Cleaning bullet lube out of cases

[McGregor]

Started reloading for 38 spec. w/148 hbwc's. does anyone have a quick and easy solution to clean the bullet lube from the inside of the cases? Collects the dust from the tumbler media I am using. Have been currently spinning a cleaning brush in them.
Thanks Greg

 

[chief38]

.38 Special HBWC's should be pre-lubed if you are buying them from a commercial bullet caster. The lube SHOULD be pretty much burned out when the cartridge is fired and after tumbling it should be perfectly clean. If there is still some lube left, I'd suggest tumbling for a bit longer and using Lyman Green pre-treated media to tumble. I use the Lyman Green Media in a Dillon Vibratory Case Cleaner and run about 1200 cases at a time for about 3 - 4 hours. They come out as shinny and clean as can be. NO additional cleaning or brushing should be necessary at all.

 

[MasterTech1960]

I would say do not size the cases before tumbling. Clean them first, I de-prime and toss them in to tumble. l have never had any bullet lube left in the cases after firing .

 

[arjay]

I size mine after cleaning and might give them a wipe with a rag after they're assembled,if they need it.

 

[MichiganScott]

I've never considered worrying about left over bullet lube. Posts #2 and #3 hit it right on the nose. I don't even worry about any carry over on the outside of the case.

Life's too short. I'd rather be shooting.

 

[daniel lawecki]

With thousands of cast bullets down the tubes of many calibers and guns never have lube left in my cases. Shoot tumble reload repeat these steps often

 

[venomballistics]

A little warmer load might help.
Coatings entirely eliminate the issue

 

[robert1804]

I size, deprime, expand and flare handgun brass before cleaning it. The powder and lube smutz works as a sort of lubricant, making the die operations easier. Then I use sonic cleaning which gives me squeaky clean brass to reload.

 

[scooter123]

Stainless Steel Pins. Once you use this method you'll wonder why you ever did in any other way. Yeah, it really is that good.

 

[pbcaster45]

+1 For stainless steel tumbling media!

 

[Wee Hooker]

You could always run them through the dishwasher with some (non amonia containing) detergent. Suggest this method when the wife is not home.

 

[gwpercle]

Loading cast since 1967....never had a lube left inside cases problem.

Usually when the bullet goes, so does the lube. Get more on the gun than inside the cases.

Just what are you shooting ??

While the wife's out .....ain't that the truth. Or Put the cases in a mesh bag, then wash with a load of clothes , they are easier to get out the washer and dryer that way and don't make as much noise.

Gary

 

[MasterTech1960]

While the wife's out .....ain't that the truth. Or Put the cases in a mesh bag, then wash with a load of clothes , they are easier to get out the washer and dryer that way and don't make as much noise.

Gary

Better be your own clothes. This would get me strung up if she found out.

 

[McGregor]

For those who asked I'm loading for a model 52-2 using 148 gr. Hornady Hbwc's. Tumbled for 4 hrs. using Lyman TufNut media. Dust from media is stuck to inside wall of case in a thin layer. Thinking there is a film of lube left on the case from the bullets.

Never had this issue using hard cast bullets w/lube in the groove.

Going to switch to Lyman Green corncob media to see if it helps at all.

Might try wet tumble w/s.s. pins as finances allow for new equipment.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

It is a non issue..........From the gun to the tumbler to the progressive Dillon back to the gun.........Like I said....A non issue.

 

[Engineer1911]

For those who asked I'm loading for a model 52-2 using 148 gr. Hornady Hbwc's. Tumbled for 4 hrs. using Lyman TufNut media. Dust from media is stuck to inside wall of case in a thin layer. Thinking there is a film of lube left on the case from the bullets.

Never had this issue using hard cast bullets w/lube in the groove.

Going to switch to Lyman Green corncob media to see if it helps at all.

Might try wet tumble w/s.s. pins as finances allow for new equipment.

You have created a problem where none exists. There is always media "dust" inside a case and no body worries about it. Reload the brass and shoot.

 

[Rule3]

Tuff Nut media is pretty much over kill for most brass. It is very coarse and contains a lot of Red rouge which is a mess and stains. It is really for very, very dirty brass and will not shin brass very well. Corn cob media with some additive or Nu Finish car polish will work very well.

 

[Rule3]

If there is dust in your media (corn or walnut) add a few drops of mineral oil (baby oil) or Ballistoil.

Q: My media is getting quite dusty. How can I keep the dust down?
A: Add a few drops of baby oil to the media and run it to evenly distribute. Older media which is becoming dusty will indicate that the media is wearing out.

Lyman Products Your Primary Source for Reloading Equipment

 

[H Richard]

A "USED" dryer sheet in your tumbler will collect all the "dust" and keep it from your brass. Just use once in awhile, and keeps the dust cleaned out.