Removing Lube By Tumbling

[mala in se]

i'm still fairly new to reloading. i've made over 400 rounds of .223. i am using a lee classic single stage press.

i was wondering how most of you take the lube off the brass. when i usually apply lube to a round, i can size/press another 3-4 w/out lubing before the die starts to seize. when i'm in the priming process (by hand), i will wipe the lube off the ones i feel that are necessary.

i was wondering if it is a good idea to tumble after sizing to remove the lube, and then prime, seat, and crimp. can i go so far as tumble loaded ammo to get the lube off? what is the process that you use?

[RobG]

Yep, tumble.

[buffybuster]

Reloading Process:

Tumble: to clean off dirt
Resize/Deprime/Trim (as needed)
Tumble: to clean off lube
Prime
Charge
Seat Bullet

[mala in se]

okay, it looks like it's safe to tumble as i was afraid that the neck might get dinged while tumbling the second time.

how long do you fellas usually tumble the second time to get the lube off?

[PoofNoEyebrows]

As long as needed. A word of caution if you decide to use Lee lube. Cut it with alcohol or water it will stretch farther and not be nearly as messy to clean off.

[mala in se]

As long as needed. A word of caution if you decide to use Lee lube. Cut it with alcohol or water it will stretch farther and not be nearly as messy to clean off.

i just put 200 rds of sized/trimmed brass. i'll check on it every hour and see how it goes. i actually use the rcbs lube kit, and i only applied the lube once, which was when i started my first batch of reloads. all i do is add a bit of water to the pad and rub/mix it w/ my fingers, and the lube is ready to go again.

thanks everyone for the info.

[RobG]

I use a spray lube, I tumble for about 30 minutes to clean and shine them up real well. May not actually take 30 minutes, its just what I did the first time and continue to do so.

[anyracoon]

Fine grit corn cob with a little Nu-Finish for about 15 minutes or so. Makes them look nice & pretty!

[krzgoat]

I do my lube remove tumble after sizing for about 30 minutes. Fine grit walnut from harbor freight with some Nu Finish in it.

Then I trim and all that stuff and then I store them until I am ready to prime and load. I store them without a primer just in case they lose some shine before I get a chance to prime and load them. That way I can toss em in for another 30 minutes or so to get em shiney before I start loading them.

[mala in se]

i tumbled my batch of sized brass, but found that the media got stuck in the primer hole. not that big of a deal as i used my collet sizer to pop 'em out. it just seemed like longer process.

BTW is it really necessary to crimp .223 (used in my AR)? i know the lyman handbook states that it should be crimped in semi-auto magazine.

i'm using nosler ballistic tip 55gr (orange tip).

[EBR Works]

For Dillon lube removal, I tumble the completed ammo for one hour in clean Lyman treated corn cob media. It comes out gleaming and clean.

[krzgoat]

i tumbled my batch of sized brass, but found that the media got stuck in the primer hole. not that big of a deal as i used my collet sizer to pop 'em out. it just seemed like longer process.

BTW is it really necessary to crimp .223 (used in my AR)? i know the lyman handbook states that it should be crimped in semi-auto magazine.

i'm using nosler ballistic tip 55gr (orange tip).

Try tumbling in fine crushed walnut. It's super fine like sand I believe it's 24 grit it won't get stuck in the flash hole. I get mine at Harbor Freight 25lbs for 25 dollars.

[mjsweims]

For 30-06 I tumble with walnut shells after resizing. I get some of the media in the flash holes so I clear them with a small allen key. I also use this step to do my inspection, so I don't mind the stuck media.

[ar15robert]

After resizing i put the brass into a plate then rinse under hot water.This has been working really well.Then lay out on a towel shake it around.After that i will either set in the sun to dry or use a hair dryer.

I tumble brass first
resize
wash in water
trim,clean primer pockets then prime

[ar15robert]

i tumbled my batch of sized brass, but found that the media got stuck in the primer hole. not that big of a deal as i used my collet sizer to pop 'em out. it just seemed like longer process.

BTW is it really necessary to crimp .223 (used in my AR)? i know the lyman handbook states that it should be crimped in semi-auto magazine.

i'm using nosler ballistic tip 55gr (orange tip).

I use sierra match kngs and they dont have a crimp cannulure never been a problem for me.For 55 fmjs i dont put a tight crimp either