Cleaning Cases

[killshot44]

Should the primer pockets be cleaned out before installing new primers?

I always do to ensure the primers get seated properly. But I don't load for pistol-caliber, blasting ammo, so perhaps someone else will speak to that.

If you're going to do it, the Sinclair primer pocket uniformer works great as a cleaner/uniformer. Hard carbide steel just devours brass.

[scarville]

Thanks to everyone who offered advice. I'm going to stick with a damp rag to remove dirt on the outside before resize and deprime. Then I'll give them a good washing in water and a mild soap (no ammonia) and air dry. It may be more than is necessary but a long Engineering career has taught that errors are best made on the side of more than less.