Do you clean your primer pockets on handgun plinking ammo, if so, how often?
Do you clean your primer pockets??
- Thread starter toad67
- Start date
Register to hide this ad
- Joined
- Aug 9, 2005
- Messages
- 8,919
- Reaction score
- 10,992
There are exceptions to everything, but generally, primer pocket cleaning is busy work. However, if you like to do it, that's fine. It hurts nothing.
BillBro
Member
For range ammo no unless theyre just that bad. For test ammo or for accuracy stuff or stuff Im gonna box up and stash I always start with new brass anyway.
The Navy, made me do it !!
I clean them out when they get funky, in my revolver and pistol target loads.
Every rifle case gets cleaded out and also checked out for maximum accuracy.
Shooting those 18" down to the little 5" to even the M60 over time,
sort of brain washed me.
I clean them out when they get funky, in my revolver and pistol target loads.
Every rifle case gets cleaded out and also checked out for maximum accuracy.
Shooting those 18" down to the little 5" to even the M60 over time,
sort of brain washed me.
Yendor357
Member
I have to be really bored to clean primer pockets. I’ve done it before….
It’s a “feel good” thing. Makes no difference the way I shoot.
It’s a “feel good” thing. Makes no difference the way I shoot.
Skyhunter
Member
For handgun ammo - that's a solid no.
For rifle ammo, a "qualified" maybe. If loading for hunting/accuracy or testing new loads, I usually ensure that they're clean. But for the aforementioned cases, the brass is usually cleaned with steel pins, etc. and the primer pockets are spotless.
WYT-P
Skyhunter
For rifle ammo, a "qualified" maybe. If loading for hunting/accuracy or testing new loads, I usually ensure that they're clean. But for the aforementioned cases, the brass is usually cleaned with steel pins, etc. and the primer pockets are spotless.
WYT-P
Skyhunter
I tried cleaning primer pockets back in the early 1970s but haven't since then and have no intention of ever doing it again.
Long ago I started reloading with a Lee Loader and cannot remember any mention of primer pocket cleaning, so I didn't bother. Started visiting reloading forums in 2007 and saw talk about cleaning primer pockets and tried it. Saw no advantage, even on my 308 Win accuracy loads (my best was 7/8" @ 100 with no pocket cleaning). I glance at the primer pockets during inspection and have yet to see enough carbon/gunk to interfere with ignition...
Every time I clean the cases with SS pins. Rifle...for the most part yeah. Handgun only if necessary for range ammo. For things like full mag and CC ammo yep. But they are not loaded on the Dillon 750s or 1050 anyway. Maybe I'm making an impressionable statement but with handgun rounds...ammo with LPPs seem to get a little more cruddy pockets...esp 45 auto. Anyone else notice this??I may be wrong
kbm6893
Member
I deprime and resize my brass after a quick dry tumble to clean them up but then I wet tumble the brass after it’s deprimed. The wet tumbling and the pins clean the primer pockets.
In my .223 brass, I use the Lyman Case Trimmer and it has an attachment to clean the pockets.
In my .223 brass, I use the Lyman Case Trimmer and it has an attachment to clean the pockets.
Alk8944
US Veteran
For pistol ammunition, only as much as they get cleaned in the vibratory case polisher. For rifle ammunition absolutely, just because! It isn't really necessary mostly.
38SPL HV
Member
I clean for rifle cartridges. For pistol cartridges used for practice, nope. When testing reloads I either use new cases or once or twice fired and just do a quick spin of a Lee primer pocket cleaner on the fired ones.
SGT ROCK 11B
Member
I use to until the Arthritis got bad in my hands.
Bruceboy
Member
I've never been that bored.
Al
Al
I clean out the pockets on pistol ammo when the corncob doesn't get it done. I clean rifle primers every time.
Never! A total waste of time and energy.
GypsmJim
Member
- Joined
- Oct 16, 2009
- Messages
- 4,061
- Reaction score
- 7,081
I'm a stickler for READING. Like reading instructions. My hope is that the guy that wrote the book knows more than I do.
Anyway, my first loading manual was from Lee. Also, it came with a "kit" and the Lee primer pocket cleaner was included.
So, I cleaned the pockets. My bench has the small and large tools embedded in the board between the sizing die and the primer setup. It takes me literally no time at all to do it. I don't think I ever loaded a box without doing it.
I corncob clean before resizing, so my primer pockets are not exposed. Also, no media is EVER stuck in the flash hole.
Is it necessary? Maybe not. Will I stop now after reading this thread? No.
Anyway, my first loading manual was from Lee. Also, it came with a "kit" and the Lee primer pocket cleaner was included.
So, I cleaned the pockets. My bench has the small and large tools embedded in the board between the sizing die and the primer setup. It takes me literally no time at all to do it. I don't think I ever loaded a box without doing it.
I corncob clean before resizing, so my primer pockets are not exposed. Also, no media is EVER stuck in the flash hole.
Is it necessary? Maybe not. Will I stop now after reading this thread? No.
Yes, when they need it prior to re-priming and loading. Frankly, I enjoy the process.
Last edited:
Generally not beyond making sure the flash hole is clear of walnut shell media, but will use a primer pocket brush if needed.
