While I've not used Imperial, I've heard lots of good stuff about it. One of these days! I'm still using the old RCBS water soluble lube (mostly because I'm cheap!) and do not have problems with it... but you have to keep the die itself cleaned out & the vent hole clear. Not over lubricating the case is key. If you're neck sizing, just a touch on the neck and little to none on the shoulder; if you're FL sizing, the same touch on the neck, a bit below the shoulder and more on the base should keep cases from getting stuck. I do have a lube pad but prefer to use my fingers in most cases. I use a spray lube on pistol cases (the one I have is nothing more than alcohol & lanolin and the cases have to be cleaned with alcohol or solvent to get it off) and the thicker RCBS lube for rifles. I clear the vent hole first. A needle to start, then a shot of wally world's best spray solvent (best = cheapest!) called Brake Clean (or Carb clean, whichever is cheapest, they are nearly identical) into the vent hole. Then run a nylon brush & patch thru the die to remove any build up. If you clean the die when you're done, a bit of oil on a patch will keep the interior clean. Just remember to run a clean patch thru before you start up the next time you use it. Generally I clean out the die after 50 cases or so. You can tell when the lube starts looking nasty, it's time to clean out the die. I've heard that some of the spray lubes don't need to be removed but as I often keep ammo for extended periods, I don't want anything in the case with the powder. It might be ok but I don't want to be a guinea pig and find out that after 3 or 5 years it turns the powder to gum or welds the bullet to the neck!
Cheers,
crkckr
