Case cleaning

ragwd · February 1, 2009, 09:54 PM

I am new to reloading, so I have a question concerning case prep. I am getting the cases ready to reload, they are once fire Sellier Belloit 45acp. I have tumbled 200 cases in corn for about 2 hours. Deprimed and cleaned the primer pocket with a primer pocket brush. I didn't wash them first and there is what looks like powder stains on inside of case, no real residue but just what looks like a stain. Did I not tumble long enough, should I washed them first, do they need to be shiny clean on the inside or am I being too picky?

sserdlihc · February 1, 2009, 10:06 PM

Being to picky. Tumbling your cases makes it easier to find cracks and defects in your brass.

armedtotheteeth · February 1, 2009, 10:33 PM

i dont know how well these other guys get their brass clean, but , that inside stain just always seems to be there for me. I wouldnt worry about it. Like was said by sserdlihc, it is for finding cracks. It also makes life easier on your Dies.

Sevens · February 1, 2009, 10:57 PM

I loaded for a good 15 years... in five calibers and I didn't own a case tumbler and I didn't clean any brass except for dusting it off with a dry rag.

It's much more enjoyable to handle, looks a hell of a lot better, gives you a lot more pride in your work, is likely better for your reloading dies and certainly makes it easier to inspect brass.

But it's not even entirely necessary to make quality, safe, accurate ammo. So yeah, you might not have tumbled it long enough to get it as clean as some folks do, but it's not a problem in the slightest.

FWIW, I tumble my brass for four hours and use a lamp timer to make sure.

dlb435 · February 2, 2009, 03:32 PM

I always have a little crud left in my cases after cleaning. Most of the time it's not a problem. I'll toss out or wash really bad cases.

PCJim · February 2, 2009, 05:59 PM

You're being too picky. As long as the outsides are clean so as not to scratch your reloading dies, you're good to go.

Inspector3711 · February 2, 2009, 10:12 PM

I don't clean primer pockets any more either... Have found no evidence that it has any effect on accuracy. You're cases are fine.

ragwd · February 3, 2009, 02:39 AM

Thanks for the replies, makes me feel better. I am sure that once I have reloaded awhile I won't be so anal about this but reloading isn't something to do wrong. thanks again.

February 1, 2009, 09:54 PM	#1
ragwd Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2006 Posts: 925	Case cleaning I am new to reloading, so I have a question concerning case prep. I am getting the cases ready to reload, they are once fire Sellier Belloit 45acp. I have tumbled 200 cases in corn for about 2 hours. Deprimed and cleaned the primer pocket with a primer pocket brush. I didn't wash them first and there is what looks like powder stains on inside of case, no real residue but just what looks like a stain. Did I not tumble long enough, should I washed them first, do they need to be shiny clean on the inside or am I being too picky?

February 1, 2009, 10:06 PM	#2
sserdlihc Senior Member Join Date: December 10, 2008 Location: S.C. Posts: 1,454	Being to picky. Tumbling your cases makes it easier to find cracks and defects in your brass. __________________ Familiarity breeds contempt, while rarity wins admiration. Aupleius If someone doesn't like you, that's their problem! Milton Childress

February 1, 2009, 10:57 PM	#4
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	I loaded for a good 15 years... in five calibers and I didn't own a case tumbler and I didn't clean any brass except for dusting it off with a dry rag. It's much more enjoyable to handle, looks a hell of a lot better, gives you a lot more pride in your work, is likely better for your reloading dies and certainly makes it easier to inspect brass. But it's not even entirely necessary to make quality, safe, accurate ammo. So yeah, you might not have tumbled it long enough to get it as clean as some folks do, but it's not a problem in the slightest. FWIW, I tumble my brass for four hours and use a lamp timer to make sure. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

February 2, 2009, 10:12 PM	#7
Inspector3711 Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2008 Location: Puget Sound Washington Posts: 1,553	I don't clean primer pockets any more either... Have found no evidence that it has any effect on accuracy. You're cases are fine. __________________ "If someone has a gun and is trying to kill you, it would be reasonable to shoot back with your own gun." The Dalai Llama (5/15/01, The Seattle Times) "That rifle on the wall of the labourer's cottage or working class flat is the symbol of democracy. It is our job to see that it stays there." George Orwell

February 1, 2009, 10:33 PM	#3
armedtotheteeth Senior Member Join Date: October 3, 2005 Location: podunk, Texas Posts: 1,610	i dont know how well these other guys get their brass clean, but , that inside stain just always seems to be there for me. I wouldnt worry about it. Like was said by sserdlihc, it is for finding cracks. It also makes life easier on your Dies.

February 2, 2009, 03:32 PM	#5
dlb435 Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2009 Posts: 654	I always have a little crud left in my cases after cleaning. Most of the time it's not a problem. I'll toss out or wash really bad cases.

February 2, 2009, 05:59 PM	#6
PCJim Senior Member Join Date: July 11, 2008 Location: FL Posts: 570	You're being too picky. As long as the outsides are clean so as not to scratch your reloading dies, you're good to go.

February 3, 2009, 02:39 AM	#8
ragwd Senior Member Join Date: May 20, 2006 Posts: 925	Thanks for the replies, makes me feel better. I am sure that once I have reloaded awhile I won't be so anal about this but reloading isn't something to do wrong. thanks again.