Hi y'all !

Well troops, I did it - I am now a former member of the straight-walled reloading club and have just purchased my first T/C barrel using a necked cartridge. A wildcat to boot !

I just bought a 10" 7mm TCU for IHMSA Standing Big Bore.

I have a question or three about lubing. I'm told by the former owner that I'll need to neck size and bump the shoulder back on the brass about 0.001" after each firing. I know there's a slew of lubricants out there, but I'm straight-wall, carbide-die spoiled and don't really want to add the steps of applying and then cleaning case lube off the brass if I don't have to.

I've heard-tell that you can use powdered mica or even extra-fine graphite to lube the case neck and not have to clean the brass after.

Is this true?
Is this a recommended method?
Is there a downside to "dry" lubing?

I know I'll have to wet-lube for full-length resizing, but fully anticipate that I'll be able to just neck size and bump the shoulder back a touch after each firing most of the time after that. I do not plan on running these rounds very hot. A 139 gr. PSP bullet at 1,650 - 1,750 fps is the plan.

Can't wait to touch a few of these off !

Thanks a heap folks -

[ 06-04-2002, 17:13: Message edited by: Dino32HR ]

I've been using Lee's case lube for bottleneck rounds, and have been happy with it. A quick wipe with a cloth will take off whatever is left.

If you haven't already read it, go to Mike Bellm's website and read the article, "The experiment every contender owner should do". I tried other suggested methods for sizing bottleneck contender rounds, but Mikes method is the only one that really made sence, and it definately works.

Paul,

Thank you for your response. I've read Mike's page and found it very informative. I've got a lot of learning to do with necked cartridges ! I've read page upon page of how to reload necked cartridges, but lack the practical experience. A friend I shoot with has a ton of experience with them. I'll make sure my first couple of sessions are under his watchful eye.

Thanks again,
Tom

Most of the reading I've seen says that bumping the shoulder back generates head space problems. On a fire formed case why would you change the shoulder when it fits the chamber in the first place?

[ 06-15-2002, 03:43: Message edited by: centerpunch ]