Recovering, cleaning, and re-using brass cartridges cases is commonly done across the shooting world. After shooting, the brass might case residue from the powder, dirt from the ground, or oxidation from sitting in the outside environment.
There are many different methods to clean the brass. Many used Walnut Shell Grit or Corn Cob Grit and are effective methods. These are not always the most efficient as this is often done in smaller vibratory tumblers or barrel tumblers.
A wet process using Stainless Steel Media and a solution of Shooter’s Cartridge Juice will quickly, effectively, and efficiently clean the brass and leave a bright, shiny finish. The most commonly used media is the tried-and-true Shooter’s Mix.
Multiple Ways to Clean Brass Casings
Brass casings can be reused, but they must first be cleaned to verify that there is no damage that could make reloading risky. Purchase specialized cleaning products and a brass tumbler. Choose from vibratory or rotary variants, as well as corncob, walnut shell, or stainless steel pin media.
Choosing a Tumbler
1. Purchase a rotary tumbler: Purchase a rotary tumbler for the most basic brass cleaning solution. Rotary tumblers are polishing and cleaning equipment that are an excellent option for cleaning brass casings since they operate silently and cost less than other tumblers. This tumbler’s downsides are that it operates slowly and uses more polishing media than other tumblers.
2. Get a vibratory tumbler: Vibratory tumblers are a noisy but quick way to clean brass casings. Cleaning may take between 2-3 hours depending on the model you choose, as well as the size and condition of your casings. Choose a recent model with a built-in timer to make cleaning easier, and decide what size you need (big models can accommodate up to 900, 9mm cases, for example).
3. Purchase case cleaning supplies: By visiting internet chat forums or perusing online retailers, you can stay up to date on what products are available for case cleaning. Choose a cleaning solution that will remove powder fouling residue, dirt, and discoloration for the greatest clean. We created the Shooters Cartridge Juice for optimal cleaning and brightness on brass casings.
Selecting Media
1. Corn Cob Grit: If you only need to clean your brass casings lightly, use corn cob medium. This material can be used to clean brass casings that have only been fired once or that are not too tarnished. Purchase treated corncob media, which adds an additional polishing agent that will leave your brass looking spotless.
2. Walnut Shell Grit: Brass casings that are extensively tarnished, either from repeated reloading’s without cleaning or from being left on the ground for too long, require an intensive cleaning solution. A good option is walnut shell, which may be used in both rotary and vibratory tumblers. Purchase treated walnut shell media rather than untreated walnut shell media, which will require you to add additional polish to effectively clean your casings.
3. Stainless Steel Media: Stainless steel pins or other shapes like ballcones are the most effective cleaning media for brass casings because they clean them more thoroughly than walnut shell and corncob. This medium does not require any additional polishing, however it can only be
used in a rotary tumbler. For the most effective clean, add Shooter’s Cartridge Juice.
The Process
1. Sorting: Before cleaning your brass casings, always sort them by size and type. If you don’t segregate them, the smaller casings may become caught within the larger casings or be harmed by them during the tumble process. Spread out your casings on an old towel or sheet, then separate them into several containers.
2. The Set-Up: To begin cleaning your casings, load the machine with your preferred media, tumbling compound (if using), and brass casings. When utilizing stainless steel pins as media in a rotary tumbler, combine them with water and add the Shooter’s Cartridge Juice. Start the machine after tightly closing the tumbler. To establish the quantity of media and polishing agent to add, consult the instructions for your specific machine.
3. Running: If you’re using a vibratory tumbler, clean your casings for about 2-3 hours. If you use a rotary tumbler, you will need to operate it for a longer period of time (about 8 hours). When you stop the machine, check your casings to see if you want them cleaner, and adjust the time appropriately.
4. Rinsing: Rinse your brass casings under water to eliminate any debris that may have remained from the cleaning media. Separate them from the media by hand and place them in a large strainer or a large bucket (rinsing a small bit of them at a time with a tiny sieve). Rinse under running water until all traces of debris are gone.
5. Drying: After rinsing your casings, place a dry towel on the ground or a table and spread out your freshly washed casings in a single layer. Allow them to air dry for as long as needed to ensure that they are completely dry.
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