polish reloading dies

[carl1575]

What is the best way to polish the in side of a reloading sizing die. I have allways received very sage advice on this form. Thanks carl f

 

[potatoe]

Depending on how dirty they are I use 2 methods. The first is real simple, a bore mop or Q tip with a cloth and some gun oil. The second is if the die is more gritty I use 0000 steal wool on a nylon brush and a drill. I don't hit it hard just on the trouble spots. Then I'll wipe it out with a cloth and lighter fluid. I'll oil it afterwards and dry it out.

 

[Scott Harris]

You can use a chamber flex hone if there is a version for your cartridge or something close. http://www.brushresearch.com/brushes.php?c2=183
308, silicon carbide, 800 grit(very fine). These are about $20 each and you need oil as well.

 

[Shynloco]

What is the best way to polish the in side of a reloading sizing die. I have allways received very sage advice on this form. Thanks carl f

Carl,
You might consider getting a tube of "Iosso" Gun Bright Polish that Sinclair sells for like $7.95 a tube. I use it on the outside of all my stainless steel barrels and has sufficient Minuit grit to clean minor discolorations and general wear off stainless steel which most reloading dies are made of these days. A clean cloth and some minor elbow grease, along with a tooth brush should do the trick.

P.S. You might even consider calling over to Russ Haydon's Shooters Supply and see if he has any as he's located nearby you in Gig Harbor, (253) 857-7557. Another possibility is PM me with your mailing address and I'll send you a tube of the stuff to use.

 

[Bert]

OK the best way is to mount the die in your drill. You can use a setscrew into the threaded adaptor that holds the decaping rod. Put drill in vise or lay it on its side on the bench. Take a small wood dowel cut a slot in the end of it with a hacksaw or other thin kerf blade. Take a piece of 800 grit wet dry paper cut a small strip 1/4" wide 1" long wrap it around the dowel rod. Turn the drill on as fast as it will go take care that the die runs true. You may have to adjust it in the drill chuck to get it to not wobble. Then take the dowel with paper start at the mouth of the die and slowly work your way in the die using light pressure. You will be able to feel the shoulder of the die and work any areas that need attention. Look thru the die with a flash light for any areas that are still loaded or ruff. This should only take a very little bit of time to clean the ID of the die up. Very important to clean the die with solvent after polishing make sure to get all the grit out.

 

[carl1575]

Thanks guys- I used a little of all the methods execpt the hone,they look better than brand new. I have a new set of new unused dies to compare them to carl f