Reloading Cleaning NOOB - question

J

Jonny_Cannon

BANNED
BANNED
BANNED
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
7   0   0
A quick question for the masses, and I assume I already know the answer. I just started reloading for my 37mm launcher. I am using aluminum hulls. I am not having success with using various cleaners to get the black powder residue out of them. I'm guessing this is the same for reloaded brass - I need a cleaner/tumbler for them, yes?

Does anyone have a suggestion then, for a media to use? These hulls are large, but they are aluminum, so I'm guessing I'd need something that isn't too abrasive.

Thank-you in advance.

Cannon
 
Jonny_Cannon said:
A quick question for the masses, and I assume I already know the answer. I just started reloading for my 37mm launcher. I am using aluminum hulls. I am not having success with using various cleaners to get the black powder residue out of them. I'm guessing this is the same for reloaded brass - I need a cleaner/tumbler for them, yes?

Does anyone have a suggestion then, for a media to use? These hulls are large, but they are aluminum, so I'm guessing I'd need something that isn't too abrasive.

Thank-you in advance.

Cannon
Click to expand...

How many do you have to clean? If only 5-10, then use a brush (brass wire), and brush the inside of each case with a cleaner such as remington brite bore or something like that. If you have a lot, then you'll need a tumbler. The only kind that reliably removes burnt powder from inside cases is wet tumblers with stainless steel pins.

Aluminium is stronger and more resistant than brass, so anything that's good for brass will be gentle enough for aluminium.
 
VinnyQC said:
Aluminium is stronger and more resistant than brass, so anything that's good for brass will be gentle enough for aluminium.
Click to expand...

No, with the exception of the T6 age hardened 2024 / 6061 / 7075 types, cartridge brass is a good bit stronger and harder than most aluminum alloys.

It is also important to know that aluminum is stable only at near-neutral pH ranges, and is especially susceptible to rapid dissolution at high pH ranges. Simple Green is technically a caustic cleaner and will lead to some dissolution, though its pH is apparently only about 9 so wastage shouldn't be too bad. But I would look for a gentle mechanical method like corn cob.
 
Thank-you for the advice. I may simply use a cleaner and a brush for the payload portion of the hulls - they are threaded onto the launch/primer portion so they can be removed. They're essentially just tubes at that point not much different in size and shape than a toilet paper tube. The bottom ends are tricky since they are dished out for the launch charge. Might have to tumble those. As for the primers, my Millwright buddy made me a neat little setup and a press for them.

Cannon
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom