Case Lube Question

First topic message reminder :

From the first time I ever reloaded, I was using RCBS everything, including their case lube.  My dies are now Redding, and while setting up the Redding 45 ACP dies after cleaning, I used RCBS Case Lube 2 and the lubrication pad.  Everything seemed to work well.  The only die that "struggled" at all was the taper crimp die.

Taking advice from this forum, I had ordered 300 cases of Starline brass.  I did the first 50 cases yesterday.  For lubrication I sprayed on Hornady One-Shot Case Lube, spraying from several different angles so everything would get lubed.  My impression is that it didn't work as well as the RCBS lube.

When I run the case into the crimp die, I hear a "scraping" sound which I assume is from the bell, and after the press has finished the stroke and starts to return, if feels like the case is somewhat "stuck" in place.  It quickly breaks free, and all is well.

I tested a few cases with RCBS Case Lube 2, and while I still had the same effect on the crimp die, it was reduced.  


The Hornady lube is very convenient, and I don't end up with greasy fingers.  I suspect the RCBS "grease" is more effective.  For the next 100 rounds, tomorrow, I think I'll switch back to Case Lube 2.  

Was wondering what you guys think, and what you use?

when even the mice won't go in it...

mikemyers wrote:In a dry tumbler, how often should the media be changed? ... Mine is several years old - I suspect it's time to replace it.

Do yourself a favor, if you have the room.  Go to an Industrial Supply dealer, and buy a 40 to 50 lb. bag of "sandblasting medium".  (Both corncob and walnut media are available.)  You want the "20/40 mesh" or #3 variety so the media does not stick in the flash hole.

NOTE:  Walnut and corncob media are used for much more than sandblasting.  For example, corncob media is also used for absorbing spills, and so can be found in some cleaning supply stores as well.  Not sure about the varieties found in pet stores, many of the particle sizes are too large for use in tumbling brass.  Worst case, the stuff also works as a traction modifier for icy roads and sidewalks.

Link to examples of corncob and walnut media:

Corncob:

• McMaster-Carr:  https://www.mcmaster.com/corn-cob-abrasive-blasting-media/;
  
• Home Depot:  https://www.homedepot.com/p/ALC-50-lbs-Corn-Cob-Blasting-Abrasive-4012510/206941121.
  

Walnut:

• Harbor Freight:  https://www.harborfreight.com/25-lbs-fine-grade-walnut-shell-blast-media-92155.html;
  
• Home Depot:  https://www.homedepot.com/p/Agra-Grit-Walnut-Shell-Blasting-Fine-Grit-25-lb-per-Box-BGF25/204068163;
  
• Tractor Supply Co:  https://www.tractorsupply.com/tsc/product/agra-grit-walnut-shell-blasting-grit-fine-25-lb-bgf25.
  

I prefer the "untreated" media.  Some of the "treated" media used chromium compounds (hazardous to your health), which is why I prefer "untreated".

If you are REALLY cheap, you can resurrect your media by washing it with dish soap and water, then drying it on a rack.  Doesn't return the media to "as new" condition, but it does extend the service life.  With a large quantity of media, I toss the stuff after 2-3 years.  (I shoot 3000+ rounds of centerfire rifle a year, so have separate media batches for cleaning and lube removal.)  Why?  Ever wonder what you are cleaning off your brass?  Carbon particles, and lead compounds are the more problematic materials. 

Hope this helps.

Asa Yam wrote:

mikemyers wrote:In a dry tumbler, how often should the media be changed? ... Mine is several years old - I suspect it's time to replace it.

....Go to an Industrial Supply dealer, and buy a 40 to 50 lb. bag of "sandblasting medium".........Hope this helps.......

Might be great advice, but I've got a tiny apartment, and no room for a 50 pound bag of anything.  I do have the other half of the 'media' I purchased maybe four years ago.  I can toss what I'm using now, and replace with new, or just go on using what I've got.  What I still have is mostly working OK, but I don't think it works as well as when I first bought it.  I guess I can try, and store the "old" stuff just in case.

Time it to the same shine level.  When the time to shine increases by half, change the media.