Cleaning the shotshells before reloading

[JethroBlaze]

I was wondering...

Usually, when I reload shotshells, I reload a couple of boxes worth and go shoot them.  So I don't worry too much if they're not pristine.  However, the other day, I was thinking about sitting down and loading up a big batch of boxes for them times I don't have time to reload before I go shoot.  These boxes of shells might end up sitting for several months or a year or more (let's hope not).  Thinkin' about the shells sitting there on the shelf got me to thinkin' about other things.

Should I be throwing my shotshells in the cleaning solution with the brass?  Does anyone wash their plastic shotshells?

What effect is the powder residue going to have on the new primer/powder if I don't clean them? 

How long can I leave them before I should worry if they're gonna work ok?

How many times do you usually reuse a plastic shotshell before it's worthless?

I'm shooting 777 in a something resembling a square load using my 4cc Lee scoop. And loading on my Lee Load-All.  I'm open to other powders in the future, but use the 777 since it's easy to find around here. (And so far it's worked darn good.)  Most of my shells are AA, but some are other brands so long as they're smooth sided.

I realize that most of these questions are pretty open-ended, but your opinions are appreciated.

Thanks!!
Jethro

[Fingers McGee]

Jethro,  I use Remington STS and Nitro Gold hulls with APP, Goex or Pinnacle powders.  I also use brass shells w/Goex.  To answer your questions from my perspective:

Should I be throwing my shotshells in the cleaning solution with the brass?  I can't think of any reason why you would want to wash the plastic shells.  I do wash my brass shells though.

Does anyone wash their plastic shotshells? Probably; but I don't

What effect is the powder residue going to have on the new primer/powder if I don't clean them?  None that I am aware of; but I'll leave that answer to the chemical engineers out there

How long can I leave them before I should worry if they're gonna work ok? I've shot 3-4 year old reloads with no problems.

How many times do you usually reuse a plastic shotshell before it's worthless? I generally get 3-4 reloads from STS and Nitro Gold hulls before they are burnt enough to start sticking in the chambers, or won't give a good crimp. 

YMMV

FM

[Noz]

Pretty much what Fingers said. I use the same hulls with the addition of AA Gray and AA Featherlite hulls. These seem to be the slickest. I use GOEX, KIK and Skirmish for propellant.  The AA Gray seem to be the most prone to burn.

[Dick Dastardly]

Since plastic shells don't last long enough to worry about, I don't clean them.  The real dirty ones go in the trash.  My Magtech all brass shells get tumbled in DD Ceramic Porcelain Tumbling Media.  They come out sparkling clean and bright.  Just the way I want them for best looks.  Major style points that way. . .

DD-DLoS

[Four Eyed Floyd]

Nope don't clean mine, just shoot em' till they ain't no good anymore!

[JethroBlaze]

Thanks!!

I appreciate the answers.  Certainly makes me feel better about loading up a case or so of shells in reserve.  Sometimes they go fast, sometimes they sit for a while.  Glad to hear I don't need to wash them either ('specially since I haven't).

Jethro