[45TxN]

I searched several pages but did not find anything regarding my specific question.

I've finished reloading 1k 45LC rounds. The bullets I used have the silicon lube Alox. Since I had alox on my hands from handling the bullets, the loaded cartridges now have a small film of alox on them.

Is it necessary to clean this off before I shoot them?

If I need to clean them, can I place several rounds in a towl and wipe them down or do I need to use some cleaner? If so, what cleaner should I use?

Thanks in advance!

[rcmodel]

I wouldn't worry about traces of lube on low pressure .45 Colt loads.

If they were high-pressure bottleneck rifle or .454 Casual or something, the cases need to be clean and dry.

rc

[dave from mesa]

+1
Don't think you have to worry about it.
Do you have a tumbler? You can tumble them in media and get them clean also. Run them for 10 mins or so. I use the media that has been used already and is dirty.

[bullseye308]

If you are really worried about it and want them clean, you could wipe them down with a rag lightly wetted with acetone or something like it, or you could tumble them in clean media. Be aware if they are hollow point, you may get media stuck in the hole. :banghead: If it was me, I would just wipe them off with a paper towel and be done with it.

The only reason I would even worry about it would be the film it left behind in the cylinder attracting fouling and making it harder to clean afterwards. Not really that big of an issue like said above with a low pressure round like the colt.

[rcmodel]

But it's just bullet lube residue, and the chambers are going to have bullet lube residue in them after the first cylinder full is shot anyway.

rc

[ants]

The Alox (by the way, I don't think it's silicon) is harmless to the gun, but boy what a sticky mess on your ammo and hands when you're on the firing line trying to load and shoot.

No need to live with sticky mess. After you are finished at the press, use a cheap pair of cotton gloves. Pick up the finished cartridges 3 or 4 at a time and wipe. It's fast and easy. If you think you need a solvent, use mineral spirits because it isn't so harsh to your skin and it doesn't take much. Cotton gloves make it much faster and more convenient than a rag or towel.

[rcmodel]

The old timers used to take an old bath towel out in the driveway, squirt some naphtha cleaning fluid on it, then dump the ammo in the center of it.

Pick up two corners in each hand, and use a shoe-shine movement to run them back and forth inside the towel.

Takes about 30 seconds to clean a box of 50 rounds.

rc

[45TxN]

Thanks for the advice y'all. I didn't think it was anything to worry about.

The amount of alox on the brass is very minimal.

[ants]

rc model, that's an excellent suggestion. Old timers rule.