Ultrasonic Cleaning & Primers

[DamnYuppie]

I am brand new to reloading. Having done due diligence I went and purchased all of my gear. Now that I have it though I have a small dilemma.

I have a RCBS Rock Chucker, the dies I have do the de-priming as part of the resizing. The manual says it is best to clean the brass before doing this. I have an Ultrasonic cleaner that I was going to run the brass through first but another manual says not to put brass into the ultrasonic cleaner if it has its primer in it. These two points seem to be in conflict with one another. Does anyone know if there are any issues with cleaning brass in an ultrasonic cleaner if it isn't de-primed?

My plan was to go ahead and clean them, then resize/deprime, and then clean them again. Is this a viable plan?

Thanks,
Brian

 

[RoosterShooter]

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaning & Primers

If it were me, I would get a Lee Depriming Die. They are fairly inexpensive, and do not size the brass while depriming.

I wouldn't run primed brass through an ultrasonic cleaner, as the debris from the primers will dirty up your solution prematurely.

So to clarify ...

I would deprime with a Lee Depriming Die, Clean and Dry, and then size and prime.

 

[jnesto]

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaning & Primers

Forget it ultrasonic Cleaning, check this out:

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=1513345&nt=38&page=1

THE best way to clean your brass.

 

[DocB]

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaning & Primers

Brian,

I'll second RoosterShooter. The Lee de-capping set will set you back about $5. If you can find some open bottom pistol cartridge holders, they will work well to hold the cases in the US solution. BWC case cleaner works well my US cleaner, especially if warmed up and with a little bit of Dawn in the solution.

HTH,
DocB

 

[RoosterShooter]

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaning & Primers

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: DocB</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Brian,

I'll second RoosterShooter. The Lee de-capping set will set you back about $5. If you can find some open bottom pistol cartridge holders, they will work well to hold the cases in the US solution. BWC case cleaner works well my US cleaner, especially if warmed up and with a little bit of Dawn in the solution.

HTH,
DocB </div></div>

I hadn't thought of that. You learn something new every day. Thanks for the tip Doc.

 

[vman]

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaning & Primers

You can clean it with or without the primer it doesnt matter.

I have the Lee Decapper and use it all the time. Its the cheapest die i own and the one that see the most use.

 

[DocB]

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaning & Primers

RS,

When you get back, you are welcome.

vman,

Makes a big difference in my experience. Better off removing primers, don't have to clean pockets, and then US cleaning.

Have fun,
DocB

 

[InTheWeeds]

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaning & Primers

I usually run the de-capping pin as far down as I can and take the neck bushing out. That way no resizing is done during de-priming.
The reason you dont want to clean with the primers in is the residue left over from the primers will tarnish the brass if you dont rinse them well. You can also weaken the primer cup which can cause the de-capping pin to pierce the primer and then you'll have a hell of a time trying to remove the primer.

 

[aquinas]

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaning & Primers

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: RoosterShooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If it were me, I would get a Lee Depriming Die. They are fairly inexpensive, and do not size the brass while depriming.

I wouldn't run primed brass through an ultrasonic cleaner, as the debris from the primers will dirty up your solution prematurely.

So to clarify ...

I would deprime with a Lee Depriming Die, Clean and Dry, and then size and prime. </div></div>

Press run dies to decap are slow, slow, slow. Get a Wilson base and punch.

 

[gunsnjeeps]

Re: Ultrasonic Cleaning & Primers

Alternate solution to problem. Tumble brass to remove debris, spray lube (alcohol and lanolin), size and deprime (one step), then ultrasonic to clean and remove lube. Rinse well and dry. Various dryying methods work, my favorite is to shake brass in a towel to get loose water off then put a brass sheet out on the picnic table to air dry in the sun. A brass sheet is cleverly disguised as a cookie sheet at Walmart and other fine department stores.