Inexpensive Brass Cleaning Short Version

This video shows how I hand tumble and clean brass cases for reloading. I use lemon juice, dawn soap and hot water. It is easy, inexpensive and it works well. I made a video years ago showing the same process, but that video was very long and drawn out and also had loud music that some people did not like. I made this short (relatively) version of the process as an update.

[@richardkut3976]

Thanks again, for a nice demonstration. Brass looked as good as any. Take care,

[@ocean374]

Hi John cheaper than a tumbler nice and clean thanks for sharing

[@johnshandloading7907]

Hi ocean374. I really do like how they come out.

[@geolooker1265]

Great simple video for a simple effective process. The lemon juice (for the citric acid) paired with the degreasing effect from the Dawn is really low cost and easy process. I add some baking soda to my second rinse to neutralize any leftover citric acid. Probably not needed but thought I’d mention. Wife won’t let me bake casings so I use a food dehydrator. I picked up a used 400 watt unit from a family who stopped using theirs. My casings smell like jerky but i only paid $20 and it works great with a 5 shelf capacity for lots of casings. Many thanks for the video!!!

[@johnshandloading7907]

That is great. I wish I had kept my old food dehydrator. I got rid of it years before I started reloading. Thanks for watching and commenting. I appreciate it.

[@HobbiesHobo]

Hi John, I use a double rock tumbler with dish soap & lemishine. Your method works well too. Mike.

[@johnshandloading7907]

Hey Mike. I tend to use too much lemi shine so I don't usually use it. A little goes a long way. Thanks for watching and commenting.

[@HobbiesHobo]

@@johnshandloading7907 You're right John, I used too much Lemishine for too long once and ruined a whole drum of good rifle brass, turned kind of Pink! We all learn!

[@johnshandloading7907]

@@HobbiesHobo I reloaded my pink pistol brass a couple more times but it did not look good when I tossed it out.

[@ETHRON1]

Interesting.... I have a thought for you that might help. Take one of those totes and drill "multiple" holes in the bottom then stack it in another one then do your clean/rinse and then simply lift the inside one out, it will act as a colander, then shake it to fully drain the water...😉

[@jamespollard1670]

I normally dry the brass by using a metal pan to hold the brass and let the sun dry it . Instead of sun tea , I do sun brass , lol

[@johnshandloading7907]

Yes sir. I have put my share of brass outside to dry in the sun as well.

[@jesseboutdoors]

I use your method of cleaning. But I now use a Frankford Arsenal tumbler lite with steel pins and a food dehydrator to dry the brass.

[@T.A.B.Videos]

Nice I have used the jar method on occasions but mostly use ground walnut and vibrate

[@johnshandloading7907]

I am sure your cases are clean and shiny. I tried this early on and like it so I never got into dry tumbling. I like the results I see dry tumbling.

[@cw2a]

Afternoon John!

[@johnshandloading7907]

Fast fingers longshot strikes again! Howdy friend. Nice to hear from you.

[@Tammy-un3ql]

Great video

[@johnshandloading7907]

Thank you.

[@tacticalfudd4240]

great video john

[@johnshandloading7907]

Thanks tactical Fudd! Have a great day.

[@reloader7sixtwo]

The only differance between your method and mine is I use a plastic container with a screw on lid.

[@johnshandloading7907]

I am going to do a small batch that way with the container I show in the video. I need a bigger one though like a large peanut butter jar or industrial size mayonnaise jar.

[@maxxbear5014]

I’ll have to try lemon juice never use that yet

[@johnshandloading7907]

It really helps clean off a layer of tarnish and grime. A less aggressive form of citric acid and it is inexpensive.

[@ludoviko32]

Good video! I use a rock tumbler, steel pins, dish soap, and lemishine. Getting the pins out of .223 brass is a pain, but some of my range-pickup brass can be in pretty nasty condition. How does your method do with brass that's been sitting outside for a few weeks and is somewhat tarnished? Also, does this method get the primer pockets clean? Thanks for the video!

[@johnshandloading7907]

For tarnished brass it works well, you may have to let it sit longer in the solution. Tumbling in pins will definitely clean it more aggressively. Some primer pockets get clean sometimes they need to be cleaned by hand. I like the results I get and don't mind cleaning some primer pockets.

[@ludoviko32]

@@johnshandloading7907 The primer pockets rarely come out clean with my setup. Sounds like I might do better with yours.

[@docgalt2801]

Hey John, I have a question for you. Can you use a CCI #450 Magnum small rifle primer in a .223 cartridge? Just curious. I appreciate any advice. Thanks.

[@johnshandloading7907]

Hi Dave, my understanding is the magnum primer burns a little hotter and or slightly longer. The cup may be slightly thicker material to take pressure from magnum cartridges. It should fit the case. You should back off the charger slightly and be careful of extra pressure. If you have a chronograph I would test a couple to get real data. I think many people are having to make what supplies they can get, work for them. Tread light.

[@docgalt2801]

@@johnshandloading7907 Thanks John. Yeah, I hear you on primers. I can’t find any #400 anywhere. I did run into #450’s online though. I’m using brand new casings and I found a recipe on Hodgden load data for H335 with a 55 grain soft point. They give a good variable for low to high powder charge. I’ll just start low and try to find something that is safe. I appreciate you!

[@ThecrazyScotsman]

Yup that'll do it 👍👍🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@johnshandloading7907]

It works. Thank you for stopping by Scotsman.

[@mckwilly]

👍👍

[@johnshandloading7907]

Hi MCK. Thank you for stopping by and watching and commenting.