Cleaning Brass

[Nomad47]

I clean the outside of my cases with the gray scotch-brite pad as soon after shooting as reasonably possible. Then after resizing, I use the RCBS case prep station and I have a bronze brush on one of the motorized stems. The case necks first get brushed with the turning bronze brush, then once thru a stationary nylon brush and once thru a stationary mop.

 

[mikecr]

If cases always came out of the chamber squeaky clean, I would invent a way to coat the insides, eventually leading to carbon as a perfect coating!
Anyway, I'm thankful for the carbon layer inside my cases, and I don't do anything to mess with it.

 

[GSPV]

If you don't mind getting fingers dirty, a Krazy Kloth followed by a clean cloth or paper towel gets the brass clean.

 

[artbosco]

Is it necessary or good practice to clean the brass before reloading? All of my rifle brass is contained and does not touch the ground, so my normal practice is to wipe the exterior with a shop towel, clean the primer pocket and brush the neck ID only.

Cleaning brass before reloading keeps the interior of your dies from picking up unneeded fine particles of wind blown grit, sand, dirt etc, and burnt powder. What you're doing is quite sufficient as long as your safety inspection of the exterior for cracks etc, is not impeded. Don't forget to clean the inside of your dies [sizing and seating] from time to time.