How to clean brass powder measure & funnel?

Al Bently · Dec 20, 2014

Kennyc said:
I do not have any brass stuff all of mine are wood or antler If I did would not waste my time. Rather spend my time with my grandkids

In all sincerity why would you post something like this? It doesn't address the question and (given your way of thinking) it takes time away from your grandchildren.

Al Bently · Dec 20, 2014

trent/OH said:
As a range safety officer, I make a point to watch for shiny brass doodads. It almost always indicates a new muzzleloading shooter. While I keep a closer eye on them for safety concerns, I also keep an eye on them because a new shooter may need a little help and if I can't help, I can often ask a seasoned shooter to mentor them a little.
A shooter who gets frustrated and quits is of no use (and may be counterproductive)to this hobby of ours.

Wow, that's really different. I know very experienced BP shooters who keep their kits pristine and polished. I also know some that looks as if their kits have been enveloped by BP smog and crud.

As an RSO I look for how people actually comport themselves and not if they keep their kits tidy.

Poor Private · Dec 20, 2014

CalGunner said:
trent/OH said:

As a range safety officer, I make a point to watch for shiny brass doodads. It almost always indicates a new muzzleloading shooter. While I keep a closer eye on them for safety concerns, I also keep an eye on them because a new shooter may need a little help and if I can't help, I can often ask a seasoned shooter to mentor them a little.
A shooter who gets frustrated and quits is of no use (and may be counterproductive)to this hobby of ours.

Click to expand...

Wow, that's really different. I know very experienced BP shooters who keep their kits pristine and polished. I also know some that looks as if their kits have been enveloped by BP smog and crud.

As an RSO I look for how people actually comport themselves and not if they keep their kits tidy.

BINGO!

JeffG · Dec 20, 2014

Lemon juice and salt. Make a paste, scrub it on, rinse it off with tap water. :hatsoff:

tenngun · Dec 20, 2014

Rifleman1776 said:
My answer is, don't clean. To me, there is a beauty in items that look like they have been used. None of my brass items look shiny. However, in my eye they 'shine'. :grin:

If there was a bet and a time machine to settle it, I would bet lots of shooters kept ther brass shinny in the old days. Howsomever old tarnised brass looks best to my eyes. I let it all tarnish naturaly and have it showroom shinny the fist time I use it, now take pride in 20-30 year old almost black brass that carries the memories with in. In the dull color I see camps and frieds long gone smiling and lauphing again.

coloradoclyde · Dec 21, 2014

CalGunner said:
trent/OH said:

As a range safety officer, I make a point to watch for shiny brass doodads. It almost always indicates a new muzzleloading shooter. While I keep a closer eye on them for safety concerns, I also keep an eye on them because a new shooter may need a little help and if I can't help, I can often ask a seasoned shooter to mentor them a little.
A shooter who gets frustrated and quits is of no use (and may be counterproductive)to this hobby of ours.

Click to expand...

Wow, that's really different. I know very experienced BP shooters who keep their kits pristine and polished. I also know some that looks as if their kits have been enveloped by BP smog and crud.

As an RSO I look for how people actually comport themselves and not if they keep their kits tidy.

Brokennock · Dec 21, 2014

CalGunner said:
Kennyc said:

I do not have any brass stuff all of mine are wood or antler If I did would not waste my time. Rather spend my time with my grandkids

Click to expand...

In all sincerity why would you post something like this? It doesn't address the question and (given your way of thinking) it takes time away from your grandchildren.

And neither do either of your posts address the O.P.'s question.

Bejamin, everyone's tastes for brass finish are different, as you can see. I prefer it darkened but can't stand that thick sticky green stuff on it. Clean and polish it to a state that makes YOU happy. The brass tumbler for reloaders isn't a bad idea, if you have one, for cleaning. It can be further hand polished and shined from there. I'd say use any of the cleaning ideas here, but go slow and non aggressive, might find a point of polish prior to mirror bright that suits you.

Stumpkiller · Dec 21, 2014

Flitz. But like others have said I tend to let mine patina up so long as it isn't green and crusty.

coloradoclyde · Dec 21, 2014

Never Dull or Ouator metal polish will also work.
One should always remove the verdigris and remember that it is toxic.

Al Bently · Dec 22, 2014

Brokennock said:
CalGunner said:

Kennyc said:

I do not have any brass stuff all of mine are wood or antler If I did would not waste my time. Rather spend my time with my grandkids

Click to expand...

In all sincerity why would you post something like this? It doesn't address the question and (given your way of thinking) it takes time away from your grandchildren.

Click to expand...

And neither do either of your posts address the O.P.'s question.

Bejamin, everyone's tastes for brass finish are different, as you can see. I prefer it darkened but can't stand that thick sticky green stuff on it. Clean and polish it to a state that makes YOU happy. The brass tumbler for reloaders isn't a bad idea, if you have one, for cleaning. It can be further hand polished and shined from there. I'd say use any of the cleaning ideas here, but go slow and non aggressive, might find a point of polish prior to mirror bright that suits you.

That's because they weren't meant to. They were addressing posts other than the posting that started this thread.

This is really remarkable. Someone asked a question and more than one felt the need to pat themselves on their backs rather than try to answer the question or simply pass over it.

coloradoclyde · Dec 22, 2014

CalGunner said:
As an RSO I look for how people actually comport themselves and not if they keep their kits tidy.

You went from a muzzleloading newbie to an RSO in 5 months? :shocked2:

Wow, that's really different.

With your positive comments and constructive criticism......
Maybe they should ban guns in California. :youcrazy:

azmntman · Dec 22, 2014

:rotf: :stir: :thumbsup:

Snakebite · Dec 22, 2014

0000 steel wool works pretty good too. Can't get in to the places if there are any though. (such as a Colt Pocket Model Revolver flash with an eagle stamped on it)

ToothPick · Dec 22, 2014

Bejamin said:
I recently received a brass powder measure and a nice brass funnel with a wooden handle in a old box of BP gear. Both pieces have a lot of black BP residue on them and a bit of verdigris.

What's the easiest way to clean them? It would be nice to be able to soak them (possibly in vinegar?), then wash and Flitz them nice and shiny. Any ideas?

My following is based on that the items are indeed old and not of recent manufacture.

I think some are confusing having Patina with not being clean.

I would just use a toothbrush and something like #13 to remove the BP residue and green verdigris and try to leave any natural patina on the item.

To me, using polishes on old patina brass items would be like taking steel wool to a nice browned barrel

"Shining" up any old or antique item is never a good idea.

ssettle · Dec 28, 2014

I usually use 0000 steel wool and what ever metal polish I have laying around. Brasso works pretty good. You will never keep brass shiny from one year to the next. :wink:

garra · Dec 28, 2014

For really crudded up brass or copper, Bar Keeper's Friend works great. It's like a scouring powder, works on metal as well as other surfaces. In grocery or hardware stores with other cleaning products.

AZbpBurner · Dec 28, 2014

Next time you clean your rifle, save the patches, or better yet, the water your flushed your barrel with.

Shine all your brass stuff to a high polish, then degrease to remove any oils or waxes from polishing media.

Bring the fouled water to a boil and immerse your brass items.

The results are an even tarnish that will resist further tarnishing and corrosion much the same way bluing or browning resists rusting for steel.

Wipe down with Barricade and call it good.

coloradoclyde · Dec 31, 2014

Copper and Copper Alloys
Copper and its alloys are generally corrosion resistant, although the products of corrosive attack on copper are commonly known. Sometimes copper or copper alloy surfaces will tarnish to a gray-green color, while the surface will remain relatively smooth. This discoloration is the result of the formation of a fine-grained, airtight copper oxide crust, called a patina. Patina offers good protection for the underlying metal in ordinary situations. However, exposure of copper alloys to moisture or salt spray will cause the formation of blue or green salts called verdigris. The presence of verdigris indicates active corrosion

eaglesnester · Dec 31, 2014

Hot soapy dish soap and water. after U remove the holy black use a little braso to get the green off.

coloradoclyde · Dec 31, 2014

colorado clyde said:
The presence of verdigris indicates active corrosion

After removal of the verdigris the piece needs to be passivated or it will keep corroding.

How to clean brass powder measure & funnel?

Help Support Muzzleloading Forum:

40 Cal.

40 Cal.

58 Cal.

40 Cal.

Cannon

Cannon

Cannon

That Other Moderator

Cannon

40 Cal.

Cannon

Cannon

45 Cal.

40 Cal.

40 Cal.

40 Cal.

54 Cal.

Cannon

40 Cal.

Cannon

Similar threads

Join the conversation!

Join today and get all the highlights of this community direct to your inbox. It's FREE!