Author Topic: Tumbers and Primer Pockets (Read 879 times)

vanbuzen9 · « **on:** May 17, 2005, 10:46:51 AM »

Hello all,

I was wondering, when using a case tumbler, does the media tend to clean the residue out of the primer pockets, or do you all still have to scrape it out w/ a screwdriver? I am thinking of getting a tumbler. The chemical I use now does not desolve the primer residue.

thanks,
vanbuzen9

KN · « **Reply #1 on:** May 17, 2005, 11:29:55 AM »

I have never found it neccessary to clean primer pockets. I have never seen a pocket yet that had enough crud in it to cause any problems. If I tumble brass that has been de-primed I do check the pockets to make sure no media is stuck in the flash hole. KN

quickdtoo · « **Reply #2 on:** May 17, 2005, 11:46:54 AM »

Good question! Being new to reloading I asked this question also....started using the Lee primer pocket cleaning tool, simple, but not real effective at getting them as clean as I would like, bought the RCBS tool which has 2 sizes of stainless brushes that seem to work very well. I'm happy with it.

Tim

Gregory · « **Reply #3 on:** May 17, 2005, 12:56:08 PM »

I use a heavy paper clip that has been straightened to scrape around the primer pocket before I dump them in the tumbler. Then use it again to poke out the flash hole if needed after tumbling.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #4 on:** May 17, 2005, 02:37:31 PM »

No, at least the tumbler I have doesn't clean the primer pockets...........at least not real good..........

mikemayberry · « **Reply #5 on:** May 17, 2005, 04:37:54 PM »

I've found that following a couple of spins with the Lee Primer Pocket tool a gentle tap shakes out the debris. Without the tap, it just stays in the hole. Try it and see what I mean -- the tap on the table makes the difference.

Mike

Rick N Bama · « **Reply #6 on:** May 18, 2005, 12:25:44 AM »

Get the RCBS brushes. That's the easiest way to clean primer pockets I know of.

Rick

ajj · « **Reply #7 on:** May 18, 2005, 02:45:11 AM »

Cleaning primer pockets is a great way to pass the time if watching television is the alternative and it makes us feel as if we've done one of those little extra steps to help make our ammo extra good. It's even logical: "The residue might make the primer anvil seat unevenly...etc, etc." Just as an experiment you might try forgetting about it and see whether performance is affected. It think it was Warren Page who quit cleaning primer pockets for a whole season of benchrest shooting and saw no difference at all. I do a fair amount of volume handloading and load testing for rifle silhouette and revolver competition. I haven't cleaned a primer pocket in the last 90,000 rounds.

dave375hh · « **Reply #8 on:** May 18, 2005, 03:05:24 AM »

No tumbler that I know of cleans primer pockets to any noticable extent. I don't clean handgun pockets, but I use a Sinclair primer pocket uniformer in a power screwdriver on rifle cases each time. The fact that brass flows everytime they are fired and the uniformer depth is never changed, means the pocket is trued and only cleaned as much as nessary. The only important place to be cleaned or squared is the bottom corner where the primer and anvil actually seats. Residue between the corner of the pocket and the flash hole is unimportant.

victorcharlie · « **Reply #9 on:** May 18, 2005, 07:58:34 AM »

Not sure that cleaning the primer pockets really helps much.....but it's kinda like taking a shower and not washing your hair.............

longwinters · « **Reply #10 on:** May 18, 2005, 12:55:23 PM »

I cannot say that I shoot better or worse when I clean out the primer pockets. But I clean them because, if for no other reason, it bugs me to have a nice clean shiny brass and have a black cruddy looking primer pocket. To me keeping them black is like taking a shower and then putting back on yesterdays underware :twisted:. I recently bought a Trim Mate. Very nice and I have nice clean primer pockets. This makes me very happy :lol:

Long

remington660 · « **Reply #11 on:** May 18, 2005, 02:08:10 PM »

vanbuzen9,

I have to agree with the others here that tumbling won't get the crud out of your primer pockets. I clean the pockets with a little tool that came in the lee loader I bought many years ago.

If you do get a tumbler, you might do well to give your cases a good looking over to make sure the media isn't plugging the flash hole. Some media seems to be sized just right to fit in that little hole and sticks right in there.

I haven't been tumbling my shells lately, just giving them a good wiping after lubing/sizing. I'm using one-shot lube, which seems to come off pretty easy. i don't worry too much about having shiny brass any more.

Ron T. · « **Reply #12 on:** May 18, 2005, 11:58:39 PM »

Nope... my rock tumbler that I use for cleaning my brass won't clean the crud outta the primer pocket.

I have the RCBS primer pocket brushes that do a good job, but I've found the Primer Pocket Uniformer tool with which I "uniform" all my primer pockets does an quick, thorough job of cleaing the crud outta the cartridge's primer pockets... even better and faster than the RCBS tool.

Strength & Honor...

Ron T.

218Bee · « **Reply #13 on:** May 19, 2005, 12:38:13 AM »

I agree, it probably doesn't matter. But with a round brush chucked into a dremel, 20 cases can be spruced up in a couple of minutes. I don't have the part number for the bit, it's slightly smaller than a small rifle primer pocket. They make nylon and a steel versions.

Rick

PS...Just found this:

http://www.widgetsupply.com/page/WS/CTGY/dremel-brush-steel-end

ajj · « **Reply #14 on:** May 19, 2005, 03:39:38 AM »

Just for the record I keep both my hair and my underwear immaculately clean. I'm talking immaculate, OK?

victorcharlie · « **Reply #15 on:** May 19, 2005, 05:02:16 AM »

That's to much information........I didn't need to know that..........

ajj · « **Reply #16 on:** May 19, 2005, 12:08:05 PM »

Charlie: Was trying for a laugh. Hope I got one. Regards,

victorcharlie · « **Reply #17 on:** May 19, 2005, 02:53:22 PM »

I never considered if your 5'4" 120lbs.....blond hair blue eyed and 36X24X36.........if you are, tell me more! If your not.....AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH :eek: :eek: :eek: :eek:

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #18 on:** May 20, 2005, 03:28:49 AM »

I deprime after the tumbler.. I hate picking media out of the flash hole. I don't clean my pockets and after loading more than a bunch of rounds I've never had a primer missfire, I've had squib loads and just about anything else go wrong that could at least once, But no primer missfires. All my firearms shoot better than I do, I doubt if clean pockets will improve that.