Am I a bad person because I don't tumble my brass before reloading? I don't even own a tumbler. I do only shoot my brass and I clean the primer pocket and tap the empty case to make sure nothing is in it before I reload it. I have reloaded like this for years without a problem. My reloaded brass is not shiny, but it goes bang every time. Am I missing something, other than a PIA step in the reloading process?
So I don't Tumble
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DeplorabusUnum
Member
When I go out to the shop to re-load I tell my wife I'm going to make some more jewels. It sounds better than going to make bullets. My jewels have to sparkle or, well... they just aren't jewels
You are, in my opinion. You are putting up with a volume of filth that I would not accept. I also did not tumble for the first 6-7 years that I loaded, but I would never accept that now.
If you are fine with all that dirt, I wouldn't tell you that you must change, however you did ask us.
Also, since you brought it up, I would challenge you directly on your cleaning of primer pockets, which is, in my experience an absolute no questions asked complete waste of time, period. My challenge would be — consider giving it up for a stretch and see if you notice even half a lick of difference whatsoever. I don't think you will detect a difference.
10,300 loaded in the year 2020, primer pockets cleaned: 0.
If you are fine with all that dirt, I wouldn't tell you that you must change, however you did ask us.
Also, since you brought it up, I would challenge you directly on your cleaning of primer pockets, which is, in my experience an absolute no questions asked complete waste of time, period. My challenge would be — consider giving it up for a stretch and see if you notice even half a lick of difference whatsoever. I don't think you will detect a difference.
10,300 loaded in the year 2020, primer pockets cleaned: 0.
I did not have a tumbler at first. So I just cleaned revolver ammo with a rag. Auto ammo I washed. Only bought the tumbler because there was less work involved.
Almost forgot. With cartridges reloaded with blackpowder I never tumbled my brass, just washed it.
For many years, I never had a tumbler.
If reloading for revolver, single shots, etc. where brass isn't getting on the ground it's no big deal.
But, I do wipe them off as I go, often before lubing, whether using carbide or steel sizer dies. And, I always clean out the primer pockets, while doing visual inspection.
The tumbler comes in handy when loading higher volumes or when reloading for semi auto.
I tend to be more concerned with things like matching sized case dimensions to the chambers in which they'll be fired, matching case neck expanders to intended bullet diameter, overall case length, amount of crimp, etc....
If reloading for revolver, single shots, etc. where brass isn't getting on the ground it's no big deal.
But, I do wipe them off as I go, often before lubing, whether using carbide or steel sizer dies. And, I always clean out the primer pockets, while doing visual inspection.
The tumbler comes in handy when loading higher volumes or when reloading for semi auto.
I tend to be more concerned with things like matching sized case dimensions to the chambers in which they'll be fired, matching case neck expanders to intended bullet diameter, overall case length, amount of crimp, etc....
I don't like the idea of shoving a dirty case into a sizing die so I polish.
The only work there is plugging a tumbler in and then unplugging it 2 hours later.
Wow, you got to pull the cases out of the media with (in my case) your fingers.
As far as cleaning primer pockets goes, I can picture a case (no pun intended) where carbon buildup won't let the primer seat, and it cushions the firing pin impact.
Probably not but...
So the case is in the block, you pull it out, twist a brush in the pocket and put it back.
Takes less than 2 minutes to do 50.
The only work there is plugging a tumbler in and then unplugging it 2 hours later.
Wow, you got to pull the cases out of the media with (in my case) your fingers.
As far as cleaning primer pockets goes, I can picture a case (no pun intended) where carbon buildup won't let the primer seat, and it cushions the firing pin impact.
Probably not but...
So the case is in the block, you pull it out, twist a brush in the pocket and put it back.
Takes less than 2 minutes to do 50.
I washed my brass......
In a colander for years. It didn't get rid of stains, but it did clean the dirt and gunk off. I got a tumbler to reduce the work load and I love every minute of using it. In fact it's in my garage tumbling away right now.
In a colander for years. It didn't get rid of stains, but it did clean the dirt and gunk off. I got a tumbler to reduce the work load and I love every minute of using it. In fact it's in my garage tumbling away right now.
Tumbling brass is not a necessity, especially if you are lubing cases. A good case lube/cleaner will suffice. They just wont be nice and shiny. Been reloading for over 50 years and have only tumbled brass for the last 10 years. And yes, I still have the same Pacific rifle dies my father used for his 222 Rem and 30-06 and they work fine. He didn't tumble either.
However, I will say that when using carbide sizing dies, which eliminates the wipe on/wipe off step of case lubing, then tumbling is a fine thing. Especially when shooting light target loads that tend to dirty the outside of the cases.
As far as cleaning primer pockets, I consider it more important to have a clean pocket than shiny brass.
I think most of us would admit that there is more than a little bit of OCD involved in case prep. I know I'm more so inclined as I get older!
John
However, I will say that when using carbide sizing dies, which eliminates the wipe on/wipe off step of case lubing, then tumbling is a fine thing. Especially when shooting light target loads that tend to dirty the outside of the cases.
As far as cleaning primer pockets, I consider it more important to have a clean pocket than shiny brass.
I think most of us would admit that there is more than a little bit of OCD involved in case prep. I know I'm more so inclined as I get older!
John
STORMINORMAN
Member
Reloading is a practice where ones OCD tendencies can really shine(pun intended), and in some instances can actually help save ones hand (or eye?)...!
Boudiepitbull
Member
Necessary or not, cleaning, sorting, and prepping my brass is an enjoyable part of the hand loading process for me. I guess I still view it as a hobby and not a chore.
To each his own AND To thine own self be true.....In other words I don't care.
scattershot
Member
I tumble mine, but it's personal preference. If your brass is clean enough not to score your reloading dies and shoots well, then carry on.
MyDads38
Member
It's entirely your choice and if it works for you, then great!
I didn't tumble when I first got started, just made sure cases were wiped down. I still have and use my big ol' Lyman 3200 tumbler for rifle cases. I got a wet tumbler a few years ago (about 5) and tumble all my handgun brass in it. I de-prime first and then tumble with SS pins and EVERYTHING comes out clean and shiny, including primer pockets!
I do still clean primer pockets and seperate brass by headstamp; that's my choice LOL
I didn't tumble when I first got started, just made sure cases were wiped down. I still have and use my big ol' Lyman 3200 tumbler for rifle cases. I got a wet tumbler a few years ago (about 5) and tumble all my handgun brass in it. I de-prime first and then tumble with SS pins and EVERYTHING comes out clean and shiny, including primer pockets!
I do still clean primer pockets and seperate brass by headstamp; that's my choice LOL
I do worry about wear on the die sets without tumbling?? I also find that it is very important to tumble rifle brass since it does clean the inside and outside of the brass. My experience is that die sets with internal sizing run much smoother with tumbled cases and it gives that professional look to the finished product.
Standard practice for me is to de-prime then tumble. That eliminates the need to clean the primer pockets. If a piece of walnut media gets caught in the flash hole, it is removed by the resizing/de-priming die.
Standard practice for me is to de-prime then tumble. That eliminates the need to clean the primer pockets. If a piece of walnut media gets caught in the flash hole, it is removed by the resizing/de-priming die.
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No, it's not necessary. As long as your brass has no grit or dirt on it that would scratch a size die, you're fine. Cleaning a primer pocket isn't necessary, either, but the procedure does no harm.
I tumble brass in corn cob or walnut media, usually without an additive. It takes about the same effort as wiping cases to get rid of dirt. I don't need a high polish to the brass. Some go though all sorts of cleaning and drying rituals that involve various cleaners, additives, etc. to get a sparkling like new brass appearance. That does no harm either, but the brass works no better than brass you simply wipe down.
After every range trip, I tumble my cases, lub, deprime, clean primer pockets, full length resize, prime, expand case mouths, load powder, seat bullets, package loaded cartridges. and then clean weapons.
pantannojack
US Veteran
I think possibly carbon residue might cause wear on my sizing dies, so I tumble them in my 40 yo Thumbler's Tumbler with walnut or what ever happens to be in it at the time. Takes over night then it's done.
I reloaded for over 12 years before I got a tumbler. I just wiped each case with solvent dampened rag while inspecting it (very first step in my reloading). Have no idea how many 38 Specials/357 Magnums, or 44 Special/Magnums, .223 or 30-30 I reloaded, but never had a damaged die or scratched chamber. If I wanted some "BBQ" ammo I'd clean with vinegar/water/dawn/citric acid then hand polish with Pledge.
I loaded for years before I finally broke down and got a tumbler
to clean my high numbers of revolver/pistol cases that I got into firing.
Before that, I just slipped an old cotton sox over my hand and used a little Brasso, to clean the dirty rifle cases but made sure it was removed with a 2nd clean sox, before putting away.
I have to admit that the tumbler helped get rid of hand cramps that the old fashion way, could cause, on a large job.
Never washed any cases, though.
to clean my high numbers of revolver/pistol cases that I got into firing.
Before that, I just slipped an old cotton sox over my hand and used a little Brasso, to clean the dirty rifle cases but made sure it was removed with a 2nd clean sox, before putting away.
I have to admit that the tumbler helped get rid of hand cramps that the old fashion way, could cause, on a large job.
Never washed any cases, though.
fredj338
Member
I staryed put just wiping cases off. Clean brass is nicer to reload tjan crudy brass. So I tumble for 2-3hrs on dry media, dump/separate & load them up. Works better for me tjan wet tumbling which makes factory new looking cases, but not needed & really a pita.
I am relatively new to loading, and at 1st I didn't tumble brass Recently I started tumbling brads before I reload it.. And last night I went through some brass that I had not tumbled to begin to process and they were filthy and I was not happy with it.. So henceforth I'm tumbling
Robert
Robert
cgt4570
Member
Tumbling is mostly cosmetic.
That said, I've lightly tumbled loaded rounds to remove a little outside corrosion.
If you have unusually extremely dirty brass, and you don't have a tumbler, there are other, simple ways to soak and clean it like soaking in the sink in dish soap.
That said, I've lightly tumbled loaded rounds to remove a little outside corrosion.
If you have unusually extremely dirty brass, and you don't have a tumbler, there are other, simple ways to soak and clean it like soaking in the sink in dish soap.
Wow, you shouldn't get so overly personally emotional when posting on these threads!
Save that OCD stuff for the actual reloading.
Being as I have to pick up my brass from the Florida sand and grit, I don't want to ruin my $100 custom dies, so the cases get at least a light tumble to remove the grit. The shine I could not care less about.
The only time I clean primer pockets is when decrimping Mil brass and prepping the pockets. After that, each firing cleans out the previous firing's residue. I don't ever see any "build up."
The only time I clean primer pockets is when decrimping Mil brass and prepping the pockets. After that, each firing cleans out the previous firing's residue. I don't ever see any "build up."
fredj338
Member
If you eant clean brass that is kinda shiny, all without the mess & time of wet or dry tumbling, here is what I have done.
1gal bucket of clean water with a 1/2t of lemishine, drop of dishsoap. Wet the an old terry towel & wring it out wet. Roll the brass around in it for a couple minutes. Then repeat with a clean water soaked towel, done. No drying time, clean brass, about 5min.
1gal bucket of clean water with a 1/2t of lemishine, drop of dishsoap. Wet the an old terry towel & wring it out wet. Roll the brass around in it for a couple minutes. Then repeat with a clean water soaked towel, done. No drying time, clean brass, about 5min.
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
Started reloading in 1972. At the time it was all about economy, being able to afford to shoot while paying the bills and feeding the kids. I cleaned my cases in plastic buckets, starting with dishwashing soap and followed by two rinses, each done overnight.
By the early 1980's I acquired a nice used tumbler with a drum capable of accepting about 100 rifle cases or 200 pistol cases. Used that with general satisfaction for about 10 years.
Next up was a vibratory tumbler. Greater capacity, but usually required several hours to get a batch done and annoyingly loud while operating. Also, the media (walnut shells) can tend to leave dusty residue overall, and occasional chunks lodged in primer pockets or case interiors. Not a bad machine, but ended up giving it away a few years ago.
49 years into the reloading game, now I am back to plastic buckets with soapy water and double rinse, air dried. None of my reloaded ammo is sparkling bright or shiny, but it always works.
Confession time. I frequently process and reload my brass several times between cleanings. Seems to work just as well without adding another tedious chore. Clean enough seems to be clean enough.
Your methods may vary. OCD may affect your methods.
By the early 1980's I acquired a nice used tumbler with a drum capable of accepting about 100 rifle cases or 200 pistol cases. Used that with general satisfaction for about 10 years.
Next up was a vibratory tumbler. Greater capacity, but usually required several hours to get a batch done and annoyingly loud while operating. Also, the media (walnut shells) can tend to leave dusty residue overall, and occasional chunks lodged in primer pockets or case interiors. Not a bad machine, but ended up giving it away a few years ago.
49 years into the reloading game, now I am back to plastic buckets with soapy water and double rinse, air dried. None of my reloaded ammo is sparkling bright or shiny, but it always works.
Confession time. I frequently process and reload my brass several times between cleanings. Seems to work just as well without adding another tedious chore. Clean enough seems to be clean enough.
Your methods may vary. OCD may affect your methods.
Rammer Jammer
Member
I rinse my brass but see no need to tumble it.
My loads don't shine but they sure do shoot!
My loads don't shine but they sure do shoot!
Only primer pockets I ever thought needed cleaning was some 06 and 45 auto military brass most of WWII vintage. The ol corrosive primered variety. All I had at one time to load 25-06. I also had a RCBS case neck reamer as I found it was necessary to ream most brass after sizing. I also washed that brass with vinegar water and a little dish soap(of my mothers brand of choice). I loaded for 20 years with out tumbling. BTW cleaning brass with the formula listed was told to me by the person who gave me the brass. He was a reloader and happened to work at Aberdeen Proving Ground. He told me they actually reloaded some ammo at his place of employment.....cleaned in the same manner. I have no idea why they reloaded ammo but was part of his job. He also gave me my first 30 cal carbine at age 12...and enough ammo I didn't have to reload it
I totally disagree with the "filthy" cases post. My ego does not demand ultra shiny brass and I don't care what the shooter in the stall next to me thinks. (One of my first encounters with reloaders, 1969, was at a police range where two shooters were shooting a lot, 1911s. I got close to them and noticed their ammo was loose in ammo cans and were brown. No, not pretty, shiny, but the targets retrieved had one hole, about 2" in diameter dead center after 3 or 4 magazines were fired. They noticed my curiosity and told me they reloaded their ammo and explained a little about it. They didn't need pretty handloads, they just liked accurate, functional ammo.).
Before I tumbled any brass none of my handloads were "filthy". None of my dies were damaged. None of my chambers were scratched. None of my presses were "contaminated" by "filth". A simple wipe with a solvent dampened rag removed any "filth", dirt or grit. The only reason I tumble today is to clean the brass and leave a thin film of wax to prevent tarnish. But my opinions are based on my experiences and reloading for over 40 Years and I have no need to impress anyone with my handloads being pretty...
Before I tumbled any brass none of my handloads were "filthy". None of my dies were damaged. None of my chambers were scratched. None of my presses were "contaminated" by "filth". A simple wipe with a solvent dampened rag removed any "filth", dirt or grit. The only reason I tumble today is to clean the brass and leave a thin film of wax to prevent tarnish. But my opinions are based on my experiences and reloading for over 40 Years and I have no need to impress anyone with my handloads being pretty...
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