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The Range
Ammo & Reloading
Citric acid and brass
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<blockquote data-quote="swampratt" data-source="post: 2360871" data-attributes="member: 15054"><p>Brass is an alloy of metals primarily copper and zinc for the common brasses (roughly 70% copper 30% zinc. Using Citric acid on Brass dissolves a minute amount of the metal (don't worry it won't hurt it), but the dissolved copper can re deposit (the zinc doesn't) back onto the surface of the brass, giving a "salmon pink" coloration. This is such a thin layer that it can easily be cleaned off. </p><p></p><p>Now when you clean with more than 1% citric or leave your brass in the solution too long you may see the pink salmon color.</p><p></p><p>Back off the time or back off the citric acid, or do both. </p><p>That is another debate on time left in solution..some say time does not matter as it reaches a certain point then stops..</p><p></p><p>I experimented with my tumbler and how much citric and how long.</p><p>I have stopped at 1/8 teaspoon for 1/2 gallon and 1.5 hours or less.</p><p>Then i rinse 5-6 times with hot water then tumble once more with just hot water and soap</p><p>for about 15-30 minutes...Rinse well 5 times or so</p><p>Brass is much cleaner.</p><p>Done in less than 2 hours total.</p><p></p><p>The bluish color you see in the water is from dissolved copper compounds put an iron nail in it and see what happens!</p><p></p><p>Another note is that copper and zinc are toxic to the bacteria in your septic system and you know you need that bacteria in there..</p><p></p><p>Have fun!</p><p>You can search the web and read much much more on copper or brass and citric acid.</p><p><img src="/images/smilies/wink2.gif" class="smilie" loading="lazy" alt=":wink2:" title="Wink2 :wink2:" data-shortname=":wink2:" /></p></blockquote><p></p>
[QUOTE="swampratt, post: 2360871, member: 15054"] Brass is an alloy of metals primarily copper and zinc for the common brasses (roughly 70% copper 30% zinc. Using Citric acid on Brass dissolves a minute amount of the metal (don't worry it won't hurt it), but the dissolved copper can re deposit (the zinc doesn't) back onto the surface of the brass, giving a "salmon pink" coloration. This is such a thin layer that it can easily be cleaned off. Now when you clean with more than 1% citric or leave your brass in the solution too long you may see the pink salmon color. Back off the time or back off the citric acid, or do both. That is another debate on time left in solution..some say time does not matter as it reaches a certain point then stops.. I experimented with my tumbler and how much citric and how long. I have stopped at 1/8 teaspoon for 1/2 gallon and 1.5 hours or less. Then i rinse 5-6 times with hot water then tumble once more with just hot water and soap for about 15-30 minutes...Rinse well 5 times or so Brass is much cleaner. Done in less than 2 hours total. The bluish color you see in the water is from dissolved copper compounds put an iron nail in it and see what happens! Another note is that copper and zinc are toxic to the bacteria in your septic system and you know you need that bacteria in there.. Have fun! You can search the web and read much much more on copper or brass and citric acid. :wink2: [/QUOTE]
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