Squatch
Many of the new dies have a dry film applied to prevent corrosion and will create tons of drag if not properly cleaned. I had your same problem because and I just cleaned the new die with WD40 which did not remove the dry film. The dies directions said to clean the die with Hoppe's bore solvent.
Bottom line, new dies do not have a preservative "oil" film applied to them and a good solvent is needed to remove the new dry film protection.
New dies can also be polished using a snug fitting shotgun cleaning mop and a drill. Apply some J&B bore paste, automotive rubbing compound, etc to the mop and polish the die for smoother sizing.
