Why Clean Brass Matters for Reloading
Safety and Performance
The significance of clean brass extends far beyond mere aesthetics. It impacts both the performance and safety of your reloaded ammunition. When the brass is clean, you’re setting the stage for a much more reliable and consistent result. Safety is paramount when it comes to handling firearms and ammunition. Dirty brass can lead to a range of potential hazards. Residue, grime, and carbon buildup within the case can hinder the proper seating of bullets, creating potential obstructions. Furthermore, excessive buildup can compromise the chamber, increasing the risk of case failures and potentially leading to dangerous pressure spikes during firing. A dirty case also allows contaminants to enter the firearm, increasing the potential for malfunction or even catastrophic failure. Clean brass, on the other hand, ensures that the dimensions of the case are consistent, promoting proper cartridge function and minimizing these risks. Beyond safety considerations, clean brass significantly enhances the performance of your reloaded ammunition. Consistent bullet seating is essential for consistent accuracy. When the case interior and neck are free from debris, the bullet seats evenly, without any obstruction, and consistently. This uniformity directly impacts the bullet’s trajectory and its ability to hit the target accurately. Similarly, a clean case ensures that the powder burns efficiently and predictably. Contaminants can interfere with the ignition process, leading to erratic burn rates, and variations in bullet velocity. The result is a less predictable round, affecting both grouping and overall downrange performance.
Brass Longevity
Finally, clean brass is an investment in longevity. Reloading brass has a limited lifespan, as it can be subjected to expansion and contraction during firing and resizing. Contaminants like carbon residue, corrosive salts, and residual powder can accelerate this wear and tear, prematurely shortening the useful life of your cases. By cleaning the brass thoroughly after each firing, you are removing these damaging elements, allowing the brass to last through more reloading cycles and getting the most value from your reloading efforts.
Assessing Brass Condition
Visual Inspection and Feel Test
Before beginning the cleaning process, it’s crucial to assess the condition of your brass. A proper assessment guides you in selecting the most appropriate cleaning methods and helps identify cases that may require discarding. Begin with a visual inspection. Examine each case meticulously, paying close attention to both the exterior and interior. Look for obvious signs of dirt, debris, and residue. Check for any cracks, dents, or other signs of damage. Carbon buildup, often visible as a dark coating, indicates the extent of fouling within the case. A flashlight can prove useful for illuminating the interior of the cases. Next, a “feel test” can provide valuable information. Run your fingers over the surface of the cases. Note the smoothness of the brass, and notice if any grime or residue are present. A rough or gritty texture can indicate the presence of contaminants that must be removed. Pay careful attention to the inside of the case necks, as this area often accumulates significant amounts of carbon.
Identifying Potential Hazards
During the inspection, also be aware of any potential hazards that may be present. Look for unburnt powder granules, as these can be a sign of inefficient combustion. Check for any signs of corrosion, especially if the brass has been stored in a humid environment. Corrosion weakens the brass and presents a safety concern. Cases exhibiting significant corrosion should be discarded immediately.
Cleaning Methods and Equipment
Tumbling: Dry and Wet
Several methods and types of equipment are available for cleaning brass for reloading, each with its own advantages and disadvantages. The best method for you will depend on your budget, the volume of brass you’re cleaning, and the level of cleanliness you desire. Tumbling is among the most popular methods. There are two main types of tumbling: dry tumbling and wet tumbling. Dry Tumbling: This method uses a rotary tumbler to agitate the brass with a cleaning media. The tumbler is typically a motorized drum that rotates, causing the brass and media to tumble against each other, dislodging dirt and grime. The media used in dry tumbling is typically corn cob or walnut shell. Often additives such as brass polish are incorporated to enhance the cleaning effect. The process involves loading the brass into the tumbler, adding the media and any desired additives, and then running the tumbler for a set period, usually several hours. When the tumbling is complete, the brass must be separated from the media using a specialized media separator. Wet Tumbling: This method utilizes a rotary tumbler similar to dry tumbling, but the brass is tumbled with water and a cleaning solution, typically with stainless steel pins as an abrasive. The pins are small, cylindrical pieces of stainless steel that act to aggressively remove grime and deposits from both the interior and exterior of the case. Wet tumbling is generally considered more effective than dry tumbling and is particularly effective at removing carbon and other stubborn contaminants. The process involves loading brass and pins into the tumbler, adding the cleaning solution, running the tumbler for a specific time, typically for two to four hours, and then rinsing and drying the brass thoroughly. A significant advantage of tumbling is its cost-effectiveness. Tumblers can be purchased at a reasonable price, and the media or stainless steel pins are relatively inexpensive and can be used repeatedly. The main drawback is the time required, as the cleaning process can take several hours.
Ultrasonic Cleaning and Manual Cleaning
Ultrasonic cleaning is another option, offering a more advanced and often quicker solution. Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves to agitate a cleaning solution, creating microscopic bubbles that implode on the surface of the brass, dislodging dirt and grime. This method is particularly effective at cleaning the interior of cases, including the primer pockets. The process typically involves loading the brass into a basket or tray, immersing it in a cleaning solution, and activating the ultrasonic cleaner for the recommended time. The brass is then rinsed and dried thoroughly. Ultrasonic cleaning offers excellent results but can be more expensive than tumbling. Manual cleaning provides a hands-on approach, ideal for small batches of brass or for spot cleaning. This involves using cleaning tools, such as brushes and cotton swabs, in conjunction with a brass cleaner. The process is simple: apply the cleaner, scrub the brass, and wipe or rinse it clean. Manual cleaning offers the greatest degree of control and is often used to address stubborn areas that may have been missed by other methods. The obvious disadvantage is the significant amount of time and effort required.
Step-by-Step Cleaning Procedures
Dry Tumbling Procedure
For dry tumbling, start by prepping the brass, by removing any loose debris. Place the brass inside the tumbler. Add the cleaning media. Include any media additives, following the manufacturer’s recommendations. Set the tumbler to its recommended run time. Once the cycle is complete, use a media separator to remove the cases. Carefully inspect the cases to ensure that they are clean and remove any remaining media by blowing air through them or by other suitable methods.
Wet Tumbling and Ultrasonic Cleaning Procedures
Wet tumbling starts the same way: prepare the brass. Fill the tumbler with water and cleaning solution. Add the stainless steel pins, making sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations. Load the brass and seal the tumbler. Run the tumbler for the amount of time advised. Rinse the brass thoroughly with water. Finally, dry the brass completely. For ultrasonic cleaning, prepare the brass and fill the tank with water and cleaning solution, according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Load the brass into the cleaner, making sure the cases do not touch. Run the cleaning cycle for the time recommended. Rinse the brass thoroughly with water and dry it.
Manual Cleaning Procedure
Manual cleaning begins with preparing the brass. Apply brass cleaning solution. Scrub the brass with a brush or other suitable tools, paying particular attention to areas with significant buildup. Rinse the brass thoroughly under running water. Dry the brass completely.
Rinsing and Drying Techniques
Rinsing Importance
Thorough rinsing is as critical as cleaning itself. Residual cleaning solutions can leave behind deposits or cause corrosion. After cleaning, always rinse the brass thoroughly with clean water. For wet tumbling, this may include rinsing the brass directly within the tumbler, and then removing the brass and rinsing again. For dry tumbling, a thorough rinse is also important after the cases have been separated from the media.
Drying Methods
Proper drying is also essential. Wet brass can lead to corrosion and rust. Air drying is a simple method, allowing the brass to dry naturally in a well-ventilated area. Using a fan can accelerate this process. Oven drying, at a low temperature, is another option, but extreme heat must be avoided. Brass case dryers are available that provide controlled temperatures for efficient and safe drying. Regardless of the method, it’s important to ensure that the brass is completely dry before storage or use.
Inspecting and Preparing Cleaned Brass
Post-Cleaning Assessment
Once your brass is clean and dry, the preparation stage is not yet complete. It’s time to take the additional steps necessary for safe and accurate reloading. Inspect the cleaned brass once again. Check for any damage, cracks, or dents that may have gone unnoticed before. Discard any damaged cases. Clean primer pockets. You can do this with specialized hand tools or, for greater convenience, power tools. The objective is to remove any residue or debris that may interfere with primer seating and ignition. If necessary, trim the cases to the proper length. Over time, cases may stretch during firing, requiring trimming to maintain consistency. Finally, chamfer and deburr the case mouths to remove any sharp edges. This helps in the seating of the bullet, and prevents damage to the bullet jacket.
Brass Maintenance and Storage
Storage Conditions and Brass Cleaning Frequency
Maintaining clean brass involves not only cleaning, but also proper storage and care. The correct storage conditions help to extend brass life and promote safety. Store your clean, dry brass in a cool, dry place, away from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures. Control humidity, as excess moisture can lead to corrosion. Consider using airtight containers or desiccant packs to absorb excess moisture. Brass cleaning frequency is a matter of preference, but it’s generally recommended to clean brass after each firing or when necessary. This ensures that the brass is always in optimal condition for reloading.
Brass Replacement
It is important to replace your brass cases when necessary. Over time, cases can degrade from firing and resizing. The number of reload cycles a case can withstand varies based on factors like the caliber, reloading practices, and the strength of the brass. Inspect your cases regularly, and discard any that show signs of damage, fatigue, or excessive wear.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Resolving Incomplete Cleaning, Damaged Brass, Corrosion, and Primer Pocket Problems
Even with careful attention, issues can arise. Here are common problems and how to overcome them: Incomplete cleaning leaves the brass with inconsistent results and stubbornly clinging residue. Ensure that you use the correct cleaning solution, that the brass is properly rinsed, and that the cleaning cycle is long enough to remove all the contaminants. Re-cleaning the brass may be necessary in particularly dirty situations. Damaged brass can arise from over-tumbling. If cases are tumbled for too long, they can experience damage. If cases overheat during drying, they can be annealed. Always follow the recommended cleaning times and temperatures. Corrosion can occur if brass is not thoroughly dried after cleaning, or if it’s stored in a humid environment. Always dry your brass completely after cleaning, and store it in a cool, dry place. Primer pocket problems can sometimes arise if the pockets are not cleaned adequately. Ensure that you are using appropriate cleaning tools to remove all residue, and debris.
Conclusion
In conclusion, maintaining clean brass is an essential element of safe, accurate reloading. As we have explored, there are various methods, from tumbling to ultrasonic cleaning to manual techniques, each with their own set of advantages and disadvantages. The key to a successful reloading experience lies in understanding why clean brass matters, carefully assessing your brass condition, choosing the right cleaning method, and following proper procedures. By following the guidelines provided in this article, you can achieve pristine brass, minimize potential risks, enhance the performance of your reloaded ammunition, and extend the lifespan of your valuable cases. Reload safely, and enjoy the precision and satisfaction that comes with crafting your own high-performance rounds. Always consult reliable sources and follow established safety protocols. Happy reloading!
