Bullet WON'T Lube

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  • Last Post 02 November 2018
  • Topic Is Solved
BigMan54 posted this 20 September 2018

I have a really weird Lubing problem with my LYMAN 450 and the LEE 358-158-RF.

 I've lubed & sized countless thousands of the H & G # 50 WC, the RCBS # 38-150 SWC & # 38-158-RN. And the LYMAN #358311, #358495, #358665, #358477, #358429 & #358156GC. Only problem I've ever encountered is a bit of lube getting under the #358156's Gas Checks.

The LEE 358-158-RF is a totally different proposition. The Lube will go every where except into the Lube Groove. I lube/sized 200 #358477 & #358429 last night. Barely any adjustment, with the LEE bullet I kept having to adjust; deeper & deeper. 

Then the Lube filled in under the bullet in a BIG way. It "squirted" lube out every where but the groove. I adjusted the die up & down, and I'm using the correct nose punch. The bullet nose lines up perfectly with the Top Punch. There is a tiny bit of bevel base, no more then a Gas Check "shows". 

I'm using the same LYMAN #358 sizer die that I've used for 40+yrs. 

I can't figure it out. I'm using WLL X-Lox lube. I warmed up the lube with the LYMAN base  heater for about 10 minutes and then unplug it. The Lube flowed perfectly for the 450 SWC's. Then everything went to crap.

BLASTED STUPID BULLET.

.  

 

Long time Caster/Reloader, Getting back into it after almost 10yrs. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. #375. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. I also drool in my sleep. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet.

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shastaboat posted this 02 November 2018

I have this bullet mold in 6 cavity also.  It's the darn bevel base that is the problem.  I contacted Lee and suggested they change the design of this bullet to gas check as it is the perfect bullet design for repeating rifles in .357/38.  They said I could order a custom mold from them.  Maybe if enough people contacted them they would catalog a GC design of this bullet.  I use it for .38 spl and just wipe the base off as I size them.

 

Because I said so!

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BigMan54 posted this 02 November 2018

Yep,

.359+ as cast on all three bullets.

Long time Caster/Reloader, Getting back into it after almost 10yrs. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. #375. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. I also drool in my sleep. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet.

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shastaboat posted this 01 November 2018

I didn't read all the responses so I don't know if someone already mentioned this.  Are you sure the bullet as cast is measuring over .358?

Because I said so!

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TRKakaCatWhisperer posted this 31 October 2018

OK here's a SOLUTION.

The lube comes through the die through EACH of the 4 holes.

Some dies have the holes in a row or rows to deliver a wider area (higher and lower on the bullet).

Pick ONE level of hole (there may be two - one on each side at that level) that puts the lube into the groove(s).

PLUG the other holes with a small lead shot tapped into it.  (can be removed easily)

 

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David Reiss posted this 30 October 2018

Rog,

God bless Mr. Ford. I know he was a fine man because he considered you his friend, as do I and had the good sense to own a pair of fine made boots. 

I look forward to your visit, no matter what you wear, as long as you wear something. I just can't handle the vision of you bare.

David Reiss - NRA Life Member & PSC Range Member Retired Police Firearms Instructor/Armorer
-Services: Wars Fought, Uprisings Quelled, Bars Emptied, Revolutions Started, Tigers Tamed, Assassinations Plotted, Women Seduced, Governments Run, Gun Appraisals, Lost Treasure Found.
- Also deal in: Land, Banjos, Nails, Firearms, Manure, Fly Swatters, Used Cars, Whisky, Racing Forms, Rare Antiquities, Lead, Used Keyboard Keys, Good Dogs, Pith Helmets & Zulu Headdresses. .

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BigMan54 posted this 30 October 2018

David,

When MY GOOD FRIEND Bob Ford was dying of Cancer, He called me to his home and insisted that I accept his Cowboy clothes and Custom Made Cowboy Boots. He and I both were of generous size. He wanted his clothes to go to a FRIEND who would truly appreciate them. This included a pair of Boots made by a local man; J. R. Reyes. The boots fit like they were made for me. 

Every time I wore something of his, I felt as if I was paying HONOR to this FINE MAN.

Several months later at the next End of Trail, I ran into J. R. Reyes, I ordered a pair of boots from him. I had to take the "Bob Ford" boots I was wearing off for this. When JR had finished measuring my feet, He picked up one of my boots and said "I made these, but not for you". I explained how I got them, he was saddened to hear of Bob's passing. He said " I'm glad you ended up with them, wasting a pair of good boots by donating them to the Salvation Army is as bad as kicking a friend's dog". JR made 2 pair of boots for me before passing on himself. He too was a VERY FINE MAN, and an Honor to have known.

I don't dance, so I won't be dishonoring Bob's Boots.

I never liked them shoes anyway, too sissy for me.

I don't do "Hocus Pocus" whatever that is, and if I believed in reincarnation, I would be a "cockaroach".

Long time Caster/Reloader, Getting back into it after almost 10yrs. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. #375. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. I also drool in my sleep. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet.

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David Reiss posted this 30 October 2018

Rog,

I'll just pick out my own shoes, thank you. Here we don't dance in the shoes or boots of a dead man or speak his name in disrespect, sleep with his wife or talk about his indiscretions. However we will take in his dogs, cats and guns.

But since you Califorians practice new age hocus pocus and reincarnation I'll let you keep them. Maybe if they don't fit, you coud store CBs in em. 

David Reiss - NRA Life Member & PSC Range Member Retired Police Firearms Instructor/Armorer
-Services: Wars Fought, Uprisings Quelled, Bars Emptied, Revolutions Started, Tigers Tamed, Assassinations Plotted, Women Seduced, Governments Run, Gun Appraisals, Lost Treasure Found.
- Also deal in: Land, Banjos, Nails, Firearms, Manure, Fly Swatters, Used Cars, Whisky, Racing Forms, Rare Antiquities, Lead, Used Keyboard Keys, Good Dogs, Pith Helmets & Zulu Headdresses. .

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BigMan54 posted this 30 October 2018

Thanks, Rich

I haven't started casting yet, probably get ramped up for that next week. I'm still lubing. 38's. Want to get that out of the way before I go on to something else.

The good thing is that other then changing the top punch in my LUBI-SIZER to go from lubing LEE 358-158-RF to lubing the #358429 & #358477. I did not have to make a die height adjustment.  Less change of me screwing something up.

And David, my FRIEND,  if ya need a new pair of shoes ?  I can offer these; I have a tan pair of loafers, size 12W, that were passed to me by the widow of a friend. They have a BIT of discoloration from being in a back corner of the closet for 20yrs. But I have brushed off all the mold. The soles & heels are in real good shape though. Maybe you could dye them dark brown. Shoot me a PM if your interested in a "new" pair of HAPPY DANCE shoes.   

Long time Caster/Reloader, Getting back into it after almost 10yrs. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. #375. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. I also drool in my sleep. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet.

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Rich/WIS posted this 30 October 2018

Makes me happy to see you solved it, and also happy to see I am not the only one who has ever done the same thing!

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BigMan54 posted this 30 October 2018

David,

I know how happy you are for me, I can feel the WAVES OF JOY BLOWING IN FROM THE EAST.

No wait, that's the BLASTED Santa Ana winds.

David, you my friend would put a BORSCHT BELT COMEDIAN TO SHAME.

Rest your feet, and get ready.....

I'm casting for the 1st time since summer started, 4 months ago.

What can go wrong next ?????

Long time Caster/Reloader, Getting back into it after almost 10yrs. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. #375. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. I also drool in my sleep. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet.

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David Reiss posted this 29 October 2018

Whew, I'm tired and now need a new pair of shoes, wore these plain out. The dance floor actually has smoke coming up from it. 

With the "Texas Two Step Boogie", congratulations!

 

 

David Reiss - NRA Life Member & PSC Range Member Retired Police Firearms Instructor/Armorer
-Services: Wars Fought, Uprisings Quelled, Bars Emptied, Revolutions Started, Tigers Tamed, Assassinations Plotted, Women Seduced, Governments Run, Gun Appraisals, Lost Treasure Found.
- Also deal in: Land, Banjos, Nails, Firearms, Manure, Fly Swatters, Used Cars, Whisky, Racing Forms, Rare Antiquities, Lead, Used Keyboard Keys, Good Dogs, Pith Helmets & Zulu Headdresses. .

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BigMan54 posted this 28 October 2018

David,

I am about to make your WHOLE WEEKEND .

Lubing the LEE 358-158-RF,  I was going to try Again !  

I went out to the Patio to the LUBI-SIZER, it was as I had left it. Set up to Size & Lube the LEE 358-158-RF. I was ready to start trying every one of the Top Punch's I had. The TP conversion chart from L.A. Silhouette Club gives the #495 or #43 as the correct fitting choices for the nose of the LEE 358-158-RF bullet.  I tried the #495 1st and it left a mark/ring on the bullets nose . I next tried the #43, it left no mark on the bullets nose, but wouldn't put lube into the bullet's Lube Groove. 

I tried everything, listened and tried a number of great solutions from the Peanut Gallery.

This time as I sat down at the LUBI-SIZER, I put on my glasses to read the # of the TP in the LUBI-SIZER. It was a #43, I hadn't plugged in the heater and the air temperature was 72degrees. I put a bullet in the die and pulled down the handle.

I was still wearing my Reading Glasses, and noticed the TP WAS TOO BLASTED BIG TO FIT INSIDE THE. 358 sizing Die. 

IT WASN'T SMALL ENOUGH TO PUSH THE BLASTED DAMNED BULLETS FAR ENOUGH INTO THE DIE FOR THE LUBE TO BE PUSHED INTO THE BULLETS LUBE GROOVE.

TALK ABOUT FEELING STUPID !!!!!!!

If I had bothered to put my READERS on I would have discovered right at the beginning. 

I tried the #429, no good. Tried the #311, worked PERFECTLY.

SUCCESS AT LAST.

I know all you guys will be relieved that I have finally solved my own stupidity.

David in particular will be doing a happy dance in my Honor.

Long time Caster/Reloader, Getting back into it after almost 10yrs. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. #375. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. I also drool in my sleep. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet.

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BigMan54 posted this 23 September 2018

Ross S.

I think that may be the ONLY reloading mistake Iv'e NEVER made.

 

YET

Long time Caster/Reloader, Getting back into it after almost 10yrs. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. #375. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. I also drool in my sleep. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet.

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Ross Smith posted this 23 September 2018

Naw , really big guy, I've put bullets down the wrong size die.

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Brodie posted this 22 September 2018

Yeah, the better ones always cost more (a lifetime of monogamy and service, deafness, cold feet in your back, etc.) than the others.  But, we always have to pay.

B.E.Brickey

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BigMan54 posted this 22 September 2018

Gee, Guys, 

Thanks for all those wonderful idea's. 

Old Coot, I'm going to try to change the position of my mouth by sticking my tongue out.

 

ShastaBoat,  I can't melt the lube out of Lube-Sizer by putting it in the oven because I'm married. And doing it by propane torch is not something I want to try at my current  diminished physical condition. So changing the Lube out completely is not practical. 

 

Gregor, I've been to 3 Salvation Army stores & the Hospital Ladies Thrift store a couple of dozen times over the past year. Ya wanna buy CORNING WARE dishes &  old Percolators, ashtrays up the wazoo, and old Teflon pans, they got ya covered. Toaster Ovens with or without convection, NOPE. Got a hotplate for outside. And the Wife just gave me a SMALL crock pot, just big enough to fit the new Pyrex measuring cup she bought me  into it for a water bath, I can finally use the 3+lbs of pure ALOX & 3 lbs of Pure Beeswax I've had sitting in the garage fridge for a couple of decades. 

 

Ross S. I'm pretty sure a bullet dropped from a .358dia mold goes into a .358 Lube-Sizer die.

 

And David, old FRIEND, it is truly a frightening prospect for this old Jew to contemplate buying retail for a New Toaster Oven. 

I think I'll just wait to touch anything casting/reloading until my Wife's Sister comes from WA for her annual visit next week. And then BOTH of them and My Daughter will head south to meet the other Family females heading north to meet in BALBOA. 

FIVE FULL DAYS OF PEACE AND QUIET. Of course the cleaning frenzy starts tomorrow and goes non stop until the 2100 flight arrives Tuesday.   And I'll have to make Clam Chowder from scratch so she'll have something to eat when she gets here. 

Sometimes It's a steep price to pay for Marrying the PERFECT WIFE. 

Long time Caster/Reloader, Getting back into it after almost 10yrs. Life Member NRA 40+yrs, Life S.A.S.S. #375. Does this mean a description of me as a fumble-fingered knuckle-draggin' baboon. I also drool in my sleep. I firmly believe that true happiness is a warm gun. Did I mention how much I HATE auto-correct on this blasted tablet.

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David Reiss posted this 22 September 2018

 I think we should give ole Rog just a little space. We are confusing the poor guy with all this info, worrying him about his toaster money and getting him all riled up about maybe having to move from the land of the gun grabbers. 

David Reiss - NRA Life Member & PSC Range Member Retired Police Firearms Instructor/Armorer
-Services: Wars Fought, Uprisings Quelled, Bars Emptied, Revolutions Started, Tigers Tamed, Assassinations Plotted, Women Seduced, Governments Run, Gun Appraisals, Lost Treasure Found.
- Also deal in: Land, Banjos, Nails, Firearms, Manure, Fly Swatters, Used Cars, Whisky, Racing Forms, Rare Antiquities, Lead, Used Keyboard Keys, Good Dogs, Pith Helmets & Zulu Headdresses. .

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Gregor posted this 22 September 2018

Was gifted an older toaster oven to do my powder coating in.  Try the GOODWILL Stores, bought a new hot plate for $5.00 to make my lube outside.  

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Ross Smith posted this 22 September 2018

Probably should keep my mouth shut, but.... I've done this: Are you sure you have the correct lube -size die installed? I'd like to know what the solution is.

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shastaboat posted this 22 September 2018

Try my lube.  50/50 
Beeswax and high speed lithium based wheel bearing grease.  Reminds me some of the old 50/50 beeswax and cosmoline but this stuff really doesn't lead.  Flows well without a heater.  

Because I said so!

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