Reloading in an apartment, few questions

[SA Friday]

This brings me to another question.

I don't really care about how the outside of the brass looks, but I'm under the impression that you want the inside of the case to be clean and a tumbler is the most cost/time effective solution. Is that correct? Isn't it also supposed to be easier on your dies as well?

I've found the opposite to be true. I could give a rats ass how the inside looks as long as it's cleaned of material and carbon. I want the outside as clean as possible and as free of media dust as possible, especially pistol rounds. An example is brass at has been reloaded with titegroup. It burns hot and Blackens the inside of the case permanently. Doesn't mean anything. Shoots just fine reload after reload. Crud on the outside of the case is what tears up the dies.

[Irving]

So either way, dirty brass is hard on dies right?

[DFBrews]

So either way, dirty brass is hard on dies right?

that is an affirmative. i usually tumble for 3-4 hrs without depriming, then size deprime and throw back in for an hour and a half to clean the primer pockets.

[Irving]

I was just thinking that I could probably set up the tumbler in my crawl space and it wouldn't bother anyone at all.

I was planning on picking up some RCBS carbide dies to go with the RCBS turret press I picked up. I just found some .40 S&W Lee carbide dies on Craigslist for only $20 (ad states near new). I've heard guys like Hoser comment on here about brand specific dies, but I don't remember what he said. It was in a thread about a die catching up on brass because a ridge needed to be sanded out some where. I don't remember the brand mentioned.

So is a set of Lee Carbide dies at $20, really half as quality as a set of RCBS Carbide dies for $48?

[DFBrews]

I was just thinking that I could probably set up the tumbler in my crawl space and it wouldn't bother anyone at all.

I was planning on picking up some RCBS carbide dies to go with the RCBS turret press I picked up. I just found some .40 S&W Lee carbide dies on Craigslist for only $20 (ad states near new). I've heard guys like Hoser comment on here about brand specific dies, but I don't remember what he said. It was in a thread about a die catching up on brass because a ridge needed to be sanded out some where. I don't remember the brand mentioned.

So is a set of Lee Carbide dies at $20, really half as quality as a set of RCBS Carbide dies for $48?

IMHO dies are alot like AR's everyone has their favorite brand and touts why it is the best ever. Lee make decent quality products some of the stuff you need to go hi end like powder throwers and scales for safety sake. I have not had any problems with my Lee equipment including the carbide dies. I also really like the factory crimp die option. $20 is not a bad deal at all. I chose to go the cheaper all Lee route because I did not know whether it would be something i would stick with. I am also looking at getting the lee turret press as soon as i get a new place. Hope this helps.

[Irving]

Everyone's input is always very helpful, thank you. I think this is only the 3 die set and doesn't have that factory crimp die. Maybe I'll contact that guy tomorrow.

[Marlin]

What SA said about lead and kids.. As far as making it a little quieter, build a 18"X18" base out of 2X4's. Top it with a piece of plywood and a piece of carpet. Then screw or bolt the tumbler to that. Stable enough it won't tip over, and fairly portable enough to move around.

I know I have some carpet, and I might have the rest also, let me take a look.

I could throw it together in about 45 minutes also, if you are interested.

[SideShow Bob]

I was just thinking that I could probably set up the tumbler in my crawl space and it wouldn't bother anyone at all.

Just hold your breath while you are down there so you won't be breathing in any of the RADON that is down there.

[earplug]

Only in the past twenty-thirty were brass cleaners popular. If you look at old reloading books there is no mention of tumbling of brass. With carbide sizer dies any dirt is gone when you size at the first station with the exception of dirt on the rim.
Double stack pistols rounds have to roll or slide against each other in the magazine.
Old single stack magazines are much more tolerant of a bit of dirt.
Revolvers are happy.
You can always toss muddy brass in the sink or dish washer. Dry them on a cookie sheet.
I have never owned or used a tumbler.

[Irving]

Marlin: Thank you very much for the offer. I'll hit you up when I actually have a tumbler.

SAFriday: If I remember correctly, that thread about bullet set back was started as a result of something I said. I read it, but will read it again. It's been a while since you've had one of your longer posts like that.