On another reloading forum I frequent cleaning cases using vinegar was discussed and several posted about obtaining good results. So I figured I'd give it a go. I left the primers in on about 100 cases and dumped them into apple cider vinegar and let them soak for about a half hour. My reason for leaving the primers in was that I intended to measure the case volume by weighing them full of water. I always wanted to try this but I could never justify all the extra time it takes so I never bothered. But my 308 is out being rebarreled right now and I don't expect her back for a couple of months so I have lots more time to make the next batch of ammo.
Anyhow I think leaving the primers in is a big mistake. The outside of the cases came out nice but there is some stubborn crud inside. I think the vinegar dissolved something from the spent primers and it got deposited down at the web. The folks who deprimed first didn't have this problem. I tried ultrasonic cleaning (Harbor Freight 160W unit) with 10% simple green in water and also with more vinegar. This removed maybe half of the crud.
I need to get in there with something that I can use to dislodge the crud. An artist's paint brush only with brass bristles instead of animal hair would work but I can't find one. Another thing that would work that I can't find would be a Dremel tool brass wire brush with a three inch long shank. Unfortunately I can only find ones that are two inches long. So any help with suggestions on what I could use to gently abrade this contamination without damaging the cases would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
Anyhow I think leaving the primers in is a big mistake. The outside of the cases came out nice but there is some stubborn crud inside. I think the vinegar dissolved something from the spent primers and it got deposited down at the web. The folks who deprimed first didn't have this problem. I tried ultrasonic cleaning (Harbor Freight 160W unit) with 10% simple green in water and also with more vinegar. This removed maybe half of the crud.
I need to get in there with something that I can use to dislodge the crud. An artist's paint brush only with brass bristles instead of animal hair would work but I can't find one. Another thing that would work that I can't find would be a Dremel tool brass wire brush with a three inch long shank. Unfortunately I can only find ones that are two inches long. So any help with suggestions on what I could use to gently abrade this contamination without damaging the cases would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks!
