PDA

View Full Version : So You want CLEAN brass?


Chad0724
06-21-2014, 22:32
Today I was messing with a few different solutions for cleaning brass. After some trial and error I ended up with this! I am using a rock tumbler from harbor freight, 50/50 water and vinegar, a quick squirt of lemon juice, and about a cup of steel BB's


http://img.tapatalk.com/d/14/06/22/thumbnail/emu3u5e3.jpg
kidicarus13
06-22-2014, 00:04
Nice and shiny
Hound
06-22-2014, 03:30
Very nice.
Tim K
06-22-2014, 08:20
How do the primer pockets look? I'm using SS pins, but separating them from the brass is a hassle. Balls would be easier.
ray1970
06-22-2014, 08:34
I would guess the BBs don't get into the primer pockets to get them clean but I usually clean mine by hand anyways. I would also guess that they don't clean the insides of the cases very well but I could be wrong. The outside definitely looks nice. I've been thinking about experimenting with different media for my standard tumbler. I'm thinking about tossing in some metal shavings from a brake lathe and seeing what happens. Maybe I'll try some BBs as well.
spleify
06-22-2014, 08:40
Looks good
Chad0724
06-22-2014, 12:44
I would guess the BBs don't get into the primer pockets to get them clean but I usually clean mine by hand anyways. I would also guess that they don't clean the insides of the cases very well but I could be wrong. The outside definitely looks nice. I've been thinking about experimenting with different media for my standard tumbler. I'm thinking about tossing in some metal shavings from a brake lathe and seeing what happens. Maybe I'll try some BBs as well.

they actually do a great job cleaning the inside of the shells and primer pockets. When you take them out of the tumbler you have to dump out the BB's in most shells because they work their way inside.
rondog
06-22-2014, 16:17
How many do you run at a time? I prefer lots.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dejE4iL9UK8
Chad0724
06-26-2014, 22:03
How many do you run at a time? I prefer lots.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dejE4iL9UK8

Lmfao. 50 is all I can do at a time...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Great-Kazoo
06-26-2014, 22:06
Lmfao. 50 is all I can do at a time...


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

50? i drop that many during lubing. Like RD i'm high volume.
Chad0724
06-26-2014, 22:08
50? i drop that many during lubing. Like RD i'm high volume.

I'm a beginner at reloading.. Slow and steady for me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Great-Kazoo
06-26-2014, 23:52
I'm a beginner at reloading.. Slow and steady for me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk


We all started somewhere. One day you'll say, man I miss that old hf tumbler.
Scogin
06-27-2014, 06:41
46407I bought one of these. http://www.stainlesstumblingmedia.com/extreme-tumblers-rebel-17.html I have not used it yet but I have heard great things. If someone wants to de-prime all of my brass I will tell you how well it works. haha
Great-Kazoo
06-27-2014, 07:54
46407I bought one of these. http://www.stainlesstumblingmedia.com/extreme-tumblers-rebel-17.html I have not used it yet but I have heard great things. If someone wants to de-prime all of my brass I will tell you how well it works. haha

After my 1050 deprimes, swages and trims my brass, i'll think about it.
Chad0724
06-27-2014, 07:56
46407I bought one of these. http://www.stainlesstumblingmedia.com/extreme-tumblers-rebel-17.html I have not used it yet but I have heard great things. If someone wants to de-prime all of my brass I will tell you how well it works. haha

How many rounds do you have?


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Alpha2
06-27-2014, 18:00
That video link for the cement mixer, when it was over showed the obligatory half dozen or so related videos. One was for "how to super clean your brass", intrigued, I clicked on it. OMG, I'll never get that time back.
He started with an ultrasonic bath with water, vinegar and lemon juice. He advised to not use too many cases...he had maybe 40 cases. Next, he poured that out, and then a water, baking soda bath, ultrasonic treatment. When they came out, I wasn't impressed, for all that time and effort and all. Welllll, he wasn't done. Next, he poured the cases into a vibratory tumbler, usual corn cob or walnut media, I thought WTF? Then he poured some shiny sauce in, and advised that you had to check every case afterwards to make some media/sauce didn't get stuck in there. Were they shiny? Yep. Was it worth a gazillion steps and misc. magic sauces and having to check every case for fouling? Heck no! I know for a fact that one pass with a rotary tumbler and SS pins will get you the same effect in one step.
Zombie Steve
06-29-2014, 09:09
15 minutes to an hour in corn cob media and load. I can't remember ever winning a prize for prettiest ammo, but hey...
Great-Kazoo
06-29-2014, 10:12
15 minutes to an hour in corn cob media and load. I can't remember ever winning a prize for prettiest ammo, but hey...


I run a full load in the dillon 2001 or small frankfort tumbler for 1-2 hrs, then process. Quick 15-20 minute redo for lube removal and they are GTG. I don't care about how "sparkly" the primer pockets are.. It's reloading, not a beauty contest.

Some folks like Alpha posted about, spend more time cleaning brass than shooting. This is a or suppose to be relaxing hobby. Stressing out or trying for a high luster case, well that's too much.