[Grassman]

I was wondering what was the best way to clean brass without a tumbler. I just have not purchased a tumbler yet, it's next on the list. In the mean time what's the best way, with just home stuff and cleaning materials? And most time efficient also. Thanks

[Idano]

Before I had a tumbler (the first 15 yrs of reloading) I just wiped the cases down with a rag/ The goal is keep dirt out of your dies.

[Grassman]

I've got a ton of old .308 I need to clean. One at a time would be tedious.

[rockhound758]

I did the same thing as Idano...just wipe 'em down with a rag. You'll love the tumbler when you get it though.

[Uncle Chan]

Much of the reloading process is tedious. It is tedius to clean and clean out the cases and primer pockets. It is tedious to lube then deprime and resize. It is incredibly tedious to trim, champfer, and deburr. If the cases are military, it is tedious to uniform the pockets and remove the crimp. Most of that is all done by hand, one case at a time.

But, it is a labor of love. So, we do it.

[rfwobbly]

Actually a tumbler (as a recent thread illustrated) is an easy thing to build. The hard part is obtaining a slow-speed or geared-down electric motor. But judging from the number of kitchen mixers, exercise treadmills, box fans, etc that can be found at the local thrift store for under $5, there's really no need to put it off.

The only thing that needs to be delayed is the purchase of a top-notch vibratory tumbler.

[fireman 9731]

I just toss mine in a bucket full of hot soapy water, swirl it around a bit, let it sit over night, dump it, rinse it, dry it, and then you have pretty clean brass pretty easily.

[Jenrick]

Water, laundry detergent, a dash of lemon juice, agitate for a bit. Dump and let dry. The same mixture with a cut up scouring pad in a drum tumbler does wonders.

-Jenrick