Cleaning brass question on primers
 

Do u remove the primers before putting them in the tumbler for cleaning or does it matter?

I remove the primers because that cavity gets a lot of build up. Just be prepared to poke stuck pieces of media out of the primer hole...

I clean first because I have to run the brass thru the sizing die to decap. I don't want to run dirty brass thru the die. I have an RCBS case prep center that I use to clean primer pockets.

Same here, I don't want to run dirty brass through my dies. Fired brass usually has all kinds of nasty grit on it that can scratch the dies. My reloading dies are just like any other equipment I use and I try to take care of them.

Good point. I have only been reloading a couple of years, and didn't really consider whether or not I was fouling my dies. I mostly reload pistol where there isnt as much drag and lube isnt required. It probably really makes a difference on rifle casings.

I throw them in the tumbler for an hour or so just to knock of the dirt and grit. Then I size/ decap and expand the mouth. Then I put them back in the tumbler over night. Its more work but they get nice and clean without having to use a primer pocket cleaner. I do have to poke out the flash hole once in a while.

I have a progressive reloader so decapping then takinging them out and cleaning them would be a pain.

How do you get the carbon build up out of the primer pocket then?

I havent done any yet so I dont know. Do u have a progressive?

No just an old school single stage press.