I've read here that many, deprimed and resize their cases then toss them in the tumbler for cleaning. I like to deprime & resize after the cases have had there session in the tumbler, just so I don't have to worry about a Kernal of media being lodged in the flash hole, sure saves me the time of checking each round for any flash hole obstructions after tumbling.

I've been de-priming first thinking it would help clean the pocket out some by tumbling. I tend to agree with you and on the next batch I'm going to just toss the cases w/spent primer into the tumbler and then de-prime and clean the pocket out with a primer tool. The media sure can get bunched up tight in that empty primer pocket and I'm spending too much time digging it out. I do keep a can of compressed air on the bench to blow into the cases after tumbling to get small stuff. I'm at about stage 1.5 out of 10 on the reloading curve so I have a LOT to learn. Good Shootin'

XWind

One thing I like to do is run cases through the RCBS universal deprimer, clean as needed, and then run through the resizing die. If there's any cleaning media remaining the sizing die's decapper pretty well removes it. Then you have no damage to sized cases as you clean them. I guess the bad part is it's two cycles through the press.

Works for me.

Reed

Marsh Mule,
A method that works for me is to use the RCBS decapping die to remove the primers and then clean the primer pockets. When the cases are clean I size and trim for length as necessary. This gives me a chance to inspect the cases. I don't worry about media at this point. Then toss them back into the tumbler. When I remove them the second time I do check for media. I've found a decapping pin in a rod makes a great tool for removing media in the flash holes. Good luck.

[ 03-08-2003, 09:53: Message edited by: BigBob ]

I use the same process that Reed does. The media and tumbling setup I use will not remove 100% of the primer fouling but it removes quite a bit. It seems to vary by brand of primer. Ive shot with some guys that dont clean their primer pockets every loading..but I prefer to. So my process would be:
Decap, Tumble, Resize, IF req. Trim/bevel, Clean Primer pocket, Prime...etc
BTW It seems that resizing prior to cleaning would be hard on your dies.

[ 03-06-2003, 16:41: Message edited by: Dave Jenkins ]

Marsh Mule
I bring the cases home, toss them into the tumbler and clean off the range crud. Then I deprime using Lee's universal decapping die in one of RCBS's el cheapo ($10.00) small presses, resize (separate step)then throw the cases back into the thumbler to remove the sizing lube.
Then I clean the primer pockets. Then I reload as usual.
Never had a problem with cleaning media in the flash hole.
Jim