Ketchup as a brass cleaner?

[mikepro8]

So, Im running an experiment.
I just got into the wide world of reloading, at the worst time imaginable. I have been easing my way into it, buying what I need when I need it.

I have been collecting my brass for years, knowing someday I would reload.
I bought a press and a decapper die and recently got all my primers popped.

The thing is, some of my brass isnt anywhere near shiny. Downright BLACK, a few pieces. Even after hours in the tumbler, nothing. No progress. So, I call my mother who lives next door to see if she has any Brasso that I can maybe clean the brass with. Nope. She asked what I needed it for I told her cleaning brass. She suggested.... KETCHUP!

Aparently, she uses ketchup from time to time to clean the bottom of her copper-bottomed cookware. Coat it in ketchup for a while, then come back and rub it a bit, and presto!

So, I grabbed a few pieces of .223 brass, some of which I am SURE weathered over on my range then I found and threw into the brass pile that are NASTY.

I have them soaking in a small bowl filled with ketchup.

Any takers as to wether or not a ketchup bath will bring the brass "back to life?"

[338winmag]

i think it will all the acid in should shine it rite up.

[Philbert]

A vinegar solution might do the job just as well and with less mess.

[brian]

straight vinegar will be quicker.

[mikepro8]

NICE.
See? Thats why I love this place.

Well, a few shell casings are taking a ketchup bath tonight, but if/when I get some more time, I will try the vinegar as well.

I kinda thought it would work with the acidity of ketchup.

Maybe I will run a another test - casings soaking in ketcup vs. vinegar!

[brian]

NICE.
See? Thats why I love this place.



I kinda thought it would work with the acidity of ketchup.

Maybe I will run a another test - casings soaking in ketcup vs. vinegar!

psst, look at the ingerdiance list on the back of the bottle.

[338winmag]

psst, look at the ingerdiance list on the back of the bottle.

he has a good point.

[Flash]

Ketchup is a DOUBLE-WHAMMY ! Not only the vinegar it is made with, but tomatoes are naturally acidic.

Are you gong to french-fry the bullets before loading?

Burger-grease to lube those bullets?

Mix a bunch of dried tabasco peppers into the powder, and I'll be there when you shoot this concoction - - -don't use the chronograph though, the grill should suffice. Heck, this might even ignite the grill by itself.

Flash


Where, oh where will these blendings of one delight with another ever end? Now if thatJeffguy will make chili to go to this range day, we've got it made.

[ungawa]

I can't stand John Kerry but I will eat his wife's ketchup until the day I die. They can put poison in it, $200 tax stamp per bottle, all proceeds go to the Brady Center, I will still buy it.

I bet your reloads will be more accurate because of exposure to good ketchup.

[fingers80002]

hope your not planning on many re-loads.