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How to clean inside brass

Posted: Wed May 12, 2010 6:58 am
by Bitman
I bought 100 rounds of 6mm reloads, just for the brass.
I pulled the bullets, which were starting to corrode at the brass.
I had to dig the powder out of the brass with a small screwdriver.
It appeared wet and clumpy, came out hard.
I removed the primers, but my concern is that I may have some residual powder left in the cases.
I don't feel that tumbling the brass will guarantee the removal of the powder.
Any suggestions? Or should I not use the brass.
Thanks, Dave

Re: How to clean inside brass

Posted: Wed May 12, 2010 7:05 am
by Rick in Oregon
I never use 'gun show' brass. You never know how many times it was loaded, by whom, how hot, or how long it's been loaded. I'd toss it and chaulk the episode up to experience, go buy new brass, detail it, and you'll have fresh brass to fireform in YOUR chamber.

Re: How to clean inside brass

Posted: Wed May 12, 2010 7:21 am
by Bitman
Okay Rick, Thanks.
I thought that's what you say. Lesson Learned.

Re: How to clean inside brass

Posted: Fri Aug 06, 2010 4:12 pm
by mzimmers
To answer your question, you can look into the ultrasonic cleaners that have hit the market recently. From what I've heard, they're no different than any other ultrasonic cleaners, though the cleaning fluid might be.

Hornady makes one that looks nice, and I'm sure there are others.

Re: How to clean inside brass

Posted: Sat Aug 07, 2010 10:24 am
by Fred_C_Dobbs
I use stainless steel tumbling media, which polishes inside the primer pockets and inside the case until they shine like gold. Plus it lasts forever. You can get it at Stainless Tumbling Media dot Com or there's a guy selling it through the reloading section at Snipers' Hide dot Com.

I got mine at snipers hide. He is about half the price of the web site.

The only thing is, you have to use it wet (with a bit of liquid dishwashing detergent and Lemi-Shine) and it doesn't work so well in a vibrating tumbler.

No, it doesn't peen the brass. The individual steel rods weigh about 0.6 grains and the viscosity of the soapy water cushions the impact.

No, it doesn't get stuck inside the brass or the primer pockets. The individual rods specifically are short enough to prevent that happening. And the soapy water make 'em slick enough that they don't get packed in.