cleaning the cases after cleaning the cases

[gutterman]

What is the best method for cleaning the residue of media dust trapped
in the rim groove? The tumbler cleans the cases well, but there is a red ring at the rim groove. (Hope the method isn't "by hand".)

 

[GLOOB]

You're using media with rouge?

You can dump 'em in a big bucket of organic solvent. Gasoline, lighter fluid, alcohol, etc.

Or you can switch to media using green compound. That red rouge is good because it's pretty much not effective at all on steel (your firearm), but a little alum oxide buffing compound residue isn't going to wear out your firearm. After thousands of rounds, it might eventually start to polish your chamber, so what? Red rouge is rust. It's highly chromatic. You'll find traces of it everywhere. On your cases, on the bottom of your socks, etc. Alum oxide is practically colorless. They add a little green color for identification, but it's not as "staining."

Or try adding some dryer sheets (possibly dampened in solvent or plain water) to your tumbler to help remove the excess polish in there that traps the dust.

 

[k4swb]

If you are using media with rouge in it, STOP!

 

[Blue68f100]

I'm assuming your using the treated corncob media, if that's the case don't use the treated media. It's just a stain and want hurt anything.

 

[gamestalker]

I'm extremely picky about media dust in and on my rifle brass and have been using acetone for quite some time to rinse them with. I use a coffee size glass cup and fill it about half way with acetone, and then I stand as many up in the cup as will fit. As I pull them out of the acetone I put my finger over the mouth and give it a shake or two and then flip the case over, letting the acetone drain out through the mouth. I've also used Q tips to remove media from the inside, which works rather well too.

If your really bothered by media dust, which honestly there is no real cause to be concerned, wiping by hand, or rinsing it is about your only option to eliminate it. Most reloaders don't give media dust a second thought because it really doesn't have an effect on performance.

Sorry Idon't know of some magical method that doesn't involve individual hands on work.
GS

 

[Horsemany]

Mineral spirits with a few strips of paper towel added to the media will give you dust free brass. They'll come out repelling dust. Cleans out the tumbler bowl too.

 

[Walkalong]

If you have so much dust on the cases after tumbling that you need to clean them, your media is too dry. Sprinkle some water in it. Could be just worn out as well.

 

[sbleve]

Squeaky clean

Rotary tumbler (rock polisher) wet/soap with stainless steel pins cleans inside as well as outside - removes mil range dirty anneal discoloration. Rinse and dry - sun is best. Cost more for equipment but should if directions (over load in weight-brass) are followed last longer than most other systems.

 

[germ]

Lyman's walnut media leaves a coating of red dust.

 

[medalguy]

+1 on the mineral spirits and dryer sheets. This has given me clean brass for years.

 

[hentown]

Can't believe nobody's mentioned NuFinish. I tumble with a 50/50 mix of 1420 corn cob and pet store walnut, using a couple of caps of NuFinish. I sometimes add used dryer sheets, cut up, to absorb dust...when I remember the dryer sheets.