How to clean RCBS dies

[Doobie]

Hello everyone and good morning. I acquired a few RCBS rifle dies from a friend (243, 30/30, 30/06). They have some surface rust on the outside...not sure about the insides. What is the best way to clean and inspect them? Thank you for any help and suggestions.

 

[jjbduke2004]

Outside, I'd either leave alone or wipe with a oily rag. If severe, I might want to use steel wool.

Inside, I'd leave alone other than spray with brake parts cleaner to degunk whatever is left inside. I would not use any oil based lubricant inside unless I planned to apply more brake parts cleaner to get it out.

 

[byf43]

Hello everyone and good morning. I acquired a few RCBS rifle dies from a friend (243, 30/30, 30/06). They have some surface rust on the outside...not sure about the insides. What is the best way to clean and inspect them? Thank you for any help and suggestions.

On the outside, use Kano-Kroil and a BRASS brush (looks like a toothbrush - get at a hardware store or HD).

Inside, you can used Kano-Kroil and 800 to 1,000 grit wet/dry paper to remove the rust, but, you need to get all of the stuff out, then follow-up with CLP and let it sit in the dies for a while, then wipe out (as much as you possibly can).

Use some brass cases that you're not worried about, to see IF there is still some rust inside.

 

[rseymorejr]

On the outside, use Kano-Kroil and a BRASS brush (looks like a toothbrush - get at a hardware store or HD).

Inside, you can used Kano-Kroil and 800 to 1,000 grit wet/dry paper to remove the rust, but, you need to get all of the stuff out, then follow-up with CLP and let it sit in the dies for a while, then wipe out (as much as you possibly can).

Use some brass cases that you're not worried about, to see IF there is still some rust inside.

Is CLP good to use to clean a brand new powder measure, before use?

 

[stu929]

If its bad evaporust is incredible and will remove all the rust. Where are you located?

 

[Mulchman]

I've tossed mine in the tumbler with walnut media before. Left them in overnight after I disassembled them. To polish the inside I use fine steel wool. Kinda like polishing the inside of a brake cylinder. If the rust inside has pitted the metal, they are probably ruined. You could try them on old brass and see if it scratches like by suggested. IMO they aren't that expensive to have a good set.

 

[Mulchman]

As for inspecting them, after you dissemble...use a bright light and a very sophisticated detection device called an EYEBALL to visually look for irregularities. It should look like a shinny mirrored surface. Kinda like inspecting the bore of your rifle after cleaning. You can pick up something as small as a speck of dust with that.

 

[ken792]

You can send them back to RCBS with $5 for return shipping to have them polished inside and out. I had to send my .30/06 FL die back to have a stuck case with a torn rim removed and they polished it as well.

 

[chale127]

BALLISTOL would probably do wonders, then clean with Brakeclean before use

 

[jimbobborg]

Have you taken them apart yet? It's easier to inspect the inside of the resizing die with the decapping stuff out of the die. RCBS dies are pretty easy to disassemble, just do them one at a time so you don't get things mixed up.

 

[BigDaddy]

Is CLP good to use to clean a brand new powder measure, before use?

I'm don't know if it's a good idea to have powder in contact with CLP, even small amounts. Frankly, it never occurred to me to clean a new powder measure.

 

[byf43]

Is CLP good to use to clean a brand new powder measure, before use?

In a word...... No!

CLP and gunpowder don't work well, together.

IF you must clean a new powder measure -
1. Disassemble it, completely.
2. Wash in HOT water using dishwashing detergent.
3. Rinse in HOT water.
4. Dry with a clean, lint-free cloth and let the parts sit under a lamp for a few hours, to make certain it is dry.
5. Reassemble.


One word of caution.
I left my Uniflow Powder Measure (RCBS) half full of Hercules (now Alliant) Bullseye powder, after I got done loading.
I came back to the reloading room the next evening, and dumped the powder back into the container.

The chemicals in the powder 'etched' the sides/walls of the powder measure, and 'stuck' to the sides.

I had to disassemble the powder measure and wash (as described above), then used 000 steel wool 'rigged up' in a wooden dowel and ran the steel wool with a drill to 'hone' the sides smooth.

I darned near ruined that old powder measure, with the Bullseye powder being left in there.

Never again. When I'm done for the session, everything gets put away!!!!!

 

[DocAitch]

No CLP

Petroleum products will cause the powder to stick to the apparatus (and may degrade the powder performance if there is enough).
If you feel that you must clean a new measure, after you disassemble and clean the powder measure (per byf43 above), you might dust it with some fine mica powder (available from Midway and others for dry lubing the inside of case necks). Graphite powder (dry lube from the auto parts store) will work also.
In general, I don't clean a new measure, but I do dust with mica. I did have a new Redding powder measure that was coated in some sort of petroleum preservative product and that got cleaned with a water based gun cleaner, dried, and dusted.
Someone on this forum uses a used dryer sheet for the same but the graphite or mica might get to hard to reach places. I have used those dryer sheets on funnels that I use in transferring powder and on my scale pans and it does help to prevent the powder from sticking.
DocAitch

 

[rseymorejr]

Thank you both for the info. I just got a new Redding powder measure and the instructions said to "clean the new measure before use" of course no details or anything! I think I'll just wipe everything down real good and use the graphite. I wasn't sure whether Redding put anything on there that I would need to get off before use.(doesn't seem to be anything there)

 

[byf43]

Thank you both for the info. I just got a new Redding powder measure and the instructions said to "clean the new measure before use" of course no details or anything! I think I'll just wipe everything down real good and use the graphite. I wasn't sure whether Redding put anything on there that I would need to get off before use.(doesn't seem to be anything there)

I have NO IDEA if Redding uses anything/any preservative in their powder measures, before boxing/shipping.

Wiping the insides w/ a dryer sheet (after washing/drying) MAY help with static and the powder clinging to the inside of the hopper.