Neck Lube, or: Do I need it?

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All handloading data posted on Full-Bore UK from 23/2/2021 must reference the published pressure tested data it was sourced from, posts without such verification will be removed.
Any existing data without such a reference should be treated as suspect and not used.

Use reloading information posted here at your own risk. This forum (http://www.full-bore.co.uk) is not responsible for any property damage or personal injury as a consequence of using reloading data posted here, the information is individual members findings and observations only. Always verify the load data and be absolutely sure your firearm can handle the load, especially older ones. If in doubt start low and work your way up.
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Tower75

Neck Lube, or: Do I need it?

#1 Post by Tower75 »

Hi, all.

Right, I'm really trying to get back into this shooting m'larky, I'm trying to dust off my reloading gear after over a year.

Okay, so, if I'm reloading .303 British, do I need to lube the inside of the neck? Some manuals I've read say, yes, some other literature and more experienced reloaders I know say, no.

So, what is the general consensus here? Do I need to lube the inside of the neck, and if so, do I have to use a special lube?
rox
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Re: Neck Lube, or: Do I need it?

#2 Post by rox »

Tower75 wrote:Hi, all.

Right, I'm really trying to get back into this shooting m'larky, I'm trying to dust off my reloading gear after over a year.

Okay, so, if I'm reloading .303 British, do I need to lube the inside of the neck? Some manuals I've read say, yes, some other literature and more experienced reloaders I know say, no.

So, what is the general consensus here? Do I need to lube the inside of the neck, and if so, do I have to use a special lube?
What dies are you using, and how do you clean?

..
DaveT

Re: Neck Lube, or: Do I need it?

#3 Post by DaveT »

My view is that if something (expander ball or expandiron) is going up and down in the neck then it gets lubed......necks are the thinnest part of the case and deserve tlc.

I use graphite dry lube for insides of necks and Imp sizing wax outside (even with bushing dies and no expander) although a thin smear of ISW inside a neck will do no harm IMO.
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mag41uk
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Re: Neck Lube, or: Do I need it?

#4 Post by mag41uk »

Just use Lee collet dies and do away with any lube!
Tony
Tower75

Re: Neck Lube, or: Do I need it?

#5 Post by Tower75 »

The dies I use are Lee, full sizer, and neck sizer.

So, I *do* need lube? Graphite?
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mag41uk
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Re: Neck Lube, or: Do I need it?

#6 Post by mag41uk »

Tower75 wrote:The dies I use are Lee, full sizer, and neck sizer.

So, I *do* need lube? Graphite?
You will need lube with the full length sizing die but not with the neck die if its the collet type.
Which I think it will be as it sounds like you have the deluxe set.
I usually use the Hornady one shot spray, if full length resizing, which does go into the mouths.
Its a pain cleaning it off after so I only use the collet neck dies nowadays.
I have some 303 cases that have only been neck sized from first firing and now onto 5th reload.
HTH
Tony
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Alpha1
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Re: Neck Lube, or: Do I need it?

#7 Post by Alpha1 »

Throw the expander ball away problem solved.
Tower75

Re: Neck Lube, or: Do I need it?

#8 Post by Tower75 »

Alpha1 wrote:Throw the expander ball away problem solved.
Then how will I expand my necks?
DaveT

Re: Neck Lube, or: Do I need it?

#9 Post by DaveT »

bushing dies do not have to use an expander but are expensive.

Many swear by the lee collet die but I am not a fan...manufacturing variances often mean that some have to have the mandrel machined to get right neck tension..it is a cheap option.
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meles meles
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Re: Neck Lube, or: Do I need it?

#10 Post by meles meles »

Tower75 wrote: Then how will I expand my necks?

Make an appointment with Albert Pierrepoint?
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