Methods of cleaning cases w/o a tumbler

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:10 am

I've heard of using citric acid, washing machine, etc. I've used the Lee case trimmer case holder chucked in a drill and Brillo. Anyone else have other ideas? I'm kinda resistant to anything that requires electricity as I live off the grid.

arjunky · Post by **arjunky** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:22 am

Ive used brasso, some people claim it weakens the brass, but ive never noticed.

Byron

TedH · Post by **TedH** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:44 am

arjunky wrote:Ive used brasso, some people claim it weakens the brass, but ive never noticed.

Byron

+1

M. M. Wright · Post by **M. M. Wright** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:49 am

You could build yourself a bow drill/lathe that you can run with foot power and just some steel wool along with your Lee case holder. Use lamp light or candle and no grid involved.

Ironwood · Post by **Ironwood** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 11:16 am

I don't know if it was the Brasso that caused some 30-06 cases to crack at the neck and shoulder when fired. I no longer use Brasso. Of course, your results may vary.

Sixgun · Post by **Sixgun** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 11:36 am

I was going to say case spinners but that requires a drill which you probably don't use.

I say the h**l with the shinnyness and just dump 'em some hot water and dish soap, swish 'em around and let the sun dry them out.

Did you ever notice how clean and nice cases come out when they are in your pocket for a day. Just put a half dozen in each pocket and go about your chores.

----------------------------Sixgun

92&94 · Post by **92&94** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 11:42 am

How about a five gallon bucket with some walnut shell media, let it roll around in the back of your truck for a week

Pitchy · Post by **Pitchy** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 11:44 am

I like the spring pole lathe idea but also agree with leaving them dull.
I don`t tumble mine very often, kinda like the old look.
Sore shoulder you sound like you have a place i`d like to come visit.

Rusty · Post by **Rusty** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 11:59 am

Research shows dirty cases are more accurate.

earlmck · Post by **earlmck** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 12:21 pm

If you don't demand shiny, but would just like 'em clean -- get some of the mesh bags that the girls use to keep their pantyhose separated in the washing machine. Around here the boss finds them for me in the laundry section of the local Bi-Mart store. Put your brass in these and toss in with the wash and you should be good to go.

Here I'm assuming you're not so far off the grid that you're using the old "pound the clothes on a rock in the creek" technique. I wouldn't recommend cleaning the brass that way

.

alnitak · Post by **alnitak** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 12:25 pm

Before I got my tumbler, I tried all kinds of homemade solutions...vinegar and dish washing detergent, citrus/lemon, putting them in a pillow case in the washing machine, car polish/cleaner, steel wool and drill, etc. In the long run, save yourself a lot of time and effort (including drying, oven time, etc.) and just get a vibratory cleaner. Got my Frankford Arsenal one for $57 on sale, with cleaning media. I have never looked back nor regretted the investment.

jnyork · Post by **jnyork** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 12:35 pm

alnitak wrote:Before I got my tumbler, I tried all kinds of homemade solutions...vinegar and dish washing detergent, citrus/lemon, putting them in a pillow case in the washing machine, car polish/cleaner, steel wool and drill, etc. In the long run, save yourself a lot of time and effort (including drying, oven time, etc.) and just get a vibratory cleaner. Got my Frankford Arsenal one for $57 on sale, with cleaning media. I have never looked back nor regretted the investment.

The OP lives off the grid, makes it kinda tough trying to run a vibratory cleaner.

I just give each case a little twist with fine steel wool, only takes 2-3 seconds per case, they come out just fine.

Pete44ru · Post by **Pete44ru** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 12:47 pm

Rusty wrote:Research shows dirty cases are more accurate.

Yep - Case cleaning is a vanity thing, much like lipstick on a pig............ .

.

Post by **Chuck 100 yd** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 1:15 pm

" Research shows dirty cases are more accurate.

"

I would like to read the results of that research!

There are some cases laying around up at the gun club that aught to be fabulously accurate
if that is true.

2571 · Post by **2571** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 1:30 pm

"The OP lives off the grid, makes it kinda tough trying to run a vibratory cleaner. "

$57 vibratory cleaner would be the model that runs on 2 D battteries.

J35 · Post by **J35** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 1:40 pm

92&94 wrote:How about a five gallon bucket with some walnut shell media, let it roll around in the back of your truck for a week

I did similar to this for around 3 years, i lived way back in the hills in a small adobe shack, my only modern convenience was spring water I piped down the canyon.

I used hot water dish soap, vinegar, salt in a 5 gal bucket with a tight lid, it was 11 miles to the nearest paved road, five of that was jeep trail across the foot hills, did my laundry the same way only used a barrel. But I secured both , the rough terrain did the work.

The detergent vinegar salt is a old Navel recipe that was one Tablespoon detergent, one tablespoon salt, i cup white vinegar and one pint water, I used this recipe with one gallon of water and it worked fine for cartridge brass. Finger prints and tarnished spots take on a pinkish hue .

Knowing what I know today I would use only hot water and dish soap first then rinse well and then do a quick hot citric acid bath and rinse . They won't be sunglasses shiny but they will be clean.

There is a good sticky on citric acid over on the cast boolits site.

Have fun--J

Blaine · Post by **Blaine** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 2:04 pm

Hey, Frank....do they still sell Blitz Cloth at the clothing sales store?

alnitak · Post by **alnitak** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 2:05 pm

jnyork wrote:
alnitak wrote:Before I got my tumbler, I tried all kinds of homemade solutions...vinegar and dish washing detergent, citrus/lemon, putting them in a pillow case in the washing machine, car polish/cleaner, steel wool and drill, etc. In the long run, save yourself a lot of time and effort (including drying, oven time, etc.) and just get a vibratory cleaner. Got my Frankford Arsenal one for $57 on sale, with cleaning media. I have never looked back nor regretted the investment.
The OP lives off the grid, makes it kinda tough trying to run a vibratory cleaner.

I just give each case a little twist with fine steel wool, only takes 2-3 seconds per case, they come out just fine.

Didn't realize that...it would make using the tumbler more difficult!

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 2:20 pm

Thanks for all the replies guys. Just to clarify, I'm off the grid but I've got wind, solar and generator back up and all the modern conveniences including a welder when I need it. I just like to conserve power when I can. I've never looked into the usage on one of those tumblers so its possible the power draw is negligible.

J Miller · Post by **J Miller** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 2:27 pm

sore shoulder,

If you have a running stream on the property build a paddle wheel for the stream to turn, then use it to run the tumbler. No energy needed.

Joe

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 2:28 pm

sore shoulder wrote:Thanks for all the replies guys. Just to clarify, I'm off the grid but I've got wind, solar and generator back up and all the modern conveniences including a welder when I need it. I just like to conserve power when I can. I've never looked into the usage on one of those tumblers so its possible the power draw is negligible.

I'll run the KillaWatt on one.

Mac in Mo · Post by **Mac in Mo** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 2:32 pm

Would a wind powered tumbler be feasible? Wind mill hooked to some sort of gear drive to a small drum. What about a stationary bike hooked to a tumbler? Workout and clean cases at same time.

Kevin

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 2:49 pm

My Lyman Turbo 1200 with 50 358 Win brass and a couple of pounds of media Kill A Watt data:

121.3v
.43 power factor
107 va
47 watts
.88 amp

horsesoldier03 · Post by **horsesoldier03** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 3:59 pm

When I was a kid, we would go to my grandparents that had NO TOYS whatsoever to play with. He did have a 55 gal drum that sat in the back yard next to his shed. We used to lay the barrel on its side and would walk that thing as far as we could, eventually we could walk that barrel all over the yard without falling off once and learned to turn it.

Get you some walnut media and put in an old 55 gal barrel and if you have kids or grandkids, see if you can get them interested in a little competition!

However, if I were you I would invest in a decent power inverter that you can hook to your car or possibly a generator.

Grizz · Post by **Grizz** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 4:26 pm

I use "Unique Case Lube" and noticed that when I wipe it off most of the dirt smoke comes off with it. Seems to be mostly lanolin. Since then I've quit shining 'em. Seems to work well on all the straight and straight taper cases anyway. I don't worry about the inside, the cases always seem to have plenty of room for powder. I use a primer hole tool to clean that for good seating.

flatnose · Post by **flatnose** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 7:16 pm

I use a vibrating tub aand corn cob, but did try the vinegar, dish soap and water mix in a glass jar. with the correct ratios it did work amazingly well...quick too.

Lastmohecken · Post by **Lastmohecken** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 8:08 pm

I just use my resizing die.

gundownunder · Post by **gundownunder** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 8:20 pm

Somebody already beat me to the water wheel and the windmill.
If your off the grid you're probably down some dirt road somewhere, if the road has enough corrugations how about a can of brass and tumble media in the back of the Jeep next time you drive into town and back.
If you have a BBQ with a battery operated rotisserie attached, tie the can to the rotisserie. I've actually replaced the battery rotisserie motor with an electric one just so that I can mount the battery one to my reloading bench.
Last but not least,put your GSD to work on a treadmill with a tumbler attached

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 9:29 pm

Man you guys really went to town on this.

Gundownunder, no more Jeeps! I did my time in a CJ5 rag top with no heat over Colorado passes year round. I had 4 of those things at one time, down to a J2000 Gladiator full size step side pickup with a built 350 and rarely drive it.

I guess I really need to clarify some things, cause i get the feeling some of you think I'm Jed Clampett.

Ok, I live very remote high in the Rockies, but i live in a modern 3000sq ft home. Power is supplied by a bank of 12 UL16HD 6v batteries that weigh 120lbs each, wired series for 24v and paralleled. Those feed a 4000 continuous watt (will surge 8000 for 60 seconds) sine wave inverter/50A charger. Charging is from 1Kw of PV, a 500W wind generator, and a 12Kw propane genset plumbed to the bulk tank. I have a big screen, dish washer, washer dryer and hi speed innernutz.

Anyway, loving some of the ideas, if only for the entertainment.

As to the bicycle idea, I am an avid cyclist and do anywhere from 80-100 miles a week in the warmer months on the hiways over the passes, but in winter the bike is parked in a stationary cycling attachment that I've been brainstorming how to turn it into a charger with varying resistance using one of the old generator motors I have laying around.

I've used the drill, but that's slow locking the shell in place and unlocking ad infinitum.

Otherwise, if it doesn't take too long to clean the cases, 47w is a pretty small draw and I'll prob just get a tumbler lol.

Thanks for all the great ideas gents and for helping me realize a tumbler is prob the most practical way to go.

Bullard4075 · Post by **Bullard4075** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 9:57 pm

Pete44ru wrote:
Rusty wrote:Research shows dirty cases are more accurate.
Yep - Case cleaning is a vanity thing, much like lipstick on a pig............ .

Keep that up and we will have to move this to the politics section.

.

jnyork · Post by **jnyork** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:29 pm

sore shoulder wrote:
I guess I really need to clarify some things, cause i get the feeling some of you think I'm Jed Clampett. Ok, I live very remote high in the Rockies, but i live in a modern 3000sq ft home. Power is supplied by a bank of 12 UL16HD 6v batteries that weigh 120lbs each, wired series for 24v and paralleled. Those feed a 4000 continuous watt (will surge 8000 for 60 seconds) sine wave inverter/50A charger. Charging is from 1Kw of PV, a 500W wind generator, and a 12Kw propane genset plumbed to the bulk tank. I have a big screen, dish washer, washer dryer and hi speed innernutz.

.

Heck, you aint off the grid, you ARE the grid!!

fordwannabe · Post by **fordwannabe** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:30 pm

I'm guessing your not interested in hearing about my cement mixer that I use for a tumbler huh!

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:52 pm

fordwannabe wrote:I'm guessing your not interested in hearing about my cement mixer that I use for a tumbler huh!

On the contrary please continue lol. That's gotta be a real bulk tumbler.

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 10:59 pm

Tycer wrote:My Lyman Turbo 1200 with 50 358 Win brass and a couple of pounds of media Kill A Watt data:

121.3v
.43 power factor
107 va
47 watts
.88 amp

Btw thanks Tycer that was extremely helpful information. About how long does that take to clean the cases?

Tycer · Post by **Tycer** » Thu Jan 31, 2013 11:16 pm

Usually no more than an hour. If it's dark brass, still an hour. I'm just looking to clean it. I'm not too concerned with new shiney from dark. Some folks add brasso or other abrasive. I have but don't. I just want to protect my dies from scratches.

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Fri Feb 01, 2013 10:44 am

Pitchy wrote:I like the spring pole lathe idea but also agree with leaving them dull.
I don`t tumble mine very often, kinda like the old look.
Sore shoulder you sound like you have a place i`d like to come visit.

Pitchy, everyone should see the Colorado high country at least once.

fordwannabe · Post by **fordwannabe** » Fri Feb 01, 2013 11:11 pm

I bought a small harbor freight cement mixer when they were on sale and then used a 10% off coupon on top of that, so it was $120 or so. I cut a piece of plywood and covered it with well pump gasket and use a piece of predrilled strapping to hold the top on to the mixer with wingnuts. I have several pounds of stainless pins and a big jug of corncob depending on how dirty the brass is. I like the stainless media and water but it just isn't as easy as throwing the brass in with Corncob and flipping the switch. I can do a bunch of brass at a time like 5000 223 at a time

. Tom

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Sat Feb 02, 2013 12:28 am

fordwannabe wrote: I can do a bunch of brass at a time like 5000 223 at a time . Tom

That's exactly what I figured you were doing.

Griff · Post by **Griff** » Sat Feb 02, 2013 12:51 am

jnyork wrote:
sore shoulder wrote:
I guess I really need to clarify some things, cause i get the feeling some of you think I'm Jed Clampett. Ok, I live very remote high in the Rockies, but i live in a modern 3000sq ft home. Power is supplied by a bank of 12 UL16HD 6v batteries that weigh 120lbs each, wired series for 24v and paralleled. Those feed a 4000 continuous watt (will surge 8000 for 60 seconds) sine wave inverter/50A charger. Charging is from 1Kw of PV, a 500W wind generator, and a 12Kw propane genset plumbed to the bulk tank. I have a big screen, dish washer, washer dryer and hi speed innernutz.
.
Heck, you aint off the grid, you ARE the grid!!

Maybe a grid of "one", but a grid, nontheless!

KWK · Post by **KWK** » Sat Feb 02, 2013 10:25 am

I've shined up a few of the old cartridges in my collection by spinning them by hand while pinching them with a moist, fine ScotchBrite. It does leave light bands of scratches, but it does clean them up enough for me. I don't shine up what I shoot.

sore shoulder · Post by **sore shoulder** » Sat Feb 02, 2013 6:46 pm

gundownunder wrote: Last but not least,put your GSD to work on a treadmill with a tumbler attached

Oh I missed this! If I was going to use a dog as a draft animal I'd pick something dumber, like a Rottie.

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Sat Feb 02, 2013 8:26 pm

While I tumble not, there was a time (and if this ever gets back to my wife, I'll know who to scalp) I used to spray them with simple green, put them in one of the above mentioned laundy bags and put them in the dishwasher. She found out about the BP pistols in the dishwasher and darned near scapled me. But darn it works, err worked very well.

Hint, time it so you can have your stuff our of the dishwasher, and a load of dishes going when she gets home. You'll get clean stuff and a few brownie points, as well.

jeepnik · Post by **jeepnik** » Sat Feb 02, 2013 8:27 pm

sore shoulder wrote:
gundownunder wrote: Last but not least,put your GSD to work on a treadmill with a tumbler attached
Oh I missed this! If I was going to use a dog as a draft animal I'd pick something dumber, like a Rottie.

No, for dumb, I'll go Dalmatian everytime.