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AR15.COM
4/19/2003 7:47:48 AM EDT
I am thinking about reloading soon.  i have read several books on it so far.  but none of them address my question.  With fired casings, do you clean the cases or not?  If so, how?  If not, why?


Thanks for the help,
lojack
4/19/2003 9:23:43 AM EDT
[#1]
You'll need a vibratory case tumbler, media, and a little case polish.

I tumble mine for about an hour.  I'm not too concerned with cosmetics.  I just want to get the dirt and residue off.
4/19/2003 11:36:26 AM EDT
[#2]
what about the inside of the case? do i need to clean them by dumping them into some soapy water or anything?

thanks
lojack
4/19/2003 11:50:15 AM EDT
[#3]
Nope, just tumble them like markm said.  It will clean them inside and out.


4/19/2003 12:13:29 PM EDT
[#4]
I use walnut shells first, then corncobs. As stated above, looking "new" doesn't matter to me. Just clean.
AB
4/19/2003 11:22:50 PM EDT
[#5]
While a tumbler is really nice, it isn’t a necessity.  

When I first started reloading many years ago, I just washed the cases in soapy water, followed by clean water and a good drying.  I never had any problems.

That said, tumblers are a good idea.

If you’re not using carbide sizing dies, any grit left on the case can become embedded in the die and then scratch every case you run through it.  Even if you are using a carbide die, the grit on a case may wind up scratching that case as you size it.  
4/20/2003 6:45:48 AM EDT
[#6]
thanks guys for the info

later
lojack