CARBIDE DIES....To lube or not to lube?

Firehoser

Firehoser

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I am looking at getting a set of .223 carbide dies. According to Lee you don't have to lube cases. What is your experience?

Thanks to those that corrected me. Lee .223 dies are not carbide but the question still applies. Dillon .223 are carbide.
 
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Per Lee 223 die instructions the collet die doesn't require lube however the full length sizer does require lube. Dillons carbide set for .223 also requires lube.
 
Yes IMHO suggest lube...I have re-loaded many .223 cases using a LEE Turret press, and if I did not roll each case on a lubed pad before re-sizing, the case would be very difficult to cycle through my carbide resizer/decapper die, and occasionally a case would even collapse, accordian-like.

Shorter pistol length cases, up to .44 RM do not seem to need lube with this press, in my experience.

Try it and find out for yourself, at the very worst you will ruin one case
 
I still use lube for my RCBS full-length (non carbide) dies and I would even they were carbide. I don't have any valid reason for the lube I just feel that things go smoother with it than without.
 
As far as I know, only Dillon make carbide .223 dies and they specify that cases still require lubrication.

Straight wall pistol cases do not require lubrication with carbide dies, but it does cut down sizing effort. If you lube these cases very lightly, there is little residue left behind and you do not have to clean it off afterwards.
 
The only carbide dies I use are for pistol cartridges.....
The only handgun caliber I lube for these is the 9mm. I found that a bit of Lyman's spray lube in a 2L ice cream bucket half full of cases short eased the resizing.
 
My Lee FL .223 die definitely need lube. Trust me, my case got stuck. Luckily with the Lee die, just loosen the collet that holds the pin and use a punch to tap it out.

Initially I used the Lee water based lubricant, I used just a bit but it wasn't enough and it got stuck. I started using the Lyman case lube spray.

My Lee pistol dies which are carbide, I can get away without any lube.
 
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Here is why I asked. This is the description from Lee Precision web site.

Ultimate Rifle 4-Die Set

Choose this die set for maximum versatility. The set features a full length-resizing die to return brass to factory new dimensions, perfect for reloading brass fired in other guns. The Collet Neck sizing die is used on your fire formed brass giving you best possible accuracy. No case lube required and cases last almost forever. The Easy Adjust Dead Length Bullet seating die foolproofs the bullet seating adjustment, and assures perfect seating depth every time. The Factory Crimp die provides a secure crimp on bullets with or without a crimp groove. In most cases it helps accuracy by providing a uniform higher start pressure and gives the finished cartridge Factory like accuracy and dependability. The set is complete, with shell holder, powder measure and famous Lee load data featuring all common brands of powder organized in a easy to read logical format.

Includes a full length sizer, collet necksizer, Easy Adjust Dead Length Bullet Seating Die & Factory Crimp Die.
 
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