Rust on brass

[crackleback]

I've got a couple of thousand rounds of processed .223 brass that's been in my garage for about 10 years. On inspection the brass appears to have small rust spots on them. I've tumbled a batch in walnut media for 16 hours and while the cases look a lot better there is still some small evidence of the rust spots.

I admit these would look fine for reloading, but I really like bright shiny perfect brass. Any idea of a more aggressive solution to remove the traces of rust?

 

[rcmodel]

Brass is a nonferrous metal, and simply cannot rust.

Apparently you have corrosion spots, which has leeched the zinc out of the copper.

Are you adding any liquid polish to the Walnut media??

I use Flitz Tumbler polish, and brass tumbled 16 hours in walnut + Flitz would come out looking like gold jewlery.

rc

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I admit these would look fine for reloading, but I really like bright shiny perfect brass. Any idea of a more aggressive solution to remove the traces of rust?

If the spots bother you that much I'm sorry to say your only recourse will be to toss them in the scrap bucket.

Like said above, it's impossible for a nonferrous metal to rust.

Welcome to the forum...

 

[crackleback]

Sorry, I'm sure it must be corrosion. It's not that bad but I'll add a little more polish and see what happens. Even the way they are now they are nowhere near scrapping.

I assume a little desiccant will prevent future corrosion? Wonder where I can buy some?

 

[rcmodel]

Leaving the tumbler polish on it and sealing it in air-tight containers will stop corrosion indefinitely.

Suggest GI ammo cans, plastic buckets with lids, Tupperware, Zip-Lock freezer bags, etc.

rc

 

[crackleback]

Would be nice if there were a light lubricant that could be applied but I'm sure you then stand a chance of getting it inside the case. I've not had good luck with just zip lock bags. the ammo cans are great but getting harder to come by at a decent price. I've wondered about the plastic ones being sold at sporting goods stores.

 

[rcmodel]

Lots of guys use Nu-Finish car polish in the tumbler media.

It leaves a film on the brass that will hold off tarnish for a long time.

That is what I was referring to earlier about the Flitz I use.

Neither have the slightest chance of affecting powder or primers.

rc

 

[TennJed]

Lots of guys use Nu-Finish car polish in the tumbler media.

It leaves a film on the brass that will hold off tarnish for a long time.

That is what I was referring to earlier about the Flitz I use.

Neither have the slightest chance of affecting powder or primers.

rc

I spread around about a 2 cap fulls over the media everytime I change it out. Never had any issues with it and it shines it up really nice.

 

[Centaur 1]

It might be a good idea to use a magnifying glass to inspect the cases, just make sure those spots don't have any pitting. If there's any pits in the brass i'd scrap them. Nu-Finish car polish works great to help stop future corrosion. I also use about two capfulls, I thin it with an equal amount of mineral spirits before adding it to the walnut.

 

[crackleback]

I can't see any pitting. I can run my fingernail across it and feel absolutely no ridges on the corrosion spots. I tried rubbing with 000 steel wool and it gets a little more of the corrosion off but not all. I have no intention of doing that to 2K cases.

My walnut media is kinda old so I'm going to replace and add some NU-Finish and see what happens. I know they will shoot fine either way.

Why add mineral spirits to the Nu-Finish??

 

[rcmodel]

Who knows?

Maybe so the static electricity from tumbling has a better chance of setting of a flammable vapor explosion in your tumbler?

Or so you can huff the fumes when you open the lid??

Anyway, I don't do it.

rc

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I really think you're obsessing over nothing. Just load them up, shoot them and have a good time...

 

[moxie]

If you can't feel anything with your fingernail, then you've just got minor discoloration. Don't worry about it.

I don't see the need myself, but if you're high on dessicant, go here:
http://www.widgetco.com/0-5g-silica-gel-desiccant-packs-tyvek

 

[Jasper1573]

You might consider adding some jeweler's rouge to your walnut. I have a container of the red Lyman walnut (Tufnut), and there isn't much it won't clean off of brass. Compared to plain walnut, it is expensive, but I don't use it often...only in cases where the brass is really dirty and requires extreme cleaning. You can also buy the rouge by itself and add it to your plain walnut ( http://www.midwayusa.com/product/946226/grobet-powdered-jewelers-rouge-1-lb ). After cleaning with the rouge walnut, I run it through plain walnut or corn cob to remove the rouge residue, which is a ferrous oxide.

From Lyman FAQs...

Tufnut is recommended for extremely fouled cases as it is more abrasive. Please note that the Tufnut may leave a rouge residue on the cases. This will not cause any harm to the gun or cases.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

you can buy a large bag of desiccant in the flower arranging area of places like hobby lobby and michael's. it's for drying flowers. put some in a cone coffee filter and glue the opening up. enjoy your homemade desi-paks.

 

[medalguy]

The mineral spirits help soften for removal any carbon deposits on the brass. It also helps soften and rejuvenate the dried polish embedded in the media.