Brownells - Cleaning Brass: Part 2: Tumbling Cases

Published on August 23, 2012
Duration: 2:30

This guide details the process of cleaning spent brass casings using a vibratory or rotary tumbler with corncob or walnut media. It covers the initial tumbling process, checking for cleanliness, separating media from brass, and final cleaning steps like removing residual rouge and clearing flash holes. The video also briefly introduces stainless steel media as an alternative.

Quick Summary

The most common method for cleaning fired brass cases is tumbling them in a vibratory or rotary tumbler using media like corncob or walnut. After tumbling, separate the brass from the media, wipe off any residual rouge, and clear any media particles from the flash hole.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Brass Tumbling
  2. 00:05Primer In or Out?
  3. 00:16Why Not De-prime Dirty Brass
  4. 00:30Tumbling Process with Media
  5. 00:39Tumbler Capacity and Batching
  6. 00:57Checking Tumbling Progress
  7. 01:11Media Breakdown and Longevity
  8. 01:21Using Reactive Additives
  9. 01:28Separating Brass from Media
  10. 01:39Removing Rouge and Media Particles
  11. 01:57Stainless Steel Media Tumbling
  12. 02:13Next Steps: Ultrasonic Cleaning

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the most common method for cleaning fired brass cases?

The most common method for cleaning fired brass cases is tumbling them in a vibratory or rotary tumbler. This process uses media like corncob or walnut to remove dirt and tarnish from the brass.

Should primers be removed before tumbling brass?

There are differing opinions; some shooters leave primers in, while others remove them beforehand. Removing primers after tumbling can help keep media out of the flash hole, allowing for easier cleaning of the primer pocket separately.

How do I separate brass from tumbling media?

After tumbling, use a hand separator or a rotary separator to efficiently separate the cleaned brass casings from the tumbling media. This ensures you can proceed to the next reloading steps.

What should I do after tumbling brass?

After tumbling, wipe the brass with a paper towel to remove any residual cleaning rouge. Inspect each case for media particles stuck in the flash hole and remove them with a dental pick or paper clip before reloading.

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