Choosing the Right Lemi Shine for Reloading Brass: A Comprehensive Guide
Reloading brass cartridges is a rewarding process, but cleaning them efficiently is crucial for consistent performance and the longevity of your equipment. Lemi Shine, known for its powerful cleaning capabilities, has become a popular choice among reloaders. However, understanding which Lemi Shine product best suits your needs is key. This guide will help you navigate the options and make an informed decision.
Understanding Lemi Shine and its Applications in Reloading
Lemi Shine isn't specifically designed for reloading brass, but its effectiveness in removing mineral deposits and grime makes it a valuable tool for cleaning cases. Its key ingredient, citric acid, gently yet effectively dissolves the residue left behind from firing, including powder fouling, primer residue, and even stubborn tarnish. This ensures cleaner, more consistent results in your reloading process.
Which Lemi Shine Product Should You Choose?
While Lemi Shine offers various products, the most relevant for brass cleaning are:
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Lemi Shine Dishwashing Detergent: This is the most readily available and generally the most cost-effective option. Its concentrated formula is perfect for soaking brass cases, effectively removing significant amounts of fouling. Simply add the recommended amount to a container of hot water, submerge your brass, and let it soak for several hours, or even overnight for heavily soiled cases.
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Lemi Shine Complete: This product tackles tough stains and minerals in a slightly different way than the dishwashing detergent. While effective, it may be unnecessary for the typical reloading brass cleaning process. The dishwashing detergent generally provides sufficient cleaning power for most applications.
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Lemi Shine for Hard Water: This option is helpful if you live in an area with particularly hard water, as it aids in preventing mineral buildup on your brass during the soaking process. However, the standard Lemi Shine dishwashing detergent often suffices unless you encounter persistent water spot issues.
Optimizing Your Lemi Shine Brass Cleaning Process
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Soaking Time: Experiment with soaking times. Heavier fouling may require overnight soaking, while lightly soiled brass might only need a few hours.
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Water Temperature: Hot water is generally more effective than cold, but avoid excessively hot water which could damage the brass.
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Ultrasonic Cleaners: Combining Lemi Shine with an ultrasonic cleaner can significantly enhance cleaning efficiency, especially for heavily soiled cases. The ultrasonic vibrations further dislodge embedded debris.
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Post-Cleaning Steps: After soaking, thoroughly rinse your brass with clean water and dry it completely. This prevents any Lemi Shine residue from affecting the reloading process.
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Brushing: Although Lemi Shine is effective on its own, using a brass cleaning brush after soaking can assist in removing any stubborn residue that remained after soaking.
Choosing the Right Approach: Cost-Effectiveness vs. Enhanced Cleaning
For most reloaders, the standard Lemi Shine dishwashing detergent offers the best balance of effectiveness and cost. Its powerful cleaning action effectively cleans the majority of brass fouling. For reloaders seeking optimal cleaning power or facing particularly stubborn residues, combining Lemi Shine with an ultrasonic cleaner provides superior results. Consider upgrading to Lemi Shine for Hard Water only if you consistently encounter persistent water spot issues after cleaning.
Ultimately, the best Lemi Shine for reloading brass depends on your specific needs and preferences. Start with the dishwashing detergent, and if you need more cleaning power, consider an ultrasonic cleaner. Experiment to find the method that yields the best results for your reloading setup and the condition of your brass cases.
