How to clean your brass for reloading with Jerry Miculek

Published on January 28, 2013
Duration: 5:15

Jerry Miculek details a high-volume brass cleaning process using a concrete mixer with soap and water, followed by a 3-hour drying period in an oven at 200°F. He stresses the importance of uniform case length, demonstrating trimming .223 brass to 1.750 inches using a Dillon electric trimmer for improved accuracy. The video also touches on inspecting brass for defects and recycling tumbling media.

Quick Summary

Jerry Miculek cleans brass using a concrete mixer with soap and water for 20-30 minutes. He then dries it in an oven at 200°F for 3 hours with the door ajar. Uniform case length, like trimming .223 brass to 1.750 inches, is crucial for accuracy.

Chapters

  1. 00:00Cleaning Brass with a Concrete Mixer
  2. 00:59Drying Process and Oven Setup
  3. 02:16Inspection and Media Recycling
  4. 03:24Trimming for Accuracy

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Jerry Miculek's method for cleaning large quantities of brass?

Jerry Miculek uses a concrete mixer with a 1:1 ratio of brass to water and dishwasher soap. He tumbles it for 20-30 minutes, letting the mixer's internal roughness polish the cases before rinsing.

How long and at what temperature should brass be dried after cleaning?

After initial rinsing, brass should be dried in an oven set to 200°F for approximately 3 hours. It's recommended to shake the brass halfway through and leave the oven door slightly ajar.

Why is uniform case length important in reloading?

Uniform case length is critical for consistent crimping and overall ammunition accuracy. Jerry Miculek trims .223 brass to 1.750 inches for optimal performance.

Can reloading media be reused?

Yes, Jerry Miculek suggests recycling corncob tumbling media by washing it in a concrete mixer and sun-drying it on screens, which saves money over time.

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