Preferred way to clean primer pockets?

[kato4moto]

Okay, starting to get my reloading space set up and have a question about cleaning primer pockets after decapping. Is it better to use one of the stiff wire brush-type tools or one of those metal ones that seem kind of like a reaming tool?

[5.56Geo]

I have used both but prefer the little cup brush style of cleaner.

[ditchdigger]

I use a primer pocket uniformer and then tumble.

[joelogic]

Cleaning the primer pocket is unnecessary.

[iano1]

Cleaning the primer pocket is unnecessary.

I don't clean primer pockets either...

[XDRoX]

Cleaning the primer pocket is unnecessary.

Winner, winner!

Unless you're sniping a high powered figure from an unruly country, cleaning primer pockets is for the birds.

[DJ Skillz]

I just decap before tumbling. It doesn't get them super clean, but it'll take care of any thick crud if there is any.

[wtkaiser]

I know, logically, that cleaning primer pockets is unnecessary. I know that! But some small part of me does it anyway, and I would be acutely uncomfortable not to doing it. It was good enough for Mr. Keith, so it's good enough for me. Even though I know it's unnecessary.

[PatrickHenry]

I just decap before tumbling. It doesn't get them super clean, but it'll take care of any thick crud if there is any.

+1 All that is needed.

[Quinc]

Tumble with stainless steel media and the primer pocket will come out spotless.

[SID45]

I do it for long term storage ammo.

[mjmagee67]

Primer pocket cleaning?? I could be shooting instead of cleaning. I stopped cleaning pockets on all my pistol and most of my rifle rounds. I still brush 30-06 pockets, but I only reload 50 or so every few months.

[CalTeacher]

Never have, never will clean primer pockets. Might as well polish your bullets while you're at it.

[9mmrevolver]

I generally lick them clean. Seriously though I don't. If it goes bang then it's good.

[five.five-six]

Cleaning the primer pocket is unnecessary.

That's debatable with precision rifle cartridges.