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Posted By: JustLucky Bullet sizing - 08/18/23
I just bought a Lee bullet sizer. I plan to run the bullets that were cast and lubed years ago. Will I need to lube these bullets again before I reload them?
Posted By: tomme boy Re: Bullet sizing - 08/18/23
only way to make sure if they need sized is to measure them. lead bullets will grow in size over time. What lube did you originally use? if it is that alox crap then you should try pan lubing with a real lube. for you 9mm you will need at least 0.356"+ and most all 45acp will shoot a 0.452" bullet. n smaller than either of the 2 or you will be asking for problems
Posted By: mathman Re: Bullet sizing - 08/18/23
A real lube like what?
Posted By: Magnum_Bob Re: Bullet sizing - 08/18/23
As I have successfully used cast bullets lubed with that alox "crap" for ove 50 years I can.hardly wait to hear what is better. Mb
Posted By: gnoahhh Re: Bullet sizing - 08/21/23
Originally Posted by tomme boy
only way to make sure if they need sized is to measure them. lead bullets will grow in size over time. What lube did you originally use? if it is that alox crap then you should try pan lubing with a real lube. for you 9mm you will need at least 0.356"+ and most all 45acp will shoot a 0.452" bullet. n smaller than either of the 2 or you will be asking for problems

A lot of broad statements in that paragraph. How do you know what his throat dimensions are which dictates required bullet diameter? Lead bullet's shifting in size (negligible) and hardness is due entirely to their alloy makeup, ie: amount of antimony present, what's his? Simple binary alloys (such as tin/lead) will be exactly the same 30 years from now as they are today. Lee's tumble lube plain works (but isn't a panacea for all bullet lube issues/situations).

To the OP: if the bullets were lubed with "real" lube (haha), no need to re-lube after sizing. In fact most people lube before pushing them through a die such as yours. If they were tumble lubed, you may or may not need to re-lube after sizing. Depends on a lot of factors and final applications. As a general statement, I would re-lube afterwards with them just to be on the safe side but they probably won't need it. Besides it's easy and cheap, so why not?
Posted By: Magnum_Bob Re: Bullet sizing - 08/22/23
I am still waiting to hear what real lube is?
Posted By: lastround Re: Bullet sizing - 08/22/23
The “real lube” I use is LBT blue soft applied by my lubrisizer.
Posted By: Creeker Re: Bullet sizing - 08/25/23
I use real lube. I know it's real because it works. Going back to the home now.
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