Case Lubrication
July 2016
In
full length resizing, we all know the role that case lube plays, right? It
keeps your cases from sticking in the die and therefore controls blood
pressure.
On
bottleneck cases, the die, if adjusted according to manufacturer directions,
will “move the shoulder back.” This die setting is intended to put your brass
to within SAAMI specs so that it chambers easily and maintains an acceptable
amount of headspace for the average rifle.
Ideally,
if intended for a single rifle, the shoulder should only be moved a couple of
thousandths and that’s it. This saves wear and tear on cases and improves
accuracy. This can be accomplished by adjusting the die upwards half a turn or
so.
I
use RCBS “Case Slick” spray for case lubrication. I like the pump better than aerosol because spray volume is easier to control.
***
I
know that over the years, because of “the little things”, my groups have shrunk
tremendously, even in calibers that are not notorious for accuracy,
If
I had no Precision Mic, or other means of checking
“base to datum line” measurements, I would simply do my best to lube each case
as nearly the same as possible, regardless of the lube that I use. Further, the
case that you initially use to adjust the die should be wiped off and re-lubed
between die adjustments. This will help insure that you use the same pattern of
lubing when you’re set to go with a batch of cases.
To
recap:
1. Adjust die to nearly touch
the shell holder
2. Back die out
3. I square the die in the
press by placing steel stock (even a second shell holder flipped upside down
(Lee Autoprime shell holders work great)) between the
shell holder and die and apply pressure to the press handle while tightening
the lock nut. Yes- each time.
4. Lube case and size
5. Wipe case off and chamber
the empty case
6. If force is required to
close the bolt, turn the die in slightly
7. Repeat steps 3 through 6
8. When force is no longer
required, lubricate a batch of empties using care to insure consistency, and
get started
Last Modified: January 3, 2012