How to Make Case Lube in 4 Easy Steps (Reloading diy)

by Mac Raven

Competition shooting, long range shooting, shooting sports, reloading, ftr, prs, elr, f-class, sling shooting, service rifle, air rifle, trap, skeet, clay, bench rest, shotgun, target, rifle, how to, shooter spotlight, tutorial, shooter spotlight, interviews, article, mac raven, 5 gun nation, handloading, education, nrl, high power rifle, palma,v2 series, ammo, rifle tunning, bullets

"I got 99 problems, and a stuck case isn’t one of them." - Mac R

Here are 4 easy steps on how to make a case lube for reloading:

Sometimes it’s best if you do things yourself. (DIY) I have a feeling after you use this, your days of trying to find the perfect lubrication will be complete. Not only does this work well, but it’s cheap.

I spent around $20 to make a batch, and it lasted me several shooting seasons. Keep in mind in a typical season. I shoot several thousand rounds. So that gives you a good idea of how economical it is when you make your case lube.

It also just plain works better than anything I’ve ever used. I never had an issue using this.

Step 1

Start by purchasing 99% Isopropyl Alcohol. You won’t be able to find it locally, even at a pharmacy. Save yourself some time and order it online. Don’t use 97% alcohol. The other 3% is water, and that messes it up.

Also, do not use ISO Heat. True, it has 99% alcohol, but the other 1% is some nasty chemicals you don’t want on your brass. Yes, I know. I just filled my email inbox. (lol)

Step 2

Next, buy some liquid lanolin oil. Again, this is only available online. The brand doesn’t make any difference. It’s all the same thing with different labels and various-sized bottles. I probably wouldn’t get a small bottle unless you’re the type that likes to order stuff online. Buy once, and you’re good for a while. 

How to Make the Best Case Lube 4 easy steps

Step 3

Purchase a Spray Bottle with an adjustable nozzle. Most spray bottles will do. You don’t need to get fancy. That said, make sure it has an ounce measurement line on the bottle. The lines are not required, but they will make measuring more simple.

Step 4

Now it’s time to mix everything. You want to mix 1 ounce of Lanolin Oil for every 8 ounces of alcohol. Combine everything into your spray bottle, and shake it up. You are ready to go at this point. Shaking it up every time you use it is a good idea. It tends to settle in the bottle when not in use.

The way I apply this is simple. I put my brass cases in a plastic tub. I spray it on and knead the cases. You then let them sit for five minutes. At that point, the alcohol evaporates and leaves a thin lube coat on your cases. That’s pretty much it.

Most people won’t tell you that you have to mess around with the recipe. The one I supplied you with is more of a starting point. It depends on your personal choice. If you want more lube on your case, then you add less alcohol or vice versa.

When you are done processing your brass, you will need to remove the lanolin. You can STM clean it or put it in a dry tumbler. Whatever you prefer, almost anything works.

There is a reason I took the time to write this guide. Unfortunately, many commercial products don’t do an excellent job of what they’re supposed to. I thought this guide on how to make case lube would be proper.

One product, in particular, is infamous for getting brass cases stuck in reloading dies.

Everyone, myself included, has learned the hard way with that product. It’s almost a rite of passage. I’m not going to name it because I don’t feel like getting sued today. (Lol)

I hope you found this guide in the How-To Series helpful.

Disclaimer: Reloading/handloading can be hazardous to your health like many things in life. You take full responsibility when performing these procedures. 5 Gun Nation is not liable for your decisions. Don’t be an idiot, and if you are, it is not our problem.