steel wool on brass

[C.J]

i just started reloading for a .300 win and dont have a tumbler so i was wondering if i could use 0000 fine steel wool to clean up the cases then wipe them off with a cloth before resizing

[ricciardelli]

Sure...

[Castaway]

I'd suggest getting a gallon jug, putting in a little Mr. Clean or other detergent, brass and a whole lot of water.  Shake like no tomorrow, let it soak, rinse, dry and load.  Brass doesn't have to be shiny, just clean to keep from buggering up your dies.  I've a buddy that's a High Master and he doesn't own a tumbler, he uses the routine above.  If you want to polish it and can't get a tumbler, get a coffee can, fill it up with rice and your brass and drive it around in the back of you truck for a week.  At one point in my life, I shook the can while watching TV and aggravated my wife all to you know what.

[Questor]

Another option is to skip the steel wool and just wipe them with a damp cloth. That will do enough. I don't think you need a tumbler unless you're getting into high volume shooting.  I own a tumber, but don't use it for rifle brass-- no need to unless the stuff is filthy internally.  

Since  you'll be handling them, you can check for defects visually.  One thing I find handy is to take a piece of wire-- like paperclip wire-- and straighten it out as best I can. Then bend a short L into it. I then scratch the inside of the cases feeling for signs of case head separation (the inside wall has a groove in it).

[hogship]

I have a tumbler and almost always use it for cleaning and polishing brass. I seldom do less than 50 cases at a time.

Occasionally, I have one, or a couple of cases that I wish to reload, but don't want to run the tumbler for such a small number of cases. At these times, I simply use a piece of Scotch Brite abrasive pot cleaning pad to remove any residue on the case before resizing. I use it dry and wipe with a paper towel prior to lubing and brushing the inside of the neck.

I suppose if I didn't already have a tumbler, I'd use the Scotch Brite pad more often.....it does work well for small numbers of cases. It cleans the case, and depending on how much elbow grease you're willing to invest, a reasonable shine can be had too.

hog

[Rmouleart]

I recommend wiping the outside with a cloth and brushing the inside as well,this is important to protect your die's from getting scratched from grit.
Aim Small hit small. RAMbo.

[Donna]

Been there, done that. The above posts are all said well and done but the tumbler is the way to go with the media from Sinclair International. This media will polish and shine the brass better than new and it will last quite along time. If the stains are a problem then use the Iosso case cleaner before the media. But just to make sure the cases are dirt free is not enough. Look at cases that are 10 years old or less, wiping them down wont work. There is tarnish, oil, dirt, and grime all this can and will scratch and mare the chamber. You don’t have to be anal retentive but clean cases means bright cases.

Donna

[C.J]

thanks for all the advise i have just started case prep the cases were fairly dirty cause they were once fired factory rds that i saved so i tried just giving them a brush with the steel wool and then paper towel and they cleaned right up only had 20 or so but if i were doing anymore id probably consider another method so thanks for all the great ideas also did use a paper clip to feel the inside of cases worked great thanks

[Flash]

Also, you may want to try Ketchup and Vinegar mixed as a solution and soak the cases for about an hour or two. You'll be surprised!!!!!!!!!