Cleaning Without A Tumbler
- Thread starter Kracker
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bigwheeler
New member
50/50 vinegar and water, a dishsoap with a sulfactant in it. (ammonium laurel
sulfide) a drop or two of iodine and a tablespoon (per 16 ounces) of lemi shine
from walmart. Works great in a ultrasonic cleaner. The hotter the water the
better.
sulfide) a drop or two of iodine and a tablespoon (per 16 ounces) of lemi shine
from walmart. Works great in a ultrasonic cleaner. The hotter the water the
better.
Use Lemi Shine also, non toxic, no fumes.
Works super, there is a thread on it here someplace also.
I use it myself, you can get it at walmart for about $3.89
https://www.envirocontech.com/products/Learn-More-about-Lemi-Shine.html
Works super, there is a thread on it here someplace also.
I use it myself, you can get it at walmart for about $3.89
https://www.envirocontech.com/products/Learn-More-about-Lemi-Shine.html
Don Fischer
New member
I just saw this over on ifish didn't I? That you Ryan?
If you really need to clean cases depends on who you talk to, I like clean cases. I also have a vibrator cleaner. Befor that I cleaned them with 0000 steel wool. Hold one piece in one wrapped around a case and have a used bore brush with a bit wrapped around it chucked in a drill. Hold on to the case so it won't spin and run the brush into the neck, be a super clean neck. Them let up a bit till the case starts spinning in your hand and you'll end up with cases that are cleaner than new. No chemicals to fuss with, no wet cases to dry.
If you really need to clean cases depends on who you talk to, I like clean cases. I also have a vibrator cleaner. Befor that I cleaned them with 0000 steel wool. Hold one piece in one wrapped around a case and have a used bore brush with a bit wrapped around it chucked in a drill. Hold on to the case so it won't spin and run the brush into the neck, be a super clean neck. Them let up a bit till the case starts spinning in your hand and you'll end up with cases that are cleaner than new. No chemicals to fuss with, no wet cases to dry.
I don't know the name of it but a guy I shoot with bought some brand of liquid brass cleaner that did a bang up job on cleaning his brass. No work at all.
When I was younger and didn't have a tumbler, I cleaned by hand too. What a pain, and that's when my hands were much stronger.
When I was younger and didn't have a tumbler, I cleaned by hand too. What a pain, and that's when my hands were much stronger.
Martyn4802
New member
Originally Posted By: Don FischerBefor that I cleaned them with 0000 steel wool. Hold one piece in one wrapped around a case and have a used bore brush with a bit wrapped around it chucked in a drill. Hold on to the case so it won't spin and run the brush into the neck, be a super clean neck. Them let up a bit till the case starts spinning in your hand and you'll end up with cases that are cleaner than new. No chemicals to fuss with, no wet cases to dry.
I just did 100ea 222 cases that way, and the inside necks look awesome. Never did that before.
I just did 100ea 222 cases that way, and the inside necks look awesome. Never did that before.
nocturnalnasty
New member
On my accuracy ammo that I have spent a lot of time on brass prep, I don't like to use the tumbler. So, about a year ago I started using this.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=888624
It works great and does a great job removing powder and carbon residue. It also leaves the brass looking very nice. After I clean cases, I just put the lid back on the little tub and store for the next time. I'm still using the original tub full, just add a bit to it for proper level. The stuff doesn't seem to wear out. Just my two cents, but I really like it.
http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=888624
It works great and does a great job removing powder and carbon residue. It also leaves the brass looking very nice. After I clean cases, I just put the lid back on the little tub and store for the next time. I'm still using the original tub full, just add a bit to it for proper level. The stuff doesn't seem to wear out. Just my two cents, but I really like it.
Get a Lee case trimmer for your caliber, unless you have a .204 (they don't make one). Also get the Lee case trimmer shell holder for the caliber. You chuck the shell holder into your drill, put the casein and insert the trimmer. Turn your drill on and it trims the case to perfection. Hit the case mouth with your debur and camfer tool. You can then punch the case neck with a brush if desired. I finish up with 0000 steel wool on the outside with the case spinning. You end up with a nice and shiny fully prepped case.
If I have sizing die on the case, I hit the case with a soft cloth before the steel wool.
If I have sizing die on the case, I hit the case with a soft cloth before the steel wool.
Handloading has been around for over 250 years. Tumblers...not so much. In fact tumblers, specifically vibratory ones are relatively a new in the grand scheme of handloading. Most of us that have been doing it for awhile started without one. I have laundered brass, spun brass, wiped brass, dish washed brass, wooled brass and even left brass as is right from the chamber. Some brass does not lend itself to tumbling well at all. Anything with a .20 cal or smaller neck that has a shoulder, not a good tumble candidate. Anything with a 40 degree shoulder, not so good.
Dish soap, hot water, rinse and dry. Gets all the stuff off you need off. If you want pretty, either spin it in steel wool or tumble it in a vibratory.
Dish soap, hot water, rinse and dry. Gets all the stuff off you need off. If you want pretty, either spin it in steel wool or tumble it in a vibratory.
Last edited:
coyote control
New member
You may not like or agree with what I am about to say, but, I have been doing it for many years (15 +):
Put deprimed casing upright into a pint jar. Fill jar with vinegar so casing are completely cover. Put into Micro Wave (that's right - Micro Wave) and set for 1 minute on High.
Let casing set for 5-10 min. and then rinse throughly (several times). You could also get some Birchwood Casey Case cleaner and use it as a secondary rinse.
Nothing will happen in the micro wave as long as the casings are completely submerged..
Put deprimed casing upright into a pint jar. Fill jar with vinegar so casing are completely cover. Put into Micro Wave (that's right - Micro Wave) and set for 1 minute on High.
Let casing set for 5-10 min. and then rinse throughly (several times). You could also get some Birchwood Casey Case cleaner and use it as a secondary rinse.
Nothing will happen in the micro wave as long as the casings are completely submerged..
Idaho_Elk_Huntr
New member
Kracker. I have a Frankford Arsenal vibrating polisher. If you can afford shipping I will ship it with a extra bowl to you. It has seen very little use. It is the blue one like Midway sells. Probably 5-6 years old and polished less than 500 pieces of brass
JBD-TN
New member
Originally Posted By: RustydustOriginally Posted By: Bigdog2
When I was younger and didn't have a tumbler, I cleaned by hand too. What a pain, and that's when my hands were much stronger.
Same for me until my wife went thru menopause. Then suddenly my hands started getting stronger again.
you guys are killing me
When I was younger and didn't have a tumbler, I cleaned by hand too. What a pain, and that's when my hands were much stronger.
Same for me until my wife went thru menopause. Then suddenly my hands started getting stronger again.
204Dude
New member
Originally Posted By: 5spdUse Lemi Shine also, non toxic, no fumes.
Works super, there is a thread on it here someplace also.
I use it myself, you can get it at walmart for about $3.89
https://www.envirocontech.com/products/Learn-More-about-Lemi-Shine.html
5SPD,
Can you elaborate on exactly how you clean using Lemi Shine. I tried some in a tupperware container with dish soap and Lemi Shine and it does not seem to touch the ring of carbon around the neck. I think I am missing something.
Can you describe exactly how you use this to clean.
Much appreciated.
Works super, there is a thread on it here someplace also.
I use it myself, you can get it at walmart for about $3.89
https://www.envirocontech.com/products/Learn-More-about-Lemi-Shine.html
5SPD,
Can you elaborate on exactly how you clean using Lemi Shine. I tried some in a tupperware container with dish soap and Lemi Shine and it does not seem to touch the ring of carbon around the neck. I think I am missing something.
Can you describe exactly how you use this to clean.
Much appreciated.