Winchester 6.5x55 Brass

[savageT]

I just bought a case tumbler from Cabela's (their brand) and I threw twenty Winchester 6.5x55 cases in to the corn media with polish and let 'er rip.  The instructions said first time to give it about 1 1/2 hours to clean up the brass.  So after the time, I pulled them out to inspect and  noticed the necks were still stained....so back in for another hour.  Still not clean.  Now I also had some Sellier & Bellot 6.5x55 brass in there as well, and they cleaned up totally the first hour or so.  At any rate, getting a little antsy, I got out the 4-0 steel wool and polished up the neck stains on the Winchester brass by hand.

On inspecting the necks, I could see some dark spots at the shoulder crease, which I examined w/ 4X loop.  They weren't cracks or pits, but looked for all the world like lead particles/splaches in the brass.  Has anyone experienced this on Winchester Brass before?  Not having any previous experience cleaning cartridge brass before I was hoping you could give me a clue??  Are they OK to reload?

[tominboise]

I've used a vibratory tumbler on brass for years.  I have experienced the staining you describe on various kinds of brass for years.  It's nothing to worry about, in my opinion.  A lot of time, rifle brass doesn't need tumbling, but rather just a wipe down with a paper towel.  Sometimes I will use alcohol on a paper towel to clean with.

Reasons to minimize tumbler use are 1) high concentrations of airborne particulates, particularly lead, and 2) build up of "stuff" on the inside of the case, leading to (potentially) high pressures.

So, clean and tumble as required, but don't get too concerned with having the brass bright enough to see yourself, in my opinion.

Hope this helps, Tom

[Nobade]

If it really bothers you add some Dillon case polish to the media. They'll come out looking like new. Otherwise I wouldn't worry about it too much.