ram lube

[gambleone]

Was wondering what you guys thought about using ballistol on the ram of reloading press.
Just took mine apart & cleaned it & some were saying not to use grease as it would cause
powder residue to build up, which makes sense. I read where guys are using it to coat the
barrel of bb & pellet rifles. just wondering if it may be ok to use on a ram?

 

[DeltaBravo]

I use a little Imperial Die Wax on my RockChucker.

Dennis

 

[M-61]

What make press?
Grease is a very generic term.

Actually "What make press" is important. And I am not suggesting 'no lube'.
A RCBS Summit press comes with a grease fitting to lube the ram. This is probably a bit of overkill. But wiping the ram down on occasion to clean it and and I feel any light (low viscosity) oil is fine. The oil is as much a rust preventative as it is a lubricant. Working two dry pieces of steel together is not going to lead to longevity.

 

[amlevin]

I use a little Imperial Die Wax on my RockChucker.

Dennis

You mean you have to lube a Rock Chucker? When I opened this thread I started to think "When did I last lube this beast". I can't recall doing so in the last 30 years and it's still loading 100 or more rounds twice a week. Maybe I should try something. Then again, maybe it'll fall apart if I do lube it 8) 8)

 

[gambleone]

The press is an older Lyman turret press. I've been using a little gun oil, but was wondering if anybody
was using Ballistol.

 

[gotcha]

I think Ballistol would work just fine. I use break-free on mine which has pretty good resistance to corrosion. ATF would probably do a good job too. Since you got me into this OCD behavior I checked side play on my RC-II ram. None left to right. Just a tad (.002" or .003") front to back. I think I'll replace the S/H snap ring with an O-ring then monitor for any improvement in cartridge Run-out. :-\........ Too cold to shoot, might as well catch up on maintenance.

 

[CatShooter]

I use Moble #1 synthetic grease (it is "real" heavy duty grease), on the rams of my presses. I get no powder build-up or other problems.

 

[gaboon]

I use a little Kroil oil. No problems with residue.

 

[gambleone]

Thanks for all the reply's.

 

[thefitter]

I use a little Kroil oil. No problems with residue.

Same here. Every year I blast all the crud out accumulated all over the press with brake cleaner and then squirt some Kroil in...good for a year.

 

[jonbearman]

I clean and just put about a 1/4 tsp of marvel mystery oil and it is good for quite awhile.

 

[STP]

I use the G96 spray lube. Very pleased with it.

Regards,

Scott

 

[Minesweeper3433]

I use kroil to clean off old grease and regrease with either imperial or bolt lug grease or GAA that I have leftover. Only grease when it starts to squeak.

 

[LRPV]

Does anyone use powdered graphite? I thought I remembered my dad using it years ago.

 

[CatShooter]

Does anyone use powdered graphite? I thought I remembered my dad using it years ago.

I tried it ONCE, never again....

 

[Erik Cortina]

I use way oil, same as as use for my lathe. Works great.

 

[bigedp51]

When all else fails, read the instructions. ???

ROCK CHUCKER PRESS

PRODUCT INSTRUCTIONS

MAINTENANCE

This press was lubricated at the factory. However, it is necessary to lubricate all moving parts from time to time with gun oil.

http://www.grantcunningham.com/lubricants101.html