Redding Reloading Case Lube Review

Was the Redding Reloading Case Lube Worth It?

For anyone deeply involved in reloading, the process of resizing spent brass can be a significant bottleneck, often leading to torn cases or excessive force required. My own reloading bench, a testament to years of experimentation across various calibers and firearm types, recently faced this challenge again. I found myself consistently battling sticky cases, especially with tougher-to-size rifle cartridges. It was during one of these frustrating sessions that I remembered hearing about Redding Reloading Case Lube, a plant-based alternative that promised a gentler, yet effective, approach.

The need for a reliable case lubricant became paramount. My existing petroleum-based options, while functional, often left a residue that was a pain to clean and could interfere with subsequent steps. The idea of a product that was not only biodegradable but also easy to clean with water was incredibly appealing. This led me to seek out the Redding Imperial “Bio Green” formulation, a shift from the traditional, often messy, lubricants.

Upon arrival, the packaging was straightforward and practical. The lube itself had a pleasant, neutral scent, unlike some of the more pungent industrial lubes I’ve encountered. The texture felt smooth and slightly viscous, suggesting it would coat the cases effectively without being overly sticky or difficult to apply. It felt like a product designed with the user’s convenience and the environment in mind.

I briefly considered a few other options, including a popular alcohol-based spray and another brand of traditional paste. However, the “Bio Green” formulation’s environmental claims and ease of cleanup set it apart, making it my primary choice for this review. The initial impression was one of quiet competence; it didn’t scream for attention, but it hinted at a thoughtful design.

There was a sense of quiet anticipation, a hope that this would indeed simplify a tedious part of the reloading process. It was a practical relief to have a new tool to tackle an age-old problem.

Real-World Testing: Putting Redding Reloading Case Lube to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial tests were conducted right at my reloading bench, a space that sees everything from meticulous lab-like setups to the occasional dusty, outdoor range-side tinkering. I primarily focused on sizing .223 Remington and .308 Winchester brass, two common calibers that can demand a good lubricant for consistent resizing. The application was straightforward; a small dab on my fingers was enough to cover several cases when using a pad-style applicator.

During this first round of use, I noticed the lube provided excellent slip. Cases slid into the sizing die with noticeably less resistance than I was accustomed to. Even after resizing about 50 cases back-to-back, the lubricant’s effectiveness didn’t seem to diminish. It applied evenly and, crucially, did not leave any greasy residue on the cases themselves after the sizing process was complete.

One pleasant surprise was how easy it was to work with. There was no learning curve; it was intuitive from the start, performing exactly as expected without any fuss. Unlike some other lubricants that can feel tacky or gummy, this plant-based option felt clean.

The only minor quirk was ensuring I didn’t over-apply it; a little truly goes a long way. This is less a flaw of the product and more a testament to its concentration and effectiveness. It certainly felt like a step up from previous experiences with less refined lubricants.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of regular use, processing hundreds of cases across various rifle and pistol calibers, the Redding Reloading Case Lube has held up remarkably well. It has become my go-to for all resizing tasks, from neck sizing to full-length resizing. Its consistent performance across different types of brass, including once-fired military surplus and softer commercial brass, has been impressive.

Durability isn’t a major concern for a lube like this in the traditional sense, but its consistency is key. I haven’t observed any degradation in its lubricating properties, nor any signs of it drying out or becoming less effective. It remains smooth and pliable in its container, even after sitting on my often temperature-fluctuating workbench for extended periods.

Maintenance is almost non-existent, which is a significant benefit. The easy water cleanup is genuinely as advertised. A quick rinse under the tap is usually enough to remove any trace amounts from dies or sizing equipment. This is a stark contrast to petroleum-based lubes that often require solvents or more vigorous scrubbing.

Compared to budget lubricants that can sometimes require reapplication or lead to case damage, this Redding product feels like a premium solution. It’s more expensive upfront than some basic options, but the time saved, the reduced effort, and the protection of my brass and dies make it a worthwhile investment. It’s certainly outperformed any generic paste I’ve tried in the past.

Breaking Down the Features of Redding Reloading Case Lube

Specifications

The Redding Reloading Case Lube comes in a practical, moderately sized container, often around a 4-ounce tub. This size is ideal for a reloading bench, offering a substantial amount of product without taking up excessive space. The formulation is explicitly plant-based, emphasizing its biodegradable and renewable nature.

This plant-based composition is a significant specification. It translates directly to easier cleanup, as it washes away with water, and it aligns with environmental consciousness for users who prioritize sustainable practices. Unlike petroleum-based alternatives, it doesn’t leave stubborn, hard-to-remove residues.

Its intended use is as a pad-applied resizing lubricant. This means it’s designed to be applied in small quantities to a case lubricant pad, which then transfers the lube to the case neck and body as it’s worked through a sizing die. The formulation is designed for superior lubrication capabilities, reducing friction and preventing case sticking or tearing during the resizing process.

Performance & Functionality

The core function of the Redding Imperial “Bio Green” case lubricant is to facilitate the resizing of spent brass, and it excels at this task. It provides a smooth, low-friction surface that allows cases to glide into the sizing die with minimal effort. This is crucial for preventing case neck runout and ensuring consistent neck tension on freshly seated bullets.

Its primary strength lies in its effectiveness and ease of cleanup. The lube significantly reduces the force required for resizing, protecting both the reloader’s hands and the reloading press. It also prevents cases from sticking within the sizing die, a common and frustrating problem that can halt reloading sessions abruptly.

A potential weakness, though minor, is that it is a pad-applied lubricant. This means it requires a separate pad applicator, unlike aerosol sprays. For users accustomed to sprays, there’s a slight procedural adjustment. However, the control and consistency offered by a pad applicator, when used with this lube, are generally superior.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Redding Reloading Case Lube is functional and user-centric. It typically comes in a screw-top plastic container that is robust enough to withstand benchtop conditions. The container’s wide mouth allows for easy access with a lubricant pad or even just a finger for direct application.

Ergonomically, the lubricant itself is pleasant to handle. It has a smooth, consistent texture that is neither too thick nor too runny. This makes it easy to pick up the right amount of product for application without creating a mess. There’s no awkward grip or fiddly mechanism involved, just a straightforward tub of effective lubricant.

The visual appeal is minimal, focusing on practicality. The “Bio Green” labeling clearly communicates its environmentally friendly nature. The absence of strong chemical odors is also a significant ergonomic plus, making extended reloading sessions more pleasant.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of Redding Reloading Case Lube is excellent in terms of its shelf life and consistent performance. As a plant-based compound, it is designed to remain stable over time. I’ve had containers on my bench for over a year, and they’ve shown no signs of drying out, separating, or losing their lubricating efficacy.

Maintenance is virtually nonexistent. The primary “maintenance” is the easy cleanup it facilitates. After resizing, any excess lube on dies or mandrels can be wiped away with a damp cloth or a quick rinse under warm water. This significantly reduces the need for harsh cleaning solvents that can degrade tooling over time.

The only potential concern would be extreme temperature fluctuations, but even then, its formulation appears robust. It’s unlikely to seize up or become unusable under typical reloading environment conditions.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Redding Reloading Case Lube is typically sold as a standalone product and does not come with integrated accessories or extensive customization options in itself. Its primary ‘accessory’ is the pad-type lubricant applicator, which is a separate purchase or often included with many reloading die sets. This applicator is essential for efficient application of the lube.

While there are no direct customization options for the lube itself, its plant-based nature means it’s compatible with a wide range of reloading equipment and practices. It doesn’t react negatively with various metals or plastics found in sizing dies or presses. Its ease of cleanup also means it won’t interfere with downstream processes like case cleaning after resizing, especially if using ultrasonic cleaners.

Pros and Cons of Redding Reloading Case Lube

Who Should Buy Redding Reloading Case Lube?

The Redding Reloading Case Lube is an excellent choice for a wide range of reloaders, particularly those who value environmental sustainability and ease of cleanup. It’s perfect for home reloaders who process significant amounts of brass and want to reduce their use of petroleum-based products. If you’ve experienced sticking cases or excessive resistance when resizing, this lube will offer a noticeable improvement.

This product is also ideal for reloaders who use ultrasonic case cleaners, as its water-soluble nature makes post-resizing cleaning much simpler. It’s a great option for anyone looking to streamline their reloading process and minimize the mess associated with traditional case lubes. Beginners who want a forgiving and effective lubricant that’s easy to manage will also find it very beneficial.

Those who primarily use aerosol spray lubricants might want to consider if they are willing to adopt the pad application method. While not difficult, it’s a different approach. Also, if budget is an absolute primary concern and environmental impact is not a factor, there might be cheaper, albeit messier, alternatives. However, for a balanced approach to performance, ease of use, and environmental consideration, this Redding product stands out.

Must-have accessories would include a good quality case lubricant pad, and potentially a small brush for cleaning pads if they become saturated over time.

Conclusion on Redding Reloading Case Lube

The Redding Reloading Case Lube has proven itself to be a top-tier product that genuinely lives up to its promises. Its plant-based formulation not only performs exceptionally well by providing superior lubrication and reducing resizing effort, but it also offers the significant benefits of easy water cleanup and environmental responsibility. The “Bio Green” aspect isn’t just a marketing buzzword; it translates to a cleaner bench, cleaner brass, and a cleaner conscience.

Considering its performance, the user-friendly nature, and the positive environmental impact, the $13.99 price point represents solid value. While it might be a bit more expensive than the most basic petroleum-based options, the time saved on cleaning, the reduced strain on reloading equipment, and the sheer effectiveness make it well worth the investment for any serious reloader.

I would wholeheartedly recommend the Redding Reloading Case Lube to anyone looking for a highly effective, clean-running, and environmentally conscious case resizing lubricant. It has earned a permanent place on my reloading bench.