My experience with my ultrasonic cleaner vs tumbler

[milsurpguy]

I've thought about the toaster oven as well as the dehydrator. I figured the toaster oven might possibly be good for powder coating lead boolits if I ever decide to go down that road. In my early days of reloading I thought about casting but I'm not set up for nor do I have the time at this point. I'm sure I could make time if I really wanted to. I would probably only cast lead projectiles for my .357 if I were to go through with it. Since the shortage my local supply of lead cast semi was cutters has completely dried up. I really liked how they performed in my situation of plinking.

I'm not sure how car battery lead stands up for casting as I have zero experience but I do have several old car batteries that I never returned for the core charge thinking maybe one day they might come in handy for casting if I really wanted to try it.

Cash in the core charges if you can, some states allow it and just buy scrap yard lead in the form of wheel weighs or plumbing/roofing lead.

 

[Waterboy3313]

Big Flags on this...the plates aren't pure lead...take the core charges instead. Lot of CB advice against this very thing. Even seen the words of wisdom against it here as well.

Good to know. Like I said I have never done any research on casting. If I were to start casting I would definitely do my homework before attempting it. Thanks for the helpful advice.

 

[Waterboy3313]

Dawn, lemishine, water, beer.

Do you drink the beer while you are waiting or pour it in with the dawn,lemishine and water?

 

[Dudedog]

Do you drink the beer while you are waiting or pour it in with the dawn,lemishine and water?

It is my understanding that the beer is necessary for proper lubrication of the operator.

 

[lightman]

I've been wet tumbling for 11 or 12 years now. No other method even comes close to the end results. There are a few extra steps and there is a slight learning curve.

I started out using Dawn and LemiShine and swapped the Dawn for ArmorAll Wash and Wax. Probably any store brand will work just as well. The wash and wax may not be quite as aggressive as the Dawn but it leaves a coating of wax that keeps the squeaky clean brass from tarnishing. My Wife made me a bag from an old bath towel that I dump the wet brass into and roll it around and shake it good. Then they go onto my baking sheet and either out in the hot sun or into the oven at 190º for 15 minutes or so. I tumble for 2 hours because thats the lowest setting on my timer. Occasionally a few stubborn cases will require another cycle but most come out looking better than new.

I like the drying racks with the nails! I may make a few up. I'm also looking at food dehydrators. Another poster mentioned a toaster oven. That could do double duty if I ever got into powder coating.

 

[JDeere]

That said, my smallest, single hole groups, have been shot with cases that have just been wiped off and brushed by hand. No where near as clean or pretty but how pretty the case looked wasn’t the goal.

Yep shiny does not mean a thing to me. I will reload it 3 or 4 times before I run it through the tumbler again.

 

[1KPerDay]

I spend probably about 3 times longer looking for my spent cases than I do pulling the trigger.

https://www.gracomodels.com/bigcatcher.html

 

[Waterboy3313]

1kperday.
I have to laugh because I do complain or what I think could be considered complaining. If I didn't have to search for my brass then maybe I would complain I shoot too much. In all honesty I do dislike searching around knowing I am still missing a case or two. Probably sounds petty to most.

When I do go to the range I allow myself to get up early, try to get there before the sun comes up, and take my time. I do try to accomplish certain goals while I am doing my thing. I only rush when someone annoying or dangerous decides to set up next to me. Other than that I enjoy going by myself, taking my time and just enjoy the time outside.

I was a little annoyed my last trip out when the whole outdoor blm range was pretty much unoccupied but the only guy setting up a tactical shooting class figured he has to setup about 25 feet away from me. I had a goal I was there to accomplish and I felt rushed. I ended packing up and going home. Other than that if it takes me 3 hours to fire 50 rounds I don't care because I am in my happy place. If it takes me 30 minutes to find 8 cases I really don't care all that much.