What do you guys use to clean your brass cases

rick'o'shea said:
How are you guys drying all these cases?
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It's pretty simple - I shake them off individually (or not), towel dry them as a group, and leave them for a couple of days to air dry. I have enough brass that with some rudimentary planning I can wait the time it takes them to dry or use other brass.
 
In the winter I dump the clean brass on a towel to get most of the water out, then let them air dry for a day or two. In summer a couple hours in the sun drys them quickly.
 
First I deprime then ultrasonic. After I've done all the sizing, trimming, neck turning, expanding, annealing etc, I toss them in a tumbler for 1/2 hour. Comes out nice and shiny.

I tried SS, but it mushroomed the case mouths and was effectively crimping the bullet when seated.
 
Alpheus said:
First I deprime then ultrasonic. After I've done all the sizing, trimming, neck turning, expanding, annealing etc, I toss them in a tumbler for 1/2 hour. Comes out nice and shiny.

I tried SS, but it mushroomed the case mouths and was effectively crimping the bullet when seated.
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You need to tumble for less time and add more pins(or less brass). I run 10lbs of pins with 300 223 cases or 150 308 case for no more than 1.5hrs. I get minimal peening now.
 
I use a kids rock tumbler which I got from Value Village for $5. I had some flaxseed in bulk in the cupboard. I usually only put 10 cases of 8mm Mauser in at a time for a few hours. I havent done 9mm in bulk yet so I may have to adjust to the above suggestions. A couple of hours and they are clean, longer if I am fussy.
If I really want that new look I use metal polish (brasso) and they gleam like new. 6 reloads and not a problem.

I do like the idea of pet store walnut and some car polish. I will have to try that.
 
I built a tumbler.
Use either walnut or corn with a dollop of Nufinish car wax and 6 or so used dryer sheets.
Tumbles over 1000 handgun brass, 800-100 .223 brass or 300-500 large rifle brass.
1 hours lightly cleans. 3 hours better. 5+ hours and the brass is gleaming.
click image to see the video of it running

 
dinsdale said:
I built a tumbler.
Use either walnut or corn with a dollop of Nufinish car wax and 6 or so used dryer sheets.
Tumbles over 1000 handgun brass, 800-100 .223 brass or 300-500 large rifle brass.
1 hours lightly cleans. 3 hours better. 5+ hours and the brass is gleaming.
click image to see the video of it running

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Don't suppose you could give us a parts list?
 
Olive Barrel
1/3 hp surplus motor
3:1 or 5:1 reduction gear drive to get a decent RPM
Rubber Rollers
Round bar for axles
4 Bearings for axles to roll in
Lumber for frame and paddles in Olive Barrel
2 B-Belts around olive drum for traction.


Taggart1500baseunittopview.jpg

Taggart1500Drum.jpg

Taggart1500druminside.jpg


Might try the Coleman 1/2 Gallon Jug on it and try Stainless Pins.
I am looking for something larger though, like 2 Gallons that will roll on side and hold water.

3000001197%20-%20Half%20Gallon%20Jug,%20Blue.jpg
 
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