I've read that this stuff is the cat's-ass in lubing cases and dies. I planned on using a water-soluable lube to make removing it from the cases easier, but now have read that the Imperial "is real easy to clean."

How does one clean Imperial Die Wax off the case OD and neck ID?

Tumbling in walnut media?

Would tumbling effectively work on the ID of a case neck as small as a .22 Hornet?

Is it OK to leave it on the dies, or should those be cleaned after you're done as well? (I would think this is OK, to leave on the die - unless it dries hard or gets "sticky" )

Anybody have any negatives on this product?

Thanks a heap !

I use it for resizing cases in neck-bushing style dies (no expander plug, so no inside neck lube required). It is easily removed with lighter fluid (Naptha) and a paper towell. A little goes a long way.

I only tumbled my tight-neck brass one time. The tumbling peened the brass at the mouth of the case and increased the thickness, and my rounds wouldn't chamber! Luckily this was discovered during the "practice" target, and I was loading at the range. I was able to chamfer the mouths enough to get them to chamber and completed the match. I ended up "re-turning" the necks after the match, and now clean tight-neck brass with a polishing cloth....

Regards, Bill

Imperial is the best thing since they put a pocket on a shirt.

Clean up is a breeze. When I size, the case goes directly into the tumbler from the sizing die. Corn cob media takes it right off...and I shoot 22 Hornet, and it works there just like all it does on everything else!

Pay attention to the directions on the tin...use sparingly. And it is OK to leave in the dies.

[ 01-29-2003, 01:55: Message edited by: trapdoor ]

Dino,

I have been using it since time out of mind, as well as the graphite neck lube that was sold as a companion product.

I use alcohol on a paper towel to clean the case after sizing. It cleans up easily, and you don't need much in the first place. I put it on with my fingers.

I see they list it in the Cabelas Catalog now (my shooting catalog just came).

jim dodd

Dino32HR: I have been using the Imperial Sizing Die Wax for at least 6 years and just love the stuff! It is easy for me to remove from the outside of the case by rubbing each individual case in a fluffy towel. I also apply the wax with my fingers. For lubing the case neck I put just a dab on the case mouth by tapping a lubed finger on the case mouth. The sizer will hit the lube first and push it down in front of it. I do not clean inside the case neck after reszing. No problems so far and I go through about 3,000 centerfire rounds a year.
I used to use the Imperial dry graphite neck product but found after trials that it is not neccessary when the proper "finger tapping" method is used.
Try it I am sure you will like it. A little more on your initial inquiry - I think it takes me about 6 - 8 seconds of twisting the case in a towel to get it so clean it will not pick up dust.
Good luck.
Hold into the wind
VarmintGuy

It the only lube I use. You can not beat it. I use the graphite neck lube to.

If you are having a problem removing Imperial Resizing Wax from your cases you are probably using too much. It only takes a very little. If you resize and then put it in a tumbler you will most likely get the flash hole plugged and you are putting a case in your resizing die with build up on it. You could use some 000 or 0000 steel wool to clean the case before sizing. Good Luck

Imperial is the best lube I have ever used. Use just enough to where you aren't sure if you got any on your finger or not! I load a LOT of ammo, and I don't know if I'll live long enough to use up the first tin or not. I just wipe off with a soft towel. If you are having trouble removing, you are probably using too much. Russ

I've tried them all and the sizing wax is about half as good as the spray on instant lubes. The instant spray on lubes are twice as fast and easy to use. Twice as slick in your dies and I just roll them in a soft towel for a second to remove.

I'll never mess with Imperial again.

[ 01-29-2003, 20:55: Message edited by: Pecos45 ]

The problem with spray lubes is they can spray �lube� inside the neck, case, and primer pocket. This can cause hang-fire and misfire in addition to causing inconsistent bullet grip. They may be fast, but there is a very real downside to using spray lubes.

WOW ! Thanks folks !

I think I'll give Imperial a try when I need to full-case size. I use graphite now for neck sizing only and that looks to work just fine.

Appreciate it !

Ok Guys I've been trying to find this what page is it on in the Cabelas reloading catalog I haven't found it yet. Thanks

I use Imperial for radical case forming and nothing else. For routine stuff, I use the Lee stuff in the tube and often thin with a little water.

Pecos recommended pure lanolin. A very little testing seems to show it to be at least the equal of Imperial and I bought 4 ozs in my local drugstore for about $6.

btw, my drugstore did not have a clue about lanolin. I nosed around and found it sold as titty cream for nursing mothers. That's reason enough to use it for someone with my warped sense of humor.

Leftover - You use that pure lanolin for a little while and your hands will get soft as titties too. It's amazing stuff if you don't mind the smell of a goat's armpit.

Zero - I have never had a hang or misfire since using the spray on lube. Of course I may reload differently than you. I spray my cases and then size all of them. I do all my priming on a seperate tool and by the time I get around to priming my cases, I figure ANY adverse effect of the spray on lube is gone. So far that seems to be born out by the fact I have NOT had any powder or primer contamination problems.

In fact, I deliberatly spray so that the stuff gets the inside of the case necks! It works for me.

Pecos,

The titty cream has been destinked. Nobody wants a stinky titty.

I sent you a link a while back for amazingly cheap lanolin. I hit the drugstore since i had no use for lanolin in the quanities they were selling it. I'm too lazy, but it looks to me like there would be good money for anyone willing to repackage 100 pound lots into 4 oz tubes.

Never used the stuff, but have/do use "Safty-Draw" 722X for serious forming.

[ 01-30-2003, 10:18: Message edited by: smallfry ]

I was given a 5kg ('bout 12lb) tub of lanolin a few years back. I dissolve a spoonful in a approx a pint of spirits and keep it in a spray bottle which I use for case lubing.
I shoot a lot of pistol/revolver (5-8000 a year)and normally spread the cases on a large tray to spray them before I get to work on the Dillon. I have never had a problem with this method.
I do the same with my rifle cases.
I guess I have enough lanolin to tast several lifetimes