Looking for ultrasonic cleaning solution recommendations.

Travis Bertrand

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As the title states, what does everyone use for brass? Steel,stainless steel?




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gbflyer

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I have one of those. It’s ok but I have better luck with a vibratory with walnut shell. I dump a little Brasso in too. Run it overnight, cases like new and don’t have to dry the water out of them.
 
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Travis Bertrand

Travis Bertrand

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Looks like clean and shiny is the way to go for brass.

How about steel?


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Travis Bertrand

Travis Bertrand

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I use the clean and shiny method in this article, which works good. http://www.6mmbr.com/ultrasonic.html

Question, do you reuse your Birchwood Casey cleaner solution? I just picked some up and was reading the instructions and it says it is reusable. A small bottle also doesn’t make a whole lot.


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Travis Bertrand

Travis Bertrand

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I have no clue how old that article is but I know I have done the clean and shiny method for years and years from it. Great way to do it - my only change is that I load the brass in the container neck down so as any dirt crud falls down and out.

Same question to you as above post.


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Travis Bertrand

Travis Bertrand

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I've been trying to get these puppies clean all day! First pic is before cleaning, the rest are after cleaning. It liked baked on the black around the necks. I just threw them in the tumbler to see if I can get that crud off. The inside of the cases are super clean!
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Neverenoughhntn

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Ultrasonic is a PITA, but it appeases my OCD. I don’t care about shiny brass, I just want a thorough clean. (I haven’t tried stainless, but have always been curious. Although, I’ve wondered if it would harden the brass?) ... anyways, I use 1-2 tablespoons of anhydrous citric acid (buy it on amazon. I think it’s from DUDA Energy) ... and a couple drops of dish soap. I start by standing the cases on end (primer pocket down) for a cycle, then lay the cases on their side with the case necks over the transducer for a cycle.
... I’m running a RCBS, and need to upgrade. Cases that sit on top of the transducer clean up quickly, but those that sit off to the side of the transducer take FOREVER.... so I have started running smaller batches (25 cases at a time) and periodically rotate them so they all get time in the sweet spot.

... hopefully that makes sense?
 

deadwolf

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After 6 hours in the tumbler with polishing agent


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I haven’t used the ultrasonic before, but I have tried the stainless steel media with the soapy solution and it worked really good, getting the inside nice and clean as well as the primer pockets.

However, I have since gone back to just a regular vibratory tumbler due to the amount of time it takes to do the wet media tumble. I hated having to dry my brass in the oven and then was always a bit nervous about if all moisture was out of the inside of the case. And then I would have to dry the media as well.

Went back to vibratory so I can just tumble and load!


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Adding vinegar in the ultrasonic will help with cleaning quite a bit.

You just have to then rinse it with some water/baking soda to neutralize the vinegar or it will leave a tarnished looked.

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Billinsd

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Question, do you reuse your Birchwood Casey cleaner solution? I just picked some up and was reading the instructions and it says it is reusable. A small bottle also doesn’t make a whole lot.


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No, I haven't. I don't reload large numbers of cartridges, so I use it once.
 

PA Hunter

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My ultrasonic never worked that great I bought a harbor freight rock tumbler and stainless steel pins. I put in lemishine and couple drops dawn with warm water. In 2 hours perfect brass in and out primer pockets perfect just rinse and let air dry.
 
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