Cleaning new dies

[JJE76]

Can you use a mpro 7 or similar solvent to clean new dies? Better options?

Read More

 

[po18guy]

Denatured alcohol, brake cleaner, carburetor cleaner, Hoppes #9 - what ever you have. I prefer the high pressure brake cleaners, as they blast the gunk out and leave no residue. Just lube them up once done. Midway USA has really neat shooter's swabs that are excellent for cleaning inside die bodies. Also, the maker's website probably has die maintenance info. Clean and free of rust is the basics.

 

[JJE76]

Denatured alcohol, brake cleaner, carburetor cleaner, Hoppes #9 - what ever you have. I prefer the high pressure brake cleaners, as they blast the gunk out and leave no residue. Just lube them up once done. Midway USA has really neat shooter's swabs that are excellent for cleaning inside die bodies. Also, the maker's website probably has die maintenance info. Clean and free of rust is the basics.

Lube with one shot?

 

[po18guy]

Lube with one shot?

One Shot cleaner, or One Shot lube? The lube is a case lube more than rust preventative, but is probably fine.

 

[Mikej]

I only clean new dies where they contact the brass. Sizing surface and neck expanding ball. I use what ever non-oil containing solvent is handy. And a Q-tip, and a shop rag shoved in with a bamboo skewer and twisted around. I think I want the manufacturers corrosion prevention stuff on the rest of the die.

 

[Steel Head]

I use alcohol or acetone for the inside
One shot lube or other spay lube/protection on the outside

 

[PiratePast40]

FWIW, here's what Lee has to say about it.

 

[po18guy]

FWIW, here's what Lee has to say about it.

I'd say that's pretty good advice. In the case of RCBS or other dies which have checkering, a small wire brush or Dremel/wire wheel take care of the rust.