Cleaning Primer Pockets

[LTUME1978]

Question for all you experienced reloaders out there. I started reloading 35 years ago with a single stage press. Went inactive on reloading in 1984 and have just started again this year. Still have all my old equipment and follow my old drill, including cleaning the primer pocket on every reload. I know the folks with progressive machines skip this step due to the process. Have you seen any negative consequenses from not cleaning the primer pocket on every load (or every cleaning the primer pocket)? This is the most time consuming step in my process (even using a brush installed in a cordless drill to speed things up). All guidance is appreciated.

[Jeremae]

Depends on what kind of ammo you're assembling.

Range pistol/carbine ammo for plinking/club shooting matches. No need.

High grade match or dangerous game hunting ammo. It would be a good idea.

[stroo]

I skipped cleaning the primer pocket for a while and found that every once in while I would have a round that wouldn't fire. So I have gone back to cleaning the primer pocket.

[ghostrider]

hmmmm. I never clean the primer pockets and I don't have any reliability problems with my handloads.

[MoJo]

Small batch ammo - - - <100 rounds loaded on my single stage press clean 'em. Large batch ammo - - - >100 rounds loaded on my progressive press I don't clean. I haven't noticed any difference either way.

[mactex]

I skipped cleaning the primer pocket for a while and found that every once in while I would have a round that wouldn't fire. So I have gone back to cleaning the primer pocket.

I chose to not clean the primer pockets for a period of time and have had mixed reviews on skipping this step. I have had a few problems with reloaded 45ACP, .357 Sig, and 10mm, so I'm going to start cleaning the pockets on these calibers again. I've not had any problems with .380 or 9mm yet and will continue to skip the cleaning step with these calibers. YMMV.

[JorDanO]

I reload 9mm .40 and 38 Super, and don't clean the primer pockets. I've never had a problem.

[CDH]

I've never cleaned a pistol primer pocket. I'm well into 5 figures in number of reloaded rounds fired based on primer buys and I've never had a failure to fire. I know of people with waaaay more than me with similar results. That's enough evidence for me that cleaning primer pockets is not an issue with reload reliability. I do see how enough gunk MIGHT build up to cause a high primer, but I load revolver brass till the neck splits and that is easily 10+ times and I've never seen it. IMO the primer pocket would be way down on my list of things to check if I had a persistent failure to fire in a clean gun...and a light striker/firing pin spring would be at the top. If your gun is close enough to the edge that a dirty primer pocket causes problems...look at the gun first. YMMV of course.

I do clean rifle primer pockets, as much to keep the abrasive (ground glass, basically, used as part of the primer mix) out of my rifle barrels as for any perceived reliability or accuracy improvement.

[boomstick]

I have been reloading pistol for over 30 years and have never cleaned the primer pockets. It wastes time that I can be on the range shooting. I do like my brass shiny though.

[jhutto]

I only clean the pockets for my match rifle ammo. never for pistol.
If you reload single stage, I would decap the run into the tumbler for a while with small diameter media.