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Case Cleaning

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2017 5:40 pm
by SR9
What are the re-loaders out there using to clean their brass? I was using an RCBS vibratory cleaner until it quit.

Re: Case Cleaning

Posted: Tue Nov 28, 2017 6:33 pm
by JohnFH
a vibrator bowl thingy with corn cob with polishing stuff in it

Re: Case Cleaning

Posted: Wed Nov 29, 2017 8:25 am
by CTSixshot
I simply wash the brass in water, vinegar and lime juice in a container full of spent primers. Set awhile, agitate here and there, wipe, rinse and dry, if I do any polishing at all.
Personally, nice shiney brass looks great and it's easier to handle, but I don't find it aids in better ammo.
That said, I don't recommend processing brass filled with years of range crud that was just dug out from underfoot at the local range.
Remember, that shiney brass will give your position away!

Perhaps when I get a bit fancier, I'll go with a wet tumbler with pins. Seems the most efficient way to go.

Re: Case Cleaning

Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 5:17 pm
by SR9
JohnFH wrote:a vibrator bowl thingy with corn cob with polishing stuff in it
That is what I have been using. Unfortunately, mine went belly up over the weekend and was looking to see what brand others were using. I really don't think I got anywhere the life out of my RCBS unit that I expected for the amount of brass I clean.

CT, I keep just my brass and any fresh stuff that people offer me. Old range pickup is not anything that I really need since I have a good supply of all the calibers i shoot.
I was looking at the tumbler and pins too. Not sure what I want to do yet.

Re: Case Cleaning

Posted: Thu Nov 30, 2017 6:21 pm
by JohnFH
if it's RCBS I would give them a call, I called to order some replacement pins, when I told the lady I had broken a pin, she asked me what type of pin it was, she ended up sending me a new pin holder just in case it was out of alignment and 5 replacement pins all under warranty and I actually bought the die used.

I use a Lyman, no reason other then it was in the pile of used stuff I bought when I started reloading.

As far as shiny vs not shiny brass, my take is this: I use polished dies to form and load the cases, my chambers are polished and if my brass is polished I know it's clean inside and out, and yes I clean primer pockets too. Rifle brass gets cleaned twice.

I don't know if it matters, but it seems to stay clean in storage as well.

Re: Case Cleaning

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 5:04 pm
by SR9
Well, I did call them and was told that it was out of warranty, they could no longer get parts for them and there was nothing they could do for me. I asked for a credit towards replacement was was told no. So I told them they lost a customer and all I got was a 'sorry'.

I bought an RCBS because my brother always got no charge replacements on what ever he broke or failed. Guess they don't do that any more. I was very surprised to say the least. Now I will not buy anything from them.

I will take it apart later and see if I can get a number off the motor and google around for it. If I cannot get anything I will just replace it. At least 4 guys in my bulls eye club recommended a Dillon so I may look at one of those when I get some fun money. No hurry, any cleaning I have can wait.

Re: Case Cleaning

Posted: Fri Dec 01, 2017 8:27 pm
by Hddreamer
Do you know what exactly broke ?

Re: Case Cleaning

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 7:00 pm
by SR9
Yes, the motor burned out. After confirming the switch and wiring was in working order I disassembled the unit. The motor had obvious discoloration on the windings and smelled burnt. It would not run when I connected it to a test line cord. (I used to work in a electric motor repair shop in high school)

A search on the part number revealed that it is indeed no longer available as I was told by RCBS.

Re: Case Cleaning

Posted: Sat Dec 02, 2017 7:22 pm
by Hddreamer
Oh ok I thought it may have been a broken mechanical part I would have sèn about making you a new part ,
Can you send me a pic of the motor and the spec plate ?

Re: Case Cleaning

Posted: Sun Dec 03, 2017 6:51 pm
by SR9
Sure, it might take me awhile to get to it though.

Re: Case Cleaning

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 7:57 am
by JohnFH
if you need to clean anything in the meantime, your welcome to stop by

Re: Case Cleaning

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 1:01 pm
by Hddreamer
:wtg: , +1 nice offer John!!

Re: Case Cleaning

Posted: Mon Dec 04, 2017 6:18 pm
by SR9
Thanks John!