The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Thanks all.

Don't discount ultrasonic cleaners. Over time there has been a lot of discussion on this forum about their efficacy, much of which I would disagree with. I am a great fan of ultrasonic cleaning - it is fast, cleans the primer pockets and inside the case without any manual handling and leaves bright shiney cases. However, there is a need to select the right solution and for me that is the inclusion of anhydrous citric acid powder. My cleaner is 2 litre with two transducers and a heater; it is branded 'James'. For the cleaning solution I use two tablespoons of citric acid to about 1.5 litres of water which I heat to about 65 deg c. Just dipping the brass in this solution brightens it almost instantly and leaving for abour 30 minutes cleans every bit of crud off the cases inside and out and from the primer pockets. I prefer this as there is no mechanical wear to the primer pockets from tools or sharp media that can remove metal. I am reliably informed by a chemist that citric acid does not affect the brass or remove metal. In fact it passivates the brass making it less prone to tarnish. I have always been loathe to use metal scrapers in the primer pockets as I am sure it contributes to them loosening up prematurely. I have never tried stainless steel media cleaning as I am totally happy with my ultasonic cleaner and the results it provides.

Colin,

Could you tell me where you buy citric acid from please?

Don't be getting ahead of your self these guys will have you spending a fortune before you get your head around the basics. You need to ask lots of questions and read up on the subject acquire some manuals the Lyman one is a good place to start.
The first thing you need is a press.
The second a good beam scale.
The third a good way of measuring your powder.
Fourth a set of dies.

They have got you spending bucket loads of money on case cleaners before you have even re loaded a round slow down my friend slow down.

Stuck wrote:Colin,

Could you tell me where you buy citric acid from please?

Brew shop. Sometimes cleaning suppliers may also have small sachets, but the brew shops have big bags. Otherwise, ask a heroin adict where they get it.

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Alpha1 wrote:They have got you spending bucket loads of money on case cleaners before you have even re loaded a round slow down my friend slow down.

No, we have just discussed a direct question, which was 'Do the ultrasonic cleaners work as well as the traditional tumblers?'. But fair pont - if you just want to get started and don't have a high volume to process (or have time on your hands) you can use scotch-brite or fine wire wool to clean the necks (take care to make sure all traces of wire are separated from the brass), and if you feel inclined to clean primer pockets use an RCBS brush like this:
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/328046 ... rush-large

Be gentle with it and you'll avoid removing metal or enlarging the pocket. I ran these at very slow speed in a drill press before switching to stainless (back when I had time on my hands).

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Our local chemist stocks citric acid, last time I got some it was about 70p for a box

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CITRIC-ACID-M ... 27ceba3260