I just lubed and sized 400 .223 cases and would love to skip the lubing part.
Does anyone know of .223 carbide sizing dies out there?
A quick search did not turn anything up, so it may be the case that there is some good reason why they are not made.
Thanks! and my hands thank you too.
Re: .223 Carbide sizing dies?
2Bottleneck cartridges don't work with a sizing ring, so even in carbide, a full-contact sizing die would require lube.
What are you using for lube?
What are you using for lube?
Re: .223 Carbide sizing dies?
3Seconded on the lube question. Since switching to the Dillon spray lube its been a breeze
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Re: .223 Carbide sizing dies?
4Dillon makes full length carbide sizing dies for the 223 and lubricant is still required, very expensive. They are only for mass production reloading and the carbide ring is for greater die longevity. Pump spray bottles with a lanolin alcohol lube makes lubing a breeze. Just make sure you clean and dry the dies afterwords because they will rust if you don't.
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Re: .223 Carbide sizing dies?
5I am using Lee sizing lube and applying it by hand to each case.
I was wondering if there was some way to apply it by spray.
Or maybe i should just get a different kind o lube.
Thanks.
I was wondering if there was some way to apply it by spray.
Or maybe i should just get a different kind o lube.
Thanks.
Bleeding Heart Liberal with Second Amendment Benefits.
Re: .223 Carbide sizing dies?
6Go down to the drug store and get a tub of lanolin in the black hair section (I know the drug store in your neighborhood has one) and dissolve a healthy blob of lanolin in rubbing alcohol (or denatured alcohol from the hardware store). Put it in a spray bottle, spritz away.
Re: .223 Carbide sizing dies?
7I admit to using the aerosol nasty stuff full of terrible solvents and things that are bad for the world, but I only use it for bulk rifle loading, which is almost never for me.
Re: .223 Carbide sizing dies?
8I use Lee lube - I smear a small dab on a plate (with tinfoil over it to keep lead and other nasty stuff off) and roll a handful of brass around on it at a time. Just make sure the neck and shoulder get lubed and you're good. It's a hell of a lot faster than doing one at a time.drigeba wrote:I am using Lee sizing lube and applying it by hand to each case.
I was wondering if there was some way to apply it by spray.
Or maybe i should just get a different kind o lube.
Thanks.
Re: .223 Carbide sizing dies?
9The lee lube is lanolin based as well and will dissolve in rubbing alcohol too. 91% is recommended for a lower water content. Dillon spray is like $14 and it will last a good long time
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Re: .223 Carbide sizing dies?
10Thanks y'all.
Another thought...
When I have a lot of brass to process that may have desert dust on it, might it be a good idea to just de-prime only, clean the cases, then size them?
The last few cases went through the sizing die stiffly, so me thinks there is gunk composed of dust and lube that needs to be cleaned out.
Another thought...
When I have a lot of brass to process that may have desert dust on it, might it be a good idea to just de-prime only, clean the cases, then size them?
The last few cases went through the sizing die stiffly, so me thinks there is gunk composed of dust and lube that needs to be cleaned out.
Bleeding Heart Liberal with Second Amendment Benefits.
Re: .223 Carbide sizing dies?
11Only downside is then you'll have to clean them twice- once to get the desert gunk off, the next to remove the lube. But, that is one good use for a tumbler, after you've loaded the rounds just dump them into the tumbling media for an hour or two and it makes for nice clean loaded rounds, and you're not having to pick bits of walnut or corn media out of the primer holes. I was using my ultrasonic, now just citric acid and dawn for a couple of minutes to do the initial cleaning. Also makes inspection easier when you've got clean brass to work with.
Re: .223 Carbide sizing dies?
12That sounds good.
I will be looking at the cheapo ultrasonic cleaner at harbor freight next time I head out there.
I will be looking at the cheapo ultrasonic cleaner at harbor freight next time I head out there.
Bleeding Heart Liberal with Second Amendment Benefits.
Re: .223 Carbide sizing dies?
13Honestly, with the citric acid and dishwashing detergent, you can probably skip the ultrasonic. A really short bath with some agitation, rinse, and call it a day. Works really well.
Re: .223 Carbide sizing dies?
14I've been using a Lortone rock tumbler, stainless steel media, LemiShine, and Dawn...with fantastic results and no lead dust. Harbor Freight sells a knock off that's cheaper and probably just as good.
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The British are the chefs
The Swiss are the lovers
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The British are the chefs
The Swiss are the lovers
The French are the mechanics
The Italians make everything run on time
And the Germans are the police
Re: .223 Carbide sizing dies?
15I will try the lanolin thing. Sounds effective and it will be fun for a heavy bald white guy to buy an African American hair care product.drigeba wrote:I just lubed and sized 400 .223 cases and would love to skip the lubing part.
Does anyone know of .223 carbide sizing dies out there?
A quick search did not turn anything up, so it may be the case that there is some good reason why they are not made.
Thanks! and my hands thank you too.
What I do now is take a scrap piece of 2x4, wrap a rag around it a couple times, secure it with rubber bands, then smear some lube on the rag. Then I line a dozen or so up and roll them back and forth once. It's reasonably fast.
Re: .223 Carbide sizing dies?
16Use a lube pad. All you do is apply a nice coat of lube to the pad, rub it in then take 5-7 cases, roll them around on it and they are lubed.
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Re: .223 Carbide sizing dies?
17Imperial sizing wax in the tiny little tins last a very long time. I use that with brass that has had the primers knocked out. I just dip the case mouth in it and give it a bit of smear the length of the case before sizing. With the pump bottle of Dillon lube I fill a dish pan that is clean and dry with brass and give it a few squirts give it a shake to get them all covered then let it sit a few minutes till the alcohol drys. I only use the pump lube with brass that needs the primers knocked out so it doesn't get into the pockets. After a long session the should be cleaned before being put away or they will start to rust.
"Hillary Clinton is the finest, bravest, kindest, the most wonderful person I've ever known in my whole life" Raymond Shaw