Brass Dust When Expanding

[gjb89]

Is typical to get brass dust/fine shavings when expanding necks in order to turn them? I notice a build up on the opening of the case and some on the mandrel. Also what type of lube do you guys use for expanding necks for turning?

 

[BoydAllen]

I use the same lube that I turn with, an oil that is not very thick, and which seems to have good film strength. It is no longer available. I got a small bottle a number of years from a fellow who had a mail order business for benchrest products. He went out of business years ago.

 

[jamesdmock]

Is typical to get brass dust/fine shavings when expanding necks in order to turn them? I notice a build up on the opening of the case and some on the mandrel. Also what type of lube do you guys use for expanding necks for turning?
View attachment 1047430

The best that I have found is RCBS Case Lube II.

 

[Milo 2.0]

Not sure if you're willing to take the extra step, but cleaning up the case mouths may eliminate it.

 

[Toolbreaker]

Is typical to get brass dust/fine shavings when expanding necks in order to turn them? I notice a build up on the opening of the case and some on the mandrel. Also what type of lube do you guys use for expanding necks for turning?
View attachment 1047430

My guess would be that the brass you're seeing is small burrs left from trimming, breaking free as the necks are expanded. You could probably polish the case mouths on a few pieces with 0000 steel wool before expanding to see if it stops.

 

[LA50SHOOTER]

I've used Sinclair's Neck Turning lube in the past but have now switched over to the Imperial sizing wax. - I applied both with Q-tips.

For the fine dust I'm using a small vacuum cleaner with a small nozzle to "focus" the cleaning suction force. And as well, I'm using Q-tips to try to get the neck turning (Imperial sizing wax) out of the case necks at the end.

Regards, - R-

 

[dkhunt14]

You need to clean the mandrel. If brass builds on the mandrel, it will keep getting worse. Spin in a drill and polish it. Matt

 

[Webster]

Is typical to get brass dust/fine shavings when expanding necks in order to turn them? I notice a build up on the opening of the case and some on the mandrel. Also what type of lube do you guys use for expanding necks for turning?
View attachment 1047430

Make sure you chamfer the neck i.d. The more viscous a lube is the more protection you get. I only use some type of oil. No waxes. Light vis lubes are easier to clean up but they have a thinner oil film.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Some of that slick 50 type engine treatment thats thick works very well

 

[gjb89]

I have a Giraud power trimmer, should i be trimming, chamfering and deburring before expanding and turning the necks? This once fired brass fyi.

 

[ClassCat]

I like Dillons case lube for expanding and cutting. It's a liquid combination of lanolin and alcohol. The alcohol evaporates and leave a thin , but substantial film of lanolin. There is a cap that protects the sprayer, i fill it with the lube and dip the neck in it, expand, take a primary cut, add more with a Q -tip and take the second cut. Clean with acetone, done. Never get any dust.

 

[R.Morehouse]

Imperial works fine for both operations. I have a container of Imperial just for it. I dip the turning mandrel in the tin between cuts, the mandrel is warm and the Imperial melts just the right amount to cover it for the next piece. Lots of ways to " skin the cat" for that operation though, lot of great advise here....

Regards
Rick

 

[MagnumManiac]

I use 100% bees wax leather conditioner, and polishing the mandrel is a very good step in eliminating brass shavings, just as it is if you use expanders and dry neck lube.

Cheers.