Blackpowder case cleaning

[jmauser]

I was wondering what methods folks here use for the care and cleaning of cases when using blackpowder.

[Dand]

Seems like I recently read about using ceramic media in a case vibrator or tumbler - maybe Hand Loader or Rifle Magazines about November or so.   Don't do black powder myself but the ceramic media title sure caught my eye.  Seems like the author loved the new system.

[leverfan]

Seems like I recently read about using ceramic media in a case vibrator or tumbler - maybe Hand Loader or Rifle Magazines about November or so.   Don't do black powder myself but the ceramic media title sure caught my eye.  Seems like the author loved the new system.

It does seem to do a good job.  You need a tumbler that can handle wet media to use this stuff, and the size of the ceramic media might make it work best in large bore, and/or straight cases.

I just put my cases into a jug of soapy water after shooting black powder.  Shake it up really well, to get rid of the bulk of the fouling.  Give the inside of the case a quick scrub with a small brush with more soapy water.  It helps if you run them through a universal decapper before cleaning starts, so that the primer pockets get a little cleaner, too.

When the scrubbing is done, rinse them in hot water, and let most of the water evaporate off.  Then, I throw them into the case tumbler, mainly to finish drying them.  This method works to preserve your case and prevent corrosion, but it won't stop the brass from getting stained.  The ceramic media polishes the stain off, so the cases look nicer.  You're still supposed to rinse the cases before using the ceramic stuff, and you have to use a cleaning additive with it.  

With the cost of getting a wet/dry tumbler, media, and cleaning solution, I'd be pretty close to the cost of a new gun, so my brass will stay dingy looking.  

I have tried a quick dip in vinegar, and it cleans stained brass very quickly.  As with the ceramic media, you're really removing a little bit of the outer layer from your brass, and the stain goes with it.  It takes less than one minute to shine up brass in vinegar, and I wouldn't leave it any longer than 30-40 seconds.  Rinse very well afterwards, dry the cases in front of a fan (I don't like putting mine in the oven), and voila, shiny cases.

[Redhawk1]

leverfan, I do the same thing.
I just put my cases into a jug of soapy water while I am shooting black powder. I leave it sitting in there tell I get home from shooting. Give the inside of the case a quick scrub with a small brush with more soapy water. I put them in the oven for about 5 minutes to dry them. I run them through a universal decapper and then I throw them into the case tumbler. I clean the primer pockets after I pull them out of the tumbler. When using black powder I do not resize the cases I just load them and put a mild crimp to hold bullet in place. (Fire formed).  

[Kodiak]

Do what leverfan said and you'll have really clean cases. I have been shooting black-powder in my 45/90 for about 3 years, and the cases sure get filthy inside, but doing a cleaning job as has been described, will clean 'em up just fine. Good luck,

[Lawdog]

I too do about the same thing as 'leverfan' does with my .45-110 and .50-90 Win. brass.  I once figured that the dishwasher should work nicely but unless your wife is the tolerant type(mine isn't) I wouldn't suggest you try it.  Lawdog
 

[leverfan]

I too do about the same thing as 'leverfan' does with my .45-110 and .50-90 Win. brass.  I once figured that the dishwasher should work nicely but unless your wife is the tolerant type(mine isn't) I wouldn't suggest you try it.  Lawdog
 

Yeah, I thought about borrowing the mesh laundry bag that my wife uses to protect delicate clothing in the washer, and then throw the cases into it and wash on Heavy Duty/hot/hot, small load.  When I suggested that, it flew about like a lead balloon.

[msdh]

i've never shot anything out of my Shiloh but blackpowder and cast bullets. i knew right away I had to find a quicker way to clean these cases.  I was hesitant because of the price too.  I bought a Thmblers tumbler and ceramic media kit from cabelas all total about 170 bucks.  Best investment I made. Cleaning cases couldn't be easier.  Decap them , throw them in a bucket of hot water and swish them around a bit.  Put them in the tumbler with some water.  i've cleaned them with and without the ceramic additive.  I see no difference.
2 hours later clean cases. I want to spend my time shooting not brushing out cases.

[boilerman]

2 oz. of tidy-bowl and 1/2 gallon of warm water in a 5-gallon bucket,swirl for 15 minetes and rinse with warm water.May sound OD, but it works.Try it,Boilerman

[jmauser]

Thanks for all the help, my .500 bpe will be very happy to have nice clean brass.

[Blackhawk44]

Leverfan- STRONG ADVICE: be sure to have nice weather outside and your best sleeping bag handy if you ever get the urge to actually turn that washer and dryer ON !!  Been there-done that!  Get therapy.  Get over it.