2aHawaii

Tools and Uses => Reloading => Topic started by: Largecaliberman on December 19, 2015, 12:42:34 AM

Title: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: Largecaliberman on December 19, 2015, 12:42:34 AM
Does anyone have their own recipe on resizing lube?

I have used the Lee resizing lube for a number of years and it works ok.  However, over the years, the shipping fees cost more than the product. >:(  Any suggestions?  Thanks in advance. :shaka:
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: oldfart on December 19, 2015, 09:40:54 AM
Ebay
$5.62 with free shipping
What do the local shops charge?
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: ren on December 19, 2015, 01:16:02 PM
I use Lee in 90% alcohol warmed in hot water before applying to cases. Its the cheapest. Last time I bought it from WGS it was $3.99 a tube. It was $1.99 when I first started reloading in 1998. A tube lasts a long time.
I read pure lanolin mixed with alcohol is the bees knees but its rather pricey on Amazon. Locally I cant find it.
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: Lihikai on December 19, 2015, 01:49:40 PM
I recommend Imperial Sizing Wax.  SEC carries it.  You can also order it from Amazon.  It comes in a small tin and lasts a long time.
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: Inspector on December 19, 2015, 02:10:15 PM
I've used RCBS lube for years. But I am ready to try something new.
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: Heavies on December 19, 2015, 02:56:35 PM
(http://www.shoetreemarketplace.com/v/vspfiles/photos/208000-2T.jpg)

Little dab on fingers then to the case. 

It is cheap, easy, and mostly lanolin,  very slick cade lube.  My tin has lasted a few years so far and Im not even half done,  this is still used with shoes and leather as well.
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: Inspector on December 19, 2015, 02:57:42 PM
(http://www.shoetreemarketplace.com/v/vspfiles/photos/208000-2T.jpg)

Little dab on fingers then to the case. 

It is cheap, easy, and mostly lanolin,  very slick cade lube.  My tin has lasted a few years so far and Im not even half done,  this is still used with shoes and leather as well.
Do we need to start a "Kill Minks" thread?  :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: Heavies on December 19, 2015, 03:18:50 PM
Do we need to start a "Kill Minks" thread?  :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
disclaimer: no minks where harmed in the making of this post...   hehe
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: oldfart on December 19, 2015, 03:41:18 PM
disclaimer: no minks where harmed in the making of this post...   hehe
...
I googled mink oil. It does come from minks.
My former coworker had a pet mink but it died. I should have asked for the body.
How come all the good stuff comes from animal fat? Like lanolin from sheep.
Maybe we should try other kinds of animal fat.
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: Inspector on December 19, 2015, 03:55:47 PM
...Maybe we should try other kinds of animal fat.
Lard maybe? How about vegetable shortening? Or a concoction using one of these?
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: oldfart on December 19, 2015, 05:03:41 PM
Lard maybe? How about vegetable shortening? Or a concoction using one of these?
...
The only characteristic I can think of that a case lube should have is high pressure lubricity.
In the past, I have used LPS3 which is a thick brown fluid suitable for use as a chain lube.
I have also used alox2138f which is a component of nra classic bullet lubricant, certainly a high pressure application.
Alox2138f was originally used for lubricating railroad linkages and has favorable anti-corrosion properties.
I bought a lot to formulate my custom cast bullet lube. I still use it today to lube my brass before reloading.
Alox2138f has been replaced by alox350 today.
...
Tomorrow, I'm going to try some fat from pork adobo. Lol.
How bad could it be?
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: whynow? on December 19, 2015, 06:12:25 PM
I use Imperial wax but also heard that lanlolin mixed with alcohol is good similar to Dillons (?).   Call Down to Earth or Whole Foods if they still carry lanolin.
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: Heavies on December 19, 2015, 06:32:22 PM
For applications that you want the utmost in consistency, you want a lube that will be as thin as possible, yet be good enough that a case will not get stuck in the die.  Most benchrest shooters use lubes containing lanolin or 100% lanolin.   

What ever you do DO NOT use that oneshot spray stuff.  You will get a stuck case, and lucky if you can get it out without damaging your die. Lol
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: whynow? on December 19, 2015, 08:55:16 PM

What ever you do DO NOT use that oneshot spray stuff.  You will get a stuck case, and lucky if you can get it out without damaging your die. Lol
I got cases stuck twice in the past but because I forgot to put any lube.  Although I was lucky to get it out, took awhile to carefully remove without f'ing up the die.  After that I leave the tin of imperial wax right in front of the single stage press with a note on the press base to remind me.   
I have One Shot and need to dump it unless might make a good bug spray or mini flame thrower for New Years eve.
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: justin1098 on December 20, 2015, 09:18:28 PM
I got a tin of imperial wax that came with my press. probably 10,000 rounds with no stuck cases or other issues for that matter. Still probably 80% full. I do remelt it occasionally as it "sweats" in the heat in my house in ewa.
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: oldfart on December 23, 2015, 10:01:25 PM

I really did try using pork fat on my 45 and 9mm cases.
It worked pretty good for a non-petroleum lube.
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: Heavies on December 24, 2015, 08:21:33 AM
I really did try using pork fat on my 45 and 9mm cases.
It worked pretty good for a non-petroleum lube.
good for the terrorists too, I'd imagine.    ;D
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: oldfart on December 24, 2015, 08:37:04 AM
good for the terrorists too, I'd imagine.    ;D
....
Exactly
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: asinapple8805 on December 24, 2015, 11:49:42 AM
I'm pretty certain that KaleoArms <https://2ahawaii.com/index.php?action=profile;u=7845> has some case lube.

If they're processing thousands of pieces of brass, then i'm sure they've come up with something.

Maybe they might be willing to sell some of theirs.
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: macsak on December 24, 2015, 12:08:14 PM
They are using lanolin and 99% isopropyl alcohol
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: macsak on December 24, 2015, 01:23:44 PM
First try at homemade lube
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: oldfart on December 24, 2015, 02:25:30 PM
First try at homemade lube
===
what's in that HEET stuff?
No pork adobo? What if you encounter some jihadis?
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: ren on December 24, 2015, 03:09:46 PM
Homemade Hornady case lube
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: mauidog on December 24, 2015, 04:29:47 PM
===
what's in that HEET stuff?
No pork adobo? What if you encounter some jihadis?

From my experience, offering/giving pork to a Muslim just pisses them off more.  There's no "kryptonite" effect!    :rofl:

As long as you have a firearm, it won't matter if the ammo is carrying "the other white meat" or not!  Just shoot straight and rapidly!
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: oldfart on December 24, 2015, 05:36:16 PM
From my experience, offering/giving pork to a Muslim just pisses them off more.  There's no "kryptonite" effect!    :rofl:

As long as you have a firearm, it won't matter if the ammo is carrying "the other white meat" or not!  Just shoot straight and rapidly!
...
I thought they lose their 72 virgins cuz they not clean any more.
...
Straight and rapidly....
Words to live by
DVC!
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: Bushido on December 26, 2015, 03:43:44 PM
I've read so much about lanolin and Heet on the internet. Would like to know if anyone actually uses it. I already buy the yellow bottle of Heet from Walmart for my Trangia stove.

I have rcbs and lee. I prefer the rcbs
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: Heavies on December 26, 2015, 07:22:25 PM
I've read so much about lanolin and Heet on the internet. Would like to know if anyone actually uses it. I already buy the yellow bottle of Heet from Walmart for my Trangia stove.

I have rcbs and lee. I prefer the rcbs
Red Heet is isopropanol and yellow is methanol.

You could always get the 91% isopropanol at walgreens or longs on sale for the big bottle, cheap.  No need for the heet.   Use it to clean guns too, and double edge razors.

Lanolin and alcohol is what many many case lubes are made of.  The alcohol is a carrier for the lube, you spray it on and the alcohol evaporates leaving a thin layer of lube.
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: macsak on December 26, 2015, 07:29:42 PM
Red Heet is isopropanol and yellow is methanol.

You could always get the 91% isopropanol at walgreens or longs on sale for the big bottle, cheap.  No need for the heet.   Use it to clean guns too, and double edge razors.

Lanolin and alcohol is what many many case lubes are made of.  The alcohol is a carrier for the lube, you spray it on and the alcohol evaporates leaving a thin layer of lube.

does it evaporate all the way?
91% is alcohol, so most of that 9% is water
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: Heavies on December 27, 2015, 08:06:01 AM
does it evaporate all the way?
91% is alcohol, so most of that 9% is water


 ;D I'd rather have the water there, than what ever is the balance in Heet.  ;D

The water seems to evaporate away with the alcohol and not leave anything behind.  It is probably distilled water.
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: macsak on December 27, 2015, 08:47:03 AM
;D I'd rather have the water there, than what ever is the balance in Heet.  ;D

The water seems to evaporate away with the alcohol and not leave anything behind.  It is probably distilled water.

ok, thanks

we'll be trying our homemade "lube" over new year's weekend
at least that's what she said
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: oldfart on December 27, 2015, 08:54:41 AM
ok, thanks

we'll be trying our homemade "lube" over new year's weekend
at least that's what she said
...
Heet
That's not what it's for.
I'm thinking significant shrinkage.
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: Heavies on December 27, 2015, 09:21:47 AM
ok, thanks

we'll be trying our homemade "lube" over new year's weekend
at least that's what she said
Yikes! :rofl: :rofl: :rofl:
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: dumass on December 27, 2015, 12:47:59 PM
Bout 12 to 1 ratio, depends how much slippery u need... ;)

Lanolin and 91 or 99% alcohol
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: KaleoArms on December 27, 2015, 02:32:08 PM
Lanolin is not water soluble, but it is somewhat miscible which is why mixing lanolin with isopropyl alcohol that is less than 100% pure is possible.  Like Macsak mentioned, we use the 99% version because less water generally results in a better end mixture.  That being said, only a few places sell 99% on island and they restrict it to business purchases.  Longs and Target sell 70% and 91% varieties, but we have occasionally seen 93% (at safeway?).  We found the 70% to have way too high a water content and left the brass feeling very wet but not "lube sticky". 

Just our experience so far... it wasn't economical to buy case lube in the quality we go through so we set out to make our own.  We had looked into maybe selling our case lube mixture locally, but the cost of bottles or containers did not make it viable.
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: Largecaliberman on December 28, 2015, 12:59:31 AM
Thanks for all your ideas and inputs.  I experimented with some kind of mold release mixed with denatured alcohol, I found that this was too much humbug to use and mix.  I finally got my lanolin through Amazon and mixed it with a fuel additive called HEET that I purchased at Checkers.  Please note that the HEET that that I used is the one  in a red container that's the one with the  isopropyl alcohol and the yellow one comes with methanol alcohol.  I experimented with pouring two ounces of the lanolin in a squirt container  with HEET however I found that there was too much lanolin (too thick)  being used.  I then poured the second container ----- it was ok.  I decided to push it to three containers of HEET and I think it was about right.  Maybe when my squirt bottle reaches a third down, I might even add a little more of the HEET.  Lanolin---better than Lee and Dillon because its cheaper.

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/71BxYJYFXrL._SY679_.jpg
http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51RBr8ToeIL._SX522_.jpg
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: Largecaliberman on December 28, 2015, 01:01:51 AM
First try at homemade lube
Yep that's the one...GREAT stuff.
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: paulb3 on December 28, 2015, 05:15:11 PM
Better off with the ones from Napa under the Napa/Mac brand the Heet brand has some kind of injector cleaner in it.

First try at homemade lube
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: macsak on December 28, 2015, 05:27:23 PM
Better off with the ones from Napa under the Napa/Mac brand the Heet brand has some kind of injector cleaner in it.

whoa
thanks for that advice
i would bet that a NAPA brand might be cheaper too
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: Mr. Farknocker on December 28, 2015, 09:52:04 PM
does it evaporate all the way?
91% is alcohol, so most of that 9% is water

It evaporates all the way, leaving behind the lanolin.  If you put a fan on it, it dries inside of a minute. Super easy and quick with a spray bottle. 2 - 3 squirts, a couple of shakes and you're done. I spend more time priming the spay bottle just to get the spray to work than I do lubing the cases. I hate the spray bottles. They always seem to fail.
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: macsak on December 29, 2015, 12:35:06 PM
whoa
thanks for that advice
i would bet that a NAPA brand might be cheaper too

found this at o'reilly
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/JHN0/2962.oap?ck=Search_isopropyl_-1_-1&keyword=isopropyl#itemDetailTab_
2.79 at the kaneohe one, i bet it's the same at all stores, including checker
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: macsak on December 29, 2015, 12:59:18 PM

found this at o'reilly
http://www.oreillyauto.com/site/c/detail/JHN0/2962.oap?ck=Search_isopropyl_-1_-1&keyword=isopropyl#itemDetailTab_
2.79 at the kaneohe one, i bet it's the same at all stores, including checker

$2.69 at Napa
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: paulb3 on January 06, 2016, 09:21:52 AM
$2.69 at Napa
That's the one
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: oldfart on January 06, 2016, 10:56:07 AM
$2.69 at Napa
...
Is that just pure iso alcohol?
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: macsak on January 06, 2016, 11:17:12 AM
...
Is that just pure iso alcohol?

affirmative
99.9%

HEET is like 98.6% plus some additives
Title: Re: DIY resizing lube?
Post by: shibby95 on January 12, 2016, 11:47:49 PM
I use 91% isopropyl alcohol that I buy from longs @ $2.99 for 16 oz and I mix it with Castor oil to create case lube, works great.