Ultra sonic cleaner???

[ebb]

My daughter gave me a large ultra sonic cleaner and i was wondering if it is any good for cleaning dark brown range brass that has been outside too long. I have a ss pin tumbler but am looking for an excuse to use the ultra sonic.

 

[Uncle Ed]

I have an ultrasonic cleaner and wouldn't waste my time on dirty dark brown range brass.

Use your SS Pin Tumbler and watch how many "hours" it takes to get your brown range brass clean.

A ultrasonic cleaner is good for light cleaning and not peening the case mouths.

 

[justinp61]

Why not try it? I use one because it cleans the inside of the cases too. I use a 1 to 1 mix of distilled white vinegar and water with a couple drops of dishwashing liquid. After the wash I rinse with clean water. Keep in mind it may take several cycles to clean them.

 

[jpx2rk]

I have a small RCBS ultrasonic cleaner and did not like the short cycle time on the unit, and low capacity as well, so it sits in the box out in the garage. I have the small & large SS pin tumblers by FA, and they clean some pretty grundy looking range brass. I have not used the ultrasonic in a year or more, but I keep it if the "cans" ever need it. LOL

 

[Ccrider]

Clean them in the ultrasonic and then tumble them in media if you want them to shine.

 

[Ol Thumper]

It may work but I use the ultransonic for strictly cleaning die’s, otherwise I find them pretty useless for every day reloading. Everyone has their own opinion though so just try it.

 

[ebb]

I would not waste my time on this brass if it was for an even remotely precision rifle but for hand gun brass and my moderate loads clean and brass colored is all i need. Looks like the pins get the nod on this.

 

[NorCalMikie]

Had one, used it a few times then sold it to someone that wanted it more than I did.
I'll stick with my BIG Thumbler's Model B Tumbler.
The ultra sonic took too long and I didn't like the finished product. Untreated corn cob will get the crap off of any dirty brass.
You REALLY want clean brass inside and out? Stainless steel pins will do that for you. But remember, only once in a while. Too much will beat the crap out of the brass. And, I've seen "gold dust" if the clean/wash water so be aware.
Once cleaned, lube is required to you don't end up crushing case necks from being "too clean". It's a learning over time thing.

 

[Ccrider]

It may work but I use the ultransonic for strictly cleaning die’s, otherwise I find them pretty useless for every day reloading. Everyone has their own opinion though so just try it.

Really? It may work? It will clean the cases. Here is a forum article that is spot on for getting shiny cases:

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[SecondsCount]

I use mine once in a while for cleaning brass. It does a fantastic job of cleaning pistols and AR-15 bolt carrier groups, which is where it gets used most of the time. I use hot water, a splash of Simple Green, and a squirt of dish soap.

 

[Pawnee Bill]

I threw mine in the dumpster.

 

[DGP4]

It depends what you want to do. I use an ultrasonic cleaner to clean my brass. It leaves the inside of the cases and the primer pockets spotless. Range brass can have a lot of dirt or other impurities inside the case which the tumbler will not remove. It does not polish the brass. To polish I use a tumbler like most people.

 

[justinp61]

Really? It may work? It will clean the cases. Here is a forum article that is spot on for getting shiny cases:

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The recipe and steps in the link is pretty much what I use and it works great. After mine are dry I run them in my vibratory cleaner with corn cob media with a little polish and they come out bright and shiny.

 

[ebb]

Thanks guys I will save the link

 

[LVLAaron]

Cheap ultrasonics (harbor freight, and even the 100 dollar units from Hornady, RCBS, etc) don't do much.

An industrial unit (4-6 transducers) will clean brass easily, but they're hundreds of dollars.

Oh, and same as with a wet tumbler. Use a good solution. RCBS makes the best one. Citranox is an excellent industrial cleaner that works just as well.