RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners Review

Let’s Dive into RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners

The RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners offer reloaders a convenient and efficient method to clean their brass casings. RCBS, a trusted name in reloading equipment, provides this unit to remove tarnish, carbon buildup, and metal oxides, resulting in cleaner brass ready for reloading. This cleaner promises ease of use with preset temperature settings and a timer, catering to various cleaning needs.

My journey to the RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners stemmed from a growing frustration with traditional cleaning methods. Tumbling media was dusty and time-consuming, leaving me searching for a cleaner, more efficient solution. The promise of ultrasonic cleaning intrigued me, especially for reaching those hard-to-clean primer pockets.

Unboxing the RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners revealed a sturdy unit with a stainless steel tank. The build quality felt solid, hinting at durability. The controls were straightforward and intuitive, and the included accessories, like the drain tube and plastic basket, were thoughtful additions.

Compared to vibratory tumblers I’ve used in the past, the RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners offers a different approach. While tumblers polish brass to a shine, this ultrasonic cleaner prioritizes deep cleaning. I chose this over other options like wet tumbling systems, hoping for a quicker and less messy process, without the need for stainless steel pins.

My initial impression was positive; I was eager to see if this ultrasonic cleaner would live up to its promise of efficient and deep cleaning. The compact design and simple controls gave me confidence that it would be a valuable addition to my reloading bench.

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Real-World Testing: Putting RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial test involved cleaning a batch of .223 Remington brass that had been accumulating after several range sessions. The RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners was used in my garage, offering good ventilation and access to a water source. The brass was noticeably tarnished and had some carbon buildup around the case mouths.

The RCBS cleaner performed effectively, even with slightly hard water. While the cleaner’s instructions suggest specific cleaning solutions, I experimented with a mix of warm water and a small amount of dish soap. The timer and temperature settings allowed me to customize the cleaning cycle for the level of fouling on the brass.

The ease of use was immediately apparent; setting the timer and temperature was straightforward. After a 20-minute cycle at a medium temperature setting, the brass came out significantly cleaner. I did have to experiment with the initial temp – the “warm water assist” noted in other reviews was definitely helpful. There were no surprises except for the volume of grime that was removed from the cases.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, the RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners has proven to be a reliable addition to my reloading process. It consistently cleans brass without issues. The stainless steel tank shows no signs of corrosion or wear.

The RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners has been durable, with no failures or malfunctions. The only maintenance required has been occasional cleaning of the tank and basket. The sensor that indicates when to change out the solution is a welcome feature.

Compared to my previous experience with vibratory tumblers, the RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners is superior in several aspects. It’s less dusty, cleans primer pockets more effectively, and requires less hands-on time. The consistency and thoroughness of the cleaning process are remarkable.

Breaking Down the Features of RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners

Specifications

• The RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners has a capacity of 3.2 liters, allowing for a significant quantity of brass to be cleaned in one cycle. This generous capacity saves time and effort.
• It operates on 120 volts, standard for household electrical systems in the USA. This ensures compatibility with most power outlets.
• The cleaner features a 60W transducer and 100W ceramic heater. This combination provides efficient cleaning action.
• The ultrasonic frequency is 36kHz. This frequency is optimized for removing tarnish, carbon buildup, and metal oxides from brass.
• The unit is made in the USA, reflecting RCBS’s commitment to quality and domestic manufacturing. This appeals to customers who prefer American-made products.
• The color is green. This is the standard RCBS color.
• The unit weighs approximately 10 pounds (estimated). The weight keeps the unit stable during operation.

Performance & Functionality

The RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners excels at removing contaminants from brass cases. It effectively removes carbon fouling from inside the case necks and primer pockets, areas difficult to reach with other cleaning methods. The multiple temperature settings allow precise control over the cleaning process.

One strength is the quiet operation; it’s significantly quieter than a vibratory tumbler. The 30-minute timer is generous for most cleaning tasks. A weakness is that while cases come out very clean, they lack the polished shine of vibratory cleaned cases.

The RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners meets expectations for cleaning effectiveness. It’s a significant improvement over vibratory tumbling in terms of deep cleaning and dust reduction. The unit is durable, reliable, and a true time-saver.

Design & Ergonomics

The RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners features a well-thought-out design, with a stainless steel tank providing durability and resistance to corrosion. The green plastic housing is rugged. The controls are simple and intuitive, with clearly labeled buttons for temperature and time settings.

The cleaner is user-friendly with minimal learning curve. Filling the tank and setting the timer are straightforward processes. The drain valve and tube simplify solution changes.

Durability & Maintenance

The RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners is constructed from high-quality materials, ensuring long-lasting performance. The stainless steel tank and durable plastic housing are built to withstand regular use. With proper care, the unit should last for many years.

Maintenance is simple, primarily involving rinsing the tank after each use. The stainless steel construction resists corrosion and staining. Regular cleaning with a mild detergent will keep the unit in optimal condition.

Accessories and Customization Options

The RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners comes with a plastic basket for holding brass cases during cleaning. It also includes a drain tube for easy solution disposal.

There are few customization options for this product, however, it works best with the RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaning Solution, sold separately. Aftermarket accessories include different sized baskets for smaller parts or larger quantities of brass.

Pros and Cons of RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners

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Who Should Buy RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners?

• Perfect for: Reloaders who prioritize deep cleaning over polished aesthetics, competitive shooters seeking consistent and reliable ammunition, and anyone looking for a less dusty and time-consuming alternative to vibratory tumbling.
• Who should skip this product? Those who are solely focused on achieving a mirror-like shine on their brass casings might prefer a vibratory tumbler.
• Must-have accessories or modifications? The RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaning Solution is highly recommended for optimal cleaning performance.

Conclusion on RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners

The RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners offers a practical and efficient solution for reloaders seeking to thoroughly clean their brass casings. Its quiet operation, precise controls, and durable construction make it a valuable addition to any reloading bench. While it doesn’t provide the polished shine of a vibratory tumbler, it excels at removing stubborn contaminants from hard-to-reach areas.

The price is justified given the cleaner’s performance, durability, and time-saving benefits. The RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners is a worthwhile investment for serious reloaders.

I would definitely recommend the RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaners to anyone looking to upgrade their brass cleaning process. Consider adding this product to your reloading setup; you will experience the benefits of ultrasonic cleaning firsthand!