Clean Reloading Dies are Important

Why Cleaning and Inspecting Your Reloading Dies Matters More Than You Think

Reloading dies are one of the most critical tools on your bench, yet they’re often one of the most overlooked when it comes to routine maintenance. Many reloaders assume that brand-new dies are ready to use right out of the box — or that once installed, they’ll run indefinitely without attention. Unfortunately, that assumption can lead to poor sizing, damaged brass, and unnecessary wear on expensive equipment.

Considering that reloading dies typically range from $40 to well over $200, proper cleaning and inspection isn’t just good practice — it’s an investment in protecting your tools and your results.

Why New Dies Should Be Cleaned Before First Use

Even brand-new reloading dies often arrive with:

• Factory oils or rust inhibitors

• Fine metal shavings from machining

• Polishing compounds

• Dust from packaging and handling

These residues aren’t always visible, but they can transfer directly to your brass or interfere with smooth operation.

Before using any new die, we recommend:

1. Disassembling the die completely

2. Cleaning all internal surfaces

3. Inspecting for burrs or rough spots

4. Lightly lubricating where appropriate

This quick step helps prevent scratched brass, inconsistent sizing, and setup frustrations right from the start.

Clean Your Dies Like You Clean Your Firearms

At US Reloading Supply, we treat reloading dies the same way we treat our firearms — cleaned frequently, consistently, and with proper tools.

The same solvents, brushes, and cleaning habits you trust for your firearms often work perfectly for dies as well. Carbon, residue, and grime don’t care whether they’re inside a barrel or inside a sizing die — they cause wear, friction, and long-term problems if ignored.

If you wouldn’t store a firearm dirty, you shouldn’t store a dirty die either.

Regular Cleaning Prevents Long-Term Problems

Even when processing clean brass, dies slowly accumulate:

• Carbon residue

• Case lube buildup

• Fine brass shavings

• Media dust from tumbling

Over time, this buildup can cause:

• Increased press resistance

• Inconsistent sizing or seating depth

• Scratched or dented brass

• Premature die wear

In extreme cases, neglected dies can even cause stuck cases — a problem no reloader enjoys dealing with.

How Often Should You Clean Reloading Dies?

A good general guideline is:

• Light use / clean brass: Every 1,000–2,000 rounds

• Mixed or range brass: Every 500–1,000 rounds

• High-volume reloading: Weekly or as needed

• After especially dirty brass: Immediately

If you notice increased resistance on the press handle or marks appearing on your brass, that’s your sign it’s time to clean.

High Humidity = Higher Risk

For reloaders in humid climates, rust is a constant enemy.

Even stainless and carbide components can develop corrosion over time if moisture is present. Dies stored in garages, sheds, or non-climate-controlled rooms are especially vulnerable.

To protect your investment:

• Lightly oil steel components after cleaning

• Store dies in a dry location

• Use desiccant packs or rust inhibitors in tool drawers

• Avoid sealing dies away while still damp from cleaning

A little prevention goes a long way toward avoiding pitting or surface damage that can permanently affect performance.

How to Clean Reloading Dies Safely

Basic cleaning process:

1. Disassemble the die per manufacturer instructions

2. Use a soft nylon or brass brush to remove buildup

3. Clean with:

   • Isopropyl alcohol

   • Mineral spirits

   • Quality gun-cleaning solvent

4. Wipe dry with a lint-free cloth

5. Lightly oil steel components (avoid carbide unless specified)

⚠️ Avoid steel brushes or aggressive abrasives — precision surfaces can be damaged easily.

Inspect While You Clean

Cleaning time is also inspection time. Look for:

• Scratches or scoring

• Chipped or cracked carbide rings

• Bent decapping rods

• Loose lock rings or worn threads

Catching issues early helps prevent ruined brass, downtime, and unnecessary replacement costs.

A Small Habit That Protects a Big Investment

Reloading dies are precision tools, not consumables. Regular cleaning and inspection:

• Extends die life

• Improves consistency and repeatability

• Reduces wasted components

• Helps ensure safe, reliable ammunition

Whether your dies cost $40 or $200+, a few minutes of maintenance goes a long way toward protecting both your investment and your reloads.