all case mouths inside and out lightly when you get them and when ever you trim them (don't bother trimming straight-wall handgun cases).
Most of my dies have never been cleaned after the initial cleaning when purchased. "
New brake cleaner.
Once clean, you have to lube as they get really growly.
The following statement leave me a bit baffled. "You never have to clean them the first time, except if you over lube but then you still don't have to clean them, just don't over lube"
I clean mine occasionally by the way and lube up with Hornady One Shot Lube.
"You have to clean the dies ONCE--when you get them.
Get aerosol brake cleaner or Hornady One Shot Cleaner and Dry Lube (not Case Lube).
Spray out the inside to remove any rust preventative and machining remains or whatever detritus you have left from reloading and the outside threads.
If you gum up a die with bullet lube, STOP using so much bullet lube. If you use Lee Liquid Alox, you shouldn't even be able to see it on the bullet.
If you get a build-up of brass shavings, chamfer all case mouths inside and out lightly when you get them and when ever you trim them (don't bother trimming straight-wall handgun cases).
Most of my dies have never been cleaned after the initial cleaning when purchased. "
CombatDiver
Inactive
I use a sonic cleaner with degreaser. Then I lube using homebrew lanolin lube.