Always tumble brass before reloading?

[chickenfried]

I always tumble my pistol brass because the fired brass is grimy. About to start reloading my first rifle rounds. The once fired K31 brass I'm using already looks pretty clean and shiny. Do I still need to tumble them?

[bumpo628]

Yes and twice.
Once when you get back from the range and again after sizing to get the lube off.

If the brass is clean and it never hit the floor, then maybe you can skip the first one. I would just do it as a matter of routine, just let it run less time than for dirty range pickup cases.

[BigBronco]

Make sure your brass is boxer primed and not berdan primed before you re size.

[LGB Loader]

CF,

If they are clean enough, they need to be inspected. I like to tumble straight from the range to a shine clean so when I am looking for any splits, cracks, rings, dings and deep scratches, problem primer cavity, etc., etc., they are easier to spot.

Also, I like clean brass because it is easier on the dies. Probably easier on the progressive and more time between cleanings of it.

[chickenfried]

The brass is boxer primed. never hit the floor. Will still inspect the brass. The brass is in such good condition tumbling seems like a waste of time.

[uscbigdawg]

From the range:
- Quick tumble (5 minutes) just to get the chunks off
- Roll size and then tumble for like 20 minutes
- Load
- Tumble for like 5-10 minutes to get the One Shot off*

* and before anybody freaks out, it IS okay to tumble live ammo

Rich

[MaHoTex]

* and before anybody freaks out, it IS okay to tumble live ammo

Rich

[uscbigdawg]

Ammo companies do it all day.

Rich

[gunboat]

a lot of ammo was reloaded before tumblers were ever thought of --

I just wipe the brass with a shop towel, lightly moistened with mineral spirits and go on from there -- after reloading a wipe with another moistened towel removes any oily film -- and bob's your uncle --

[45ACPete]

Amen.

[joelogic]

Dont be lazy.

[GUNNTZ]

I like to see my brass ultra shiny. After range, pop the primer out and it hits the ultrasonic cleaner to get the crap out of the inside/outside of the case. re-size and then it hits the tumbler until they look like new. Inspect and finish the process at that point. I like things to go boom, but not ker-boom my guns. A clean case lets you detect the slightest flaw, just my 2c.

[gorblimey]

Any thoughts on the Lee water-soluble lube as a replacement for Imperial?

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=482023

I gave it a try, and it seemed ok. Washed off with hot water.

[Tythagoras]

Any thoughts on the Lee water-soluble lube as a replacement for Imperial?

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=482023

I gave it a try, and it seemed ok. Washed off with hot water.

I went from Lee to Imperial and thought it was a huge improvement. Just tumble the loaded ammo for a few minutes, or wipe it with a paper towel if that freaks you out. Seems like less hassle than drying your ammo/brass after you have to wash it.

[xrMike]

I went from Lee to Imperial and thought it was a huge improvement.

Same here, tried both. Imperial does not leave residue in your sizing die like the Lee lube, and it's just plain slicker.