I have a Redding neck sizing die... I read a reloading article once that Lee and another company's neck sizing dies didn't need lubed cases due to the die's design.
Do I need to lube the neck's with the Redding die? If so, what techniques do you use?

Thanks,

Jim

In normal dies, like RCBS and Hornady with the tool steel expander button I use powdered graphite on about every third case. I just slightly dip the case neck into a tub of it.

Dies with carbide buttons I haven't been using anything. Same goes with my Redding competition dies with TIN coated bushings.

Guess I let the case tell me if it needs lube. If the case is scuffing or requiring more than slight effort cycling thru the dies, it's an indication of needing lube.

What Monte says.

If the resizing requires effort to pull the ball back through the neck, a little inside lube is needed.

I use Imperial Sizing Die Wax, even when merely neck sizing. A tiny dab on the forefinger that gets run around the outside of the neck, then the ball of the finger is drug across the open neck. Works like a charm! :D

I use the dry mica lube from Midway (several companies have the same stuff) for neck only sizing, regardless of whose dies. It is quick and easy with the nifty "neck lube station" that has a bin for the dust and an inside neck brush on a stand. It works well for my purposes.

If I go the mica or graphite route, do you have to clean the case after sizing? ...best cleaning technique?

Jim

You don't have to. The plus side of leaving the lube in is it reduces the tendency of bullets to "cold-weld" to the cases, which can be a long-term storage issue. The downside is it will tend to reduce start pressure, which makes it harder for the slower powders to burn consistently, and may therefore reduce accuracy. You have to try it in your gun with your loads to find out if the groups open up any with it left there or not?

I wipe the mica off the outside of the case with a paper towell after sizing as I am puting them in the loading block. Just a quick swipe that I have developed a good rhythm for. It is not needed, just a cleanliness issue on my part :rolleyes:

A quick note of "caution" is in order here... Dry mica and graphite are fine dust particles that do become airborne easily and don't settle quickly. Both are lung irritants, mica being worse, so you should always wear a dust mask when handling them. When life expectancy was 30 it didn't matter, but nowadays it is best to be a bit more carefull. Personal Protective Gear is cheap, body parts are expensive! ;)

...thanks for the tips, guys!

Jim