primer pocket cleaning -to do or not

[saum2]

This topic has probably been done before but I can't find it.
Has anyone found that NOT cleaning primers pockets after firing made any difference to the next firing or more accuracy wise? I realise that after a number of firings the crud build up would make it necessary to clean otherwise the primers won't seat down far enough. Any thoughts??

[disb]

I know of a shooter who doesn’t or at least not often.
Still shoots small groups just not in the right part of the target.

[mike H]

I clean primer pockets after every firing,I haven‘t done a scientific test to prove it is necessary,I think it is like cleaning your teeth,something you should do.

[UL1700]

Depends what you mean by cleaning, I find the ultrasonics or SS pin tumbler gets them pretty damn clean as for using one of the little tools I'm not a fan. I figure that I put enough stress on my primer pockets without the need for risking any extra material removal coming into the equation

[ben_g]

Geoff.

I have on occasion done a quick turn around with brass prep to shoot a club round.

Quick tumble, nothing done to pockets or case mouths and I have noticed no difference on target.

But a quick spin with a KM uniforming tool is in my normal regime most firings.

[bruce moulds]

there might be 2 considerations with cleaning pockets.
first is as already mentioned uniform primer seating, both depth and a firm base to support the primer.
the other is the abrasive nature nature of primer dirt.
the less of that stuff in a good barrel the better.
a Sinclair uniformer cleans pockets quickly and easily, and maintains uniformity of dimension.
and they never seem to go blunt.
bruce.

[Bigtravoz]

I generally do. I find there’s normally some crunchy crud left after firing so I just remove that with a lee primer pocket cleaner. It takes all of about 2 seconds per case. I have loaded without doing it and they all went bang alright but the crud is harder than brass so pressing a new primer into the case will have to have some effect on the life of the brass. I figure for the minimal amount of time involved it’s a bit of a no brainer really.