Die cleaning with bore mop?

[mattsdad64]

Relatively new to reloading and working on the best routine for maintaining dies- lube before storing, clean before using, etc.
The procedure I keep reading about for cleaning is to use a patch/jag/rod/solvent when prepping for use. I feel like I get partial results with significant effort. Does anyone see any issue with using a bore mop, maybe even chucked in a drill for a faster and more effective cleaning tool? Nothing too tight. Seems like using something like a 45cal mop on my 6.5 dies touches enough to cover everything quickly, even the shoulder of the sizing die. Am I crazy (Ok, different question... am I crazy about this?)

 

[pirate ammo]

I use one for a 410GA,their longer and I use brake cleaner to get the oil out, drys quick.

 

[mattsdad64]

I use one for a 410GA,their longer and I use brake cleaner to get the oil out, drys quick.

Thanks, great idea on the longer 410- I appreciate it.

 

[D-4297]

I like the idea of using a mop , but I would also suggest using some medium pressure air line to blow the Die body out afterward . Mops do tend to leave fuzz behind that might scratch your Die walls .
Since I'm terminal OCD I follow up with some T-shirt material wrapped around a Q-tip in the neck area .

 

[mattsdad64]

I like the idea of using a mop , but I would also suggest using some medium pressure air line to blow the Die body out afterward . Mops do tend to leave fuzz behind that might scratch your Die walls .
Since I'm terminal OCD I follow up with some T-shirt material wrapped around a Q-tip in the neck area .

Love it! Thanks.
PS- is there such a thing as a non-OCD reloader?

 

[K22]

I use Imperial Sizing Wax as my lube so I have to be careful not to let it accumulate in the die that might cause denting of the case. Therefore some periodic cleaning is necessary.

After trying a few different methods I settled on a a 1/2" diameter nylon bottle brush. After every 40 rounds of sizing I removed the expander ball assembly(wipe it clean) and run the brush through the die 5 times to remove any excess lube. This leaves the die "seasoned" for the next sizing cycle - it's also quick and effective - and the "seasoning" helps prevent any short term corrosion from developing.

Special Note: If the bush does not have a looped end I cover it with a small thread protector to prevent the end from scratching the die's interior surface although if you're careful the brush aligns with the center of the die so there is a small chance of scratching but to be safe I use the thread protector.

 

[mattsdad64]

Awesome idea. Thank you!

 

[rwj]

PS- is there such a thing as a non-OCD reloader?

No... well at least I’ve never met one!

 

[topclass2017]

How often should dies be cleaned?

 

[mattsdad64]

How often should dies be cleaned?

I’m pretty new to all this but if have been cleaning before and after every use.
A little shot of G96 after the cleaning before storage (rust prevention). Cleaning before use is to get the G96 off.
From storage: Clean-use-clean- rust inhibitor-storage
I also found I want/need to clean up doing a large batch of sizing- my lube builds up a little.

Seems to work for mine well

 

[Yotecallr]

I use mineral spirits on a Q Tip. The dry end for drying.

 

[Fotheringill]

Love it! Thanks.
PS- is there such a thing as a non-OCD reloader?

Yes, there are some, somewhere. Not being OCD, I have wasted a fair amount of time (over that wasted by an OCD person), primers, powder and brass and lousier than normal targets.

I use a shotgun patch with cleaner on the inside of dies and work it through with a wooden dowel from Michael's. Works well with the inside of a tuner for my .22lr, as well.

 

[Uncle Ed]

I use a shotgun mop and a drill to polish the inside of my dies and apply J&B Bore paste to the mop "IF" the die is scratching my cases.

Hornady One Shot is a dry film lube and does not build up like standard type lubes and does not have to be removed.

Most dies today tell you to clean new dies with a bore solvent like Hoppes to remove the preservative oil.

I got out a die I had not used since the late 1970s that had some rust on it. I took the die apart and put the die body in my vibratory tumbler with treated walnut media and let it tumble overnight. The die came out looking better than new, polished inside and out.

Bottom line, like Yotecallr stated above in his post, mineral spirits is also a very good die cleaner. I fold up a paper towel and twist the end and stick it inside the die to wipe out the die.

 

[JMayo]

Spray gun cleaner works for me.
Then wipe out with q top or rag.
Not allot gonna be there that's not desolvedable.
Agree with polishing out scratches if needed.

 

[jepp2]

the best routine for maintaining dies- lube before storing, clean before using, etc.

When I live in WV & DE, dies rusting in storage was an issue. Now that I live in CO, not an issue. So the relative humidity of the location you store your dies in makes a big difference. As does the lube you use. When I was using the Lee case lube (water based), thorough cleaning after use was important. For a while I used synthetic motor oil, and I never had to worry about the interior of my dies. Now I'm using "bootleg case lube" and I just run a 2" patch through them to remove any residue. But I SS tumble my brass so it is immaculate prior to being lubed.

I also polish the interior of my sizing dies with Flitz. And if you happen to start picking up any brass in your die, this will remove that as well. Just makes operation easier.

 

[mattsdad64]

Thanks everyone