bigedp51
Well-Known Member
- Joined
- Dec 10, 2010
- Messages
- 1,022
You are getting case mouth peening, as the cases tumble they hit each other and hit and peen the softer annealed case mouth. The only solution is to trim the cases each time you wet tumble.
You can also peen the case mouths in hand cranked rotary media separators as the cases hit each other. The amount of case mouth peening depends on the speed of the tumbler, the size of the drum and how many cases are put in the drum.
I added more stainless steel media and tumble for less time when wet tumbling. And I find I use my vibratory tumbler more to reduce the amount of case mouth peening. But still trim after tumbling to cleanup the case mouths.
In a vibratory tumbler with walnut or corncob media the effect of the cases hitting each other is reduced and dampened by the media. "BUT" in a hand cranked media separator you can still dent and peen the case mouths.
Ultrasonic cleaners are safer and do not have the cases hitting each other, but do not clean as well as wet tumbling. Or make your own home made case cleaner and just hand wash your brass.
Homemade Firearm Cleaners & Lubricants
https://www.frfrogspad.com/homemade.htm
Chemical Case Cleaning Solutions
While tumbling cases in an abrasive media provides the best finish, extremely dirty cases can be decapped first (using a non-sizing die) and then washed in one of the following solutions. The final rinse in soapy water helps prevent tarnishing. All of these methods were approved by Frankford Arsenal and will not weaken your brass.
An interesting idea is to use an "air stone" and a small air pump from a fish aquarium tank to agitate the liquid clea
You can also peen the case mouths in hand cranked rotary media separators as the cases hit each other. The amount of case mouth peening depends on the speed of the tumbler, the size of the drum and how many cases are put in the drum.
I added more stainless steel media and tumble for less time when wet tumbling. And I find I use my vibratory tumbler more to reduce the amount of case mouth peening. But still trim after tumbling to cleanup the case mouths.
In a vibratory tumbler with walnut or corncob media the effect of the cases hitting each other is reduced and dampened by the media. "BUT" in a hand cranked media separator you can still dent and peen the case mouths.
Ultrasonic cleaners are safer and do not have the cases hitting each other, but do not clean as well as wet tumbling. Or make your own home made case cleaner and just hand wash your brass.
Homemade Firearm Cleaners & Lubricants
https://www.frfrogspad.com/homemade.htm
Chemical Case Cleaning Solutions
While tumbling cases in an abrasive media provides the best finish, extremely dirty cases can be decapped first (using a non-sizing die) and then washed in one of the following solutions. The final rinse in soapy water helps prevent tarnishing. All of these methods were approved by Frankford Arsenal and will not weaken your brass.
- A 5 percent solution of citric acid (available from your drugstore) and warm water for about 10 minutes. If your water is very hard increase the amount of citric acid. You can add some Dawn™ or Cascade™ dishwasher liquid soap (which does not contain ammonia--be careful some do), 409, or Awsome to the solution for extra grease cutting ability. Follow with a rinse in hot soapy water (Ivory™ works well) and allow to dry. Don't overuse the citric acid or the brass may discolor.
- A solution of 1 quart of white vinegar and 2 tablespoons of salt. Soak with some agitation for 15 to 20 minutes and follow with a rinse of soapy hot water and allow to dry.
- A solution of 1 quart of water, 1 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup laundry or dishwashing detergent, 1/8 cup salt. Soak with some agitation for 15 to 20 minutes and follow with a rinse of soapy hot water and allow to dry. This may leave brass with a slight pinkish cast which will disappear with a short tumble in media.
- Military arsenals use a heated 4 percent sulfuric acid dip with a little potassium dichromate added. The solution is heated until bubbles rise slowly without it boiling and the cases are dipped into it for 4 -5 minutes using a basket of copper screening or plastic. A final rinse using plain hot water is followed by hot water with Ivory™ soap in it and the cases are left to drain and dry. Because of the use of heated sulfuric acid this method is probably impractical for home use but is given here to show what can be safely used.
An interesting idea is to use an "air stone" and a small air pump from a fish aquarium tank to agitate the liquid clea
