After I posted the start of this thread, I did a quick key word search and discovered a long thread on AR15.com on the subject of "cooking spray case lube" Most posters who tried this gave favourable comments. PM me if you want the link ('cause I thinks some mods would object to me linking to another gun site here).
I'm not saying Lanoline and alcohol don't work but IMO "cooking spray case lube" also does the trick and is totally hassle-free, safe and CHEAP. You can't necessarily say that for the commercial products out there.
I've tried almost all of the fancy lubes that are available at one point or another. My favorite is the old Lee Case lube. It's so economical as the smallest dab will effectively do a huge amount of cases. I just toss them all in a ziplock tub and shake.
The reason I've settled on the Lee lube is it barely has any scent at all, no adverse effect on powder, easily wipes off of the cases with just a dry microfiber cloth without any water, and with the shake to lube process it gets a little bit on the case mouths that will lube the internal neck sizer of the die as you go.
Alternately, electricians wire lube (ideal 31-358 yellow 77) for pulling in conduit works almost the exact same and can be had for free if you know any industrial electricians or 1/4 the price of Lee. Electricians buy it in bulk buckets and wouldn't miss a cup of it.... lifetime supply for a reloader. $21/quart on the AZon.
If so, why are we paying many times more for the stuff labeled as commercial case spray lube - and going through the hassle of buying the stuff when you can find it locally or buying commercial spray lube on-line? Why not just buy the grocery store spray Canola oil for lubing rifle cases?
Am I the last guy on the planet using the good old RCBS lube pad? I do dip the neck in graphite for the inside of the necks.
I used to use PAM, but they changes their formulation and it was less effective. The no-name might work well.
A buddy showed me the shake-and-bake technique. I can lube 200 9mm or 100 223 at a go, using a 3/4" worm of Lee Lube.
Like this:
Recently I switched from Lee Lube to cable pulling lube. $15 a liter.
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It is like a clear liquid soap. easy to use and cleans up very easily.
I used to use PAM, but they changes their formulation and it was less effective. The no-name might work well.
A buddy showed me the shake-and-bake technique. I can lube 200 9mm or 100 223 at a go, using a 3/4" worm of Lee Lube.
Like this:
Recently I switched from Lee Lube to cable pulling lube. $15 a liter.
![]()
It is like a clear liquid soap. easy to use and cleans up very easily.
Ordered a quart of 3M lube. Free delivery on first order.