Lemishine alternative?

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Mr_Gun_Guy

Mr_Gun_Guy

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I just retired my dry tumbler and I’m starting to use the new wet tumbler. I don’t have a Kroger around and my wife can’t seem to locate the fabled “Lemishine” so preferred by those who go wet. The first two batches of .45ACP casings I used a couple of tablespoons of Dawn which seemed to work pretty well but now I’m tumbling some old, filthy 9mms and the Dawn works okay but isn’t giving me the shine I’m used to.

Does anyone use something other than Lemishine? It’s not super critical, I just figure if I’m going to go through the trouble I might as well make them purty.
 
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About any hardware store or grocery that stocks canning supplies will have a plastic jar of citric acid. Usually near the sealing wax and covers. It is much less costly than the Lemi Shine around here. Also depending on the PH of your water you might need more to make it work well. Usually soft water (city) works with less. I have hard water and need to use a good teaspoon each time.
 
FROGO207 said:
About any hardware store or grocery that stocks canning supplies will have a plastic jar of citric acid. Usually near the sealing wax and covers. It is much less costly than the Lemi Shine around here. Also depending on the PH of your water you might need more to make it work well. Usually soft water (city) works with less. I have hard water and need to use a good teaspoon each time.
Click to expand...

You know what? I bet I have some in the box in the garage where I keep the canning supplies (haven’t canned in years). I’m going to check it out right now. Thanks for that!
 
Mr_Gun_Guy said:
I just retired my dry tumbler and I’m starting to use the new wet tumbler. I don’t have a Kroger around and my wife can’t seem to locate the fabled “Lemishine” so preferred by those who go wet. The first two batches of .45ACP casings I used a couple of tablespoons of Dawn which seemed to work pretty well but now I’m tumbling some old, filthy 9mms and the Dawn works okay but isn’t giving me the shine I’m used to.

Does anyone use something other than Lemishine? It’s not super critical, I just figure if I’m going to go through the trouble I might as well make them purty.
Click to expand...
White vinegar. Works fine. Cheaper than the other alternatives, too.
 
I get mine delivered, wife found it on her Prime Account. I hate waiting for stuff, but now I am set. I am not sure I need it. It is just one of those things I always do or possibly over do. I will suggest you try a wash and wax cleaner. I like to smell carnauba.
 
I just use Citric acid it's what you are after in the Lemishine.
https://www.amazon.com/Milliard-Citric-Acid-Pound-VERIFIED/dp/B00EYFKM32/ref=sr_1_3_sspa?crid=2770F5VZSJ6SS&keywords=citric+acid&qid=1651513494&sprefix=citric+acid,aps,143&sr=8-3-spons&psc=1&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyTkdWTVQ3UjJQVlY1JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwMzQzODk2U0FGNlZDQkxQU05OJmVuY3J5cHRlZEFkSWQ9QTEwRTM1OEtIVEkySUUmd2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGYmYWN0aW9uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
Like $15 for a 2lb bag and 2 lbs will last a while.....

I actually bought a 5lb bag a while back for about $20 looks like 5lbs is about $25 now.

Citric acid is also available in the canning aisle of some grocery stores but it is more expensive than getting it from Amazon.

There are multiple gun orgs that Amazon Smile will donate money to if you use Smile, other good charities as well.
 
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Gee, I never found it hard to get. Here in New Mexico, I get mine at Wal Mart. I get Lemishine Booster powder. I use about a .45 ACP casefull along with a 2 second squirt of Dawn in cold water, per batch in my Thumblers Tumbler B model. It always works....even the worst tarnished grunge comes out like new...two hours. If it's muddy I rinse it first with the garden hose....just to keep things tidy in the garage.

I do use white vinegar/dawn mix to clean my shower. That's a miracle mix too.....never tried it in the tumbler......stinks up the shower for a few hours....so not really interested in giving my garage/loading room that scent when Lemishine works so well with no smell. ;) Hmmmmm, maybe I need to try Lemishine/Dawn in the shower.......
 
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GW Staar said:
Gee, I never found it hard to get. Here in New Mexico, I get mine at Wal Mart. I get Lemishine Booster powder. I use about a .45 ACP casefull along with a 2 second squirt of Dawn in cold water, per batch in my Thumblers Tumbler B model. It always works....even the worst tarnished grunge comes out like new...two hours. If it's muddy I rinse it first with the garden hose....just to keep things tidy in the garage.

I do use white vinegar/dawn mix to clean my shower. That's a miracle mix too.....never tried it in the tumbler......stinks up the shower for a few hours....so not really interested in giving my garage/loading room that scent when Lemishine works so well with no smell. ;) Hmmmmm, maybe I need to try Lemishine/Dawn in the shower.......
Click to expand...
I don’t use a wet tumbler, I use a empty plastic ice cream container. Drop in some cases, tiny squirt of Dawn, quarter cup vinegar, fill the rest of the way with cold water. Shake for long enough to hum, “Splish-Splash”, and grungy cases are shiny again. Honestly though, I reserve that for black powder and really stained range pickup. Only do about 50 at a time which is fine for me. I may only shoot 200 a month, total, mostly.
 
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