Lyman neck dies

[jcob]

I bought a used lyman neck die for .270 win. I only ever use Lee dies so this is my first one from lyman. Problem is, Its really sticky on the upswing of the press. Case runs in fine, but gets stuck on the way out. Do cases need to be lubed with Lyman neck dies? Or is something else going on?

 

[bigbull]

Your Lee die is probably a collet die that doesn't need lubrication or maybe not but just the same if you don't use a collet type die
you will need to lubricate the neck otherwise it will be difficult to pull the dry neck over the expander button and at the same time probably
throw the neck off center. Runout is caused at this stage very often.
bb

 

[bigedp51]

When full length resizing I use the same lube on the inside of the case neck, if just neck sizing I use Imperial dry neck lube which is nothing more than very fine ground carbon. (graphite)

When you do not lube the inside of the case neck friction greatly increases and stretches the case neck. You should also polish the expander button and smooth up its surface to reduce any drag.

NOTE, if you read the front part of any reloading manual it tells you to lube the inside of your case necks. Plus this section of the manuals is full of much information.
Every year I grab on of my reloading manuals and re-read the front part of the manual. This replaces any information that has leaked out of my ears over time and I have been reloading for over 47 years.

 

[VinnyQC]

Your Lee die is probably a collet die that doesn't need lubrication or maybe not but just the same if you don't use a collet type die
you will need to lubricate the neck otherwise it will be difficult to pull the dry neck over the expander button and at the same time probably
throw the neck off center. Runout is caused at this stage very often.
bb

^^What he says.

Plus check this link if you're not too sure what collet sizing and full length sizing is about: http://www.titanreloading.com/die-questions/full-length-vs.-neck-sizing

Lyman does make neck sizing die though (which are similar to Lee's collet dies). I think their version that don't need lube are tungsten-carbide or something like that and are quite expensive. Make sure which die you have (check the part number), and check on lyman's website. If it says "carbide something" AND "neck size" or "collet", then it usually requires no lube. It it's not carbide, it requires lube. If it's full size, whether it's carbide or not, it'll require lube.

Usually, if it gets stuck, it needs lube. That's true for anything mechanical, not just when reloading.

 

[jcob]

Thanks for the replies. I always lube when full lengthing, but like I said I usually use lee neck sizers so no need to lube with them. I'll try some lube on the neck with the Lyman one and hopefully she runs a bit smoother!