I want to get a lube sizer and I need to know if I really need a heater?
I was thinking I could buy a used lyman or rcbs on ebay for not much money ($50. or so)
Right now I am tumble lubing with 45/45/10 and sizing with lee dies.
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I want to get a lube sizer and I need to know if I really need a heater?
I was thinking I could buy a used lyman or rcbs on ebay for not much money ($50. or so)
Right now I am tumble lubing with 45/45/10 and sizing with lee dies.
You will not need a heater if you use soft lubes . These are designed to flow at normal room temperatures.
A heater will be needed if you want to use hard lubes , these need heat to melt and flow into the lube grooves , they harden and are not as sticky as some soft lubes.
I have always used the soft lubes that require no heat. I have recovered many fired boolits with hard lube still in the bullet lube groove , I want it left in the barrel.
There are many ways to warm a lube/sizer that doesn't have a heater. Heat lamps , hair dryer , electric iron , on cold days I warm mine with an adjustable shop lamp and 250 watt lamp.
Read the lube description before buying , they will state if a heater is required. The stuff I use is Lithium Grease (1 part) and beeswax (3 parts). Referred to as Lithi-Bee lubricant.
I still believe soft lubes work better.
Gary
I like LBT Soft Blue.
Some lubes "need" a heater.
some lubes can be used without a heater, although if the room is cold (60º or colder), then a heater sure helps things along.
I have my lubesizers mounted on a Steel plate. I put a 200W automotive magnetic engine heater when I want heat. A small sized clothes iron (from the thrift store) works well also.
Go here: http://www.lsstuff.com/store/
Read the descriptions as they tell you if they need heat or not. I've found that 2500+ needs heat when it's cold out. My equipment is in an unconditioned garage.
2500+ will cover all the bases. Carnauba Red works well but requires a heater. Lots of people like BAC for pistols. I haven't gotten around to trying Carnauba Blue yet but I have it. Their lubes flat out work and don't break the bank.
I use Carnauba red for most of mine with heat. 50/50 for my 45-70 with no heat.
lss stuff is the place to buy and they will send you samples to try.
I wouldn't think you would need a lube heater since you live I Florida. I live in Southern California and I don't use one. If it does get a little cool I just point my heat gun on it or a view minutes.
I do all my reloading in the AC except casting of course.
I wasn't expecting so many reply's in such a short amount of time. thanks everyone
Keep your eyes out. I got mind at an auction for 15 bucks with a .429 die and top punch in it. I lube out side on warm days and it works like a charm. Are you shooting mostly rifle or pistol?
I bought a Lyman 450 about 1972 , I thought it was terribly expensive then , but it's one of the best , most used , labor saving and least messy ways to size/lube a boolit. I don't regret spending the money and would buy another in a heart beat , reloading gear never get cheaper ...trust me !
i bought a bunch of Tac 1 & Tac X from Randyrat on this site. I live in NJ and in the winter I have to use a heater until it gets over 65 deg.
With air conditioning having a heater is a good idea , even if you just use it to get things moving . That's what I do with mine , lubes like 50/50 Alox the heater is on briefly hard lube get more time .
Jack
I work in my garage, so need heat even with soft half & half lube on cooler days. I've tried so many lubes over the years, I now use only two: anyone's half & half and LBT Soft (even if it's not really very soft).
Texas
For a soft lube= TAC 1 For a Harder lube TAC X
Find it right here;
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/show...ac-x-mold-lube