Ultra Sonic case cleaner

[dee]

So I decided to give this a try and see just how effective it really is. I purchased the cheap harbor freight unit for $20, I feel the $50 unit with the heater would have probably worked better but I was to cheap. Only downside I have found is the cleaning function will only run 3 minutes then shutoff, I've found a minimum of three runs is typically needed and is what I run before checking. Here is a picture of the unit that I purchased.

I used the Hornady cleaning solution, it is green kinda like dawn dish soap and has an odd distinct odor. Instead of measuring it out to the ounces per ounces of distilled water I just winged it and it seemed ok.

I snagged up some of my M2 brass (30-06) that I have and sized/deprimed them and snapped some pics of before and after. The primer pockets were pretty nasty going in and the outside was tarnished a bit. The pics of the cases on the sides are not the greatest due to lack of light but it was good enough for me.


Some of the cases came out damn clean on the first set of cycles and a few required a few more runs. I was pretty impressed with how the pockets got so clean and that the exterior was cleaned a good bit more than I expected.


Seems to work fairly well for what it is, I love the clean pockets and might purchase the larger unit that has the heater to accompany the tumbler I typically use.

[dieselgeek]

Damn, my pockets are never that clean, but I think I toss in more bass. They get clean enough. I have the Hornady 2L I got it for $99 and it runs for 30 seconds. I'll let it run for on hour, and then leave them to soak, let them dry real quick and throw them in the tumbler. They come out pretty nice.

[dee]

I could fit 20-25 cases in this model, I don't mind it since all my stuff is in a the house I just walk by and hit the button. I might mix the solution on the strong side, that could be the reason the pockets get that clean. I've left some really tarnished brass in overnight and it was funny looking when they came out but they were clean.

[dieselgeek]

Yeah, they will look all funny if left overnight, but that's why I tumble them after and it takes care of that.

[dee]

I noticed on some 243 brass the other nite that Hornady must use some crazy Primers cause they take a long while to clean and some still required a brush.

[dee]

Here are the Damn Hornady/Frontier brass after the 3 cycles. I don't know what they use in their factory ammo but it is some potent shit, most other brands I have are pretty much clean by three cycles.

[dieselgeek]

That's what mine look like w/ FGMM primers.

[dee]

I use federal LRP in a few calibers that leave similar marks but it comes out pretty good. The Winchester Primers I use in my 7mm don't mark that bad but they burn a lot hotter than federal primers.

You like the match Primers better? I used them couldn't tell a difference same to similar spread/ deviation.

[motoman]

Guess this answers my question as to how well the sonic cleaners work on a short time schedule. Think I'll stick to a tumbler.

[dee]

Guess this answers my question as to how well the sonic cleaners work on a short time schedule. Think I'll stick to a tumbler.

I use both now the ultra gets the inside and pockets far cleaner than any tumbler media does at a faster rate. The tumbler will take 45 minutes minimum usually where as the 06 brass above took less than 20 but you have to be close to turn it on. Stainless tumblers seem to do both pretty good but cheapest option I have found is a little over $200 and I'm to cheap for that.

[motoman]

I use both now the ultra gets the inside and pockets far cleaner than any tumbler media does at a faster rate. The tumbler will take 45 minutes minimum usually where as the 06 brass above took less than 20 but you have to be close to turn it on. Stainless tumblers seem to do both pretty good but cheapest option I have found is a little over $200 and I'm to cheap for that.

Wonder why all the sonic cleaners have short cycles if you have to run them for several cycles to get them really clean. Maybe I'm just picky but I like my brass to shine, so I typically tumble for at least an hour. I like the "set it and forget it" method.

[dee]

Wonder why all the sonic cleaners have short cycles if you have to run them for several cycles to get them really clean. Maybe I'm just picky but I like my brass to shine, so I typically tumble for at least an hour. I like the "set it and forget it" method.

I'm not overly picky on shine but the inside and pockets is a huge plus and will keep things more consistent in burn, since the flash holes are kept unobstructed. I don't like the short cycles either but don't mind it that much, as I usually clean while loading or messing other caliber stuff.

[GSXRK5]

For $20 you can't go wrong! I think. I use a tumbler and it cleans up well just the pockets are never that clean. Plus after I'm done tumbling I have to wipe off every case due to dust on the brass.

[dee]

Dump some polish in the tumbler with the brass, also if the tumbler top isn't sealed a dryer sheet will cut the dust down some as well.

[bronco71]

I have an ultrasonic unit I use to clean M/C carbs and other small parts, I'll have to give it a try! It has a heater and multiple time settings and a decent sized basket....