5 Best Ultrasonic Cleaners for Reloading Brass Cases

As a sports professional, you love to spend money buying shooting equipment, handguns, rifles, bullets, and brass cases. However, when spending hundreds and thousands of dollars on these firearms and cases, you must also be careful about their maintenance.

Ultrasonic cleaner for cleaning brass cases can serve your purpose very well as it deep cleanses your cartridges without requiring a degree in gunsmithing. Yet, some folks still insist on scrubbing away manually, hoping to save a few bucks.

Ironically, they end up spending more time, effort, and—guess what—money than they bargained for.

Why Use Ultrasonic Cleaner for Brass?

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Reloading, also known as handloading, is the process of loading firearm cartridges or shotgun cells. The reloading process is easy since it involves assembling individual components like shot shells or brass, bullet/shot, and powder.

Rifle brass cases are exposed to grease, oil, power residue, salt deposits, and other contaminants which can accumulate and decrease the life of the equipment. Therefore, quick, perfect cleaning is necessary for these products.

Manual cleaning may not reach all corners and surfaces of a rifle brass case.

Even if you carefully tried cleaning your cartridges or spent a good amount of time dismantling, cleaning, oiling, and wiping different parts inside them, cleaning this way is not at all efficient and 100% complete.

Ultrasonic cleaner for brass cleaning, on the other hand, performs the cavitation action, reaching every corner of the parts regardless of how intricate or small it is.

These machines use ultrasonic technology that is extremely efficient in getting rid of carbon residues and other alien elements from the entire pile of brass cases in one go. Due to the thorough cleaning process, the cases (including primer pockets) are cleaned fantastically inside out without any noise.

A few other key advantages of using an ultrasonic cleaner to clean brass cases are:

• It does the job in 15-30 minutes with minimal supervision.
• Deep cleaning of casing which results in better ignition and consistent performance in reloading.
• Cleaner brass means smoother resizing and seating during reloading. This also ensures more uniform chambering, reducing the risk of misfires or pressure inconsistencies.

5 Best Ultrasonic Cleaners for Brass Reviews

Using an ultrasonic cleaner is fast, hassle-free, and cost-effective. No need to waste hours scrubbing or cycling through expensive cleaning materials; these machines do the hard work for you, which is why most shooters prefer them for bullet casing.

However, with countless options available online, finding the perfect ultrasonic brass cleaner can feel overwhelming. To simplify your search, we’ve rounded up some of the best machines worth considering.

Be sure to check out the detailed reviews before making your pick—because a good cleaner should last longer than your brass supply.

1. Lyman Turbo Sonic Case Cleaner

Lyman Turbo Sonic Case Cleaner is an ultrasonic cleaning machine that is most popular for effective and professional cleaning of guns and their parts. Especially recommended for cleaning bullet cases, these cleaners are built to give a stronger ultrasonic performance.

The Lyman Turbo Sonic Case Cleaner is available in two models (115-Volt and 230-Volt). You can choose the best one as per your requirements. The enhanced energy is delivered through the powerful transducers in both the devices, which cause powerful ultrasonic cavitations inside the tank.

This action lifts up any carbon residues and dirt from the fired cases, which are further cleaned from inside and out in less than 10 minutes.

While using the Lyman ultrasonic case cleaning devices, it is recommended to use the high-quality specially formulated Lyman’s Turbo Sonic Cleaning Solution. These offer highly effective cleaning of cases without any hassle.

2. Hornady Lock N Load Sonic Cleaner

Hornady has revolutionized firearm maintenance by combining efficient firearm cleaning with advanced reloading ammo supplies.

And that’s the reason, at ultrasonic-cleaners.org, we highly recommend the Hornady Lock N Load Sonic Cleaner for all your brass cleaning needs—no second thoughts required.

Featuring a 2-liter stainless steel tank and an 80-watt ceramic heater, it’s capable of cleaning up to 300 .223 cases or 150 .308 cases effortlessly in a single go. The device can also be used for getting your reloading dies cleaned within no time.

When combined with the One Shot Sonic Clean solution, the microjet action of this 2L Hornady Sonic Cleaner removes all the carbon residue and other debris from cartridge cases, primer pockets, small gun parts, and other small metal equipment.

The timer present in the Hornady Sonic Cleaner device enables you to choose the appropriate cleaning cycle time as per your cleaning needs which may range from 5 to 30 minutes.

Overall, for a hassle-free and professional-grade cleaning experience, the Hornady Lock-N-Load Sonic Cleaner is an excellent investment.

3. iSonic® Ultrasonic Cleaner P4820

iSonic® Professional Grade Ultrasonic Cleaner is another smart digital cleaning device for brass cartridges.

It comes with a 25-minute timer which is better than a typical 8-minute timer and a heater that helps loosen stubborn residues, making it more effective for deep cleaning brass cartridges. It also includes a full-size ss wire mesh basket which is much easier to use than a typical plastic tray.

The iSonic® P4820-WSB25 also comes with a 1Qt brass cleaning solution concentrate which makes your cleaning most efficient. You need to mix the concentrate with water in a ratio ranging from 1:20 to 1:40 (per your cleaning requirement).

The unit operates at a high frequency, ensuring thorough cleaning even in hard-to-reach areas of your brass casings. Not only for brass cleaning, but you can use it for cleaning items like optical glasses, jewelry, automotive parts, etc., so why not opt for it and get your brass cartridges shining as new at home?

4. RCBS Ultrasonic Case Cleaner

RCBS ultrasonic case cleaner is one of the most suitable machines for cleaning brass cases at home without any problem.

With its effective cavitation process, the tarnish, carbon residue buildup, and metal oxides are removed rapidly from brass cases and small rifle parts so that you can reload faster.

The basic features that make the cleaning process easy, effective, and fast in this RCBS case cleaning machine are its 60W powerful transducer and a 100W ceramic heater. This brass cleaning machine also includes a 3.2-quart stainless steel tank which can hold a good quantity of cases at one go.

Furthermore, using the keypad and display, you can pre-select from the five temperature settings. The sensor indicators are built on knowing when is the time to change the solution.

5. Tovatech Elmasonic Ultrasonic Cleaner

Elmasonic Ultrasonic Cleaner by Tovatech is one of the best economical ultrasonic cleaners for cleaning ammo brass. Users love to use this device due to its optimum cleaning, durability, and ease of use.

The device comes with auto power-off functionality (automatically switches off after 12 hours of continuous operation) which serves as a safety feature. It also features dry run-proof ceramic heaters, which means the provided ceramic heaters do not burn out if the tank is run dry by mistake.

Moreover, the cleaner comes with a 2-year warranty and is available in varied tank volume sizes (from 0.7 to 7.4 gallons), which is an added advantage.

Not only for brass cases but also you can clean a variety of other items in this cleaner (such as objects made up of copper, aluminum, alloy, etc.). Also, metal equipment used in salons and parlors can be well cleaned (and sterilized) through this cleaning device.

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What’s the Best Ultrasonic Brass Cleaning Solution?

Experts in the reloading and brass cleaning industry suggest that there has to be a precise cleaning solution to be used in an ultrasonic cleaning machine to get the best-desired results.

The 3 best ultrasonic brass cleaner solutions that I use and recommend for putting in sonic machines are:

1- Hornady Sonic Cleaner Solution

Designed particularly for Hornady brass cleaning devices, you can use this solution to effectively remove all the carbon residues and debris from the cartridge cases, primer pockets, and other small gun parts.

Uniquely formulated with cartridge case cleaning formula, the Hornady one shot sonic cleaner solution can provide up to 64 washes without damaging the cerakote finish or another gun coating on your firearms.

2- iSonic CSBC001 Super Concentrate

iSonic CSBC001 Ultrasonic Brass Cleaning Solution Super Concentrate is one of the best to use in your machine to make your brass cases and cartridges shine new.

You can dilute this iSonic concentrate with tap water (in a ratio of 1: 20 to 1: 40) depending on the soiled cases and your cleaning requirement.

Within a few minutes, you will see that this solution in a machine has efficiently removed all the carbon, oxidation, and other debris materials from the brass shells and casings.

3- Frankford Arsenal Brass Cleaning Solution

Frankford Arsenal Ultrasonic Brass Cleaning Solution is another good liquid that can be used for ultrasonic cleaners and rotary tumblers.

This Frankford solution is scientifically formulated to quickly remove all the carbon build-up, tarnish, and oxidation deposited on the brass cases and gun parts.

This solution is highly durable and long-lasting – It can be used for multiple cycles, and you do not need to change it often. Just dilute it in a 40:1 water to solution ratio and use it in your machine to get brilliant cleaning results.

Can you use plain water for brass case cleaning?

Water alone lacks the necessary detergents and acidic properties to break down carbon buildup, oxidation, and powder residue inside the cases.

So, although you can use plain water, detergent, or a simple homemade water-based cleaning solution for occasional cleaning, it might not turn out to be favorable for professionals if the goal is to get the cartridges shining clean.

For better results, you can use plain water mixed with citric acid in an ultrasonic cleaner with extended cycles.

In case your brass casing or dies are not too dirty, you can just wipe them off by using a bit of solvent (like Hoppe’s or BreakFree) to remove the oil and grease. Many reloaders also recommend using cleaning products such as coke, ketchup, vinegar, and rubbing alcohol as an alternative to using a sonic cleaning machine.

However, we do not recommend using things like these for restoring the dirty-fired brass. These may sometimes tarnish or corrode the finish instead of restoring it.

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How Does an Ultrasonic Brass Cleaner Work for Case Cleaning?

Though ultrasonic cleaning devices for brass bullet case cleaning are available in many sizes, their working principle is the same for most.

First of all, a high-quality ultrasonic brass cleaning solution needs to be filled in the equipment’s tank. Degas the solution for around 10 minutes so that the entrapped air is removed and the cleaning cycle is extended.

Warm the solution slightly in order to improve the cleaning process and efficiency. Then put down the parts of partially disassembled rifles (including brass cases and cartridges) in a mesh basket or perforated tray.

As soon as the ultrasonic gun parts cleaner is started, the transducers generate sonic energy and pass through the tank bottom, which develops millions of microscopic air bubbles in the cleaning solution.

The bubbles will get in touch with the basket contents and implode with force to blast away all the dirt and contaminants from the smallest crevices, cracks, and blind holes inaccessible by manual soaking and scrubbing.

What settings are best for cleaning brass cases in an ultrasonic machine?

For cleaning brass cartridges in an ultrasonic cleaner, the best settings depend on the machine’s features, but here’s a general guideline for optimal results:

Setting	Recommended Value	Notes
Cleaning Solution	Ultrasonic brass cleaner solution OR Water + Dish soap + Citric acid	Avoid ammonia-based solutions to prevent brass weakening.
Temperature	120°F – 140°F (49°C – 60°C)	Higher temperatures may cause discoloration. Keep below 150°F.
Cleaning Cycle Time	5 – 15 minutes (moderate dirt) 20 – 25 minutes (heavy dirt/tarnish)	Adjust based on brass condition.
Frequency	35 – 45 kHz	Lower frequencies (<30 kHz) may be too aggressive.
Basket/Tray Usage	Always use a basket	Prevents damage to both cases and the cleaner.
Post-Clean Rinse	Warm water rinse	Removes any leftover cleaning solution.
Drying Method	Towel dry, compressed air, or oven at 200°F for 10-15 minutes	Ensure cases are completely dry before reloading.

Keep in mind that the time required for a sonic cleaner to clean rifle brass cases depends on how dirty they are and the level of cleanliness you’re aiming for.

Generally, you can set the cleaning cycle anywhere between 5 to 15 minutes, adjustable via a built-in timer. However, for heavily soiled brass, the process might take up to 25 minutes to achieve a thorough clean. Either way, it’s still a faster and more efficient alternative to manual scrubbing.

Once the cleaning process is complete remove and rinse the brass bullet casings in water. Then, dry and lubricate them well to reassemble.

Ultrasonic Cleaner vs. Tumbler: Which One Works Better for Rifle Cases?

When it comes to cleaning cartridges and shells, the tumbler method is the old-school classic—reliable, but with a few quirks.

A tumbler consists of a motorized plastic bowl that vibrates, shaking loose dirt and grime from the brass cases inside. Once loaded with stainless media and sealed with the lid, the motor does its thing—though it can take over 30 minutes to achieve a thorough clean.

Known as the dry method, it typically requires an abrasive media made from natural materials to get the job done. This media needs periodic replacement to maintain peak cleaning performance.

The biggest downside is however the noise. It’s not exactly whisper-quiet; think more along the lines of a mini earthquake on your workbench.

Another consideration with tumblers is ensuring that the loosened grime doesn’t redeposit onto your cartridges. Many models come with built-in filters to trap debris, preventing it from contaminating the brass again. Also, be mindful not to mix calibers—otherwise, you might end up with a tangled mess of casings stuck together like an awkward game of brass Jenga.

On the other hand, ultrasonic cleaners bring a quieter, more efficient approach to brass cleaning. Instead of relying on mechanical agitation, they use high-frequency sound waves to create microscopic bubbles that scrub away dirt at a microscopic level. This method delivers a deep clean without the abrasive media, leaving cases spotless inside and out.

The biggest advantage is the less noise and better results. However, you’ll need to ensure the brass is completely dry post-cleaning to prevent moisture-related issues.

Since both methods have their pros and cons, the choice boils down to whether you want a workhorse or a high-tech butler for your brass-cleaning needs. Tumblers are cheaper and mechanically straightforward, while ultrasonic cleaners are quieter and more effective at deep cleaning.

If you’re all about efficiency and pristine results, ultrasonic is the way to go. But if you don’t mind a bit of racket and enjoy the satisfaction of an old-school approach, a tumbler still does the trick.

Summing up

Admittedly, many reloaders don’t always clean their dirty bottlenecked brass and still manage to get good reloads. However, it’s worth the effort to clean and lube them beforehand, as this reduces wear on your dies, ensures smoother resizing, and minimizes the risk of chambering issues.

Models such as Hornady, Lyman, Frankford, and RCBS are popular and can be considered when you are planning to buy a good ultrasonic brass cleaner machine. As you need to invest in these machines only once, they can serve you for life long at a small initial cost.

Do not forget to buy the ultrasonic cleaner solution from the same brand as it gives the best results every time you use them in your cleaner machine.