Damn this reloading malarkey!

[223AI]

In my opinion if shiny brass shot better than clean dull brass I would get a tumbler/ultrasonic cleaner, but as it makes no difference I would suggest your money would be better spent on a reloading manual such as the ABC of Reloading and with the change buy yourself the Redding Deluxe dies - they will never let you down.

But it looks so nice

Plus if you US or stainless wet tumble it does a good job of cleaning the primer pockets which I find does save some time!

[Half MOA]

Can anyone recommend a case lube or all they pretty much the same?

http://m.pellpax.co.uk/rifles-and-sh...be-237ml/12408

[phil384]

Thank you muchly

[Randy Bohannon]

Shiny brass shoots better, fact.

Ask anyone.

[dicehorn]

Shiny brass shoots better, fact.

Ask anyone.

Proof?? Afraid its all in the mind

[dicehorn]

Can anyone recommend a case lube or all they pretty much the same?

Imperial Sizing wax - about the best out there

[Randy Bohannon]

Proof?? Afraid its all in the mind

No, no.

That's just pessimism talking.

[Charlts]

Shiny brass is easier to find when you drop it and has the added bonus of looking cool and inspiring more confidence, hence the accuracy increase!

[phil384]

I've been reading up and ordered sizing wax.

[Parabuteo]

Proof?? Afraid its all in the mind

Until you need to start looking for cracks, incipient sep signs, some pressure signs and generally want smooth feeding ammo.

And what a mess trying to anneal filthy brass.

However, STM can peen over case mouths which removes copper from the bullet on seating (read does peen over).

It has its place.

[dicehorn]

Until you need to start looking for cracks, incipient sep signs, some pressure signs and generally want smooth feeding ammo.

And what a mess trying to anneal filthy brass.

However, STM can peen over case mouths which removes copper from the bullet on seating (read does peen over).

It has its place.

With respect Para, I only clean neck/shoulders with Brasso wool so any split necks would be seen - most of my brass problems come from the other end - loose primers. One can easily (yea even more easily) spot case separation on dull brass. As long as the brass is smooth it will always cycle well. Brasso wool cleans sufficiently well the neck and shoulders to give the right result when annealing.

[223AI]

With respect Para, I only clean neck/shoulders with Brasso wool so any split necks would be seen - most of my brass problems come from the other end - loose primers. One can easily (yea even more easily) spot case separation on dull brass. As long as the brass is smooth it will always cycle well. Brasso wool cleans sufficiently well the neck and shoulders to give the right result when annealing.

So you do clean your brass then?!

I used to do mine with fine wire wool then I realised it was much easier and less time consuming to drop them in the tumbler let that do the cleaning....

[dicehorn]

So you do clean your brass then?!

I used to do mine with fine wire wool then I realised it was much easier and less time consuming to drop them in the tumbler let that do the cleaning....

Well being retired I obviously have more time on my hands than you do Boydy! We were talking Tumbler/Ultrasonic cleaning. With say 50 cases, it takes me around 15 minutes to clean the neck/shoulders which in turn gives me plenty of time with each case to inspect them for splits/case separation etc. Reloading should be a slow methodical process.

I did buy an ultrasonic about 5 years ago - yup that was a slow methodical process - drop in acid - stew for 10 minutes - soak to remove acid - roast in oven for 20 minutes - leave in airing cupboard for 24 hours - I would rather be out plinking

[223AI]

Well being retired I obviously have more time on my hands than you do Boydy! We were talking Tumbler/Ultrasonic cleaning. With say 50 cases, it takes me around 15 minutes to clean the neck/shoulders which in turn gives me plenty of time with each case to inspect them for splits/case separation etc. Reloading should be a slow methodical process.

I did buy an ultrasonic about 5 years ago - yup that was a slow methodical process - drop in acid - stew for 10 minutes - soak to remove acid - roast in oven for 20 minutes - leave in airing cupboard for 24 hours - I would rather be out plinking

That explains it, job that has me doing 50 plus hours a week, 2 small children and about 3000 acres to get around (which I'm struggling with at the mo due to an explosion in rabbits!) means if I can save a bit of time it helps!

Agree on the ultrasonic, does a good job but is a faff, I ended up picking up an old 3 drum rock tumbler to replace it so it's now consigned to cleaning moderator baffles etc. With the tumbler I have STM in one drum and dry medium in another. Will take 150 .308 or 250 hornet in each drum so I just put it in and forget it until the morning. If I want it extra shiny or want to remove any water marks it gets a spin in the dry medium. Cases still get a good inspection when removing any pins (only really a problem with hornet, must get some shorter pins for the 3rd drum) or cob from the flash holes. As I say I was cleaning them with wire wool but I find the above much quicker, primer pockets are like new with the added bonus I don't get a load of black in the tissue when I blow my nose after .

Each to their own though!

[Eyefor]

Having been become severely "addicted" to reloading, I ditched the lot.

What is the point of one hole / touching groups at 100,200 and 300 yards off the bench (achieved with 7mm-08, 22-250 and .223) when, if you are not a target shooter and your main focus is AOLQ, then the biggest factor with accurate shooting is the guy behind the trigger.

Shooting off sticks, in a howling gale / rain, in poor light with cold hands then the last 0.1moa ain't worth a rats a***.

I also have access to US prices on bullets, dies, brass +++ but became obsessed with accuracy that is, frankly, useless in the field. I had lost the plot and I sold the lot without any regrets.

I now do most of my shooting walking the dog using a combination gun .222 / 12 bore. The rest (foxing and occasional deer) plus rabbits I use .222 and .22LR respectively - all with factory ammo and with .222 Fiocchi at £40/50 there ain't a lot in the price.

Phew.

Breathe.

My name is Iain.

I am an alco......sorry, reloader ;-)