Rifle case prep sequence

Tacoma · May 24, 2010, 06:27 AM

I know I've read it around here somewhere but a search has turned up dry. Please refresh my memory, is proper sequence for prepping bottle neck rifle cases: Lube, size&deprime, trim, debur, tumble?

darkgael · May 24, 2010, 06:32 AM

I always tumble the cases first as I do not want to put dirty cases into my sizing dies. Also, I have found that tumbling deprimed cases, depending on the tumbling media used - leads to clogged primer pockets.
Pete

oneoldsap · May 24, 2010, 07:25 AM

Always clean first , my sequence may be a little different as I deprime with a dedicated die .

Deprime
Tumble (Tuff-Nut)
Size
Wipe off lube (mineral spirits and rag)
Trim (as needed)
Champher & Deburr
Uniform Flash Holes
Prime
Load

If you have any media in your primer pockets a No 7 1/2 Torx will push it right out !

rwilson452 · May 24, 2010, 08:55 AM

in my opinion uniforming primer holes and flash holes is a one time deal for each case. Yes, clean the cases first

ZeSpectre · May 24, 2010, 10:28 AM

Vibrate clean
Deprime
Clean primer pocket if needed
Size
Clean off lube (I used to do it differently but have moved to mineral spirits and cloth)
Swage (For 5.56 with mil-crimp)
Trim (as needed)
Chamfer & Deburr
Prime
Load

howlnmad · May 24, 2010, 10:37 AM

This is my order of operation for not new brass:
- remove primer using universal decapping dir
- give them a quick visual
- toss em in the cleaner (corn cob with a cap of nu-finish)
- wipe them with a soft cloth
- lube
- size
- trim as needed
- deburr/chamfer
- deburr flashhole (one time only)
- thorough imspection
- prime
- charge
- seat bullet
- wipe down

howlnmad

Tacoma · May 24, 2010, 12:03 PM

Thanks Gents, it all makes sense now. My ( 6.5x55 Swed ) deprime&sizing die was a bit sticky even with case lube. In hind sight, it stands to reason that a case that is a little dirty might cause some drag. I was also thinking that tumble would be after deburing (to smooth out any sharp edges on the case mouth.) I'm off marching in the right direction now.

Got to say that reloading tapered/bottle neck rifle cases is MUCHO labor intensive vs the handgun ammo I'm used to messing with. ( Straight walled, carbide dies, no trimming, etc) Now I remember why I just started buying factory ammo for my AR's. I guess it will make me shoot them slower ;-)

oneoldsap · May 24, 2010, 02:12 PM

Don't forget to clean your dies now and then !!

May 24, 2010, 06:27 AM	#1
Tacoma Senior Member Join Date: October 27, 2004 Location: SE New England Posts: 620	Rifle case prep sequence I know I've read it around here somewhere but a search has turned up dry. Please refresh my memory, is proper sequence for prepping bottle neck rifle cases: Lube, size&deprime, trim, debur, tumble?

May 24, 2010, 06:32 AM	#2
darkgael Senior Member Join Date: February 9, 2006 Location: Homes in Brooklyn, NY and in Pennsylvania. Posts: 5,473	sequence I always tumble the cases first as I do not want to put dirty cases into my sizing dies. Also, I have found that tumbling deprimed cases, depending on the tumbling media used - leads to clogged primer pockets. Pete __________________ “Auto racing, bull fighting, and mountain climbing are the only real sports ... all others are games.” Ernest Hemingway ... NRA Life Member

May 24, 2010, 08:55 AM	#4
rwilson452 Senior Member Join Date: June 10, 2004 Location: Tioga co. PA Posts: 2,647	in my opinion uniforming primer holes and flash holes is a one time deal for each case. Yes, clean the cases first __________________ USNRET '61-'81

May 24, 2010, 10:28 AM	#5
ZeSpectre Senior Member Join Date: June 4, 2007 Location: Shenandoah Valley Posts: 3,276	Vibrate clean Deprime Clean primer pocket if needed Size Clean off lube (I used to do it differently but have moved to mineral spirits and cloth) Swage (For 5.56 with mil-crimp) Trim (as needed) Chamfer & Deburr Prime Load __________________ "The dogs may bark but the caravan moves on"

May 24, 2010, 07:25 AM	#3
oneoldsap Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2009 Location: I live in the foot of the Green Mountains of Vermont Posts: 1,602	Always clean first , my sequence may be a little different as I deprime with a dedicated die . Deprime Tumble (Tuff-Nut) Size Wipe off lube (mineral spirits and rag) Trim (as needed) Champher & Deburr Uniform Flash Holes Prime Load If you have any media in your primer pockets a No 7 1/2 Torx will push it right out !

May 24, 2010, 10:37 AM	#6
howlnmad Senior Member Join Date: April 29, 2009 Location: Harriman Tn Posts: 424	This is my order of operation for not new brass: - remove primer using universal decapping dir - give them a quick visual - toss em in the cleaner (corn cob with a cap of nu-finish) - wipe them with a soft cloth - lube - size - trim as needed - deburr/chamfer - deburr flashhole (one time only) - thorough imspection - prime - charge - seat bullet - wipe down howlnmad

May 24, 2010, 12:03 PM	#7
Tacoma Senior Member Join Date: October 27, 2004 Location: SE New England Posts: 620	Thanks Gents, it all makes sense now. My ( 6.5x55 Swed ) deprime&sizing die was a bit sticky even with case lube. In hind sight, it stands to reason that a case that is a little dirty might cause some drag. I was also thinking that tumble would be after deburing (to smooth out any sharp edges on the case mouth.) I'm off marching in the right direction now. Got to say that reloading tapered/bottle neck rifle cases is MUCHO labor intensive vs the handgun ammo I'm used to messing with. ( Straight walled, carbide dies, no trimming, etc) Now I remember why I just started buying factory ammo for my AR's. I guess it will make me shoot them slower ;-)

May 24, 2010, 02:12 PM	#8
oneoldsap Senior Member Join Date: September 16, 2009 Location: I live in the foot of the Green Mountains of Vermont Posts: 1,602	Don't forget to clean your dies now and then !!