cleaning your sizing dies

[pirate ammo]

I thank everyone for their feedback , when in doubt ask those who know,,Capt. Dan

 

[eric n]

Butch's or Hoppes, on a 3" shotgun patch. I run the patch up thru the necks. Finish with a very light coat of oil. The sizing wax takes over after that.

The shotgun patches work great over a brush for swabbing out your chamber after cleaning too.

 

[yukonal]

Yep, that too. I use a ton of 3" patches for all kinds of cleaning jobs.

Always have a couple slotted jags loaded up with one for chambers, necks, bolt raceways, etc.

 

[thekriebles]

I use bore-cleaner + cleaning mops in the die chambers, same as I use in rifle chambers.
Followed up with Brake Cleaner and compressed air.
Hoppe's #9 on a 12/20/28-gauge mop is my favorite for in the dies.
I clean my dies very often.
Donovan

I couldn't agree more. I use a similar set-up, and it has served me quite well for many years.

 

[Campbell]

Cleaning can't do any harm.

I also regularly clean the seating tip on my Redding Competition Seating die as any build up of crud from the bullets could effect the seating (albeit a tiny amount|). I think I qualify for the Accurate Shooter OCD club.

 

[Nature Boy]

Ramrodz and Hoppes #9 here. Ramrodz work well and you can throw them away when you'e done.

I use the Ramrodz too

 

[Hanbleceya]

If you are going to clean reddings and use a vinegar solution, take the tops off if you don't want the black to turn grey. Ask me how I know...

Agreed. Vinegar is acid, as are many ultrasound cleaners, with vinegar being much more acidic. Personally, I disassemble the dies, dip the die parts, excepting, of course micrometers, in a warm ultrasound bath for ~ 5 seconds only (surprising how much stuff floats away from a "clean" die), blow "dry" with high pressure air, wipe down and lube lightly but thoroughly with dry lube and run through their paces in the press to distribute lube. (To be truthful, I put them in a food dehydrator @ 95 degrees for a an hour).

Dies do indeed turn black, which is a result, as I understand it, of surface ions being exchanged/removed-polishing a stainless steel barrel will result in a black rag. It is a cosmetic issue so for people who want to retain the new look, I understand. This is my choice because I would do not like dirty threads and have found grit hiding in my "clean" seating dies.

just sayin'

 

[Ledd Slinger]

Remove decapping stem and spray inside with automotive CRC mass air flow sensor cleaner. Done. Don't even need to wipe it out.

 

[JSH]

I clean mine on a regular basis. I clean them with the same thing I clean bores with. There is a LOT more going on inside a die than just "smushing" brass.

 

[Ledd Slinger]

I clean mine on a regular basis. I clean them with the same thing I clean bores with. There is a LOT more going on inside a die than just "smushing" brass.

No.....it's pretty much just smushing brass

If you have brass being left behind inside your dies bad enough that it requires scrubbing with a bore cleaner, you have bigger problems. Need to either change your lube or your dies or both.

 

[JSH]

Ever since I had issues with a set of dies and was told to clean them, I have made it a habit. They even suggested putting in the tumbler.
I have had zero issues since.
There those dies out there that will make virgin brass look like you found it in the parking lot, worse than smushed.

 

[Corey M]

I use bore-cleaner + cleaning mops in the die chambers, same as I use in rifle chambers.
Followed up with Brake Cleaner and compressed air.
Hoppe's #9 on a 12/20/28-gauge mop is my favorite for in the dies.
I clean my dies very often.
Donovan

I just screwed up a batch of 22-250 brass with brand new dies. Dented the shoulder on every case because there was something in there or the air hole was plugged, not sure which. So that brings me to a question, can these casings be salvaged or are they garbage. The dent is about the size of a pin head.

 

[hogpatrol]

I just screwed up a batch of 22-250 brass with brand new dies. Dented the shoulder on every case because there was something in there or the air hole was plugged, not sure which. So that brings me to a question, can these casings be salvaged or are they garbage. The dent is about the size of a pin head.

Post a photo but I would shoot them as long as they aren't punchtured.

 

[Big Mc]

surely, case slick builds up after time,,thinking to put mine in my sonic cleaner
good or not,or just messed up,,

Brake cleaner in a spray can from auto parts store..