6530 wrote:
I use a bucket of isopropyl (rubbing) alcohol. Dump the lubed cases in, swish around, and them dump out onto a towel.
Let dry for a few minutes & done.
I think I'd let 'em dry for more than "a few minutes." No flame intended, but I fear the procedure you outline would yield some very poor results, sir. Isopropyl alcohol is 30 per cent water, and while the alcohol would make it evaporate more rapidly, it wouldn't be instantaneous. I'd either let em dry overnight, or dump 'em in a cake pan and stick 'em in a 250 degree oven for a half-hour or so. Not hot enough to alter the brass, but above boiling point of water.
I would be uneasy loading cases with ANY residual droplets of water. Not that I think they wouldn't fire at all, but that the powder burn would surely vary from cartridge to cartridge.
Back when I competed heavily in IPSC, loading huge numbers of .45 ACP LRNs with old style bullet lube, I did something similar to what
Paul "Fitz" Jones suggested. I took a large bath towel, sprinkled either GI bore solvent or paint thinner on it, poured about 50 rounds at a time in, folded the towel lengthways, held either end and agitated it back and forth several times. Then put 'em in a dry towel and did same thing. Much less time consuming than wiping individual rounds, and they worked well.
Nowadays, I use commercially cast bullets with hard lube, loaded on a Dillon 550B. My ammo is not nearly so messy.
Interesting thread--Sorry I missed it first time around.
Best,
Johnny