Bronze machines very well without lubricant even though silicon bronze is classed as a low lead alloy. It would not occur to me to reach for cutting oil for bronze.
You are correct, it seems he had the die upside down. You can see the taper of the die on the top currently where it should have been on the bottom. Not a major issue on brass, on steel it could break your die. Additionally some oil also make the process a little easier. Great job otherwise.
