Case cleaning - Want vs. Need

[ErikH]

Before I get (further) carried away buying reloading gear, what gear/processes are a MUST for case cleaning? I know there are a lot of different ways to go, but I'd like to start simple and work my way up as I learn.

So far I've taken .380 Auto fired brass from Everglades and de-primed them, used the primer pocket tool, and then put the brass into a 5 lb. vibratory tumbler with walnut shell media. I do have an ultrasonic cleaner but wasn't sure if I needed to go that extra step. Am I good, or did I miss something as far as cleaning goes?

Thanks.

 

[Walt Krafft]

I have used a vibratory tumbler with treated corn cob for 40 years as my main brass cleaning tool. I buy very fine cob that will not get stuck in the flash holes and treat it with Dillon's polish. Primer pockets really don't need cleaning for most uses. Tumble clean before sizing to remove dirt, short tumble after sizing to remove any lube.

 

[LVLAaron]

For pistol... I just deprime and vibe tumble for a bit. Not too concerned about super clean primer pockets.

 

[DangerRanger]

You’re good

 

[M-61]

I read these case cleaning posts quite frequently.
I am still waiting for one that definitely shows reduction in group size due to some cleaning method.
I like clean brass. I like real small groups much better.

 

[joshb]

You’re good. I have a vibratory and a buddy gave me an ultrasonic for Christmas years back. I only use the ultra sonic to clean my wife's jewelry!

 

[ErikH]

Thanks, I appreciate all the input! And in the future, I'll take the batch size into consideration.

 

[divingin]

I think your post title summed it up. What you want/need is exactly what you want/need.

Case cleaning regimens run the gamut from "pick up and reload" to "do whatever it takes to make them sparkly and better looking than new."

I clean handgun cases mostly to avoid getting grit and soot and stuff in between the brass and the sizing dies, and to be better able to find split/cracked/damaged cases. It also makes it substantially cleaner to handle when reloading. It *may* have a minor effect on smoother operation in handguns, but if operation is that marginal, you likely have other problems to deal with. Personally, on handgun rounds, I wouldn't worry about primer pockets (unclear whether you meant uniforming or cleaning, but I think either is unnecessary.)

Bottom line: Get cases as clean as you want them, with the amount of effort you are willing to put in, and call it good to go.

 

[skeeljc]

Be careful with getting pistol brass too clean. Wet cleaning and ultrasonic cleaning leave the brass too clean and this can cause issues with brass transfer to the expander plug. I prefer to use corn cob media with a little Barasso in a vibratory cleaner. I do not clean the primer pockets. Just run the brass in the vibratory cleaner for an hour and load on my Dillon 550.

 

[K22]

For about 30 years I've clean cases using a Lyman Vibratory tumbler with corn cob media. Before that, when I was less affluent I simply wiped them off with a cotton flannel cloth containing a light coating of mineral spirits. Both worked for me equal well.

I do like to remove the burned on carbon fouling from case necks that I use for my precision rifles by using a few twists of 0000 steel wool then wiping off the remove any residual steel wool particles then I toss in the tumbler. I do this for the benefit of the die rather than any performance improvement.

One item I might add, I found it beneficial for the sizing die to remove any tumbler media residue from the cases. I simply spread the cases on a towel, spray with mineral spirits then wipe off. I found that the residue from media can make sizing more difficult and can gump up the die.

 

[skeeljc]

Pistol Brass: Lyman Turbo vibratory tumbler with corn cob media and a little Brasso for one hour (primers in). Then straight to the Dillon 550.

Rifle Brass (bolt gun): Wipe carbon from necks with rag & Brasso or Crazy Cloth (easier if you do it right away). De-prime, clean primer pockets, clean inside necks with lacquer thinner on a Q-Tip. Anneal, size and load.

AR-15 Brass: De-prime and wet clean with Dawn and Lemi Shine.

 

[JSH]

I am also a corn cob fan. oops:That doesn’t sound right for some reason)
I quit with all the “special “ names products. I will put a daub of new finish polish in the media and let it run for a few minutes. Then add cases. Stay clear of the rouge it makes a mess.
If you want the carbon out and clean primer pockets, a couple of table spoons of mineral spirits will do the job.

If you deprime before you clean, I suggest you do a flash hole inspection before loading, no matter what media you use.

Case cleaning has gotten crazy the last few years imho. I just don’t need or want to add more gadgets or steps into my process.
I bought 100lbs of clean corn cob years ago. I have given away a fair bit, but still have a couple of 5 gallon buckets full.

Case cleaning falls into the same area as the powder coated bullets. I am all set up with stuff to lube and size CB’s, with about two life time supplies of beeswax for lube making.
Powder coating did nothing special for me. Pretty much like cleaning with liquid, it worked but was no better than what I had been doing for years.

You have both, so you can try for yourself which gives the results you seek.

 

[acloco]

I started with corn cob, corn cob and additive (Nu Finish), and now, stainless pins.

Pins, by far, clean the brass inside and out. If you remove spent primers, does a fair job of cleaning primer pockets as well.

Beside clean brass, all of your reloading equipment stays cleaner - ALL - dies and presses.

 

[skeeljc]

Some people believe the carbon on the inside of case necks is a good thing.

I know that removing all the carbon from the inside of pistol cases will lead to brass transfer onto the expander and greatly increase the force required to pull the case off of the expander.

 

[Coyotefurharvester]

Minimum -If there is dirt on or in the case, swish them in a bucket of water. Dry, load ,repeat.

 

[Sandstorm]

I start with Anealling and then tumble 4 hours...lube, size load and shoot a Match...repeat.
Thats pretty much it.

 

[jds holler]

I never really acquired the habit. jd