Small rifle primer???/

[NewInWestsyde]

I just purchased a lyman small rifle pocket cleaner to day and does it ever make for a good job of cleaning out once fired brass.
Is this a necessary step after resize?
Thank you for your time

 

[superd222]

Yep - I always clean the primer pockets. I think I have a Lee - it's a double-ender!!! Ha! Lg/Sm both on one tool.

It helps primers seat smoothly and keeps the flash-hole open.

Not sure how it might affect accuracy - I've never done any testing for this. It has become a regular step in my reloading procedure.

 

[curtmg]

If it makes you feel more confident in your ammunition, then it could very well be a necessary step. Otherwise, not really. So long as the flash holes are clear and uniform, little bit of dirt doesn't really hurt anything

 

[jackenape]

I have found that sometimes (like maybe 1 out of 300) primers will refuse to seat fully because of the carbon buildup. Kinda frustrating in a progressive as the primer is now binding the shellplate. Mind you these were 5+ fired pistol cases. I have just started to clean primer pockets, and will only do it once every few loadings. Definitely not every time.

 

[sunray]

"...necessary step after resize?..." Before or after. Your choice.

 

[Scott_N]

I clean them every time, it helps make seating the primers easier.