New: First Time Cleaning Brass

[Dave M.]

Dave,
That’s actually what I wrote but didn’t want to hear the garbage so added the alone but now that you said it,… yes it rarely wins as it has no carbon in the necks that is crucial to consistent bullet release!
Wayne

Agree completely. Too often I see new shooters trying to get maximum accuracy out of the rifle and I always question them when I see their new shiny brass.

 

[Pres100]

Looks like the OP is just a first time brass cleaner ... and it's range pick up pistol brass. He didn't mention anything about rifles and shooting or winning matches ...

 

[Mark611]

That may be true, he didn't but the added info on such matters is always good for future reference or to another new person to cleaning brass, and I will also agree when loading for any semiauto pistol, I like my brass to be as clean as possible for reliable function! I don't go overboard on cleaning with chemicals, using my wet tumbler and SS pins with Dawn dish soap is all that's really needed IMO for cleaning and type of brass, this method for me will clean my brass as clean as new inside and out if I chose to do so? YMMV

 

[pontiac2m8]

That may be true, he didn't but the added info on such matters is always good for future reference or to another new person to cleaning brass, and I will also agree when loading for any semiauto pistol, I like my brass to be as clean as possible for reliable function! I don't go overboard on cleaning with chemicals, using my wet tumbler and SS pins with Dawn dish soap is all that's really needed IMO for cleaning and type of brass, this method for me will clean my brass as clean as new inside and out if I chose to do so? YMMV

Yes this was my first cleaning in my reloading journey. I don't do anything competitive. I have rifles but I am starting with what I feel is easier, pistol brass. Carbide dies so no lube. I will be doing rifle brass down the road. Thanks all for the feedback.

 

[HighlandLofts]

Enjoy your journey in reloading.

 

[Dave M.]

Yes this was my first cleaning in my reloading journey. I don't do anything competitive. I have rifles but I am starting with what I feel is easier, pistol brass. Carbide dies so no lube. I will be doing rifle brass down the road. Thanks all for the feedback.

Don’t get hung up on cleaning brass down the road. It’s not worth it and is counterproductive for maximum accuracy.

 

[Dolomite]

This was range brass that my wife and I picked up, which was everything we saw. Harbor Freight wet tumbler, 1/8" diagonal stainless tumbling media, chemicals and 4 hours of time. Very happy with the results.
View attachment 1527696

pistol brass doesn't need to be super clean unless its all grungy. basically wet or dry tumble to get the outside clean. 30 min max, leave the brass in the sun on a towel for about 1-2 hours or until dry. Unless you really enjoy super clean brass or enjoy cleaning the brass don't waste too much time. remember only the outside needs to be clean, you can wet tumble without pins as well.

 

[Zero333]

Walnut / Corn Cob mix with a few drops of Dillon's' brass shine....

243win..




And what used to be very filthy 223/5.56 range pickup brass....




Trick is the shinier you want it the longer you leave it tumbling and the right ratio of media to brass helps too. If there is tons of media and little brass it will take longer to clean. Less media will allow the brass to grind the media between the brass and cleaning it faster. Sort of like sanding the brass.