Author Topic: Removing case lube (Read 610 times)

Questor · « **on:** July 06, 2004, 05:30:46 AM »

I just loaded a bunch of 223 cases using Imperial sizing wax. Although I wiped the cases afterward with an alcohol-soaked rag, there is still an oily film on the cases. How can I remove this?

Redhawk1 · « **Reply #1 on:** July 06, 2004, 05:33:52 AM »

I just wipe mine down with a dry cloth and thats it. I don't really notice much oily film. I don't think it is enough to worry about. :grin:

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #2 on:** July 06, 2004, 05:40:24 AM »

I use the RCBS case lube and clean it off the cases with a paper towel squirted with spray automotive brake cleaner.

Jack Crevalle · « **Reply #3 on:** July 06, 2004, 05:52:53 AM »

I just use a dry paper towel ( Viva brand is best, high rag content ) wrap it around 2-3 cartridges and roll the wrapped cartridges around in it. With a single paper towel I can wipe about 30-40 cartridges by varying where I put the cartridges on the towel and folding it over.

How much are you using? I can lube about 7 or more cartridges just with a slight amount on my fingers. I'd try it without the alcohol.

New Hampshire · « **Reply #4 on:** July 06, 2004, 12:04:43 PM »

I toiled with wiping cases and hated it. I finaly tried an easier way that was suggested.........spray cases and size em. Then, before you prime em just toss them in the tumbler again for about 20 or 30 minutes. Cleans that lube of easily with no sore fingers from all the wiping (I do a lot of bulk .223 loading, thats why the sore fingers.)
Brian M.

bgjohn · « **Reply #5 on:** July 06, 2004, 12:16:46 PM »

Quote from: New Hampshire

I toiled with wiping cases and hated it. I finaly tried an easier way that was suggested.........spray cases and size em. Then, before you prime em just toss them in the tumbler again for about 20 or 30 minutes. Cleans that lube of easily with no sore fingers from all the wiping (I do a lot of bulk .223 loading, thats why the sore fingers.)
Brian M.

Use a set of LEE collett dies and you don't need to lube them! When're you guys gonna learn?

JM

Leftoverdj · « **Reply #6 on:** July 06, 2004, 12:37:59 PM »

I've been known to boil big batches. Easiest way when you are doing several hundred at a time. Just add a little dish soap, a lot of water, and boil. Drain them upside down in loading blocks for a couple of days.

Thomas Krupinski · « **Reply #7 on:** July 06, 2004, 01:27:06 PM »

Now when I am cleaning them with the paper towel sprayed with brake cleaner, these are already loaded cartridges. I load my .223's on a progressive and the first stage has a lube die.

When they come out of the shell plate they are lubed as well as finished. Then it's clean and inspect before packaging.

Donna · « **Reply #8 on:** July 06, 2004, 06:51:29 PM »

Jack Crevealle Â– you want to make sure the lub (or wax) is off the cases before they are fired. If there is any lub (or wax) the cases will not grab the chamber walls properly and that can cause the case to slam into the bolt causing excessive bolt thrust and possibly damage the bolt lugs. I have seen a bolt break loose and go through a solid wood door from this very same problem.

Donna

Jack Crevalle · « **Reply #9 on:** July 07, 2004, 02:13:50 AM »

Quote from: Donna

Jack Crevealle Â– you want to make sure the lub (or wax) is off the cases before they are fired. If there is any lub (or wax) the cases will not grab the chamber walls properly and that can cause the case to slam into the bolt causing excessive bolt thrust and possibly damage the bolt lugs. I have seen a bolt break loose and go through a solid wood door from this very same problem.

Donna

It wasn't my intention for anyone to assume that I was implying intentionally leaving any lube on the case. Rather, I was just trying to say that wiping off the lube is, I believe, without having the package directions in front of me, the recommended way to remove it. I'll refrain from speculation about whether this method can in fact remove 100% of the lubricant. I've editted my post to try to dispell any impressions to the contrary.

Steelbanger · « **Reply #10 on:** July 07, 2004, 05:31:01 AM »

When it's necessary to full length size cases, I find the easiest way to remove lube is with Birchwood Casey Brass Cartridge Cleaner. I lube the inside necks too and this cleaner removes all traces of lube, inside & out, gives the brass a nice sheen also. Three or four minutes in the solution, a thorough rinse and let 'em dry. I put mine outside in the summer sun for a few hours and find something else to do while they're drying. If you're seeing a grayish residue in the primer pockets after drying this indicates that the rinse wasn't thorough enough. I suppose a short time in the oven at low temp would dry the cases quickly.

I have convenient memory loss so I don't remember what I paid for this cleaner but Midsouth handles it in a concentrate, requiring 2 oz cleaner with 1 qt. water. In addition, you can use it a few times.

However, nothing beats straight wall cases & carbide dies or Lee Collet dies for bottleneck cases that don't require full length sizing.