New to Neck Turning, looking for some insight

[CoastieShooter]

Hello all,

With the addition of a new bolt gun, I've decided to take next step with my reloading and begin neck turning my cases. I've done my research, ordered the equipment, but have a couple questions before I start. One article on this site recommends using case lube while expanding, then a little light oil while turning. This seems like a lot of crap to be putting into the case. Here's the questions:

1 - Is it possible to use just one or the other (case lube or oil) to minimize the mess?
2 - Any thoughts on expanding without lubricating (considering that the expanding ball on a FL sizing die does just that) and just using the oil while turning?
3 - Recommendations on how to clean the cases post-neck turning? Do you clean each case by hand, throw them all in a tumbler, or any other methods?

 

[AlNyhus]

You'll need to use some sort of lube. Imperial (Redding) case lube does a fine job and is pretty easy to remove from inside the cases. I use a synthetic .45 cal. cleaning brush on an RCBS handle. Drop the cases in a plastic bucket of hot, soapy water...clean the inside with the brush...wash 'em in hot water...blow dry 'em...and let them air dry over night.

Don't waste a lot of time searching for the 'ultimate' neck lube. Lots of stuff works.

My 2 cents.... -Al

 

[Preacher]

Imperial case lube is the way to go, and thats all thats needed.....
if you don't use the same lube on expanding you'll end up wishing you did.
Your expander will start to pick up a lot of brass streaks if you don't lube..

 

[coyoteklr]

i've used a carbide floating sleve for years and they don't seem to pick up brass...
i don't lube inside at all..... use imperial sizing wax on mandrel .... and i use imp.sz wax on out side when sizing ..... a very little goes a long ways... seriously.....
just touch the wax lightly and rub on case or put on mandrel......

 

[bozo699]

CoastieShooter,
if you want my $.02 worth, follow Preachers advice, the little bit of advice he has given me has been sound advice, but most of the time I haven't needed to ask him for any I just read a lot of posts and when I see that he has left advice for someone I read and learn, I also pay attention to what fdshuster and BoydAllen has to say, again just my .02 cts worth.
Oh and by the way welcome to the forum my friend.
Wayne.

 

[thefitter]

Use SS media to clean after wards and they will be clean as a whistle even if you use motor oil (recommended).

 

[artbosco]

1 - Is it possible to use just one or the other (case lube or oil) to minimize the mess?

A: Imperial Sizing Die Wax is all you need.

2 - Any thoughts on expanding without lubricating (considering that the expanding ball on a FL sizing die does just that) and just using the oil while turning?

A: ALWAYS lube when expanding or you'll have a tough time. [I detach the expander ball if one is attached to my die and discard it since I don't want anything expanding a case's neck once I've full length sized. Whatever you do, don't use an expander ball as a substitute for an expander mandrel.]

Important note: Make sure the expander mandrel and turner pilot are made by the same manufacturer for consistent results or you're in for headaches.

3 - Recommendations on how to clean the cases post-neck turning? Do you clean each case by hand, throw them all in a tumbler, or any other methods?

A: When I'm done with the actual turning, [I use a shell holder http://www.kmshooting.com/catalog/neck-turner-tools/power-adapter-with-shell-holder.html chucked into a power screwdriver that runs at 180 RPMs], I chamfer and deburr, then stuff the neck into 0000 steel wool to smooth things up, then place the end of a Q-tip inside the neck to clean out the lube. All of these tasks are accomplished while the brass is attached to the shell holder, powered by the screwdriver. I keep it simple as much as possible.