How to Clean Reloading Brass

Clean, unpolished brass case ready for reloading

Fired brass cases must be cleaned before reloading because dirty brass can cause jamming, bending or distortions within the reloading dies. Shiny, polished brass is not necessary, but cases must be free of dirt, grease and oil before you begin to reload. Hand cleaning brass cases also provides a good opportunity to visually check each case for damage to ensure safe reloading.

Things You'll Need

• 2 buckets
• Liquid dish washing detergent
• Small bottle brush
• Toothbrush
• Towels

Instructions

1. Mix 2 tbsp. of liquid dish washing detergent to 1 gallon of warm water in a large bucket. Fill a second bucket with clean water.

2. Sort the brass cases by type and size. Shake out any lose dirt from the case and discard any cases with split walls or deformed bodies.

3. Place the dirty brass cases into the bucket of water containing the dish washing detergent. Do not fill the bucket with brass above 3/4 full. Allow the brass to soak for 10 minutes.

4. Remove each case from the bucket of detergent and water and use a bottle brush to thoroughly clean the inside of each case. Use a toothbrush to clean the outside of each case. Ensure that all dirt, grease and oil has been removed.

5. Place the cleaned brass cases in the bucket of clean water while you continue to clean the remaining cases. When you have finished cleaning all the cases, pour out the water from the bucket containing the cleaned brass cases and refill with clean water and rinse.

6. Hand dry each brass case with a clean towel as you remove them from the rinse bucket. Check each case to ensure that it is clean and free from dirt, grease and oil. Place all hand dried brass cases on a towel and allow to air-dry for 45 minutes.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep an eye out for dented, bulging or damaged cases during the cleaning process and discard them.

• Make sure that all cleaned brass cases are dry and free of moisture before reloading.

References

• "The Complete Book of Practical Handloading"; John Wooters; 1976
• "Speer Reloading Manual Number 13"; Blount Inc.; 2001
• "Speer Reloading Manual Number 7"; Blount Inc.; 1979

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish