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noylj · November 24, 2011, 01:48 AM

First, all you need to do is wipe off the exterior. Anything beyond that is done for ease or some OCD reason.
I find that 30 minutes in a tumbler with 20/40 grit corn is more than sufficient.
If you're really worried about the soot inside the case (which helps lube the case neck when expanding and seating the bullet), then you need to consider a ultrasonic or wet tumbling. Since you are also concerned about the case mouth, only an ultrasonic could possibly please you.
I think that the Kendal ultrasonic cleaner at $79.90 on Amazon would be a winner.
This appears to be identical to the Lyman Turbo Sonic Ultrasonic Case Cleaner, which Midway USA has for $95.
You will want to use hot water and dish-washing detergent (Dawn) and LimiShine or other citric acid product. Not sure if vinegar works as well. This will produce a tank of very dirty water in 30 minutes and will almost completely clean all your cases in 60 minutes (time varies by power of ultrasonic transducer).
The solution needs to be changed when it is very dirty and it will almost certainly be too dirty after just one load of cases.
You can also simply place the cases in the solution and let them soak over night and you will not need to buy an ultrasonic cleaner.
Of course, you could also try a gallon of carburetor cleaner. Simply dump the cases into the basket and lower the cases and pump them up and down a few times.
Just remember, all you NEED to do is wipe off the outside of the case. This exposes the case to no chemicals or any other environmental damage.

November 24, 2011, 01:48 AM	#6
noylj Senior Member Join Date: October 21, 2007 Location: Between CA and NM Posts: 858	First, all you need to do is wipe off the exterior. Anything beyond that is done for ease or some OCD reason. I find that 30 minutes in a tumbler with 20/40 grit corn is more than sufficient. If you're really worried about the soot inside the case (which helps lube the case neck when expanding and seating the bullet), then you need to consider a ultrasonic or wet tumbling. Since you are also concerned about the case mouth, only an ultrasonic could possibly please you. I think that the Kendal ultrasonic cleaner at $79.90 on Amazon would be a winner. This appears to be identical to the Lyman Turbo Sonic Ultrasonic Case Cleaner, which Midway USA has for $95. You will want to use hot water and dish-washing detergent (Dawn) and LimiShine or other citric acid product. Not sure if vinegar works as well. This will produce a tank of very dirty water in 30 minutes and will almost completely clean all your cases in 60 minutes (time varies by power of ultrasonic transducer). The solution needs to be changed when it is very dirty and it will almost certainly be too dirty after just one load of cases. You can also simply place the cases in the solution and let them soak over night and you will not need to buy an ultrasonic cleaner. Of course, you could also try a gallon of carburetor cleaner. Simply dump the cases into the basket and lower the cases and pump them up and down a few times. Just remember, all you NEED to do is wipe off the outside of the case. This exposes the case to no chemicals or any other environmental damage.