Lee collet die. I got away with 65 cases without lube so far. Should I be using case lube or mica or graphete or anything at all?

I hate to work with a dry die. I wipe every tenth case (just the neck)across a lube pad.Too much , and it doesn't take am lot, will make dents/wrinkles in the case.I don't know where it is really needed or not, but works for me.

The Lee collet die sizes by compressing the neck around a mandrel. Since there is no movement of die against case you need no lube.
I use powdered mica from MidWay to lube the inside mouths of my case necks when full or neck sizing with a regular die. It probably is a good idea to slightly lube cases if the case body is contacting the die wall on your regular neck sizer.

[ 11-22-2003, 16:43: Message edited by: Ol` Joe ]

Cases do not need to be lubed with Lee collet dies. BUT I recommend you Lee-ment the die. Disassemble and deburr and polish - make sure the pieces move without binding. Great way to neck size, but I have had trouble with a couple and the lee-menting has helped. I even use a little stalube on the inside of the die where metal runs on metal, just to keep everything working. Also, clean and relube regularly. I just wish they would offer wider variety. sundog

I reload for 11 different calibers, neck size all of them and use a little lube on a Q-tip that I run around the inside of the neck. Use very sparingly as too much can contaminate the powder.
I want as much concentricity as possible with my reloads, and a smooth seating operation aids the process. I seat in two stages, turning the case halfway while seating. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal