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  1. #1
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    Default How to separate brass from 'waste' in shotty shells

    I recently received a box of assorted brass for a friend. Included is a quantity of spent shotgun shells. I have no interest in reloading them, but would like to salvage the brass for my scrap bucket.

    Any suggestions on how to quickly and safely separate the brass? Sitting down with a box cutter and going to town didn't seem like a great idea.
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  2. #2
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    Default re: How to separate brass from 'waste' in shotty shells

    What if you clamp the brass in a vice, grip the plastic case with a pair of vise grips, and twist/pull until they separate? Have you tried applying heat with a heat gun, or open flame? Just throwing some ideas out there. Have you tried sulphuric acid? lol
    Last edited by bac0nfat; April 22nd, 2011 at 09:07 AM.

  3. #3
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    Default Re: How to separate brass from 'waste' in shotty shells

    Just asking, but are you sure they are brass?

    Quick and dirty method:
    Build a fire and throw them in. Plastic will burn off leaving the brass.


    Not so dirty method:
    Clamp some hull's (by the plastic part) in a vice, heat the brass with a tourch, pull the brass off the plastic hull.



    Last edited by Hawk; April 22nd, 2011 at 09:25 AM.
    Toujours prêt

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    Default Re: How to separate brass from 'waste' in shotty shells

    Greg i believe it is just brass plated, i find them rusted all the time in the woods.
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  5. #5
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    Default Re: How to separate brass from 'waste' in shotty shells

    I guess I don't know that they're actually solid brass (vs. plated). Some are nickel too. I did saw one off with a hacksaw, and saw that a significant amount of non-metal materials remained inside the metal cap.

    I guess I'll just pitch them. I don't believe them to have any significant value for sale or trade, even to someone who reloads.
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  6. #6
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    Default Re: How to separate brass from 'waste' in shotty shells

    Quote Originally Posted by gnbrotz View Post
    I guess I don't know that they're actually solid brass (vs. plated). Some are nickel too. I did saw one off with a hacksaw, and saw that a significant amount of non-metal materials remained inside the metal cap.

    I guess I'll just pitch them. I don't believe them to have any significant value for sale or trade, even to someone who reloads.
    Can't you keep them whole and make Christmas lights out of them?

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