[Bazooka Joe71]

After quite some time of paying full price for fun, I've decided to start reloading.

I will probably have more questions here and there as I go, but for right now I just have one. I have amassed a number of .223 brass from my own shooting, and also just collecting at my local range. Alot of it is pretty dirty, not corroded, but dirty. What would be a good solvent to use to clean them off? Is there anything in particular that I should use to clean them before I start?

Thanks in advance guys/gals.

[ilbob]

I'd be inclined to tumble it.

Second choice is to put a handful inside a sock, tie off the end and toss in with the dirty clothes next time you do laundry. They come out clean, but not shiny.

[The Bushmaster]

If they are not tarnished...What ilbob said would work just fine if you can get them past your wife.:D

After a good washing and drying them. Tumble them for an hour or so...

Now you'll have to convince her to let you use the oven.:D

[Crimp]

Midway.com has the Frankford Arsenal tumbler on sale for $30.00.
Not the best, but a good deal.

Go to a Petsmart and pick up a bag of crushed walnut for media. Add a capful of Nu-finish liquid auto polish and you're in business!

[Bazooka Joe71]

Ok, I just threw them in the washer in a sock. Should I use the dryer or the oven to dry?

If oven, how hot and how long?
I know these questions are probably trivial, but I just want to make sure.

[The Bushmaster]

Oven...Lowest setting not exceed 150 to 200 degrees F until you don't find any woter or wetness inside the case.

Nope...Not trivial at all...:)

Did you get your wife's permission or did you just sneak them in...:D

[Idano]

If you want them to look like new then tumble them in corn cob for two hours with a cap full or two of Nu Finish car wax along with used dryer sheet cut into twelve pieces. Every time I tumble I add more Nu Finish and replace the dry sheet. Every since I found that recipe for tumbling brass on this forum and tried it I won't do anything else. I swear those pieces of dry sheet are cleaning my media.

[The Bushmaster]

Sense January 2005 I have read about putting various waxes in the tumbler media (mine come out shinnier then new brass without it) I have been wondering. If the case is supposed to expand during firing and grip the chamber wall. Then why do we want to wax them slick so they won't grip the chamber during expansion? That just doesn't make sense to me...:confused:

[Walkalong]

Then why do we want to wax them slick so they won't grip the chamber during expansion?

BINGO! We have a winner!