How to Clean Rifle Cases
Reloading rifle ammunition involves using previously fired brass cases. These previously fired rifle cases need to be cleaned before they are reloaded with powder and lead. Cases are easily cleaned using case tumblers, which utilize semi-abrasive media to gently clean and polish both the inside and outside of the rifle cases. Case tumblers are available in different sizes, and the choice of which case tumbler to use depends on the quantity of cases you will be cleaning.
Things You'll Need
- Case tumbler
- Pre-treated case-cleaning media
- Brass polish additive
- Colander
- Soft cloth
- Storage container
- Pen or marker
Instructions
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1
Place the case tumbler on a stable surface, away from any combustible materials such as gunpowder. A concrete floor is ideal.
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2
Fill the case tumbler with pre-treated case-cleaning media following the manufacturer's recommendations. Most rifle brass can be cleaned with a corn-cob medium, but a ground nutshell medium might be required if your rifle brass is very dirty or tarnished.
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3
Add a brass polish additive, if desired. The cleaning media will clean the cases sufficiently for reloading, but a brass polish additive will make the cases look like new. Use only brass polish additives made for case tumblers, and follow the manufacturer's directions.
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4
Place the de-primed rifle cases in the case tumbler. The caliber of the rifle cases will affect how many cases can be loaded into the tumbler at one time. Consult the manufacturer's recommendations to determine the case quantity.
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Put the case tumbler's cover in place, if required, and turn it on. Some case tumblers can be safely operated with or without the cover. Case tumblers will need about two to four hours to clean the cases.
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Remove the rifle cases when cleaning is complete. Place the cases in a colander, and shake the colander gently to separate excess cleaning media from the cases.
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Tap each rifle case, mouth down, to knock out any cleaning media from inside of the case. Check the primer flash holes to make sure there is not any cleaning media lodged in the hole.
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Wipe the rifle cases with a soft cloth to remove residual cleaning media dust. Inspect the cases, and discard any that are cracked, dented, or otherwise flawed. Store the clean rifle cases in a sealed container, marking the container with the brand and caliber of the cases.
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Tips & Warnings
Never attempt to clean live ammunition or primed cases.
Never substitute other cleaning agents for ones specifically made for case tumblers.
