absolutely needed reloading equipment

[Potashminer]

Case spinner to clean brass - i guess I did sort backwards to post #19 - So, lubed and sized brass, got a Lee Case length trimmer stud in drill, set in case and trimmed to length with Lee case length gauge, then chamfered inside and outside corners, then quick touch with rag damp with handy whatever to dissolve and wipe off lube. Was initially concerned to get my reloads brilliant shiny, so would spin to buff with 0000 steel wool - not too concerned about that any more - "for the eyes, only".

For OP, trimming cases is probably not absolutely necessary on first one or two reloads, but you really should be measuring the cases, and you will almost always end up having to trim back to minimum length.

 

[jethunter]

You don't need brass cleaning machines.

You could get started with what you have listed and the addition of a loading block, inside/outside chamfering tool, primer pocket cleaner, and $10 Canadian Tire calipers.

On 2nd thought you can use 0000 steel wool to smooth the case mouth and clean primer pocket, so don't even need the chamfering and primer pocket tools.

You may or may not need to trim cases.

 

[icedog]

Certainly agree with Potashminer on the use of Lee case length gauges, cutter, and stud ... another time the old cordless drill come in handy. I have that gear for a dozen or more cartridges ... keep the cutter and stud together, and the gauges in boxes with the dies for each cartridge. Lengthened cases can cause a bit of grief, and it's surprising how much brass the cutter peels off some of them ... especially if you're a low life brass hound like me who picks up others' leavings at the range.

On the whole matter of cleaning and polishing brass, I definitely like the look of clean and shiny, but I also think the process allows for the opportunity to inspect the cases a bit more thoroughly than I might otherwise do ... to catch tiny neck splits, the beginnings of case head separations, or other imperfections.

 

[billbmcleod]

Cleaning your brass with Citric Acid or Lemi-Shine in a quart jar will work if you like things shiny. Rinse well and dry. I realize that chemical cleaning removes brass as well as dirt but how much more than a tumbler I don't know.