BRASSO

[canuck4570]

I tumble my cases with corn cub and brasso
I was told brasso attack the brass and I should not use brasso
if so what would you suggest as cleaner to ad to my corn cub
thanks

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: BRASSO

I dampen the media with a rubbing alky and vinegar solution.

I use Windex sprayer to dampen the media, and run the tumbler for a few minutes before adding the brass. This allows the media to swell and expand before it gets inside the brass. If you don't and the media expands inside the brass, it can get like concrete inside the cases.

The damp media is more effective, the alky works on carbon, and the vinegar helps remove tarnish.

Greg

 

[vman]

Re: BRASSO

canuck4570 i use brasso on the outside of my cases when they start to look crappy.

so long as you whipe it on, rub and whipe it off fully again, its fine

 

[canuck4570]

Re: BRASSO

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: vman</div><div class="ubbcode-body">canuck4570 i use brasso on the outside of my cases when they start to look crappy.

so long as you whipe it on, rub and whipe it off fully again, its fine </div></div>
thanks

 

[johndoe]

Re: BRASSO

Try some Dillon polish it works great.

 

[Tangodown911]

Re: BRASSO

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Greg Langelius *</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I dampen the media with a rubbing alky and vinegar solution.

I use Windex sprayer to dampen the media, and run the tumbler for a few minutes before adding the brass. This allows the media to swell and expand before it gets inside the brass. If you don't and the media expands inside the brass, it can get like concrete inside the cases.

The damp media is more effective, the alky works on carbon, and the vinegar helps remove tarnish.

Greg </div></div>

I will be trying this on my next batch. In fact I'm listening to 800+ pieces of Hornady match .308 rolling in walnut now... Think I'll throw it in on this batch anyway. I use to use brasso... not anymore. Now it's been just mcguires carnuba and a walnut. Then corncob.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: BRASSO

The vinegar is a mild acid, and this hels remove the tarnish. I have also added diluted CLR, which is especially effective.

Once, by accident, I turned off the tumbler with the brass and CLR-dampened media and left the brass in there overnight.

When I separated the brass the next day, it had acquired a dull olive green patina which was durable enough to stand up to handloading and firing, but wiped off easily with some jeweler's rouge on a cloth. Copper bullets came out the same and ammo made from those components had this same olive green sorta camo effect.

It appears to have zero effect on performance. I have mentioned this here before, a few years back when it first happened.

OTOH products containing ammonia have been accused of chemically altering the crystalline structure of the brass, weakening it. Brasso contains ammonia. A good alternative homemade brass polish can be made by mixing up a paste of vingar and baking soda. The sodium and vingar (acetic acid AKA ethanolic acid) combine to make a quite effective brass polish that does not contain ammonia.

Greg

 

[Fuzzball]

Re: BRASSO

The same acid that removes tarnish will cause the green corroision if it's allowed to dry on the brass. Tarnish is harmless but corrosion isn't.

"Brasso", per se, is harmless. The <span style="text-decoration: underline">ammonia</span> in it isn't.

 

[1911jerry]

Re: BRASSO

I use a cap full of mineral spirits and a cap full of NUFinish car polish. Run the tumbler for 30 minutes to disperse the product. Your brass will come out very shiney and minimal dust. I also throw in a used dryer sheet to collect the dust.

JS

 

[samnev]

Re: BRASSO

I just use 2 caps full of mineral spirits run the tumbler for 30 minutes and the brass comes out nice and shiny.

 

[KTDLS7]

Re: BRASSO

Been using any (read what's on sale) liquid car polish (NuFinish, Turtle Wax, etc.).

Like the idea of dryer sheet.

What does the mineral spirits add to the cauldron?

Kevin