Cleaning Dies?

[pmang]

I am fairly new to reloading and I am wondering if it is OK to clean my resizing die after use with brake cleaner? I am looking to remove the lubricant from it. Also I noticed that the brass is lightly scratched around the circumference of the case.

Thanks

[gypsyman]

I generally put my dies in the tumbler, and let them polish up. Then, depending on what caliber, spray them with G96 or Rem Oil to protect them. (My loading bench is in the basement, naturally humid). You could spray them with a brake parts cleaner, and I have done that many times, just remember that cleans them so well, there is no protective film on the dies to keep them from rusting.  gypsyman

[John Traveler]

Cleaning your reloading dies is no problem.  Just be sure to re-lubricate them to prevent rust as Gypsyman said.

As far as scratches on your sized cases, you can CAREFULLY polish out the scratches in your sizing dies using crocus cloth.  You can get crocus cloth at an automotive supply store or paint store.  It is even finer grit that the fine 600 grit wet-or-dry sandpaper for sanding painted finishes.

Use a piece of wooden dowel with a hacksawed slot down the middle.  Cut a strip of the crocus cloth and wrap around the split dowel.  You can either manually turn the dowel (slow) or chuck up the dowel in an electric hand drill or drill press.  Avoid polishing the case mouth crimp area.  All it takes is a few seconds spin to polish the sizing cavity.  Clean with solvent, wipe dry, and re-oil.   

[Dave in WV]

This may sound like a silly question but are you cleaning your cases before resizing them? If not, that's the cause of the scratching. I use carb cleaner to clean my dies.