Imperial Dry Lube

[MVW]

Gents:

My understanding is that you don't need to remove imperial dry lube from case necks before loading. I am wondering however, does it have any impact on neck tension and more importantly does it increase/decrease variations in neck tension?

Thanks, Mike

 

[infantrytrophy]

Short answer: No. That's if you define neck tension the usual way - difference in outside neck diameter of loaded round vs. same of sized/prepped case.

Better answer: the lube probably decreases the "grippiness" or bullet grip by the case neck, and the amount varies depending on several factors, probably the most important being the condition of the case neck before the lube is applied - new case, or ultrasonically-cleaned case, or carbon present from previous firings, etc.

My opinion is that for long-distance or benchrest shooting it's important to have consistent neck tension (or "bullet grip"), and it matters less whether the tension ("bullet grip") is "heavy" or "light".

See German Salazar's excellent discussion of this (pay attention to his answer on "bullet grip") near the end:
http://riflemansjournal.blogspot.com/2009/10/reloading-neck-tension.html

Randy

 

[MVW]

Thanks Randy. I guess my question is more that as you start adding lube you add a new variable into the equation. Do the normal variations in the amount of lube that the different necks pick up lead to more or less grip? You comment that "it depends" on the neck is probably the correct one, but I was curious if there is some general belief in the shooting circles on this topic that I haven't run across. Sounds like that answer is also: no.

I have read German's articles and they are excellent.

Mike

 

[GermanS1]

Mike, it's worthwhile to give the necks a quick swab with a Q-Tip to remove the lube - without going crazy over it. Apart from the grip issue, which is probably small but real, there is the very real hassle of powder clumping on the lube when you charge the case. It only takes a couple of minutes to swab out a couple of racks of cases, might as well do it and keep things consistent and clean.

Glad you're enjoying the site., thanks.

 

[MVW]

Thanks German. Your article on setting up FL dies to avoid excessive bumping of the shoulder was also a big help!

Mike

 

[in2deep]

I find it better all around when using lube to swirl the bullet in the lube instead of the brass which only puts it where you need it and helps to keep it from collecting in the seater die.