Lee Loader

Sat down to load some 9mm rounds this afternoon.
The press was working fine but was making a noise.
Just a couple drops of oil to the side of the turret stopped the noise and made a great improvement to the smoothness of operation.

Yeah, you need to keep them lubed, not only the ram but where the links and pins come together. I've started using petroleum jelly.

Not only does it stop the noise but it smooths out the feel of a press. I've learned to appreciate the importance of how a press feels and sounds when going through the steps. Fingers/hand and ears are the sensors of your press to an attentive brain.

I also find that using generous amounts of light oil on the ram and all of the press joints keeps them clean and flushed of powder residues, etc. I add a few drops to each joint and on the ram at quite regular intervals.

Bayou

I started using WD40 "Dry Film Lubricant"

A spritz of Hornaday One Shot dissolves residue and lubes

I had been using Grig lubricant on my turret press and it seems to have worked ok. Problem is the carbon residue and powder dust gets stuck on it and is nasty to clean up. How does the petroleum jelly hold up as far as cleaning?

Old Scribe wrote:I had been using Grig lubricant on my turret press and it seems to have worked ok. Problem is the carbon residue and powder dust gets stuck on it and is nasty to clean up. How does the petroleum jelly hold up as far as cleaning?

The PJ wipes right off with a paper towel. What you mentioned, how grease or oil is so sticky, is why I made a move. So far so good with the PJ; you can tell if it is getting dirty as you can see any debris that has fallen into it.

Ranch Dog wrote:......... with the PJ; you can tell if it is getting dirty as you can see any debris that has fallen into it.

That is exactly why I will be giving PJ a trial run when I get back from gallivanting around with family and friends. The stuff I have is clear and used it to make some bullet lube but still have a tub of it left. I've always been a fan of 30wt motor oil for similar reasons as it is almost clear. But it does tend to be a dust magnet. I wonder if PJ will be cleaner, less apt to collecting grime.