New to Reloading question

[TrevorW]

Hi I was just wondering is it necessary to run the brass through a tumbler before reloading ?
I just don't have one yet!
Thanks

 

[7.62mm]

Not at all.....I would just make sure they are generally clean, wipe them down etc., before you run them through a die, you are going to be lubing them anyways if they are rifle brass.

 

[sisiphunter]

Tumbler is definitly not needed, just a polisher. Wipe them off and good to go.

 

[mikeystew]

i give my real dirty stuff a twist in 000 steel wool with a little penetrating oil. when everythings all loaded i give every piece a twist in a shop towel with a little carb cleaner on it.

 

[stevebc]

No tumbler or polisher needed, the shiny stuff doesn't shoot any better. Nicer to handle, though, and arguably makes it easier to see defects.

 

[blacksmithden]

Not necessary, but nice. It's a little easier to spot imperfections in very clean brass. It also gives you bragging rights on the firing line when your brass is shinnier than the guys beside you

 

[mclean]

it does a good job of cleaning out the inside too, so I would stray from the herd here and say, get yourself a tumbler. If you are going to do something, do it right

 

[KDX]

Although it isn't necessary to tumble your brass, I find it easier to locate it when I'm done shooting out in the country if it's shiny.

 

[TrevorW]

Thanks everyone for your comments , I am just getting into reloading and am still picking up all the little things I am finding out that I need (I'm on a budget), and just want to get going on it !!

 

[daveg01]

I started without one and picked one up later in the game. You will be fine.

 

[iceman2]

Just remove the lube the best you can. Cases have to grip the chamber when fired. If lube is present they can't. This causes excess pressure to the action.

 

[marcons]

i thought about a tumbler myself but im going to go the ultrasonic bath route its faster from what i seen and does a better job inside and outside. less noise, faster, cleaner and no media to bother with. im sure you cant do as much in one batch as you can in the tumbler but its going to better serve me well.

 

[mooseman1]

or you could do what i did and grab the tread mill that the wife didn't use and made and tumbler out of that,cheap and nice

 

[onewheeldoin200]

I want to get one of those Hornady ultrasonic cleaners. Faster, quieter, and cleans the inside and outside of every case beautifully.

 

[easyrider604]

For pistol cartridges, I believe best results all-around can be had by tumbling brass.

For rifle, my buddy just wipes his .303 brass clean with a solvent dampened rag.

 

[marcons]

they get pistol brass nice and clean also. 50/50 water and vinegar with some dish soap and you are done. also i wouldnt spend the money on the hornady one, they can be had for half the price on ebay. all you are paying for is the name

 

[MauserMike]

I want to get one of those Hornady ultrasonic cleaners. Faster, quieter, and cleans the inside and outside of every case beautifully.

I tried one I have at work for some brass I had. I think it cleans them well but they won't come out all polished and shiny like from a tumbler.

 

[TrevorW]

or you could do what i did and grab the tread mill that the wife didn't use and made and tumbler out of that,cheap and nice

Thats awesome!!
I think I will get one eventually , I just don't have the cash for one yet and would really like to get loading!!

 

[Shootshellz]

Try a Lee case trimmer (sans the cutter) chucked into a portable drill. Spins the case around so you can apply a little Flitz polish with a rag. Much faster than polishing each case by hand. By the way, the above trimmers are inexpensive.

 

[TrevorW]

Try a Lee case trimmer (sans the cutter) chucked into a portable drill. Spins the case around so you can apply a little Flitz polish with a rag. Much faster than polishing each case by hand. By the way, the above trimmers are inexpensive.

Thats a really good idea , thanks!