24 June 2004, 17:27
IceHoleKenLube/Sizer
I have been useing the Lee sizer and alox. I want to use some of the hard lubes. What do you recomend for a luber?
I was looking at the Lyman, the one model has the built in heater, is this nessary, can you just crank down on the pressure to do this? I live in a cooler type climate.
24 June 2004, 17:44
LeftoverdjHard lubes need heaters. NRA formula or softer do not. Go cranking down too hard on a hard lube or even on a conventional lube in cold weather and you'll blow a seal. Only reason I know of to use a hard lube is for a commercial caster who needs the lube to stay in place in shipping. For the rest of us, the NRA formula and some of the homebrews are better.
On the rare occasions I need a heater, I improvise. Heat tape works. Hair dryers work. A light bulb in a big coffee can slipped over the luber works.
If you have the money, get a Star. If you are broke as the rest of us, get whatever you can pick up cheap from a gun show, ebay, or your local shopper paper.
25 June 2004, 02:42
arkypeteKen
I use LBT Blue and I have used Rooster Red HVR. Both do well for me. I've used the Alox stuff, I've found that it it's pretty messy. The home made lubes is most likely really good lube I just don't see the need when I can buy the hard lubes. I still got bunches of Microlube that I use for pistols when I've exhausted the LBT.
When I started using the LBT I used the light bulb trick. I've used an old iron on an aluminum plate, that the sizer was bolted too.
Hell, I asked my ex-wife if two of her very larger aunts would sit on a couple sticks of lube to warm them up and flatten them. They didn't see the practicality.
Jim
I have used a SAECO for more years than I care to tell of. Now it is made by Redding as the Redding-Saeco. The old dies work on the new machines and the new dies work on the old machines.
I have two of them--one for hard lube and hard bullets, which I use with a base heater (Rooster Red). The other is used with a soft black powder lube--no heater needed, thank you. The built-in gas check seater is convenient. The most difficult problem is always getting a closely fitted nose punch for popular bullets that are not Saeco/Redding-Saeco. I now order custom molds from NEI and have them cut nose punches for the Saeco at the same time.
If you buy one of the Lyman type, get the RCBS. RCBS will take Lyman dies and punches and has a slightly better reputation for durability. I do not use them, but I am told that except for some small stuff and quality, it is the same design.
Geo.
26 June 2004, 09:16
Pecos41Geo. I've had and used the daylights out of my old Lyman 450 for over 40 years with never a problem. If the RCBS model can equal or beat that, it must be a dandy.
Probably either one will last a lifetime and a guy should just take whatever he can get the easiest.
I suspect Lyman stuff is the most plentiful and versatile simply by virtue that they practically invented the home grown cast bullet game.
26 June 2004, 11:32
IceHoleKenI've been checking ebay and havent seen either Rcbs or Lyman yet. There were a couple new ones, but I want used (cheap)
Next match at your home club, let everyone, especially your match director, know you are looking for a lubsizer.
26 June 2004, 16:02
Pecos41Ice, I usually see some for sale at gunshows, but pop the cap on the lube cylinder and crank up the piston to make sure you have one. Then examine the cast metal for cracks.
If all that's a go, you should be set for life. You'll just have to order whatever GH&I dies you want from Lyman.