Is it OK to wash reloaded .223 ammo in soap and water to remove case lube?
- Thread starter bsctov
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mstreddy
Member
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
Member
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
Lafitte
bob4
Member
Water would be a no-no in my book. As stated above. Wipe them down or toss in tumbler for a while.
NeuseRvrRat
Member
I would not wash loaded ammo in water
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)
(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
Member
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
Member
I would NOT put my loaded ammo into any water. Soapy or otherwise. Wipe them with a rag or some scotchbrite.
OilyPablo
Member
Just put a little IPA (not beer, Isopropyl Alcohol) on a soft rag or ever paper towels. It will wipe right off.
dogrunner
Member
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!
Bula
Member
Factory ammo is tumbled after loading. I vote toss'em in the tumbler for a little while.
Shootshellz
Member
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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.
TimSr
Member
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.
An old dryer makes a great gigantic tumbler and polisher too.
Reefinmike
Member
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.
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
Member
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.
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
Member
No, not a good idea. - Status
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