Case cleaning mishap

[riversrest]

Yep that once shiney steel die has been electroplated, the cases furthest away from the die did not discolor. I trimmed the brass later today and noticed that discoloration is just on the very surface, inside is nice and brassy. The mix in the cleaner is 1 tbsp Lemishine 1 tsp detergent on a filled bath. I won't do this again for sure but thought it would be fun to post.

The Zinc in the brass (roughly 2/3 Cu and 1/3 Zn) together with the iron/carbon in the die "worked together" with the acid.

I'm no expert in this - but the pictures IMO show that Zinc from the brass could have wandered around towards the steel.

Hence, the more copper coloured cases showing signs be deprived off Zinc...

But maybe this method could be used to do some bluing on small parts ?

 

[savagefan]

I think the same thing, I will try it.

 

[PPCLI-Jim]

I love my walnut and corn media dry cleaning method; been doing it for decades without incident.

I used that method for about a year, then I upgraded and never looked back. If all it takes is not mixing metals, I'm fine with it. I generally tumble my brass twice. The first time gets rid of any grit from the range, the second gets case lube off in prep for reloading after deprime and size. Now I have sufficient brass to load hundreds, shoot then anneal it's much easier on my gear

 

[FatCatsDad]

I had to Google lemi-shine.

I use big squirt of dawn liquid dish detergent, a cup of spray nine cleaner and top off with water, all heated up to 50 Celsius.

Just did a lawn tractor carburetor that gummed up over the winter.

Ultrasonics are great to have.

A couple of 8 minute cycles and it's like new.

 

[savagefan]

I used that method for about a year, then I upgraded and never looked back. If all it takes is not mixing metals, I'm fine with it. I generally tumble my brass twice. The first time gets rid of any grit from the range, the second gets case lube off in prep for reloading after deprime and size. Now I have sufficient brass to load hundreds, shoot then anneal it's much easier on my gear

Same, I used a Lyman 1200 for many years-still have it but prefer the job the US does, especially the inside of the case and the primer pocket without having to pick out bits of media. We just have to not mix metals as I found out. The US works really well with Gunk brand carburetor cleaner for small engine parts too.

 

[inthehizzy]

I and a similar “oopsie” with my SS tumbler once. I tossed in a greasy part with some brass and Lemi-Shine soap mix and everything came out with a thin coat of grey coloured film. Had to run the tub and SS pins several times empty to clean the drum and empty the muddy gross water. Put the brass back in as per usual and everything came out perfect as usual. Definitely a brain fart moment for me.