Do some primers burn cleaner then others?

[chevytruck_83]

I recently listed a post to see how important cleaning out primer pockets is. While i got a ton of mixed but good info i decided to go the extra step and clean them anyway. While cleaning out the pockets i noticed that certain pockets clean out easier then others. Example. Federal match gold 168 grain 308 ammo. The pockets clean out real nice. However winchester ammo I could not seem to get the pocket very clean. the carbon seems to be a lot stronget then whats left from the federal primer. Hence my question. Is there a primer for 308 that will leave me with an easier clean up? Thanks, nick.

 

[artbosco]

Is there a primer for 308 that will leave me with an easier clean up?

Good question. However, regardless of primer [your best load may prefer one that you perceive as hard to clean up], this tool will make the job as easy as a hot knife moving through soft butter: http://www.sinclairintl.com/.aspx/pid=34720/Product/Sinclair_Primer_Pocket_Uniformers

No need for a handle. Chuck item #UN-8002 into a portable drill and have at it. It does double duty as both a uniformer and cleaner. The fact that it's carbide makes for long life.

 

[Shynloco]

Chevy,
You pose an interesting question and I suspect you'll get alot of different answers. I've only been reloading going on three years, but have been shooting for more than 50 years. And cleaning primer pockets is something I do carefully with each and every casing I reload for and thats in 6 different calibers now. Something I've been taught by the "accuracy freaks," is to clean the carbon residue out and whatever else may be in the primer pockets. Then look for the "footprint" that is left by the little feet on the primers which will tell you if your primer are seated correctly and evenly. I've found that Federal Match/205's and CCI Benchrest primers are the most reliable for leaving those distinctive marks, while other just leave that black soot look. Also consider the age, quality and hardness of your casings. Heck I'm not really even sure if all that makes a significant difference in shooting a general production rifle as opposed to a custom rig that runs into the several thousands. All I know for sure is that "consistency" is what really matters and until you do do some testing with your own rig, you'll only be guessing based upon what others do with their setups. Good luck and have fun cleaning all those primer pockets. I've gotten so used to doing it I believe I can do it in my sleep.

 

[SS427]

After cleaning thousands of primer pockets, my non-sceintific observation is this. Winchester primers leave more soot and carbon in the pocket than others, and for some reason is harder to get clean. Federal 205M seem to leave the least amount of carbon and are easy to clean. CCI 400, 450 and BR4's leave a little more than Federals, but clean up very easy. It might just be me, but I also think Lapual brass pockets clean easier. It is like the carbon doesn't stick to them as effectively.

The Sinclair tool should take care of the problem easily regardless of primer though. I wonder why they offer a small primer tool, AND a BR/PPC tool? Is it because of the small flash hole?

 

[chevytruck_83]

Thanks. I'll have to check for any footprint. I'm currently using a lyman multi tool that i hope to run till i get the rcbs station.