Does brass need to be cleaned every time?

[DngBat7]

Hoping for some quick answers. Trying to fireform brass to send off to die maker. Today is my only day to get to the range. Do I need to tumble between firings? I want to get the brass fired 3 times today to send off tomorrow. Also, for fireforming, is 3 times good? Or is that to much? I am just neck sizing between firings.

Thanks everyone

 

[Comrade Terry]

Wipe 'em off, and reload 'em. Three is fine.

 

[47WillysGuy]

Depends on how much grit that collects on them and if that grit can be simply wiped off. I wash all fired cases before sizing and after trimming.

You'd be surprised at amount of brass particles that can be seen on the wash tub bottom after trimming. I don't want those particles in the chamber or barrel bore either.

 

[M-61]

I would wipe them off, clean the primer pocket, reload, and shoot.

 

[corsair4360]

I reloaded for years wiping them off and reloading them, started reloading in the late '60's

 

[Bc'z]

I use to think it was necessary. I've gone from tumbling every firing, to every 3rd.
Now I just wipe with micro fiber, clean pockets, brush necks.
I've learned shiny brass dosen't make a difference on paper.
They do look good though.

 

[DngBat7]

Thanks everyone!

 

[dcali]

No. Not ever, actually.

 

[DngBat7]

No. Not ever, actually.

Does there not become a buildup of carbon on the inside after a while that should cleaned out?

 

[dcali]

Does there not become a buildup of carbon on the inside after a while that should cleaned out?

Not really. The layer of carbon remains remarkably thin even after several firings. The only reason I clean brass is that after a few firings, carbon starts to get all over the place.