Cleaning brass

[johnjr22]

A really dumb question...I have 22-250 brass, dirty...I am under the impression the primers need to be removed before the brass goes thru the cleaning media, I have corn, before I resize it? So, my deprime/resize die performs both at the same time....why would I put lube on dirty brass and resize and deprime before I clean them???? ....What is the correct procedure?
Thanks in advance.

 

[Mike 27]

Preference really. If you are tumbling then some de-prime so the media cleans some of the pocket. I usually do not de-prime fist just to keep the media out of the flash hole. If you deprime first make sure you check for obstructions in the flash hole. Other than that it is up to you. I de-prime now prior to ultra sonic but that is the only reason. If you want to clean the pockets I suggest a cheap pocket cleaner, about 5 bucks for the Lee if I remember right.

 

[joecil]

I use a Lee Universal decapping die so I don't worry about dirty brass. It doesn't resize just decap then I will wash (depending on if using Black powder) or tumble. I have it in the Lee Hand Press which I carry in my range bag.

 

[JohnM]

IMO it doesn't really matter, but if it's pretty dirty stuff, walnut will do a better job than corncob.

 

[johnjr22]

Ok, thanks ...I was wondering if de prime first would make an extra step of cleaning the primer pockets...and they are very dirty so I will get some walnut cleaner.....thanks for your replies.!

 

[Thompsoncustom]

I run my dirty brass through walnut, then deprime and resize, bell the brass and then throw it back in the tumbler with corn cob and polish. Makes for some really shiny brass.

 

[cfullgraf]

I tumble before resizing to get rid of range grime. Sometimes I decap, sometimes I do not.

I tumble again after resizing to clean away lubricant and polish the cases.

Sometimes I wet tumble with stainless pins after resizing.

Whatever cleaning of the primer pockets that happens during these steps is adequate for me for the most part. I do spend a little more effort on my match ammunition.

Lots of discussion on the value of cleaning primer pockets. If getting the primer pockets clean makes you feel better about your reloads, then by al means clean away. You will shoot better.

 

[joecil]

I tumble with Walnut and Franklin Arsenal brass polish. I've yet to even use the 20 lb bag of corn cob yet as I am getting great results with the walnut.

 

[johnjr22]

Where's a good source for the walnut media?

 

[joecil]

John I get my walnut and corn from PetCo Smart as lizard bedding. Cheaper and the same stuff you buy from the gun shops really. I had about 2 lbs of the walnut when I got my tumbler and bought some to compare. Same stuff. Here some of what I'm using and have seen it at Walmart and Targets also. http://www.petco.com/product/102881/Zilla-Ground-English-Walnut-Shells-Reptile-Bedding.aspx

 

[johnjr22]

Thanks Joe.

 

[joecil]

Oh and John if you want to use the corn cob I use this also for pets.
http://www.petco.com/product/106730...nimal-LitterBedding.aspx?CoreCat=OnSiteSearch

 

[korny351]

Where's a good source for the walnut media?

If there's a Harbor Freight in your area. http://www.harborfreight.com/catalogsearch/result?q=walnut+blast+media

 

[Bigdog57]

I usually (but not always) deprime manually (Lee Universal Decapper pin & anvil unit), then put them into the tumbler. My experience shows the tumbling generall doesnot clean the primer pockets. I do that with a cordless Lyman tool(a glorified cordless screwdriver) and the proper pocket cleaner tip. I am not usually in a hurry to load -take my time and do each step separately. Listen to good music, or watch a movie on HULU while doing non-critical (nothing involving powder!) tasks. Working on a couple hundred .45ACP now.