Polishing / Cleaning Media -- Walnut problem?

[alfsauve]

I've search over on Accurate Reloading, but haven't seen this addressed.

I read somewhere (don't remember) that if you clean with walnut shells it will leave an oily residue that could impact your powder.  I've always prefered Walnut shells because they're harder than pecan or corn media, but I've never had a problem....

Of course, never, until now.  Several rounds out of a batch of 500 were squibs.   Being practically perfect, I obviously didn't forget to put powder in the case    

In the past I've used generic stuff that I've bought at gun shows with no brand name.  Looked dry and my cases came out clean.  Last year I obtained some "professional" walnut stuff from MidSouth.  These cases are the first I've cleaned with it and they came out with a lot of "dust" on them.   I used a blower to pretty much clean them.  

was wondering if you have had any problems along this line.  

I'll be querying MidSouth this week to see if they can shed any light.


I mean, look it can't be me that's at fault.  

[tombogan03884]

Any chance that some of the cases had bits of walnut shell in the flash hole ?

[ellis4538]

Alf, never had a problem w/walnut...generic or otherwise.  Have no clue what could be the problem except temporarry bridging opf the powder in the measure causing charge weights to vary. 

tom, unless Alf cleaned the cases after priming the de-capping pin should clear the flash hole so that shouldn't be a problem.


FWIW

Richard 

[MikeBjerum]

Can't give any technical advice outside of personal experience:

We polish with walnut shells, and we have "recharged" them with additive.  I shot some last Wednesday that were reloaded over two years ago, and power was no problem.  My rounds do have an oily film on them.  Enough that I need to clean my hands after loading mags or clips.

The only issue I have had with reloads is my own issue.  I tend to get a little tough on the arm.  I rattle the machine, and I occasionally get primers on their sides or upside down.  

[MikeBjerum]

Alf, never had a problem w/walnut...generic or otherwise.  Have no clue what could be the problem except temporarry bridging opf the powder in the measure causing charge weights to vary. 

tom, unless Alf cleaned the cases after priming the de-capping pin should clear the flash hole so that shouldn't be a problem.


FWIW

Richard 

+1

While there are some that will polish after decapping.  Everyone I knows polishes the spent brass before they do anything else:  Retrieve, polish, inspect, run through the reloader, shoot, repeat.

[Sponsor]

[alfsauve]

No, no.   I deprimed AFTER I cleaned them.  So I don't think there was media stuck in the primer hole.


I was hoping it was the media, because the only other explanation, is I fell asleep while reloading and somehow missed putting powder in about 10 rounds.   Can't be!  Tell me it isn't so.

My next step is to dump the current media and start fresh.   I got a bag of Lyman Tuff Nut  and will try it next.   I'll check with MidSouth.  I think though long term is I'll get the plain, no additives, walnut stuff from PetSmart.  (lizard litter).  A whole lot cheaper, too.

[Solus]

Were you using the LnL?  Should be hard to miss powder on it?

[tombogan03884]

Decapped cases would have been easy to spot media in the OUTSIDE of the flash hole, what about the INSIDE ?

[kmitch200]

No, no.   I deprimed AFTER I cleaned them.  So I don't think there was media stuck in the primer hole.
I was hoping it was the media
My next step is to dump the current media and start fresh.

I doubt it. No need to dump the media. I've been using the same walnut shell for 3+ years.
A little added polish, (Frankfort Arsensal from Midway), over that time but still the same stuff.
Possibly pilot error... 

[ellis4538]

Tom, the pin goes from the inside out so media is pushed out/thru.  Media should be sifted out before loading!  Might be a problem w/one but not ten (I would think).

Richard