Case cleaning
- Thread starter Jos
- Start date
I would say that Cillit is extremely damaging to your brass, if you really want to know, sacrifice one case! 
If you observe a pinkish hue starting, then you have an acidic reaction, blueish or green you are having an alkaline reaction.
Why Jos?
replied your pm.
Jonher
Well-Known Member
Jos said:Just to see if there is a cheep way of cleaning them as I dont have a tumbler or sonic cleaner yet.
when I first started off reloading I got a lee case holder for a cordless drill and used very fine wire wool, worked a treat!
If you purchase the case trimmer, you can also trim the cases whilst mounted on the drill 8)
You might be better substituting fine grade Scotchbrite for the steel wool, less chance of impregnating your brass & chamber with iron, you can get a rust bloom with wire wool in very wet weather.
finnbear270 said:
I've been using 0000 steel wool for years without a problem. I usually use it on case necks only and work at keeping my brass clean by keeping it out of the muck. I have found that "not shiny" does not mean dirty. I will try the scotchbrite though. What "grade" are you using?~Muir
Trufflehunting
Well-Known Member
cilit bang
I suspect cilit bang contains ammonia, brass and ammonia do not mix
The higher the concentration of ammonia the more corrosive
Steer well away i suspect
regards
ian
I suspect cilit bang contains ammonia, brass and ammonia do not mix
The higher the concentration of ammonia the more corrosive
Steer well away i suspect
regards
ian
caorach
Well-Known Member
I ordered up some Flitz from a reloading/shooting store as it was recommended for use on brass, my plan was to spin the cases in the electric screw driver and clean them up a little.
When it arrived and I removed the lid the smell of ammonia set alarm bells ringing. Further investigation revealed that it contained a very small amount of ammonia.
Opinion is divided: some take the view that the ammonia only reacts with the top few atoms worth of copper in the brass and so has no significant impact on case performance, others are of the view that it is not good for brass. Anyhow, I decided to clean a few cases with it and see how they perform when compared to others not cleaned with it. I don't imagine I will have answers any time soon but I will be keeping a close watch on them.
When it arrived and I removed the lid the smell of ammonia set alarm bells ringing. Further investigation revealed that it contained a very small amount of ammonia.
Opinion is divided: some take the view that the ammonia only reacts with the top few atoms worth of copper in the brass and so has no significant impact on case performance, others are of the view that it is not good for brass. Anyhow, I decided to clean a few cases with it and see how they perform when compared to others not cleaned with it. I don't imagine I will have answers any time soon but I will be keeping a close watch on them.
http://www.flitz.com/p-14-brass-copper-tarnish-remover.aspx
this says it's not acid based..this version anyway...
Hadn't come across it before. I wonder if it's any use.
And they also do a non ammonia tumbler additive....
http://www.flitz.com/p-26-tumblermedia-additive.aspx
this says it's not acid based..this version anyway...
Hadn't come across it before. I wonder if it's any use.
And they also do a non ammonia tumbler additive....
http://www.flitz.com/p-26-tumblermedia-additive.aspx
caorach
Well-Known Member
The one I got is the paste Mauser66, and it does have a small amount of ammonia in it:
http://www.flitz.com/p-16-flitz-polish-paste.aspx
I suspect the tumbler additive one would be better and think that people are using it on a rag to clean cases. The paste one puts a mighty fine shine on the brass but there is always the worry of the ammonia factor. Reports will follow when I see how it goes on the cases I'm trying it on. I have loaded some of them up and might get the chance to shoot them soon so it will be interesting how they perform.
http://www.flitz.com/p-16-flitz-polish-paste.aspx
I suspect the tumbler additive one would be better and think that people are using it on a rag to clean cases. The paste one puts a mighty fine shine on the brass but there is always the worry of the ammonia factor. Reports will follow when I see how it goes on the cases I'm trying it on. I have loaded some of them up and might get the chance to shoot them soon so it will be interesting how they perform.
I have a confession to make...and I know that Steve (Finnbear 270) will give me a shake for doing it as he knows a heck of a lot more about metallurgy than I do...but I have been polishing old cases with brasso and duraglit for years 
. In fact some of my 243 cases must be 15 years old or way older and have been duraglitted a few times over that period. Still, they work fine. I had no idea that ammonia could be a problem. I know one fellow that got snow stuck in his rifle barrel and the only way to get it out and continue stalking was to pee down the chamber. That would have been a good ammonia test..especially after a few drams and steaks the night before . Maybe **** at 10% concentration (or some mornings 40% proof) would be a good cheap alternative in the ultrasonic cleaner.... yukkk 
. In fact some of my 243 cases must be 15 years old or way older and have been duraglitted a few times over that period. Still, they work fine. I had no idea that ammonia could be a problem. I know one fellow that got snow stuck in his rifle barrel and the only way to get it out and continue stalking was to pee down the chamber. That would have been a good ammonia test..especially after a few drams and steaks the night before . Maybe **** at 10% concentration (or some mornings 40% proof) would be a good cheap alternative in the ultrasonic cleaner.... yukkk
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Mauser, That has to be the funniest reply I've seen in ages!
He was likely using that pearl sand, nearly white in colour, normal use is for dry grouting paving.
mickthebrick
Well-Known Member
Hmmm cement mixer eh! Might give that a whirl.....
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