Cleaning brass in the washing machine

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PBNJ

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Have you guys ever tried this method? I find that my tumbler never cleans the inside of the brass, its always black. I use walnut shells too. I am only worried if this damages/tarnishes the integrity of the case. Is this worth it or should I buy some Iasso brass cleaner instead. Im looking for cheapest way here, Ive got a LOT of brass.

heres a link to the video I saw this in....

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PF5B6DkxXH8
 
washing machine tumbler

I don'y have a tumbler... yet. And the brass is piling up. So I considered the same thing.

First, my wife would probably create more empty brass if she caught me.

Second, there's a lot of nasty crud in that fouling that I really don't wanna risk leaving in the machine where my family washes clothes that sit next to our skin.

After a lot of thought, am just going to save up for a proper cleaner.

Another option are the sonic cleaners. Hear they work very well, but that's just heresay to me. Would be interested in info on that from others.

Cheers
 
Most primers are made with mercury compounds. Traces of said compound can be found in the black soot inside the brass. Don't want that on your clothes.
 
I don't believe primers are made with mercury fulminate anymore, most however are made with Lead Styphnate and that could very well be all over your washer. I doubt you'll soak in lead through your skin it usually needs to be ingested to get inside, but I still wouldn't use mine for that.

Tumbler dust and indoor range smoke may also contain lead and be easily breathed in. These sources are more likely a higher risk than reloading or casting lead bullets.
 
Bad Idea and here is how I know. In a maytag clothes washer under the agitator there is a mesh screen. 223 casing cuts a hole in the screen thus allowing many 223 casings to enter the line to the pump. After a sufficient number of cartridges enter the pump they jam it. Thus smoking off the 80 dollar set of belts.

You then have to disassemble the washing machine to remove the cartdige casings and replace the belts. I also had the joy of explaining to the wife how I broke the washing machine.

It did a bang up job of cleaning the cases though but for almost the price of a tumbler it isnt worth it. You could get an RCBS sidewinder or thumbler and do wet tumbling.
 
For my real dirty brass i just mix hot water with a bit of lemon juice and some sunlight.Then put in a can with a lid and shake the hell out of it every once and awhile for a few hours.Then let it sit overnight and wipe them clean then dry the brass in the oven.It works well and is cheap.
 
Instead of letting them spin around loose and risk jamming up the washer, could you put them in a mesh bag or even a pillow case that's tied shut? I've never tried it, just wondering.
 
Wet tumbling with a cleaning solution and steel medium is a standard practice. Cleans inside and out. More work, though.
 
Laundry mat is a good idea. At ours they have a set reserved for dirty work clothes only. That would solve the idea of harmful agents getting into the family clothes.
 
i clean all my brass by putting it in a bucket with boiling wate and some vinegar. I shake it around a fair bit and the brass comes out pretty clean (inside and out). Not the shiniest but its clean and cheap.
 
tiriaq said:
Wet tumbling with a cleaning solution and steel medium is a standard practice. Cleans inside and out. More work, though.
Click to expand...

:agree:

Thumler's Tumbler Model B (I believe). If you use the fine steel pin media it cleans everything - inside, outside and primer pockers. As noted above it's more work because if you use wet media you have to rinse & dry the cases afterward. This tumbler is also probably 2x the cost of a good vibratory tumbler. However, if you don't mind the cost and extra work and completely clean cases are your goal, this is the cat's a$$.

As a minor bonus the steel pin media pretty much lasts forever which I guess ultimately compensates for the higer cost of the tumbler.
 
6MM said:
Laundry mat is a good idea. At ours they have a set reserved for dirty work clothes only. That would solve the idea of harmful agents getting into the family clothes.
Click to expand...

So its not ok to use your washing machine because of dangerous materials possibly ending up next to skin . But its ok to do that to other people who arn't even aware that because of you they are being exposed to harmful and even cacnigenic substances? Give your head a shake.
 
LordEvilPepper said:
So its not ok to use your washing machine because of dangerous materials possibly ending up next to skin . But its ok to do that to other people who arn't even aware that because of you they are being exposed to harmful and even cacnigenic substances? Give your head a shake.
Click to expand...

Of coarse its the new wave of the "ME" generation.
 
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