[November Sunrise]

I just acquired a new LCT press and am all set up to go. It will unfortunately be about another 2-3 weeks before i can swing a brass cleaning "tumbler". Would it be OK if i were to simply reload brass that is clean but tarnished before i purchase the tumbler? I certainly would check each casing to be sure there isn't anything inside.

 

[GioaJack]

Simply clean any dirt or debris off the cases with a rag. Tumblers didn't always exist.


Jack

 

[AA#5]

The main reason for cleaning brass (besides appearance) is safety. When brass is dirty, it's difficult to see any defects when inspecting for cracks, etc. Brass can be cleaned without a tumbler but it's more time consuming.

 

[Boxerglocker]

I just acquired a new LCT press and am all set up to go. It will unfortunately be about another 2-3 weeks before i can swing a brass cleaning "tumbler". Would it be OK if i were to simply reload brass that is clean but tarnished before i purchase the tumbler? I certainly would check each casing to be sure there isn't anything inside.

Sure, not a problem other than you may want to wash and dry the brass thoroughly beforehand. This will ensure as much dirt and grit is removed that may cause undue wear on your dies. That's where the benefits of tumbling and polishing comes to effect.
I suggest warm water and mild detergent agitate in a bucket, rinse till clear, then dry on a towel in the sun for the day until the cases are completely dry inside and out. Another option is placing on a old cookie sheet and in a 150- 200 degree oven for a couple of hours.

 

[WiskyT]

Can i Reload Without Cleaning The Brass?

Yes..

 

[IndyGunFreak]

You can get away w/ wiping them down by hand, but it gets old really quick. Even a cheap tumbler/media separator, will be better. You can get a fairly cheap "kit" for around $70 dollars. If you can get it, I would, if you can not, then you'll get by without it, but it will annoy you.

http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/t...harset=ISO-8859-1&Go.x=0&_DARGS=/cabelas/en/common/search/search-box.jsp.form23

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=414369

 

[glockaviator]

Sure. Just wipe them down with a rag and run a bore cleaning brush through them.

 

[fredj338]

As noted, it should be clean brass, but doesn't have to be shiney. There are many liquid recipes you can use that owrk well. Even Simple Green & water does a fine job of cleaning them.

 

[WiskyT]

The OP was about whether brass needed to be cleaned or not. It was not asking how to clean brass, what is the least involved way to clean brass etc. The fact is, brass does no need to be cleaned. I pick my brass up off the ground and dump it in the case colator. It dies not need to be brushed, scrubbed, wiped, magnafluxed etc.

 

[Bello]

Yes..

and also i even think lee dies states that the carbide does dont care about dirty brass

 

[GioaJack]

opcorn:

 

[Colorado4Wheel]

and also i even think lee dies states that the carbide does dont care about dirty brass

Dirt may not scratch the die but it clearly can damage the brass. I loaded for a while with out cleaning. I just wiped them down in a towel. Worked fine to just roll the around to get them clean enough.

 

[RustyFN]

I just acquired a new LCT press and am all set up to go. It will unfortunately be about another 2-3 weeks before i can swing a brass cleaning "tumbler". Would it be OK if i were to simply reload brass that is clean but tarnished before i purchase the tumbler? I certainly would check each casing to be sure there isn't anything inside.

Yes you can but we will have to take away points for bling factor.

 

[IndyGunFreak]

opcorn:

Shouldn't you be watching your sodium intake?

IGF

 

[mnhogrider]

Are you picking them up at an indoor range or outdoors where they get full of dirt and mud? If muddy, wash. Indoor range pick ups, good to go.

I reloaded lot's of .44 mag without cleaning the cases, but they never hit the ground.

 

[Bob2223]

Yes you can but we will have to take away points for bling factor.

Thats right!
Slowly hand polish with a very fine high quality metal polish to a brilliant highly reflective luster.
Keeping finger prints and oils off as much as possible !
You can do 6-8 an hour if your fast at it.
Makes for one fine lookin finished round .

:supergrin:

Bob

 

[Colorado4Wheel]

Thats right!
Slowly hand polish with a very fine high quality metal polish to a brilliant highly reflective luster.
Keeping finger prints and oils off as much as possible !
You can do 6-8 an hour if your fast at it.
Makes for one fine lookin finished round .

:supergrin:

Bob

You could probably do that to your press as well. As long as it's red that is. It would look sweet.

 

[GioaJack]

Shouldn't you be watching your sodium intake?

IGF

I don't have to watch my sodium anymore... you guys are gonna be the death of me. I gotta go take my meds, and a scotch. :crying:


Jack

 

[BK63]

When I was a kid there were no tumblers. We went to the sand pit and shot and my father saved his casings and just reloaded them. There were no carbide dies back then either. I remember him lubing every case by hand. My how things have changed.

 

[shotgunred]

Well you could send them to me. I would be happy to run them through my tumbler for you. I will tell you what at my own expense I will even pressure test each and everyone of them several times to insure that they are safe for you to use before I return them to you.:whistling: