Lubing pistol cases

[dakotashooter2]

I am currious as to how many lube their pistol cases when handloading. I never have or have had to lube straight wall pistol cases with any of the dies (non carbide) I have ever used yet I often hear reference to doing so. I have never had one even come close to sticking. So if you lube... why?

[ricciardelli]

Because on the third tablet that God gave Moses, Commandment number 14 stated, "Thou shalt lube all cases, regardless of case type or die type."

Unfortunately, the third tablet is the one Moses dropped, so that is why we only have 10 Commandments.

[Hairtrigger]

I put mine in a plastic bag and mist them with spray lube. I shake the bag for a few seconds.
Kind of primitive but works for me

[KN]

Thats why carbide dies are made. So you don't have to lube.   KN

[Hairtrigger]

Some of my first dies are old enough they are not carbide.
Plus a bit of lube makes things work a bit easier.

[Steve P]

If you are using a standard steel die, look at your cases under a magnifying glass.  You will see small scratches.  They WILL get worse if you keep sizing without lube.   I load for nearly half (if not more) of the straight wall cases typical in revolvers.  I keep imperial sizing die wax on my thumb and fore finger that picks up the cases.  EVEN WITH CARBIDE dies.  Puts less stress on you, the press, and the die.  Really not noticable if you load a box of 50.   Probably not noticable if you load a box of 100.  I usually set up the press and load 500-1000.  You can tell the difference by the time you are done.  Big difference in the performance of the sizing die also.

Good luck,

Steve  

[TNrifleman]

Gotta second the info about Imperial Sizing Die Wax. Great stuff, wouldn't be without it. :grin: