You didn't do anything wrong.

You can save a bundle by getting the lizard litter others have mentioned. Any pet or feed stor should have it. It's crushed walnut shells. It will clean faster but not give that blazing shine some of us like so well but is good to go as far as loading and going bang.

For the bright shine you'll want crushed corn cob media.

There are a gazillion different polishes & whatnot available. They will extend the life of your media. I use Nu Finish car polish.

I used to go for the blazing bright brass but got over it. Now I dump a dollop of Nu Finish in the lizard litter, letter go a few hours or overnight & call it good.

I use blue nitrile gloves from WalMart while handling brass & loading. Saves mess and gives gription.

Some believe the jeweler's rouge (your red mess) can damage barrels as it's blasted down the bore.