Cleaning 10 Gauge Brass Shotgun Shells Presented by Larry Potterfield | MidwayUSA Reloading

Published on February 3, 2014
Duration: 1:07

This video demonstrates a detailed process for cleaning and restoring old 10 gauge brass shotgun shells, specifically Winchester brand cases from around 1874. It covers de-priming, washing with hot soapy water, scrubbing corrosion with steel wool, brightening with vinegar, and final polishing in a vibratory tumbler to achieve a like-new appearance for reloading.

Quick Summary

To clean vintage brass shotgun shells, first remove old primers. Then, wash them in hot soapy water and scrub stubborn corrosion with steel wool. Brighten the brass by soaking in warm vinegar, rinse, dry, and finally polish them in a vibratory tumbler for several hours.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Introduction to Cleaning Brass Shells
  2. 00:10Identifying Vintage 10 Gauge Shells
  3. 00:28Initial Cleaning: De-priming and Washing
  4. 00:43Brightening and Polishing Brass Shells

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the first step in cleaning old brass shotgun shells?

The first step in cleaning old brass shotgun shells is to remove the old primers. After de-priming, the cases are typically washed in hot soapy water to remove dirt and grease.

How can I brighten tarnished brass shotgun shells?

To brighten tarnished brass shotgun shells, soak them in warm household vinegar after rinsing them from the initial wash. This helps to restore their luster before final polishing.

What is used to polish cleaned brass shotgun shells?

A vibratory tumbler is used to achieve a high polish on cleaned brass shotgun shells. The shells are typically tumbled for several hours to reach the desired shine.

What type of shells are being cleaned in this video?

The video demonstrates cleaning vintage Winchester brand 10 gauge brass shotgun shells, estimated to be around 100 years old and intended for a 1874 Parker hammer double shotgun.

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