Slaysesh
Well-Known Member
How are you guys cleaning cases?? The old vibrator just not happy with it.. messy takes for ever not bright and shiny. Thinking about trying the ultra sonic hornady?? What you guys think?
case cleaning
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ropeNshoot
Well-Known Member
I'm using a vibratory cleaner with walnut media. While it can take several hours, it works well for me. I've been using the same media for about two years now. Every so often I add some brass polish made by Frankfort Arsenal and the brass comes out bright and shiny... Probably doesn't help you, but it's what I do.
I use RCBS Ultrasonic. 1/2 hour on 140 deg and outside of cases are spotless. The insides are reasonably clean considering there was an explosion in them. I've heard that people swear by SS Media. My problem with that is that (from what I understand) you still have to wash & dry the cases, so you don't save any time.
J E Custom
Well-Known Member
I have looked into the ultrasonic case cleaners and the problem I have with them is that they don't polish the brass. they do a good job of cleaning but you still have to wash and dry the brass to get the solution off.
I am looking at the stainless media but I will need to buy a tumbler first.
I still use the vibrator type with good success and don't mind cleaning (A must to get the case clean and free of any abrasives from the media). I have tried many different types of media and the green Lyman corncob works and last the best for me. It comes in a 1 gallon jug and I replace the old and use the jug to dispose of the spent media.
I set the brass up to clean and let it run over night (That may be longer than necessary, but that way I'm not waiting for it to finish.
Actually, I like to wash and clean the brass after tumbling so I can inspect it and discard any brass
that is suspect. also I solvent clean the brass after sizing to remove any sizing lube.
Some feel that tumbling is not necessary and they could be right, but I just like my reloads to look
good and the primer pockets to be clean. Clean cases mean that I am not shooting carbon scale down the barrel shortening
barrel life.
Case cleaning and polishing can be a pain but IMO well worth the trouble.
J E CUSTOM
I am looking at the stainless media but I will need to buy a tumbler first.
I still use the vibrator type with good success and don't mind cleaning (A must to get the case clean and free of any abrasives from the media). I have tried many different types of media and the green Lyman corncob works and last the best for me. It comes in a 1 gallon jug and I replace the old and use the jug to dispose of the spent media.
I set the brass up to clean and let it run over night (That may be longer than necessary, but that way I'm not waiting for it to finish.
Actually, I like to wash and clean the brass after tumbling so I can inspect it and discard any brass
that is suspect. also I solvent clean the brass after sizing to remove any sizing lube.
Some feel that tumbling is not necessary and they could be right, but I just like my reloads to look
good and the primer pockets to be clean. Clean cases mean that I am not shooting carbon scale down the barrel shortening
barrel life.
Case cleaning and polishing can be a pain but IMO well worth the trouble.
J E CUSTOM
I've got all three. Still use all three methods. Can't beat SS media for shinny brass and thorough case inspection. Sonic works great for gun parts and range pickup brass that's muddy/dirty before going through my decapping die and clean bench area. Corn cob tumbler for those times when I want to polish overnight and not worry about it.
Broz
Well-Known Member
I have all 3 vibratory with cob and hulls, ultrasonic, and stainless. I was never happy until I purchased a STM stainless media system. It is the ticket for fully cleaned brass inside and out that comes out like new or better. In not uncertain terms STM is the way to go.
Jeff
Jeff
Canadian Bushman
Well-Known Member
I do a few hours in the ultra sonic cleaner and a few hours in vibratory tumbler with corn cobb. Works well just takes a while.
Slaysesh
Well-Known Member
You guys think the ultra sonic don't shine the cases up that good? They claim to make them do so. Thank you for the first hand experiences
Sully2
Well-Known Member
I set mine up right before supper and let it run until bedtime when I shut it off. Next day I sift it all out and see what I have??
Like Okie I also use reptile bedding and I toss in some NuFinish car wax
I have good results with IOSSO sonic cleaning solution, rinse in hot water, let dry for a day in my garage (like an oven here in Az.) then into the walnut media vibrator with IOSSO media polish. Brass comes out clean inside and the outside is polished. I would like to try the steel shot but a bit pricey just to try. Need the bucks for powder and bullets.
J E Custom
Well-Known Member
I think you talked me in to it Jeff.
I have never herd any bad reviews on the STM systems and I just need to find or make a good Tumbler.
J E CUSTOM
Broz
Well-Known Member
Normal cleaning time with 2 tbl spoons of Dawn dish soap and 1/4 teaspoon of Lemishine for me is 4 hours. Excessively dirty tarnished brass maybe 5 hrs. I went with the kit from STM and do not regret it. Load the brass, add water to 1" from top, add dawn and Lemishine and prepare to be impressed.
Take a look, lots of good videos here too. This system works exactly as advertised.
Stainless Steel Reloading Supplies | Tumblers, Separators, Media, Brass & More!
Jeff
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