cleaning a new die

[Melnic]

Do you folks go through some process to clean new dies?
I just got in a new Lee Die and have not started to reload but just putting the shell holder in the press, it was a bit "crunchy" of a fit.

 

[Patriot]

I have used bore cleaner and compressed air to clean my dies out.

 

[Jaybeez]

alcohol and qtips.

no oil. it kills primers and contaminates powder.

 

[Patriot]

alcohol and qtips.

no oil. it kills primers and contaminates powder.

Oils on a powder die will definitely ruin your day.

 

[IndispensableDestiny]

I use brake cleaner to remove all the manufacturing and preservative lube. It dries fast. I keep the exterior of my dies (no powder dies) very lightly lubed. Same with the threads.

 

[tony b]

You really want to clean new dies. brand new .223 rcbs die decapping and sizing die was damaging bullets right out of the box. Took it apart and found metal grit inside. Cleaned with balistall and wiped down real good. Working good now. I will disassemble add clean all new and new to me dies from this time on.

 

[theBIGone2087]

Hornady One-Shot. Works well. I've also used Ballistol for my last set of .223 AR and .357 Sig dies. No issues.

 

[dj_in_md]

All new dies should be cleaned prior to use. One sure way to ruin a die is to scratch the inside. Die manufacturers make a die maintenance kit. You could use any good de-greaser as substitute.