Thoughts on cleaning brass

[whubbard]

I currently have two different methods of cleaning and sizing my brass.

New [to me] Brass:
Tumble (if Once-Fired)
FL resize
Trim
Deburr
Tumble
Neck resize

My Once-Fired Brass:
Tumble
Neck resize
Trim
Deburr

I tumble with corn cob and a splash of Isso case cleaner. Do these methods sounds similar to any of yours? Any recommendations?

For those wondering I neck resize after tumbling new brass as I've noticed the necks just aren't are circular as I'd like after being in the tumbler for a while. Also, I tumble after FL resizing to get the lube off.

 

[Walkalong]

On the first one, when you FL size, then tumble, then neck size, how are you neck sizing on the second sizing. Bushing die?

Anyway, I wouldn't bother for run of the mill ammo.

On the second one, I always deburr and chamfer after trimming, and I always tumble gain after that. Load as is. I tumble to remove lube as well.

If tumbling is really beating up the case necks, you may not have the media to case ratio quite right. Pics?

For serious competition ammo, the method and advise would be different.

 

[JohnGault]

Tumbling

I think if you try a Thumblers Tumbler with some Stainless Steal media you will be very impressed.

 

[jcwit]

Tumbling

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I think if you try a Thumblers Tumbler with some Stainless Steal media you will be very impressed.

Probably, especiably after spending another $200.00 plus.

The OP already has the set up for tumbling with corn cob/walnut media.

 

[gamestalker]

Something doesn't sound right in having to neck them after tumbling? I've stuffed my tumbler with bottle neck brass after resizing, trimming, and deburring and never ended up with dents, dings, or case moths that were out of round.
1. Tumble to remove dust or other debrie
2. Neck or FL size depending on where my shoulder's are, trim & deburr, and clean primer pockets.
3. Tumble again to remove any lube residue and metal shavings from the above case prep.
4. Finished and ready to begin loading!

 

[Canuck-IL]

Too many cases or not enough media if the necks need a touch-up after tumbling.
/Bryan

 

[jcwit]

For those wondering I neck resize after tumbling new brass as I've noticed the necks just aren't are circular as I'd like after being in the tumbler for a while. Also, I tumble after FL resizing to get the lube off.

Show us a picture of a couple of out of round cases caused by tumbling in corn cob media.

 

[whubbard]

On the first one, when you FL size, then tumble, then neck size, how are you neck sizing on the second sizing. Bushing die?

Anyway, I wouldn't bother for run of the mill ammo.

On the second one, I always deburr and chamfer after trimming, and I always tumble gain after that. Load as is. I tumble to remove lube as well.

If tumbling is really beating up the case necks, you may not have the media to case ratio quite right. Pics?

For serious competition ammo, the method and advise would be different.

Walkalong,

Thanks for the tips. I also just edited my first post as I did forget to add the dubrring step, which I always do after trimming.

In regards to the die, I'm using a Lee collet neck sizing die.

The media to brass ratio I have I think is okay but I'll attach a pic. I'm using a RCBS tumbler filled up a tad over half way with the media. The last load only had 40 pieces of brass in and the necks still got knocked around a little.



Jwit,
I unfortunately reloaded them all, but I will do it the next time I tumble some new brass.

 

[Walkalong]

I put more media than that in my tumblers. Might make a difference. Might not.

 

[Canuck-IL]

I also use a little more media than that but a HELL of a lot more cases also.
/B

 

[jcwit]

Heck yes, just reread that, I'll usually tumble a 150/200 or even more handgun cases. Rifle cases around 100.

REALLY can not understand how case mouths can get out of round tumbling in corn cob media. Never ever have seen anything like that, heck I can step on a 45 acp case on concreat without harming it and I weigh a little over 200.

 

[JohnGault]

Mr. OP asked for recomendations.

Hey OP,

Saving money, time and problems in the long run, may be a good recomendation.

Thanks