First thanks to everyone for answering all my questions. I'm new to reloading and your input has been just great. Next question pertains to using a polishing compound added to the media. walnut in my case. Does the media need tossed after 1 use or will it remain good for a few more ?
Polishing brass question
- Thread starter Ricks2524
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It's good for a while. You can tell when it starts looking dirty. I reloaded for years without doing any polishing but recently started doing it. The cases do come out nice and shiny. I use ground corn cob but I heard that lizard bedding from a pet store is a real cheap way to go. I add a bit of car polish to the mix and it provides additional shine. Still, it's just another step that I really don't think is absolutely necessary. Shiny does look good though.
I use walnut media, and it can be used for Long periods of time. I add a capfull of Rooster brass cleaner/polish about every other use. There are numerous brands that are just as good. Just be sure to put it in and run the tumbler to get it well mixed in before adding any brass. Another hint is to use a "USED" dryer sheet which will collect any dust from the media. This keeps the media cleaner. I have run many thousands of rounds through mine before replacing. When you no longer get your brass clean to your liking, then replace.
indie_rocker
US Veteran
I've used the same walnut media for over a year. You should get more than one use out of it friend... I put a cap full of mineral spirits in every now and then, makes for a nice shine. Just make sure you run your tumbler to mix it up really good before you add your brass, otherwise it'll make a mess on the inside of some cases.
To greatly prolong the life of media I use dryer sheets. Cut them up into strips and add with your brass. When you sift your brass/media, throw away the dryer sheets but take notice how nasty they've become!
Media is inexpensive to replace. Pet supplies store has it for much less than a reloading supplies store. They call it lizard bedding. I haven't had to buy any, as I'm still using the 5lb jug that I purchased through Midway last year (pre enlightenment, lol).
To greatly prolong the life of media I use dryer sheets. Cut them up into strips and add with your brass. When you sift your brass/media, throw away the dryer sheets but take notice how nasty they've become!
Media is inexpensive to replace. Pet supplies store has it for much less than a reloading supplies store. They call it lizard bedding. I haven't had to buy any, as I'm still using the 5lb jug that I purchased through Midway last year (pre enlightenment, lol).
robertrwalsh
SWCA Member
I use walnut, it is easy to get and cheap around here. I also use a polishing compound (lately Dillon). I only replace the stuff when it quits working. Note, do NOT put new polishing compound in when you are actually cleaning brass. It will lead to massive jamming of the media inside the shell cases (found that out the hard way). Put it in when there is only media in the tub and run it a bit to spread the stuff around. I never tried the dryer sheet thing mentioned above but is sounds like a good idea.
I got 21# of Walnut at Petsmart for $14.95 if anyones interested. Its used as reptile bedding. Thanks
Before I switched to wet stainless pins for cleaning, I keep a log when tumbling and found that after about 25 cleanings, corn cob media started to degrade and not be effective. Figure a little less if you are reloading rifle and use the tumbler to remove case lube.
fredj338
Member
When it starts to take longer to polish, the media has degraded. Ou also don need to add polish ever time. You Also need very little polish, a tsp is plenty.
gwpercle
Member
You can polish a lot of brass with it. Tip: start out with walnut shell media that is treated when you buy it. It will have a dark red color, that is brass polishing rouge. If using untreated hulls , it will clean but not put that bright shine on brass. For that you have add the required amount of polishing liquid like Rooster Labs Rooster Bright.
I find it cheaper to buy treated media and when it starts losing it's shine ability to add Rooster Bright . You don't have to add it each time but just add it when it needs a boot.
Gary
I find it cheaper to buy treated media and when it starts losing it's shine ability to add Rooster Bright . You don't have to add it each time but just add it when it needs a boot.
Gary
old&slow
Member
I've tried a few different things over the years for cleaning brass.
Currently, I'm using lizard litter ( crushed walnut hulls) ,, Nu-Finish car wax and odorless mineral spirits ( 50/50).
A couple cap full of the 50/50 ,, vibrate for about 10 mins. then add the brass for 1 to 4 hours depending on how dirty the brass is ,,, and when I remember to stop it.
Currently, I'm using lizard litter ( crushed walnut hulls) ,, Nu-Finish car wax and odorless mineral spirits ( 50/50).
A couple cap full of the 50/50 ,, vibrate for about 10 mins. then add the brass for 1 to 4 hours depending on how dirty the brass is ,,, and when I remember to stop it.
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S&WIowegan
US Veteran
I do initial cleaning of dirty brass with a mixture of corn cobs, walnut hulls, little plastic bits, and polishing rouge. After all the major dirt is off, I transfer the cases to corncob media with a dryer sheet(used) and a bit of Nufinish polish. You get shiny brass which also goes through the sizing die easier due to the wax. Been doing this for years.
Lou_NC
Member
Just curious, what's the purpose of adding mineral spirits to walnut media? I understand the polish, but the mineral spirits doesn't "compute".
Thanks,
Lou
Thanks,
Lou
I use corncobs and add a bit of Turtle Wax every now and then. You need to remember that you are collecting some nasty and unhealthy heavy metals in your media. When you remove the lid or separate the media from the brass, you can breath this in. Media is cheap, so discard when it gets dirty.
There is no "purpose" to add just mineral spirits. By it's self it does nothing.
The mineral spirts is to thin out a polish such a Nu Finish car polish. The car polish is sometime to thick so you thin it out. It also may dry out so adding a splash of MS will kind reactivate,
Like old and slow mention he mixes it 50:50.
I do the same and laso mix corn and walnut 50:50 I get it in 40lb bags,
Change it often. It's cheap and works much better when no clogged up with a years worth of cleaning.
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tomf52
Member
20/40 screen size ground corn cob can be had at Grainger's and other industrial supply houses cheap. Last bag I bought was about $17 for forty pounds. Lasts forever, particularly if you wash your brass first with a citric acid -dish detergent mix before tumbling.20/40 size corn cob is a little finer than what is found most other places and is small enough it does't get stuck in case flash holes and primer pockets.
I use walnut with a table spoon of Brasso. The media lasts a long time. I add another teaspoon or so of Brasso about every other run. I think the walnut lasts a lot longer than the corn cob.
mule69
US Veteran
I put a cap full of Nu Finish car polish in the media. The brass sparkles like my Ram truck.
indie_rocker
US Veteran
Mineral spirits is what I use exclusively for polish. All I can say is try it. My brass runs through my sizing die like butter and has a beautiful shine to it.
elpac3
Member
All good suggestions.
I would be very hesitant to use Brasso as it contains ammonia hydroxide which will cause stress corrosion cracking in brass.
I would be very hesitant to use Brasso as it contains ammonia hydroxide which will cause stress corrosion cracking in brass.
S&WIowegan
US Veteran
When I first got started handloading the cautions against using Brasso were quite common. I don't use Brasso for that reason, but the problem is really very minor if one does not leave the brass in the media for an extended period(something I have done forgetfully).
