So I've done a search and can't find anything relevant so I figured I'd just ask. I want to make a couple dozen dummy rounds for centerfire rifle using spent brass and new bullets. However, I'd like to color the dummy rounds so that they are easily identifiable . I'm wondering what a good method would be to blacken/dye the case and or bullet so that they stand out. I know there are some smart folks here that have been there-done that.
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Coloring brass and/or copper.
- Thread starter WeeHooker
- Start date
When I do load dev I write the drop weight on the case with an ultra fine Sharpie and it sure seems to stay on there until tumbled.
Maybe try a chisel point Sharpie.
P.S. - and I'm no expert on reloading or anything else so others may well have better ideas for you.
Hmmm, I do something similar by color coding the base of the rounds and the correlate the color to load on my load test sheet. I never really thought about coloring the entire case. I'm sure some would wear off but as long as it's visible enough to keep things safe.
One way of doing it . Works great for keeping lots of brass together, competition, etc. .
https://www.mkmachining.com/product/rifle-brass-marker/
https://www.mkmachining.com/product/rifle-brass-marker/
No Primer = Dummy Round
Sharpie or Marksalot is you want to get fancier or a color
Sharpie or Marksalot is you want to get fancier or a color
Take some old brass that is no longer suitable for reloading and soak it in either ammonia or bleach (don't remember which). One of those will discolor it to a distinguishable pink color.
Search for the correct size mechanical pencil eraser, put it in the primer pocket and cut it off flush... Homemade A-Zoom dummy round.
PS: The pencil eraser will also seal the primer pockets tight enough to check your case capacity in grains of H²O if you decide to check that.
Mike
Search for the correct size mechanical pencil eraser, put it in the primer pocket and cut it off flush... Homemade A-Zoom dummy round.
PS: The pencil eraser will also seal the primer pockets tight enough to check your case capacity in grains of H²O if you decide to check that.
Mike
Flame anneal the entire case for 15 seconds or so. Should darken it right up and make it very obvious.
You can color the bullets with a sharpie and the see the color on the target. Makes it easy to mark shots at distance for load development.
That said: if you analyze carefully you will find that the marker can throw your velocity’s off by 40 fps or so. So it’s great for broad strokes, not for fine tuning. I used to be a big proponent of the marker and not walking to the target each time to mark shots but after enough head scratching from results not matching week to week I gave it up and just use different aim points now.
When using an ultrasonic cleaner and Brass Juice, I found that if there was a piece of iron or steel in the mix (like a carbon steel screw) the brass would turn a rose pink color. I've used that to mark certain batches of brass; it lasts through several cleanings and tumblings and doesn't seem to affect integrity of the brass at all.
Rocket, does the brass black affect the brass in any way that you can tell? Do you shoot 5hem that way? Does it come off when you tumble?
Haven't shot any with the black. Just Dummies for fit checks.
Probably would mostly come off with tumbling. Comes off with a little scotchbrite.
Black, combined with colored markers in the groove and I could ID various loads.
Probably would mostly come off with tumbling. Comes off with a little scotchbrite.
Black, combined with colored markers in the groove and I could ID various loads.
