Expander Stem Maintenance

Hello all,

What would be a good method of removing the brass buildup from an expander stem / powder funnel?


Something that is not abrasive and won't change any dimensions / tolerances.  I've tried bronze brushes / wool after solvents and Kroil, to no avail.

Thanks.

Jim

Sweets? I've never worried about it.

Greetings,

If it fits, chuck the expander in a drill motor.

Use very fine ScotchBrite to polish off the brass.

Sometimes 0000 steel wool and solvent works.

I have access to a lathe. If you do not, now is a good time to make new friends at the shooting club.

Cheers,

Dave

Toss it and buy one of these from PhotoEscape ( he is on this site), you won't be disappointed.  The 2 step shape aids in bullet seating with minimum flare.
  http://www.photoescapeinc.com/products/index.html

- Dave

Thanks, gentlemen.

I have been using PhotoEscape's product for loading .45ACP and am quite happy with it.  I was trying to recycle this one for loading .45AR.  I will get a little more aggressive and if it doesn't work out may be buying another.  I don't think it effects accuracy but it bugs me nonetheless.

Jim

Greetings,

It may not affect accuracy; but, it does put nice little scratches inside your brass to act as stress risers leading to early case cracks.

No worries if you have an unlimited supply of brass...

Cheers,

Dave

Too true, Dave.

Jim

Thank you, Dave Ronning.

Jim,
Everything depends on how much time and effort you ready to expense, and mess to endure. If you have drill press, and can chuck funnel and rotate it at about 2500 rpm, you can try mixing baking soda with vinegar, and then with tooth paste. Put that mixture on tooth brush, ..... and start brushing. Probably will take several tries, and more than one brush. You also can try Flitz Instant Brass and Copper Removal. You also can try submerging tip of the funnel into Frog Lube, Slick 2000, or Ballistol, and leaving it overnight, then cleaning with above suggested mix. Same with using Sea Foam (https://www.walmart.com/ip/Sea-Foam-Motor-Treatment/16664932?athcpid=16664932&athpgid=athenaItemPage&athcgid=null&athznid=PWBAB&athieid=v0&athstid=CS020&athguid=8a6b3624-c37-169a19c1833ae8&athena=true), but submerging for shorter periods of time. More aggressive approach would be to use Iron Trichloride. This last one - you have to be careful with it. It is rather undiscriminating dissolver, and can dissolve tissue as well as metals.

AP.

Ignore it. Not an issue.

I used 2000 grit 3M paper and buck hone oil then polish with fine crocus cloth,  then use Lub pad and just touch end of case be for putting in reloader slows down process of reloading a little but then you don''t have to clean but once a year!

I too use 2000 and then a polishing compound on a cloth.   Using Hornady one shot has stopped it coming back as quickly.  Using fine sanding paper seems to attack the softer brass without changing the steel expander OD to any noticeable effect.

I agree that you don't have to clean it, but I find a dirty expander takes more pull at the lever and creates even more brass shavings which end up showing up on the outside of the case after crimping.