Case Cleaning

[scout]

Hi All,

Just starting to think about reloading my win .243, I have a good buddy who is going to teach me and let me use his kit to start with. Pulling together a shopping list and wondered what everyone was using to clean their used brass. Is a dry media tumbler, wet tumbler or ultrasonic the way forward?

Thanks in advance Damean

[wyn]

I use an ultrasonic cleaner for the speed.     About 1/2 an hour or less and the cases are clean. maybe not super shiny but clean.

I've never tried tumblers but steered clear as i read they take hours.

[Mr.C]

How many are you going to be cleaning at a time, how often, what sort of finish are you after? 

I have recently acquired a dry tumbler which I'm looking forward to having the need to use. Previously l used a bowl, some hot water, washing up liquid, white wine vinegar and salt. Got them clean if not like new. I also have a small ultrasonic cleaner but usually do 100 and it was a faff doing a few at a time. 

You'll find the recipe for the DIY mix on you tube. 

[scout]

Was thinking up to 50 at a time, so doesn't need to have a massive capacity. I don't need new shiny, but clean and functional, its for pest control ammo not target shooting.

[Mr.C]

Recon a little ultrasonic as wyn said. 

[Imperfection]

I use an ultrasonic cleaner with lemon juice added to the water.

I got mine years ago from Aldi for £20. The lemon juice from anywhere cheap.

[aister]

I used a dry tumbler for years until my son got a rock tumbler, when he wasn't using it I tried it with some stainless pins, a squeeze of fairy and some citric acid. The difference was unbelievable. The brass was gleaming inside and out. I will never go back to dry tumbling. 

[steve_b_wales]

I use an ultrasonic cleaner with Birchwood Casey brass cleaner.

[beanieboy]

Another for ultrasonic cleaner with Birchwood Casey. Cleans cases inside and out and leaves primer pockets spotless. 

[NoBodyImportant]

Once you wet tumble you can’t ever go back.  Look up Franklin armory wet tumbler.  It’s the best thing I every bought.  Your brass will look brand new inside and out.   Little squirt of lemonshine dish soap and it’s amazing. 

Edited April 26, 2021 by NoBodyImportant

[Vince Green]

There is no need to clean cases,  its nice to do i know, and I do. but if you are just starting out and testing loads its an expense that can be bypassed.

Edited April 27, 2021 by Vince Green

[London Best]

If only reloading a few try scotchbrite for the outsides and twirl an old screwdriver in the primer pockets.

[Graham M]

8 hours ago, Vince Green said:

There is no need to clean cases,  its nice to do i know, and I do. but if you are just starting out and testing loads its an expense that can be bypassed.

Unfortunately if you don't clean your brass, any crud left on them can scratch the inside of your chamber. Even a quick wipe around with some 0000 steel wool and a rag will wipe off damaging burnt powder and help to protect your rifle.