How important is a tumbler

[Sunray]

"...my 7.62x54R..." You did order .311" bullets didn't you? .308" bullets are too small. And the Lee Loader will do nicely. However, you won't be able to use the same brass in another Moisin Nagant. The Lee Loaders neck size only. S'ok if you only have one rifle, but using the same brass in two rifles requires full length resizing when switching rifles.
Pitch the scoops and get a scale though. The charge they throw can vary plus or minus a full grain.

 

[silverlance]

=(

.311 is too small? rats, i just bought 100 of the .308. I'm hoping that what you are referring to are the old pre-d barreled nagants, though. I think the D barrel ones are .308.

As for neck sizing... oh bugger I guess I will only be able to shoot the ammo I reload in one gun. Okay, no big deal. I have a very beat up m39 that would be perfect for this.

Do tell me how that homemade lube turns out. I would love to roll my own too!

 

[cracked butt]

I've never really been compelled to get a tumbler. I wipe brass with a towel. If necessary, I'll wipe the brass with a lead removal cloth, then with a towel- get them shiny in amoment.

 

[jad0110]

Very interesting thread...

This is a good thread, especially for a NOOB who is undecided on cleaning brass or not. Thank you for all the great posts.

I am also undecided on if and how to clean. I just know that shiny cases are not a necessity for me.

I will be using carbide dies, I don't know if that makes any difference as far as cleaning goes. I considered a tumbler, but just don't like the idea of having to deal with the airbone lead exposure with a newborn in the house . How do you guys deal with this? Just use the tumbler outside (how loud are they)?

As for wiping the cases with a rough cloth, this sound like the most appealing solution for me. I have to inspect each case anyway, so it wouldn't seem to add much complexity. Do you just soak the cloth in plain old white vinegar?

I've also heard of guys putting their brass in a mesh bag and throwing them in the dishwasher with non-amonia detergent. Anyone here try this? I suppose this would also clean crud out of the inside of the case - is that an important consideration?

A ton of questions, I know, but I thank you for your input.

 

[ace1001]

I shoot 45 colt. The brass never hits the ground so there is no grit. I choose clean burning powders. I NEVER clean brass. I have carbide dies and I don't grease them. Old saxophones have a patina. . . thats what my cartriges have. I have loaded some of them 50 times. When they split, I toss them. My guess the 70 yr old that was having trouble hitting had eye problems, not brass problems. Case trimming is more important than tumbling. Ace

 

[hankpac]

I had the biggest Midway tumbler when I first set up. Wehn it died, they said they no longer made that one, so they sent me two of the next smaller one. Wow!!. I gave one to my son, 6 years ago. both still running great.
I guess it's like Viagra: You don't have to need it to love it!

 

[Davo]

I use steel wool, and it works well. Spin the brass in my hand drill, it works fine. I load only 100 rounds/month right now.