357Shooter
Member
I've decide to add a wet tumbler and stainless media to my reloading equipment. What has anyone found to be a good additive for cleaning and polishing without paying $15 a Quart for the store bought stuff?
For you Guys who tumble with stainless media
- Thread starter 357Shooter
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You can get that Lemi-shine stuff at WallyWorld for less than $4.00, it seems as if everyone doing SS resorts to that.
Seeing as the tumbler & media were finally ordered last evening I will becoming a convert to the order in a short time. I'll let you know more then.
Seeing as the tumbler & media were finally ordered last evening I will becoming a convert to the order in a short time. I'll let you know more then.
No idea what the $15 stuff is - never heard of it before this thread.
Everyone on the HP forums that have batted this topic to death for the last 8 months are using Dawn detergent and Lemishine - way less of both than one would expect.
I've settled on 3/4 gal of water which leaves 3.75#s for brass - 276 cases of 223. 4 hours of tumble, a really thorough rinse, hot then cold, to avoid spotting when they dry. If I'm out of Lemishine I've found that a little "Real Lemon" or the store brand equivalent juice does about the same job.
Watch for 2 pins wedged in the flash hole - happens more in poorly punched brass such as PMC...very rare in LC, Rem or Win but it does happen.
BTW, if that mystery liquid is from the web site that also sells the pins, it's likely overpriced for whatever it is ... Pellets LLC sells the same pins for half the price and shipped mine same day. You order by calling them - suggested size is .041 * .25. Whichever pins you get, run them a cycle w/o brass to remove preservative coating.
/Bryan
Everyone on the HP forums that have batted this topic to death for the last 8 months are using Dawn detergent and Lemishine - way less of both than one would expect.
I've settled on 3/4 gal of water which leaves 3.75#s for brass - 276 cases of 223. 4 hours of tumble, a really thorough rinse, hot then cold, to avoid spotting when they dry. If I'm out of Lemishine I've found that a little "Real Lemon" or the store brand equivalent juice does about the same job.
Watch for 2 pins wedged in the flash hole - happens more in poorly punched brass such as PMC...very rare in LC, Rem or Win but it does happen.
BTW, if that mystery liquid is from the web site that also sells the pins, it's likely overpriced for whatever it is ... Pellets LLC sells the same pins for half the price and shipped mine same day. You order by calling them - suggested size is .041 * .25. Whichever pins you get, run them a cycle w/o brass to remove preservative coating.
/Bryan
357Shooter
Member
Thanks Brian and yes you got it right on the site, they sell pellets also. I checked your site and found the .041 but don't understand the 25? Also if you could advise on how many #'s and is this size the most appropriate for 357 and 45ACP? Thanks for all your guys help, I just gotta order a tumbler today, that tumbled brass looks soo good!
.25" is the length of the pieces ... for the std Model B Thumler you want 5#s which is $25 plus some reasonable shipping charge at PelletsLLC. Give them a phone call - they're used to dealing with reloaders. Be sure you get the high speed Model B - Cabela's has the best price (179) minus whatever coupon or Cabela's bucks you might have - they only sell the high speed. If delivered to a store near you, no shipping charge so cheaper than the best deals I could find online about 5 months ago.
That size pin is fine for everything I've done, including 45, 38, 357, 223, 308, 30-06 ... haven't done any 9mm yet but should be the same as 38Spl. One thing that has been discussed on various sites and I've only begun to experiment with ... to speed up neck and pocket cleaning, a mix of shapes might be better.
I've unscientifically tried mixing in a handful of spent primers - small, sharp edge on one end. It anecdotally seems to speed up cleaning a bit. They're non-magnetic so you have to sieve them out of the bottom of the media separator but, not a big deal. There are sources around the 'net for odd shaped ss media but I haven't had a compelling need to push it past the straight pins so far...maybe a winter experiment.
/B
That size pin is fine for everything I've done, including 45, 38, 357, 223, 308, 30-06 ... haven't done any 9mm yet but should be the same as 38Spl. One thing that has been discussed on various sites and I've only begun to experiment with ... to speed up neck and pocket cleaning, a mix of shapes might be better.
I've unscientifically tried mixing in a handful of spent primers - small, sharp edge on one end. It anecdotally seems to speed up cleaning a bit. They're non-magnetic so you have to sieve them out of the bottom of the media separator but, not a big deal. There are sources around the 'net for odd shaped ss media but I haven't had a compelling need to push it past the straight pins so far...maybe a winter experiment.
/B
amlevin
Member
For separating pins from cases I've found that it works quick if I first pour all the solution into a strainer lined with an old t-shirt. Rinse until the sud's are gone then run in a regular media separator. Several tumbles sheds the pins. I then rinse again in a colander using the hottest water I can get from the tap. Spread on a towel and let dry overnight. The warm cases dry without spots although results may vary in areas where the water is extremely hard.
As for the pins, once one has enough pins for the size of tumbler they have, no more worry about replacing media. Unless you flush some of it down the drain you can will it to your heirs. No more replacing dirty, dusty, corn cob/walnut shell.
As for the pins, once one has enough pins for the size of tumbler they have, no more worry about replacing media. Unless you flush some of it down the drain you can will it to your heirs. No more replacing dirty, dusty, corn cob/walnut shell.
capreppy
Member
Lemi-Shine and Dawn
FROGO207
Member
have been experimenting with 1/4 cup of IOSSO brass cleaner per load. It seems to work OK and I already had some on hand. There was a thread here in reloading with the ingredients/QTY as listed on their MSDS sheet that is more cost effective to make (5% detergent, 4% phosphoric acid, and the rest water) . This may be the mystery solvent that is advertised on that mentioned site. In the past I have used Tang or vinegar with Dawn dish soap and salt with OK results. The key is to REALLY rinse good and dry promptly. It is faster than using walnut by a long shot.
357Shooter
Member
Thank you all for the input, I'll be putting it all to good use. I've got my tumbler on order, and thanks to Brian (Canuk-IL) and Oldman from another post this forum and others, I'm waiting for delivery on a Thumbler Tumbler, SS Media, both at good price, (thanks again Brian). Check out the other recent posts on cleaning brass (I'm sure most have) great info. I hope we can keep this one up for a bit there seems to be a lot to learn from other's experiences. Tomorrows goal will be to get ahold of a few thousand 45acp, 38, & 357 once shot surplus and turn it to GOLD! I'll post some pics when the stuff arrives, looks to be 10 days on the tumbler etc. Thanks for all the help, please keep it coming!
Grumulkin
Member
One caution about the Lemishine. Only use about 1/2 teaspoon per load of brass. If you use more, you run the risk of permanent brass discoloration. I tumble for 2 hours in Dawn and Lemishine, then change the water until clear and tumble another 2 hours in just Dawn.
http://www.stainlesstumblingmedia.com/
http://shorinternational.com/TumblingMedia.php
Another example of not being able to keep up with more than one thought at a time, I have said I use vinegar for the worst of cases for a maximum of 15 minutes for the life of the case, because 30 minutes is neither necessary or healthy for the case, the acid in vinegar leaches out zinc, I have said I can use less time if I agitate the solution. In the old days B&M listed a procedure for cleaning cases with H2S03, 2% for a maximum of 2 minutes, then rinse in hot, very hot water, then rinse in cold water, WARNING!!!!! When finished the cases turn BLACK, BUT! the black cases are preserved....for ever, and B&M gave credit, they claimed it was an old army receipt.
Again, I use corn cob and nothing, not easy to get past the "I have been reloading for 50 years....etc.." but there is a time when someone should question the answers, stainless tumbling is not new, using an acid in solution is not new, H2S03 and vinegar (4% acid) has been used, on the worst of cases it takes a few minutes to clean the outside oxidation before the zinc and acid start to react.
Acid solution and stainless tumbling as a media, the cases being cleaned does not turn orange/pink because of the metal media is removing the orange/pink warning (to the reloader as in HAY!!! Something going on there, or here). The question? Is it OK to leach the zinc from the case, for me? Time is a factor.
Is the acid solution cleaning the case? Is the cleaning process accelerated because of the agitation? Will stainless pins clean the cases without the acid solution?
F. Guffey
http://shorinternational.com/TumblingMedia.php
Another example of not being able to keep up with more than one thought at a time, I have said I use vinegar for the worst of cases for a maximum of 15 minutes for the life of the case, because 30 minutes is neither necessary or healthy for the case, the acid in vinegar leaches out zinc, I have said I can use less time if I agitate the solution. In the old days B&M listed a procedure for cleaning cases with H2S03, 2% for a maximum of 2 minutes, then rinse in hot, very hot water, then rinse in cold water, WARNING!!!!! When finished the cases turn BLACK, BUT! the black cases are preserved....for ever, and B&M gave credit, they claimed it was an old army receipt.
Again, I use corn cob and nothing, not easy to get past the "I have been reloading for 50 years....etc.." but there is a time when someone should question the answers, stainless tumbling is not new, using an acid in solution is not new, H2S03 and vinegar (4% acid) has been used, on the worst of cases it takes a few minutes to clean the outside oxidation before the zinc and acid start to react.
Acid solution and stainless tumbling as a media, the cases being cleaned does not turn orange/pink because of the metal media is removing the orange/pink warning (to the reloader as in HAY!!! Something going on there, or here). The question? Is it OK to leach the zinc from the case, for me? Time is a factor.
Is the acid solution cleaning the case? Is the cleaning process accelerated because of the agitation? Will stainless pins clean the cases without the acid solution?
F. Guffey
357Shooter
Member
wow, sorry don't get it
case cleaning "BLING"
"wow, sorry don't get it"
__________________
Scott
Grumulkin said:
"One caution about the Lemishine. Only use about 1/2 teaspoon per load of brass. If you use more, you run the risk of permanent brass discoloration. I tumble for 2 hours in Dawn and Lemishine, then change the water until clear and tumble another 2 hours in just Dawn"
The part I get is that Lemishine is/must be some powerful stuff and I never tumble anything for 4 hours. Again I use corn cob, ground up and nothing, and when in a hurry, short of time or when I just want to show off, I use a home made case spinner, in the beginning I did not know what it was called, now there is a word for it "BLING" my spun cases have "BLING".
F. Guffey
"wow, sorry don't get it"
__________________
Scott
Grumulkin said:
"One caution about the Lemishine. Only use about 1/2 teaspoon per load of brass. If you use more, you run the risk of permanent brass discoloration. I tumble for 2 hours in Dawn and Lemishine, then change the water until clear and tumble another 2 hours in just Dawn"
The part I get is that Lemishine is/must be some powerful stuff and I never tumble anything for 4 hours. Again I use corn cob, ground up and nothing, and when in a hurry, short of time or when I just want to show off, I use a home made case spinner, in the beginning I did not know what it was called, now there is a word for it "BLING" my spun cases have "BLING".
F. Guffey
357Shooter
Member
Just ordered my pellets from Pellets LLC (5#/$25 + $10 shipping) I spoke to a very helpful guy named Kevin Walters. It seems they are coming out with a solution that they have developed, Kevin says will be very reasonably priced and will do the job in 2 hours instead of 4. It's not quite ready to market yet, but he is sending me a sample to try. I'll post results next week when all my stuff arrives and I get a chance to test it.
Ya i ordered mine today ,pellets llc The lady who took my order was VERY NICE and helpful .Orded today, shipped today 25.00 / 5lbs not sure on shipping ,and cableas shipped tumbler today too 179.00plus 5.00 shipping HOPE IT BEATS this dam storm getting ready to tie down the fort
357Shooter
Member
I got my tumbler and media separator + some bullets just to use the $5 shipping from Cabela's, Pellets LLC corrected the shipping to $5, hopefully arriving tomorrow (they ship fast). Will post some pics when it all gets together.
AlliedArmory
Member
I did a whole write up with my procedures on this over on Calguns a few months ago. If interested here is the link.
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?p=6322611#post6322611
http://www.calguns.net/calgunforum/showthread.php?p=6322611#post6322611
OldmanFCSA
Member
SS Pins 0.5mm(0.020") X 6mm (0.236") - 5 lbs about 55,000 pins
Thumlers Tumbler Model B
20 - 40 50BMG cases for best results
Hot water within 1/2" of top of barrel
Long squirt of Dawn Soap
44Mag case full of LemiShine
tumble over night IF very dirty (8 hours)
remove the primers = very clean primer pockets
If NO suds when opening = use more soap next time
If cases are Pink = use less LemiShine
Have FUN
I tumble 50BMG cases twice, last time just before loading. (2-3 hours)
Thumlers Tumbler Model B
20 - 40 50BMG cases for best results
Hot water within 1/2" of top of barrel
Long squirt of Dawn Soap
44Mag case full of LemiShine
tumble over night IF very dirty (8 hours)
remove the primers = very clean primer pockets
If NO suds when opening = use more soap next time
If cases are Pink = use less LemiShine
Have FUN
I tumble 50BMG cases twice, last time just before loading. (2-3 hours)
medalguy
Member
Here's a suggestion if you get severe water spotting on your cases. Try using hot distilled water, contains no minerals and will dry without leaving any kind of residue at all. Buy it anywhere.
OldmanFCSA
Member
I agree BUT for the quantity I do with all the calibers I load, I would need it plumbed thru my hot water heater. LOL !!!!
But thanks for the idea for everyone else.
357Shooter
Member
OldmanFCSA
Member
SO ..... are you a believer now ???
Do you think others will now listen and understand or continue to use other methods?
Glad it worked so well for you !!!!!!
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