I was reading the "clever discoveries" thread that is tacked at the top of this forum, and I came across a method of cleaning brass in a mixture of water, vinegar, salt, and laundry detergent. Tonight, I soaked a test batch of used brass in this mixture to see if it really works.
After about 45 minutes, I rinsed it off very well and even soaked it for a few minutes in water with baking soda to minimize any residual acid from the vinegar.
Much of the .44 brass developed red areas that look just like rust. For some reason, the Winchester brass seems to be affected the most, with other brands developing the least amount of red.
Coincidentally, a few days ago, when I was sorting some of my own once-fired brass that I accumulated over the years, I noticed a handful of .45 cases with the same red "rust".
Does anyone know what this red stuff is and what, if any, implication it has on case life and reuse safety?
After about 45 minutes, I rinsed it off very well and even soaked it for a few minutes in water with baking soda to minimize any residual acid from the vinegar.
Much of the .44 brass developed red areas that look just like rust. For some reason, the Winchester brass seems to be affected the most, with other brands developing the least amount of red.
Coincidentally, a few days ago, when I was sorting some of my own once-fired brass that I accumulated over the years, I noticed a handful of .45 cases with the same red "rust".
Does anyone know what this red stuff is and what, if any, implication it has on case life and reuse safety?