Reloading Press, Dies, etc. going into storage

Tim

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Contemplating putting my Dillon 550b into storage. I haven't used it in nearly a year, favoring my single stage press for rifle loads. I just haven't felt a need to load pistol rounds given how cheap 9mm is these days.

Any particular maintenance you'd do if your press and dies were going to a dry, but not climate controlled, storage unit for up to a year?

Easy enough to hose the dies down with a protectant and stick them in an airtight container, but the press is likely going to be in a cardboard box for the duration.
 
I'd make sure everything is hosed down in a protectorant of some type. My son put his stuff in storage when he had to PCS overseas and when he got back, the RCBS powder measure and press were locked up tight. He was able to get the press moving again. The powder measure is toast.
 
Or invest in an airtight container. Time for a trip to the surplus store?
 
Hornady One Shot (the gun cleaner not the case lube) is a good rust inhibitor.
It's a long read, but worth it. http://www.dayattherange.com/?page_id=3667

I've been using it to clean dies stored in a basement for the past year or so and everything still looks like new.
 
What about those zeerust tabs, should be able to put the press in a big plastic bag with a couple dessicant packs and a couple of the vapor corrosion inhibitor tabs. Maybe put it all in a cooler to avoid temp swings?
 
You could just let one of us store it for you and make sure it stays limbered up for when you decide you need it again. Seriously, if you have a friend that loads and can use it, it would be better than putting in storage. It won't get worn out and it is covered by the lifetime no BS warranty.
 
Honest recommendation... if it’s going to sit for a long time, sell it. Recoup the money and move on. Dillons hold their value, so you won’t lose your butt in the deal.
 
Boeshield will work to prevent corrosion, along with several different types of marine corrosion inhibitor(Mercury corrosion guard, CRC corrosion guard). Just know, it will leave a film, so when you get ready to use it again, you will need to clean the film off, brake clean followed by a rust inhibitor(CRC, WD40)
 
Clean everything as best you can. Then use a liquid car wax. Spray it on, don't wipe.

When you want to use it again spray WD40 to cut the wax, wipe, use.
 
It'll fit in one of these with room to spare for powder and dies:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Pelican-Ha...d-Military-MedChest-472-33x21x12/254434783179

s-l1600.jpg
 
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