straightShot
Member
For pistols, just clean the cases first and then start the reloading process. I don't find it necessary to take the primer out before cleaning. I do take the primers out before cleaning for rifle cartridges, however.
Case cleaner for a beginner
- Thread starter HOOfan_1
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The right way is the one that works for you. There is lots of information that says cleaning the primer pockets is not necessary for accuracy.
For lots of folks, they want clean primer pockets. If it makes them feel better about their reloads, they will shoot better.
I tumble cases after shooting to get rid of range grime. Then, I resize, expand the mouth (handgun), trim (rifle), and tumble again to clean of lubricant (rifle) or polish (handgun).
I store the brass away for future loading. I do this whether cases are loaded on a single stage or progressive press. My preference.
Lots of folks loading handgun on a progressive will clean the cases then run them through on the progressive from resize to crimp in a single operation.
littlebob3
Member
"How does that work? How to they play to put the new primer in if they haven't taken the old one out yet? "
They clean the case with the old primer in the case… after clean they put it in a 4 stage press (Dillon Square Deal ) and start with de-priming, sizing and priming.
They clean the case with the old primer in the case… after clean they put it in a 4 stage press (Dillon Square Deal ) and start with de-priming, sizing and priming.
280shooter
Member
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What ever works for you is the right way,,
I always drop my brass in my lyman vibrating case cleaner before take the primers out and size, Sometimes I find cases where the primers fell out. them cases go in the brass scrap bucket.See that works for me,
is that the wrong way.? not for me. do what works for you.
Some use used dryer sheets, I did that, but lately I use 2 strips for scoth bright pads, along with polish, I cut the strips about 2 in wide by as long as they come.It really makes the brass shine nice. and keeps them that way...
I always drop my brass in my lyman vibrating case cleaner before take the primers out and size, Sometimes I find cases where the primers fell out. them cases go in the brass scrap bucket.See that works for me,
is that the wrong way.? not for me. do what works for you.
Some use used dryer sheets, I did that, but lately I use 2 strips for scoth bright pads, along with polish, I cut the strips about 2 in wide by as long as they come.It really makes the brass shine nice. and keeps them that way...
littlebob3
Member
"Sometimes I find cases where the primers fell out. them cases go in the brass scrap bucket"
That is a good point and I will start doing that.... thanks
That is a good point and I will start doing that.... thanks
Blue68f100
Member
I you want to know how good Citric acid is as a brass cleaner, read through this thread on http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=83572
It cover the metallurgical side of a lot of different cleaners in specific to brass used in ammo. If you want clean without the fuss of using tumblers or drums don't over look it.
It cover the metallurgical side of a lot of different cleaners in specific to brass used in ammo. If you want clean without the fuss of using tumblers or drums don't over look it.
Hondo 60
Member
I bought my Lyman Turbo 1200 about 2 years ago.
Lets see...
I shoot once or twice a week, usually about 150 rds per outing.
If we round up to about 200 rds/week x 52 weeks, x 2years = 20,800 rounds.
So my Lyman has tumbled about 21,000 rounds in 2 years.
The only thing I replaced was the lid & the center rod.
I turned it on while it was on the bench & it walked off.
Totally my fault, it cost me $11.00 to fix it.
I dunno, I think that's a decent tumbler.
They're about $45 or so at any sporting goods store or online store.
Just my 2¢
Lets see...
I shoot once or twice a week, usually about 150 rds per outing.
If we round up to about 200 rds/week x 52 weeks, x 2years = 20,800 rounds.
So my Lyman has tumbled about 21,000 rounds in 2 years.
The only thing I replaced was the lid & the center rod.
I turned it on while it was on the bench & it walked off.
Totally my fault, it cost me $11.00 to fix it.
I dunno, I think that's a decent tumbler.
They're about $45 or so at any sporting goods store or online store.
Just my 2¢
1SOW
Member
I bought the Cabela's version and have been completely happy with it for 3 years of regular use. I had one problem recently where it started vibrating "WAY too much". I found the nuts on the motor mount had come loose. I double nutted them and all is well again.
It has a see-through top, on-off switch and a "lifetime replacement warranty" from Cabelas.
The only other thing you need for it is an inexpensive 3-prong light timer from Home Depot or other hardware store.
Some comments about vibrating equipment.
Companies spend millions, maybe billions, to eliminate vibration from rotating equipment.
Here, in a vibrating tumbler, we have a piece of equipment that is meant to vibrate. It will break once in a while. The good vibrating tumblers will have a longer time between failures.
I used to be responsible for the operation of some industrial vibrating screens that classified different sized ammonium sulphate fertilizer crystals. Talk about constant maintenance!
The timer is a good idea for a tumbler. Maybe I will remember to get one the next time I am at a big box home improvement store.
Lost Sheep
Member
What's "Proper"?
Dry terrycloth, undershirt material, diapers or even paper towels worked for me for 30 years.
I have a vibratory cleaner now. My brass looks nicer (a lot) , but doesn't shoot any better or reload any easier.
If you have all the other accessories useful for reloading and shooting, go for it, there are many good suggestions posted here, but if you are still lacking a chronograph, calipers, and/or other small tools, they might be more useful than shiny brass.
Just a differing opinion to keep your options open. There is something to be said for handsome gear and I commend you if that's the way you choose.
Lost Sheep
Properly? What's "proper"? To me, the alcohol seems excessive.
Dry terrycloth, undershirt material, diapers or even paper towels worked for me for 30 years.
I have a vibratory cleaner now. My brass looks nicer (a lot) , but doesn't shoot any better or reload any easier.
If you have all the other accessories useful for reloading and shooting, go for it, there are many good suggestions posted here, but if you are still lacking a chronograph, calipers, and/or other small tools, they might be more useful than shiny brass.
Just a differing opinion to keep your options open. There is something to be said for handsome gear and I commend you if that's the way you choose.
Lost Sheep
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