I just got some once fired brass and want to clean it. I can't afford a tumbler right now. Can I just wash it with hot water and soap and can I just let it drain and dry on a towel?
Bob T
You can also mix up some unsweetened orange KoolAid in a bottle or bowl and use it to clean your brass. It doesn't make them as shiny as a tumbler, but it cuts the crud pretty well. Iosso and Birchwood Casey both make liquid cleaners that work well also.
Mix well, then place your brass into the solution. Allow the brass to sit for 30 minutes the agitate the brass, let it sit another 20-30 minutes (Or to your satisfaction).
Drain the solution off your cases and towel dry them. You may also wish to place them in the oven at about 150-200 Degrees for 20 or 30 minutes also, this helps to insure the insides are dry as well as the primer pockets. I deprimed all my brass prior to cleaning it.
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For info purposes only, use it at your own risk. JFKimmons and G&G aren't liable for it's misuse.
Great information. They are on the bake cycle now!!! The wife isn't too happy. But she will get over it. I told here at least I didn't use the washer or the dishwasher!!! I won't repeat what she said.
Bob T
I used vinegar and water forever, at least it seems that way. If you want to polish just a few cases use ketchup. Go ahead now and put in for a tumbler for Christmas.
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For info purposes only, use it at your own risk. JFKimmons and G&G aren't liable for it's misuse.
It worked great. I had about 700 9mm. I have to cut them down to 9x18 for the Makarov. I also have some new starline brass, but I want hold onto that for a while.
Bob T
Threw some in a pillow case and chucked them in the washing machine once. Wife was not too happy, would use laundromat next time. Make sure good and dry before proceeding.
I have used the 'orange bugjuice' routine - makes some nice smelling brass!
I have now bought some 'brass cleaner' from Sportsman's Warehouse to try.
BUT... never use chlorine bleech! I did a test sample with some non-reloadable 8mm Mauser brass (old Turk crap) as a test - man, did it ever tarnish and turn ugly!!
Basically, I just get the crud out. I don't care if it's a bit dark or spotty. As long as it's clean, it loads and shoots fine!
Threw some in a pillow case and chucked them in the washing machine once. Wife was not too happy, would use laundromat next time. Make sure good and dry before proceeding.
Could I then throw the pillow case in the dryer? I'm single so there wouldn't be any repercussions.
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To educate a man in mind and not in morals is to educate a menace to society.
You can use the washing machine. Read about it in an old American Rifleman. Take a good quanity of brass that can be wrapped easily in an old towel. Put the brass and detergent in the towel and secure with an electical platic tywrap. Wash it with a load of towels using hot water. Removes all the dirt and will clean lubed cases. Nickel cases come out looking like new. Let them air dry or put them in the oven at 250 degress for 30 mins or so.
I tried both the washing machine and the vinegar/lemon juice/dish soap methods. Both batches of brass are in the oven right now, so we'll see which one works the best in about 30 minutes.
One note:
Although socks make great brass separators, DO NOT just tie a knot in the top to keep the brass in. Use a zip tie like ironhead suggested above. The knot in the sock is very hard to get out after it has been washed.
__________________ But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing.
I can't tell any difference between the two methods. Both batches came out clean and shiny. My wife didn't seem to mind the brass in the washer or oven either.
__________________ But if you do wrong, be afraid, for he does not bear the sword for nothing.
1 Quart of water.
1 Cup of White Vinegar.
1/2 Cup of Lemon Juice.
1/4 Cup of Dishwashing or Laundry soap.
I just got finished doing this method...with the exception that they are still drying in the oven. Sure did make a big difference. I like it. Yeah, it's a little more work, but it's cheap and I don't have any concerns about the lead dust that I keep reading about.
