Color-Code Brass?

[mongoose33]

Is there any way to stain or otherwise color-code the head of a brass case? I am using the RCBS X-die for resizing my .223 brass, and I'd like some way to distinguish it from non-X-Die brass, both among my own brass and if I need to separate it at the range where it mixes with others' brass on the ground.


I'm thinking of a solution of some sort where you'd pour it 1/4" deep in a pan, set the brass in standing in the solution, and wait until something magical happens to color-code them.

Except for the one thing: I don't now what that solution would be.

Any suggestions?

 

[madd0c]

Sharpie Marker marks brass well.

 

[Claude Clay]

laundry marker

 

[Noveldoc]

I put an X on the primer with a Sharpie.

Tom

 

[rondog]

Might try Dykem Layout Fluid. It's a blue dye that machinists use for layout work. May not be terribly permanent though. I think it's gonna be tough, unless you want to experiment with dyes and chemicals that etch. Never heard of anything that will color brass.

I need something similar to mark the 9x19 Luger brass that I cut down to 9x18 Makarov. It's very hard to tell them apart quickly, they all say 9mm Luger on 'em.

The dye, there may be other colors too....



Looks like they make paint pens too.....

 

[Roccobro]

My layout fluid is kinda thick. How would you mark your case? The stuff is sticking to some sample .223 brass I just did. I'll throw it in the tumbler next time I have it on to see how it holds up.

Anything in particular you want to try/see?

Justin

 

[qajaq59]

Using 2 different colored primers is the easiest way I know of.

 

[Walkalong]

Sharpie. I also like the two different colored primers idea.

 

[jonnyc]

One of the gun cleaner companies makes a "Brass Black" specifically for this. I used it on my .45 Super brass to distinguish it from .45ACP.

 

[mongoose33]

Thanks, all--some really good ideas here.

 

[mongoose33]

I ordered a bottle of Brass Black from Grafs; we'll see how that goes, and I'll post pics of the result.

I also really like the sharpie on the primer.

I hope the Brass Black works; I'd like something where I could see the brass just lying there next to unmarked brass on the ground, or on my canvas drop cloth.

 

[Jim Watson]

Marking the primer is nice for keeping different loads straight, decap and the code is gone so you don't get confused for the next series.

But to keep gun or loading die brass separate you need something permanent on the case. If you can get one or another color in the extractor groove, it will be slower to rub off and will be more visible on the ground than a mark on the head.

 

[kanook]

I use a sharpie with a single line for my wifes loads and a double line for my loads. After the prmier comes out it's still easy to tell.

During load testing is when it was fun, all kinds of colours and lines and drawings.