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Case prep Question

mcimma

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Mar 21, 2010
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Mass.
I am new to reloading and have been reading some manuals as well as talking to some reloaders...I've been getting mixed answers on this so I figure I'd ask here...Do you guys tumble before decapping and resizing or after???
 
Re: Case prep Question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mcimma</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am new to reloading and have been reading some manuals as well as talking to some reloaders...I've been getting mixed answers on this so I figure I'd ask here...Do you guys tumble before decapping and resizing or after??? </div></div>

I do both. Once to knock off the dirt and range crud before I put it in the die, and once after to get case lube off.
 
Re: Case prep Question

Mostly before sizing. Afterward I wipe the brass off with an old "T" shirt moist with lighter fluid.

Remember, the brass doesn't have to be shiny, just clean. Like stated above, the dirt will damage the sizing die.
 
Re: Case prep Question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Matt M.</div><div class="ubbcode-body">best of both worlds, i use a universal de-capping die. to de-prime and then tumble, then re-size. </div></div>

+1
 
Re: Case prep Question

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: mcimma</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Do you guys tumble before decapping and resizing or after??? </div></div>

I used to do both. But since I rarely let my ammo get dirty by falling on the ground, I can go through the deprime, pocket uniform, NeckOnly sizer, chamfer and deburr and then drop 'em in the tumbler for an overnight shine. This way I don't have to tumble twice, the brass comes out shiny.
 
Re: Case prep Question

I just give them a quick whipe. I use imperial sizing wax and keep a dedicated face washer towel in the reloading room for just this reason. It gets thrown in the washing machine from time to time.

I use the following method.

Deprime using decapper -> Any Trimming happens now -> Ultrasonic Clean -> Anneal wet cases -> Dry -> Lube -> Size -> Whipe -> Prime -> Charge -> Seat