Reloading press maintenance

[roob]

Hi guys,

I have a single stage reloading press, should I be doing any maintenance on it?

The rod is still gliding smoothly with the factor grease after about 1,000 lifts or something like that.

Is that all I need to keep an eye on?

[Jack V]

You are right the main problem is the garbage and grit that can come from de-priming and case sizing that's drops into the ram clearance .
This can get abrasive over time even though the ram still feels free . Every now and then remove the ram clean it off and the hole out and re lubricate .
Also clean out the die mounting thread at the same time as rubbish in the thread can cause die misalignment . Also lube the linkage pins .
Do this every few years would be ok for home use .

[Oneshot270]

I clean mine with shellite then a light coat of G96 on any bare metal. After I do some reloading I clean and wrap a Silicone gun cloth around it before wrapping again with a hand towel then a bank bag over top.

[brett1868]

Presses are pretty well maintenance free, do as JackV said and it'll last you a life time. I try not to use too much grease on the ram as the grit sticks to it and can accelerate wear. I use a very light smear of bearing grease cause that's what was in the shed but any light grease should do. Care for it as you do your rifle, wipe it down with and oily rag after use and keep moisture away.

[bigfellascott]

I generally give my press a wipe down every now and again with Lanox or Inox or G96 (whatever I have handy) and that's about it, give the pivots points a squirt too and that's it.

[Warrigul]

Keep it covered, dust attracts moisture.

A ventilated cardboard box is best but a cotton pillow slip etc will work but a word of warning if using ANY cloth as a cover for ANYTHING: by all means wash it in washing powder but before yo use it wash it on hot with no detergent at all as every detergent is basically salt and will absorbmoisture and wherever the cloth touches you will have problems.


Just my humble observations.

[Xerox]

I find I get a pool of tumbler media dust, carbon fouling and whatever other crime around the base of the ram from sizing cases.

All I've ever done is wipe it off every 50 rounds or whatever it works out to be and kept sizing/reloading.

The arm must have been lifted 6 or 7 thousand times over the years.... No problems yet.

[roob]

Thanks guys.

Next question. Is WD40 suitable for wiping the ram down with?

[tom604]

yep wd40 is fine

[Korkt]

A ventilated cardboard box is best but a cotton pillow slip etc will work

One of those thick plastic shopping bags around mine.

A few years on their with now since I tore the last bag, no problem.

[Pom]

Spray of Brunox is working for me.

[Gun Nut Gordo]

yeah the ram of course is you're main concern, but depending on where it's stored it probably wouldn't hurt to cover it when not in use. And if it is an area that gets moist a bit of WD or similar sprayed on the machined surfaces wouldn't go astray

[Wobble]

I just drape a tea towel over mine.

Keeps 95% of the dust out.