Case prep tools...

CWLONGSHOT

CWLONGSHOT

Well-Known Member
Hello folks,

I have a question. I have considered updating some of my loading operations. For some time now. Im expanding my loading room and adding two more loading benches. I am gonna buy at least one of these setups.

Wet tumbling

Case Prep stations.

What do you guys have like use for a case prep station?

Im currently and have been for decades using small power screwdrivers for deburring, Flash hole cleaning, Primer pocket cleaning and pocket uniforming. I trim on a Lyman power trimmer. I also use the excellent lee trimming tools for one off operations mostly on straight wall that really dont "grow" much.

I just saw the RCBS Brass Boss and its on sale too!


CW
 
Kevin Stenberg

Kevin Stenberg

Well-Known Member
I have the Frankford Arsonal platinum case prep. and like it. The only thing it doesn't have that i would like is a primer pocket reamer.
I would suggest to put the wet case tumbler in an outer building. Very noisy.
 
Brad

Brad

Benevolent Overlord and site owner
Staff member
The wet tumblers are noisy. They do an excellent job and by placing mine in the garage the noise isn’t an issue.
 
O

Ole_270

Well-Known Member
I use an old Forster trimmer I bought used 40 years ago. Bought a new cutter shaft awhile back, it was cheaper than having the original sharpened.
Still using the Lyman vibrating case tumbler I got in the late 70's
 
waco

waco

Springfield, Oregon
I have been doing a fair amount of wet tumbling lately. Works really well. I decap the brass first. Except for really grungy brass I haven’t even been using the SS pins. Only thing that doesn’t get spotless is the primer pockets. No big deal. I clean them with the Lyman case prep center.
 
C

creosote

Well-Known Member
popper said:
Wet tumbling STM and don't look back.
Click to expand...

^^^^^^^^^^^^
Got the rebel 17 tumbler and very happy with it.
It's Much much quieter than my old rcbs vibrator, Which has the thick tub & insulated lid. The rcbs is much more quiet than my Frankford ars. Vibrator with the paper thin tub.
I haven't tried without the pins yet, but I'm sure it would work good, because I've tossed smaller cases in that get stuck inside larger ones, and they still get cleaned somewhat. Unlike walnut shell vibrating. They don't get cleaned at all.
 
Tomme boy

Tomme boy

Well-Known Member
I have not had luck with brass that was SS pin cleaned. All the pistol brass mouths were peened flat and I had to inside chamfer all the mouths. Also I ended up having to tumble them in some dirty media so the bullets did not weld to the cases when seating them. I have a feeling the guy I got the brass from tumbled them WAY too long. Never seen mouths get peened like that before. That was one of the few times I ever bought brass before, hopefully the last also. My walnut does just as good. A little mineral spirits and some car polish and let them run overnight.
 
Winelover

Winelover

North Central Arkansas
Only time I wet tumble is when I purchase military brass. I use my B Square with just water, Lemi-shine and a dash of Dawn. Otherwise, my brass is either tumbled or vibrated (Lyman Turbo) with lizard litter, depending on the quantity of brass. Occasionally, I will add Iosso Case Polish when I notice the media isn't cleaning as well. I shoot a lot, have to replace the media about every six months. I use an appliance timer on my dry tumbler/vibrator, set for @ three hours. Wet tumbling, dirty military range brass, can be done in a half hour.

RCBS power trimmer for any trimming. Debur with a RCBS hand chamfer/reamer in a cordless drill............have a reversible tool holder. Primer pocket cleaned and uniformed. likewise. Only thing I do by hand, is deburring the flash hole, on rifle brass.
 
CWLONGSHOT

CWLONGSHOT

Well-Known Member
Winelover said:
Only time I wet tumble is when I purchase military brass. I use my B Square with just water, Lemi-shine and a dash of Dawn. Otherwise, my brass is either tumbled or vibrated (Lyman Turbo) with lizard litter, depending on the quantity of brass. Occasionally, I will add Iosso Case Polish when I notice the media isn't cleaning as well. I shoot a lot, have to replace the media about every six months. I use an appliance timer on my dry tumbler/vibrator, set for @ three hours. Wet tumbling, dirty military range brass, can be done in a half hour.

RCBS power trimmer for any trimming. Debur with a RCBS hand chamfer/reamer in a cordless drill............have a reversible tool holder. Primer pocket cleaned and uniformed. likewise. Only thing I do by hand, is deburring the flash hole, on rifle brass.
Click to expand...
Im almost identical. Minus the wet tumble and mine is a lyman power Trimmer.

And its working just fine. BUT My hands sometimes ache after a session... Hence to interest in automation. ;)
 
462

462

California's Central Coast Amid The Insanity
Though I'm too set in my ways to want a case prep center, I understand your need for one. If I were to go that route, I'd choose the RCBS for no other reason than their reputation for quality products, warranty, and unbeatable customer service.
 
Ian

Ian

Notorious member
Tomme boy said:
I have not had luck with brass that was SS pin cleaned. All the pistol brass mouths were peened flat and I had to inside chamfer all the mouths. Also I ended up having to tumble them in some dirty media so the bullets did not weld to the cases when seating them. I have a feeling the guy I got the brass from tumbled them WAY too long. Never seen mouths get peened like that before. That was one of the few times I ever bought brass before, hopefully the last also. My walnut does just as good. A little mineral spirits and some car polish and let them run overnight.
Click to expand...

As with anything, there's always a way to take a good process and screw it up.
 
CWLONGSHOT

CWLONGSHOT

Well-Known Member
I have ordered and received the RCBS BOSS tool so far it looks great!! Now to make room...



THANK GUYS!!
 
wquiles

wquiles

Well-Known Member
waco said:
I have been using this now for over a year and have been very happy with it. Looks like the RCBS is about the same.
www.midwayusa.com

Lyman Case Prep Xpress Case Prep Center

The Lyman Case Prep Xpress Case Prep Center is the only "All-Inclusive" system on the market, providing all of the necessary accessories from...
www.midwayusa.com www.midwayusa.com
Click to expand...
I also have been using the Lyman for over a year - still happy with my purchase :)
 
D

dale2242

Well-Known Member
I have the Lyman as well.
It works well for me.
I use the RCBS primer pocket cleaner brushes in it instead of the ones that came with it.
 
Bliksem

Bliksem

Active Member
I used to just use the manual tools but after surgery in both hands for CTS and the onset of arthritis I have been changing out tools for comfort rather than speed. Case cleaning is done using the STM setup, case prep on a Lyman Case Prep Center.

For bulk primer pocket swaging I use the Hornady system in a Projector press and for bulk trimming I use the Dillon RT1500. Yes, these tools are pricy but without them I would have had to give up too much of my hobby due to discomfort.
 
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