HELP.............2 questions about ultra sonic case cleaning

[Topside]

I've just looked at a thread here on the subject and I've been to the suggested site
http://www.6mmbr.com/ultrasonic.html

2 questions.

Where does a guy buy a beaker?

Pictures on the above site show the cases in the beaker sitting on end.
Anybody know how effective the cleaning is if the cases lie on their sides? THANKS.

T.

[Richard]

Just checked, Amazon.com has them, search for glass beakers http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_c_ ... ss+beakers. Don't know how effective the process is, I've seen positive reviews and some 'skeptics' as we all are with anything unknown first hand. (I didn't think Hornady would invest so much without testing, their name is on the product.) Ultrasonic cleaning has been around for decades, just not for cartridges as far as I know. My cleaner is on the way and I'm going to try this individuals process. I did buy the Stainless Hornady for increased capacity and better timer control. We'll see!

[bdhold]

glass beakers will scratch/erode your brass.
I recommend using aluminum pans - the kind you can get at the grocery store.
TX PE No. 75665

[Topside]

Thanks for the replies. Yesterday I trekked off to Harbor Freight and bought me one of the small ultrasonic cleaner machines ($40). Took it home, re-read the http://www.6mmbr.com/ultrasonic.html article again and tried it out. I poured in 4 oz of white vinegar, 4 oz of distilled water, & a couple drops of dish detergent.

I put in 45 Colt cases and some 38 spl. cases (deprimed) in both brass & nickel. I ran the machine for a total of 12 min. (or 4 3 min. cycles). Did not have/use a beaker, just the plastic basket that came with the machine.

Rinsed'em in fresh water, blew'em out with compressed air and guess what? I'm hooked. I was very happy with the results. I expect I'll improve on my "cocktail" some and I'll learn more as I do more, but if I never improve on my method, I'm dazzled.

If I were able to do more shooting I'd already be thinking about getting a bigger machine, but this little unit http://www.harborfreight.com/ultrasonic ... -3305.html is fine while I'm learning. Today I'm gonna do some 45 ACP cases that are really grimy.

Appreciate any comments, and I'll share as I learn.

T.

[Hoosierdaddy]

Try using "Top Job" cleaner, half cleaner and half water. Cleans fast, lasts a long time.
Hoosierdaddy

[Topside]

Try using "Top Job" cleaner, half cleaner and half water. Cleans fast, lasts a long time.
Hoosierdaddy

Thanks, you recommend distilled water with the Top Job or is plain ok?


T.

[Hoosierdaddy]

Try using "Top Job" cleaner, half cleaner and half water. Cleans fast, lasts a long time.
Hoosierdaddy

Thanks, you recommend distilled water with the Top Job or is plain ok?


T.

Plain old tap water seems to work just fine. Never tried distilled.
Hoosierdaddy

[El Chivo]

Yesterday I trekked off to Harbor Freight and bought me one of the small ultrasonic cleaner machines ($40).

I didn't know they were getting that cheap. We use them to clean eyeglass frames and they're generally $200-300 and very small.

I would rather use one to save on noise and aggravation.

[Richard]

Sooo, you put primed and unprimed in the cleaner? How were the inside of the cartridges, deep at the bottem, clean? And just a single cleaning, the length of which you specified?

[Topside]

Here's my advice based on a week's experience with ultra sonic cleaning.

Decap the brass using something like a Lee decapping die. Two reasons for this are, now the primer pocket will get nice and clean, and I like the outside of the case cleaned before it goes through the carbide sizing die later.

I use a mixture of half white vinegar and half distilled water, and a drop or two of dish washing liquid. These liquids are just room temp.

Drop the cases in and stir a little to remove air inside the cases. Then I run the machine for three or four 3 min. cycles. I stir'em a little between cycles.

Then I rinse the brass in cold tap water, blow the cases out with compressed air which gets rid of 99% of the water. Last, I put'em in the oven at only about 175 degrees for about 10 min. That's it.

My previously dirty 45 colt brass cases come out very clean even at the deep inside bottom and primer pocket.

If you do a lot of shooting, I think you'll want a bigger more expensive machine. I bought my little one at the local Harbor Freight store, and I spent an additional 5 or 6 bucks on warranty (for 15 months I think) that allows me to exchange it if it quits on me.

The above works for me. I've not done any experimenting. As I hear from others more experienced, I'll experiment some, but this works great for my straight walled pistol cases. Have not tried any other kinds of cases.

T.