Cleaning cases

[JB101]

Do the insides of the cases need to be clean?

I find a bit of carbon in the necks gives me more consistent seating pressure which must translate to more consistent neck tension, surely?

One could argue that the carbon build up would be inconsistent and build up the more times the case is fired along with the potential to reduce case capacity.Where as if clean it would be more consistent.

Regards
James

[Randy Bohannon]

One could argue that the carbon build up would be inconsistent and build up the more times the case is fired along with the potential to reduce case capacity.Where as if clean it would be more consistent.

Regards
James

But have you actually checked or collected any data?

My findings are the opposite.

[panhard]

My thoughts were that factory loaded cases would have been clean brass inside but I haven't got enough knowledge to know what difference the carbon build up will make. I like the idea of the dirt being rinsed away instead of accumulating in the tumbler media and also the primer pockets being cleaned at the same time. I've googled rock tumblers and ultra sonic cleaners and will give both more thought, not sure about sizes of either that I will need.

[Randy Bohannon]

My thoughts were that factory loaded cases would have been clean brass inside but I haven't got enough knowledge to know what difference the carbon build up will make. I like the idea of the dirt being rinsed away instead of accumulating in the tumbler media and also the primer pockets being cleaned at the same time. I've googled rock tumblers and ultra sonic cleaners and will give both more thought, not sure about sizes of either that I will need.

I used to use a US cleaner to get the spotless, eventually got bored of rinsing, drying, etc.

Now I tumble to clean up the outside ( notionally to stop the inside of my dies getting scratched) and have found bugger all difference in group size.

I haven't done a ES/SD velocity test but that would seem to be the way to set the issue aside one way or another.

[loiner1965]

I used to use a US cleaner to get the spotless, eventually got bored of rinsing, drying, etc.

Now I tumble to clean up the outside ( notionally to stop the inside of my dies getting scratched) and have found bugger all difference in group size.

I haven't done a ES/SD velocity test but that would seem to be the way to set the issue aside one way or another.

Makes hardly any difference if the insides are spotless but I prefer to clean the inside of the neck with a bristle brush so everything is consistent.
Shooting game or at our target ranges what we do in case prep is adequate it's the top league boys who try to make every made up round 100% identical.....they seem to forget they is still the idiot factor behind the trigger lol

[panhard]

After watching video clips I went and bought an ultrasonic cleaner. Looks about same size as one shown. Tried it out this afternoon and very pleased with results. Benefits as I see: Only 12 minutes to clean 50 cases. Primer pockets all cleaned out. Drawbacks: Rinsing and drying cases although this didn't take much time or effort as put in airing cupboard to dry out. Thanks for help, this does all I need for now.

[g60bv]

Sonic cleaner. With 50 %vinager 50 water and a splash of washing fluid. 2 x 480 sec. Rinse in water. Then dry in oven for 15mins at 100c. From deprimer to ready For refill about an hour. Easy.

[MikB]

Unless they're encrusted or grossly dirty, the cleanliness of the cases has very little - if any - real effect on the performance of reloads.

The only justification for going OTT on case cleaning is if you've a fetish for shiny things...

[223AI]

Unless they're encrusted or grossly dirty, the cleanliness of the cases has very little - if any - real effect on the performance of reloads.

The only justification for going OTT on case cleaning is if you've a fetish for shiny things...

Agreed, apart from the cleanliness of primer pockets, which get cleaned spotless in the wet tumbler, plus issues with the brass are easier to spot on cleaner cases. But you're right, essentially I'm a magpie!!

[Musclefox]

I must be a Magpie to

[kennyc]

Agreed, apart from the cleanliness of primer pockets, which get cleaned spotless in the wet tumbler, plus issues with the brass are easier to spot on cleaner cases. But you're right, essentially I'm a magpie!!

as anyone who has seen him jump out of a moving truck (when he is the driver) to pick up a nice shiney 22lr case can attest