Case lube en wax

Why lubricate

Sizing creates significant friction. You are pushing a brass case through a steel die, and the forces involved are greater than you might think. Without lubrication a case can get stuck in your die. That is called a stuck case, and it is one of the most frustrating things you can experience as a reloader. You then have to pull the case out with a stuck case remover, and in the worst case your die is damaged. All preventable with a bit of lube.

Wax or spray

There are roughly two methods. Apply wax with a pad, or use a spray. Both work. The choice is personal.

Wax is what most precision reloaders use. A small amount of Imperial Sizing Die Wax from Redding on a lube pad, roll your cases over it, done. Been the standard for years. Hornady makes the One Shot Case Sizing Wax, also excellent.

Spray is faster. Cases in a box, quick spray, let it dry, size. The Hornady One Shot Case Lube spray is the most well known. Handy when you do larger batches and do not want to handle each case individually.

Liquid case lubes

Besides wax and spray there are liquid lubes. The IOSSO Sizing Lube is a premium option that goes on thin and leaves no residue. RCBS makes their Case Lube 2, a water soluble lubricant that washes off easily after sizing. Berry's Superior Case Lube is also available, popular in the US and increasingly well known in Europe.

Neck lubrication

Lubricating the outside of your case is step one. But many reloaders forget the inside of the case neck. During sizing the neck gets compressed, and friction builds up there too. Especially when working with bushing dies or expanding mandrels, neck lubrication matters.

The Imperial Application Media from Redding is ceramic media pre-impregnated with Imperial Dry Neck Lube. You dip the case neck into it and both the inside and outside get lubricated in one motion. Simple and fast. Lyman Case Neck Dry Lube is a loose powder that you apply to the inside of the neck, also dry and residue free. The Case Neck Dipper from Lyman makes application easy. None of these products interfere with your powder or ignition.

Lube pads and kits

A lube pad is simply a cushion that you put lubricant on and roll your cases across. RCBS and Hornady both make them. The Hornady Case Lube Pad & Loading Tray combines the pad with a loading tray, convenient. Lyman has a complete case lube kit with pad, lube and funnel for those who want everything in one purchase.

Frequently asked questions

Can I size without case lube?

With full length sizing: no. The forces are too great and you risk a stuck case. That will cost you more than a jar of lube ever will. With neck-only sizing you can sometimes get away without it, but it is still wise to lubricate the neck.

How much lube should I use?

Less than you think. A thin, even layer is enough. Too much lube causes dents in your cases, known as hydraulic dents. These occur because excess lubricant cannot escape and the pressure pushes the case wall inward.

Do I need to remove the lube after sizing?

Yes. You do not want lubricant residue in your chamber. Most lubes are easy to remove by giving your cases a quick tumble after sizing or wiping them with a cloth. Water soluble lubes like RCBS Case Lube 2 can simply be rinsed off.

What is the difference between sizing wax and spray lube?

Wax is applied by hand on a pad. It gives you the most control over how much you apply and where. Spray is faster for larger batches but gives slightly less control. Both work well, it mostly comes down to preference and how many cases you process per session.

Do I also need to lubricate the inside of the case neck?

It is not strictly necessary, but it helps. Especially when working with bushing dies or mandrels. The Redding Imperial Application Media is the easiest method: dip the case neck in and you are done. Lyman dry lube powder also works well. Prevents neck damage and makes expanding smoother.