rust on dies

Big joe · #1 04-19-2005, 11:55 PM

I have some old Lee dies that have served me well for years. I haven't used them for maybe 5-6 years and I noticed they have some rust on them-inside and out. This kinda surprised me, living in Utah, moisture isnt typically a problem. Anyway... how much of a problem is this? Should I replace them, can I clean them, does it even matter? If you can give me some info I'd be abliged.

Thanks for your info...

BILLY D. · #2 04-20-2005, 12:07 AM

HI JOE

BIRCHWOOD CASEY USED TO SELL A PRODUCT CALLED "BLUE AND RUST REMOVER". I CLEANED A FEW DIES THAT WAY AND ALSO SOME TOOLS. WORKED GREAT FOR ME. AND REMOVED SOME BLUEING OFF GUNS BEFORE REBLUEING.

JUST FOLLOW THE DESTRUCTIONS.

GOOD LUCK.

buckhunter · #3 04-20-2005, 11:17 AM

Try a little oil and steel wool. Should work fine on the surface stuff.

Classicvette63 · #4 04-20-2005, 12:56 PM

I've used oil and steel wool before. No problem. It's amazing how rust will sneak into just about anywhere.

Wallaby Bob · #5 04-20-2005, 08:02 PM

Not sure if this is germane to the topic or not. But here goes my $.02 any way.
Worst ,and I mean WORST lot of die rusting I ever had was with LEE dies in 45/70. Caused by inadequate cleanup after using blackpowder loads, in the name of science of course.
Main reason is to tell you that the dies cleaned up quite well with the oil and steelwool thank you. It may be,of course, that being relatively large dies they were less sensitive to tiny dimensional changes than smaller and precision ones. WB

Catfish · #6 04-20-2005, 08:39 PM

I like a product called Gibbs. Put it on and let it soak for a while then take it off with 4 "0" steel wool soaded in Gibbs. When the liquid getts to rusty looking wipe it off with a paper towel and put on most Gibbs and some steel wool. If you use a wooden dowl aith some steel wool fastened to it chuched in to an electric drill you can polish the inside of the dies.

Adam Helmer · #7 04-22-2005, 03:18 PM

Big joe,

I have far too many dies and about every 3 or 4 months I wipe them all down, inside and out, with a cloth with CLP (Clean, Lube, Preserve) thereon. Rust ruins bullet moulds and reloading dies, so I get a can of Breakfree (CLP) and apply it every now and then and keep rust at bay. It is better to prevent rust than try to remove it.

Adam

Cal Sibley · #8 04-22-2005, 06:00 PM

We have cold and humid winters here. Rust can be a real problem. Once, during mid-winter I'll take all my firearms out of the wall gun cabinet and clean them well as an added precaution. It's a royal pain to have to clean 17 firearms I'm not shooting, but that's just the way it is. When it's done I start in on the press, dies, and all metal acessories like front rifle rest, powder dispenser scales etc...I purchased a rust inhibitor from Sinclair but still have to go through this mid-winter chore. If I were smart I'd buy stock in the company making Q-tips and also Rem oil. I guess it's a labor of love, but even that's pressing it. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

Gil Martin · #9 04-22-2005, 07:31 PM

My reloading dies live in a damp basement. I used to wipe them occasionally with an oil cloth and did have one set develop some minor rusting. Now I apply a fine film of gun grease inside and out and they do not rust.

I have noticed that most of the used reloading dies for sale in the local gun shops have some rusting. All the best...
Gil