Birchwood Casey Brass Case Cleaner Review

The Birchwood Casey Brass Case Cleaner Made a Bold First Impression

Like most seasoned reloaders, I’ve spent years wrestling with the age-old problem of dirty brass. Tumbling works, but it can be time-consuming and dusty. That’s why I was intrigued when I saw the Birchwood Casey Brass Case Cleaner.

For years, I used a vibratory tumbler with walnut media, but I always felt like it was more of a surface cleaning. I needed something that could really cut through the grime, the stubborn resizing lubricant, and the baked-on carbon fouling that plagues brass cases, especially after a long day at the range firing surplus ammunition. So, when I saw the price point of $6.99 for a cleaner claiming to clean 8,000 medium-sized cases, it was worth a try.

My initial unboxing experience was simple, which isn’t surprising. The product comes in a straightforward plastic bottle. The directions were clear, and the promise of a reusable cleaning solution was appealing. Compared to dry tumbling media or other solvent-based cleaners, the Birchwood Casey Brass Case Cleaner seemed like a potentially cleaner and more cost-effective solution.

I considered alternatives like ultrasonic cleaners and more expensive brass cleaning solutions, but the price and the Birchwood Casey name, a manufacturer known for its reliable gun care products, convinced me to give this a shot. My first impression was cautiously optimistic. Could this really be the brass cleaning solution I’ve been searching for all these years, or would it be another product resigned to the back of the storage shelf? Only time, and a mountain of dirty brass, would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting Birchwood Casey Brass Case Cleaner to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test involved about 500 mixed brass cases, ranging from 9mm to .308 Winchester. I mixed the solution as directed, using a large plastic tub for soaking. The Birchwood Casey Brass Case Cleaner promises to easily remove resizing lubricant, oils, grime, and stains from brass cartridge cases. I wanted to see how well this solution performed with heavily soiled brass.

The initial soak lasted about an hour, with occasional agitation. Immediately I noticed the solution turning a murky green, indicating it was indeed pulling grime from the brass. After rinsing and drying, I inspected the cases. The results were… mixed. Cases with light soiling came out gleaming, but the heavily tarnished and lubed cases still showed some residue. It was definitely cleaner, but not spotless.

I didn’t experience any immediate issues, and the lack of harsh fumes was a definite plus compared to some other cleaners I’ve used. The promise of a safe, non-fuming, non-etching solution seemed accurate.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Birchwood Casey Brass Case Cleaner to process thousands of cases, I’ve formed a more solid opinion. The solution does work, but it’s not a miracle worker. Heavily tarnished brass, especially cases that have been sitting around for years, require additional cleaning.

Durability-wise, the solution itself seems to hold up well. It gradually gets dirtier with each batch of brass, but it retains its cleaning power for a surprisingly long time. I’m still on my first batch of mixed solution. I change it approximately every 1,000 cases or when I feel the solution has been overly contaminated with grime.

Maintaining the solution is simple – just store it in a plastic container, as recommended. Cleaning the brass after soaking is equally straightforward, just a rinse with water and air dry or a quick bake in a low-temp oven. Compared to my old tumbling setup, the Birchwood Casey Brass Case Cleaner is much less messy, but does require more hands-on time. However, it does a more thorough job of cleaning primer pockets which is a bonus.

Breaking Down the Features of Birchwood Casey Brass Case Cleaner

Specifications

The Birchwood Casey Brass Case Cleaner boasts the following specifications:

• Quantity: One bottle makes over two gallons of reusable cleaning solution.
• Coverage: Capable of cleaning approximately 8,000 medium-sized cases per batch.
• Cleaning Action: Effectively removes resizing lubricant, oils, grime, and stains from brass cartridge cases.
• Safety: Claimed to be a safe, non-fuming, non-etching solution that won’t weaken cases.
• Storage: Must be stored in a plastic or glass container (not metal).

These specifications are significant because they promise a cost-effective and safe method for cleaning brass. The ability to clean 8,000 cases from one bottle is impressive. However, the real-world performance, as noted earlier, can vary depending on the condition of the brass.

Performance & Functionality

The Birchwood Casey Brass Case Cleaner performs adequately for lightly soiled brass. For heavier grime, it requires multiple soaks or additional cleaning steps, such as using a brush to scrub the cases. The strength of the cleaner is the ability to get into the primer pockets to remove fouling more completely than traditional vibratory tumblers.

• Strengths: Cost-effective, reusable, relatively safe, cleans primer pockets well.
• Weaknesses: Not as effective on heavily tarnished brass, requires more hands-on time than tumbling.

The product meets its basic expectations, but it doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The design is simple and straightforward. It comes in an easy to pour bottle. The user-friendliness is high, and the learning curve is practically non-existent.

• Build quality: The solution itself appears well-formulated, with no signs of excessive harshness.
• User-friendly? Very user-friendly, with clear instructions.

Durability & Maintenance

The solution itself seems durable, maintaining its cleaning power for a reasonable amount of time. Maintenance is minimal – just store it properly and replace it when it becomes too dirty.

• How long will it last? The mixed solution can last for hundreds, even thousands, of cases, depending on their condition.
• Easy to maintain & repair? No repair needed, just replacement.

Accessories and Customization Options

There are no accessories that come with the Birchwood Casey Brass Case Cleaner. However, you might want to acquire a plastic container for soaking the cases, a strainer for rinsing, and possibly a small brush for scrubbing heavily soiled cases.

Pros and Cons of Birchwood Casey Brass Case Cleaner

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Who Should Buy Birchwood Casey Brass Case Cleaner?

• Perfect for: Reloaders on a budget, those sensitive to chemical fumes, and those who want to get their primer pockets thoroughly clean.
• Who should skip this product? Reloaders who want the convenience of tumbling or are dealing primarily with extremely tarnished brass.
• Must-have accessories or modifications? A plastic container, a strainer, and a small brush for scrubbing.

Conclusion on Birchwood Casey Brass Case Cleaner

The Birchwood Casey Brass Case Cleaner is a decent product that delivers on its basic promises. It’s a cost-effective, reusable, and relatively safe solution for cleaning brass.

The value proposition is solid. The price point makes it an attractive option for budget-conscious reloaders.

Would I personally recommend it? Yes, with the caveat that it’s not a miracle solution for all brass cleaning needs. It works best for lightly soiled cases and requires a bit of elbow grease for tougher jobs. However, if you want cleaner primer pockets than vibratory tumbling, then you may be more satisfied.

If you’re looking for a simple, affordable, and fume-free way to clean your brass, give the Birchwood Casey Brass Case Cleaner a try. Just be prepared to put in a little extra effort for the really dirty stuff.

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