Just wanted to field some opinions on Imperial sizing die way specifically the dry neck lube... is it the de facto standard or just another product? I'm using One Shot right now and it's a big old fat to use and I wanted to find another way. Thanks for the reply's in advance.
Imperial sizing die wax...
- Thread starter ordnancemarine
- Start date
Hi O.M., if you mean the Imperial graphite powder, I have used this several times and have had good experiences with it. I primarily use it to neck size, I haven't tried to full length size with it yet. I always use another Imperial product, their sizing wax for full length sizing. If you go the graphite route buy both the media and the powder, the media helps to evenly distribute the powder. At times graphite can be somewhat messy.
I find Imperial sizing wax to be the best for me. Even though I load 100 rounds at a sitting I like it because
a) it never fails
b) it wipes off easily
c) it gives me an opportunity to 'feel' the necks and case body for cracks as well as look at them
I used One Shot a couple of times but had my one and only case stuck in a die with it. I use it for pistol sizing now when no carbide dies are available.
The graphite is for case necks only, I full-length size every time by .001-.002" shoulder bump. Never a problem chambering a round and accuracy in the mid-.2s.
a) it never fails
b) it wipes off easily
c) it gives me an opportunity to 'feel' the necks and case body for cracks as well as look at them
I used One Shot a couple of times but had my one and only case stuck in a die with it. I use it for pistol sizing now when no carbide dies are available.
The graphite is for case necks only, I full-length size every time by .001-.002" shoulder bump. Never a problem chambering a round and accuracy in the mid-.2s.
Minesweeper3433
45B/91F
I use the wax for full length sizing 308 casing after they go through my M1A. It has a monster of a chamber and I have had stuck cases with every other lube I tried. It is now because of this the only lube I use for reloading. However if any one has advice on better way of applying than using fingers one at a time I am all ears.
"it's a big old fat to use". Could you explain this?
I have found using the old tried and true RCBS Lube pad and the RCBS II lube much better than Imperial. It lubes much better, cases go in and out much easier, it is water soluble and wipes off very easy. Just lay em on the pad and roll them with the palm of your hand, you lube 10 or so cases at one time.
I have found using the old tried and true RCBS Lube pad and the RCBS II lube much better than Imperial. It lubes much better, cases go in and out much easier, it is water soluble and wipes off very easy. Just lay em on the pad and roll them with the palm of your hand, you lube 10 or so cases at one time.
A builder/shooter of bench rest type rifles needed help reducing neck expansion, his 308 W necks were .335 before firing and .345 after firing, seems someone convinced him his one hold groups would improve if he reduced his neck expansion, after we finished his neck OD measured .341, with full length sizing to the chamber yet to be done.
But this is about sizing and lube. The press we used was an A2 RCBS, first he started with Dillon in the can,then Dillon in the bottle, then he went to the Imperial Sizing wax, the cases did not want to go into the forming die, after the cases got into the die they wanted to stay in the die, I am not a fan of punishing a press, cramming the case into the die does not do the case any favors, pulling the case out of the die when the ram is lowered does the case more harm, in 55 years+ of gun smithing he never found it necessary to form cases, and I wondered how is it possible to improve on one hole groups.
I offered to furnish some lube that is not on anyone’s list of approved lubes, and I suggested using new/unfired cases when forming, I left my dies with him, there is not enough room around a press for 2 reloaders, my plan was to have 100 cases formed in 2 hours, with my help, he had 2 cases formed in one hour.
Again, when there is no demand placed on a lube, all of it works, things change when the lube has to perform, I do not use Imperial sizing wax, I do not use Dillon in the spray can or bottle unless I purchase a box or bench full of equipment with the lubes thrown in.
Again, everything failed me when I attempted to reload for a Model 70 Winchester chamber to 300 Win Mag, Winchester and I had words, I wanted a chamber that would fit my dies or a set of Winchester dies that fit their chamber, after attempts by the local warranty shop to make the chamber smaller???? they, the shop, sent it to Winchester, I could have chucked the cases into a collet installed on a lathe to reduce the diameter but when fired the case would expand and require collet sizing ‘again’.
F. Guffey
But this is about sizing and lube. The press we used was an A2 RCBS, first he started with Dillon in the can,then Dillon in the bottle, then he went to the Imperial Sizing wax, the cases did not want to go into the forming die, after the cases got into the die they wanted to stay in the die, I am not a fan of punishing a press, cramming the case into the die does not do the case any favors, pulling the case out of the die when the ram is lowered does the case more harm, in 55 years+ of gun smithing he never found it necessary to form cases, and I wondered how is it possible to improve on one hole groups.
I offered to furnish some lube that is not on anyone’s list of approved lubes, and I suggested using new/unfired cases when forming, I left my dies with him, there is not enough room around a press for 2 reloaders, my plan was to have 100 cases formed in 2 hours, with my help, he had 2 cases formed in one hour.
Again, when there is no demand placed on a lube, all of it works, things change when the lube has to perform, I do not use Imperial sizing wax, I do not use Dillon in the spray can or bottle unless I purchase a box or bench full of equipment with the lubes thrown in.
Again, everything failed me when I attempted to reload for a Model 70 Winchester chamber to 300 Win Mag, Winchester and I had words, I wanted a chamber that would fit my dies or a set of Winchester dies that fit their chamber, after attempts by the local warranty shop to make the chamber smaller???? they, the shop, sent it to Winchester, I could have chucked the cases into a collet installed on a lathe to reduce the diameter but when fired the case would expand and require collet sizing ‘again’.
F. Guffey
Here is my video tribute to ONE SHOT! (some offensive language)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zy3EN40IoA
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8Zy3EN40IoA
Turbulent Turtle
F-TR competitor
WayneShaw said:
I'm a minimalist, when I do the same thing hundreds of times in a session, I try to eliminate the superfluous and concentrate only on what's needed. I have to pick up a case from somewhere and I have to inspect it before I have to put it in the shellholder. Using Imperial Wax lends itself very well to this process, and I have to lube the case.
When I started reloading 30 some years ago, I used the RCBS lube pad and the sticky mess RCBS called case lube. That was an additional piece of equipment and a couple extra steps; lube the pad, set the cases on the pad, roll the cases. Using Imperial Wax eliminates all that stuff.
So, if you are trying to convince me that I should go back to that method, you will have to explain "much better" and "much easier"? In which way is it "much easier"?
Just so you know; I have NEVER stuck a case in when using Imperial Wax and sizing my brass is virtually effortless. I certainly cannot say either of those things when I was using the pad and the RCBS lube; there is a reason I had to buy case removal tools 20 some years ago, BIW (Before Imperial Wax).
F. Guffey, I realise it's just me but I have no clue what you were talking about.
Editoed for spelling: "stick" was supposed to be "sticky".
Simple really, Fguffy just told us he knows the best lube available to mankind but he's not tellin.
The rest of it is akin to playing a Beatles album backwards.
FWIW Anytime someone switches lube they should thoroughly clean thier FL dies.
Adding a little prelube to the die is never a bad idea.
I think we all know that but,,,,,,,,,
On the rare occassion I'm reloading for a rifle with a set of standard dies I resort to brushing the neck I'd's with Imperial graphite, wipe off any dust on the neck OD, then use Imperial wax to FL size.
Sounds tedious and it can be if done in large lots.
The bright side is no tumbling required. Size, wipe and load.
Err yep primers help.
The rest of it is akin to playing a Beatles album backwards.
FWIW Anytime someone switches lube they should thoroughly clean thier FL dies.
Adding a little prelube to the die is never a bad idea.
I think we all know that but,,,,,,,,,
On the rare occassion I'm reloading for a rifle with a set of standard dies I resort to brushing the neck I'd's with Imperial graphite, wipe off any dust on the neck OD, then use Imperial wax to FL size.
Sounds tedious and it can be if done in large lots.
The bright side is no tumbling required. Size, wipe and load.
Err yep primers help.
i ve been using imperial almost from day one . in those 20 odd years there are a few considerations:start with cleaned cases,keep the lube off the necks(it will dimple the shoulders)after a ride in the tumbler yer golden. I like the wax because it lasts forever, a tin has goes forever. I do use the powdered graphite for just necks. I think both products are irreplaceable.
Big old fat MESS to use...
I guess I'm in the minority but I've been using One Shot for years and never had a problem with it.
Perhaps the product name, "One Shot", may be causing some users problems. It takes more than just one shot to assure trouble free sizing.
I spray the inside of the die first, let stand for a couple of minutes while I spray the cases while standing in a rack made for this purpose (sold by Sinclair). I rotate the rack and spray the other side to assure full coverage. The rack aid in assuring complete coverage of each case. I let stand for about two minutes then size. In my opinion, the rack is ready needed to assure proper lubrication with this lube.
I like One Shot since it's simple to use and wipes off easily with no retained residue. My only compliant is that a can does not last as long as I'd like using the above procedure.
Perhaps the product name, "One Shot", may be causing some users problems. It takes more than just one shot to assure trouble free sizing.
I spray the inside of the die first, let stand for a couple of minutes while I spray the cases while standing in a rack made for this purpose (sold by Sinclair). I rotate the rack and spray the other side to assure full coverage. The rack aid in assuring complete coverage of each case. I let stand for about two minutes then size. In my opinion, the rack is ready needed to assure proper lubrication with this lube.
I like One Shot since it's simple to use and wipes off easily with no retained residue. My only compliant is that a can does not last as long as I'd like using the above procedure.
I've tried about everything including Imperial wax. My favorite for the last ten years is Hornady's "Unique". It is white paste and is applied the same as Imperial and actually comes off easier. I have two wildcats - to make the cases, is a seven step process. Wish I had never done it in the first place but it works great in it's finished form. The Unique works very well when forming my cases. Besides, It's cheap!
Just a thought.
Just a thought.
K22 said:
I'm right there with you. I use a mtm loading block and spray like you describe. I clean new dies and then coat the inside with one shot. I don't wait for cases to dry, I just start sizing. I've used imperial wax and honestly can't tell any difference in the force required to size a case. The wax just takes me longer so i don't use it much, actually only use it on K and M expander mandrel.
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