Is it OK to wash reloaded .223 ammo in soap and water to remove case lube?

[bsctov]

I forgot to remove the case lube off some rounds I loaded in new brass. I know about not firing lubed rounds because of chamber grip and headspace so my question is, can I just throw them in a container and give em a squirt of dawn soap and rinse?

 

[mstreddy]

I don't know about washing them, but how about tossing them in your tumbler for 5-10 minutes? Or wiping them down with a rag.

 

[Lafitte]

I don't like to tumble finished ammo but some shooters do it. I would wipe the lube off with a cloth dampened with a tiny bit of mineral spirits or acetone. YMMV

Lafitte

 

[bob4]

Water would be a no-no in my book. As stated above. Wipe them down or toss in tumbler for a while.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

I would not wash loaded ammo in water

 

[Chip1wa]

I'd bet 5 to 10 minutes in a tumbler stoked with lizard litter and Bobs yer uncle.

Chip

 

[MEHavey]

Unless you've got gobs of left-over lube on the cases, don't bother.
(and even then, just make a simple one-pass wipe w/ a paper towel).

As has been discussed extensively on this and other knowledgable forms,
a slick case is much easier on extraction, stretches far less, and lasts considerably longer....

...with near zero difference in the dreaded "bolt thrust" arena.
(See also: http://www.varmintal.com/a243zold.htm)

 

[TimSr]

If your lube requires soap to remove, get another lube. Quick wipe them with a damp cloth.

 

[Bartojc]

If your lube requires soap to remove, get another lube. Quick wipe them with a damp cloth.

This is what I do when I'm loading a few hunting rounds. A moist paper towel works in a pinch, don't sweat it.

Jeff

 

[kerreckt]

I would NOT put my loaded ammo into any water. Soapy or otherwise. Wipe them with a rag or some scotchbrite.

 

[joem1945]

I'll bet your reloads are not waterproff or sealed. It doesn't take very much moisture to cause a dud or a squib. Drop them in a tumbler with walnut shells or corn cobb.

 

[bsctov]

Thanks guys, looks like I'll be sitting here with a rag for awhile

 

[MEHavey]

Again, don't bother unless lube is ridiculous.
(See Post#7)

 

[OilyPablo]

Just put a little IPA (not beer, Isopropyl Alcohol) on a soft rag or ever paper towels. It will wipe right off.

 

[dogrunner]

The cloth/mineral spirits suggestion is a good one. Used that very method after processing thousands of .38 spl on a Starr machine for our PD for years.......worked great and I cannot recall a single malfunction due that cleaning method....quick and easy!

 

[j1]

Rag and just a little elbow grease has been working for me for many years.

 

[Bula]

Factory ammo is tumbled after loading. I vote toss'em in the tumbler for a little while.

 

[Shootshellz]

You DO NOT want any lube on loaded rounds, period. If you have a problem with that concept, talk to the Speer and Hornady folks and they will set you straight. 'I would rather be careful a thousand times than dead once' - Mark Twain.

 

[MEHavey]

You DO NOT want any lube on loaded rounds, period.

Proven wrong time, and time, ...and time again.

AGAIN, see post#7 and links.

 

[TimSr]

It's okay to throw them in the washing mchine as long as you stick with the "gentle" cycle.

An old dryer makes a great gigantic tumbler and polisher too.

 

[GT1]

A little lube left on your rounds will not be noticed by your rifles. I use spray bottle type lube and by the time I seat bullets there is little left on the brass. Into mags or box 'em up. There has never been any problems.

 

[Reefinmike]

Wash ammo in water

Reminds me, my computer is getting dusty. time to take it out back and hose it down.

just tumble them in some walnut for a few minutes to remove the lube. if you dont have a tumbler you can wipe it off with a paper towel. or if you have a lot, just get an old cotton towel, pile them in the towel and rub em around to get most the lube off.

 

[Hondo 60]

As the Mythbusters would say...
Do us a favor, DON'T TRY THIS AT HOME!
(we're not what you call experts)
I would never intentionally wash loaded ammo.

But I had 2 rounds in my pants pocket that went thru the washer & dryer.
I got to the range a week or 2 later & they popped just fine.

 

[GBExpat]

Is it OK to wash reloaded .223 ammo in soap and water to remove case lube?

No, not a good idea.

 

[Robert101]

I don't have any fear of a little case lube on a loaded round. But if you do, wipe or tumble will take care of it. I tumble loaded ammo all the time- no problem.