Introduction
The world of firearm ownership often involves a meticulous attention to detail. This includes, crucially, the upkeep and maintenance of the brass casings used in your ammunition. Clean brass isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a cornerstone of reliable reloading, optimal performance, and the longevity of your valuable firearms. Dirty or corroded brass can lead to malfunctions, feeding issues, and even damage to your equipment. That’s where brass tumbling comes in, a vital step in any reloader’s or shooter’s routine. It’s a process where brass casings are cleaned and polished using a tumbler and media, often accompanied by a cleaning solution.
One of the most important choices a reloader faces is deciding which cleaning solution to use in the tumbling process. Two popular options often come to the forefront: Lemi Shine and New Finish. Both products promise to deliver sparkling clean brass, but they approach the task in different ways. This article dives deep into a comprehensive comparison of Lemi Shine and New Finish, helping you navigate the choices, understand the nuances of each product, and determine the ideal solution for your specific brass tumbling needs. We will examine each cleaner, analyzing cleaning power, cost-effectiveness, ease of use, and the overall results they produce. Ultimately, the goal is to empower you, the shooter, to choose the product that best suits your reloading goals and helps you achieve consistently clean and reliable ammunition.
Understanding the Core of Brass Tumbling
Brass tumbling is a fundamental process in the world of reloading and firearm maintenance. It is not merely a superficial task; it serves several critical functions, impacting both the performance of your firearms and the longevity of your brass casings. At its heart, brass tumbling involves the use of a specialized tumbler and media to clean and polish used brass casings.
The process usually begins with spent brass casings. These casings are collected and then introduced into the tumbler, often along with a cleaning solution. The tumbler, a rotating or vibrating device, is filled with the tumbling media. Popular choices for media include walnut shells and corncob, each offering different levels of abrasiveness and cleaning ability. As the tumbler operates, the media churns around the brass casings, physically scrubbing away dirt, carbon residue, and other contaminants accumulated during firing. The cleaning solution further assists this process, often dissolving stubborn deposits and brightening the brass.
The benefits of tumbling are far-reaching. First and foremost, tumbling improves the functionality of the ammunition. Clean brass casings feed more smoothly into the firearm’s chamber, reducing the chance of jams or other malfunctions. Second, it improves the accuracy of the loaded ammunition. A clean brass casing provides a more consistent chamber fit. Third, it helps extend the life of the brass casings by removing abrasive debris that can damage the brass during reloading and firing. The final outcome is safer, more reliable, and more accurate ammunition.
Delving into the World of Lemi Shine
Lemi Shine, a brand name known for its cleaning products, stands as a readily available and often budget-friendly option for brass tumbling enthusiasts. Its primary ingredient is citric acid, a naturally occurring acid found in citrus fruits. This citric acid base is the driving force behind Lemi Shine’s cleaning capabilities. The product is typically sold as a concentrated powder or liquid, designed for use in a variety of cleaning applications. You can usually find Lemi Shine in most grocery stores or online retailers.
The advantages of using Lemi Shine are notable, particularly regarding cost and accessibility. Citric acid is relatively inexpensive, making Lemi Shine a very cost-effective choice for brass cleaning. Its widespread availability means that it is usually within easy reach, minimizing downtime for your reloading operation. Furthermore, Lemi Shine is a highly effective cleaner, capable of removing carbon buildup, tarnish, and other contaminants from brass casings.
However, Lemi Shine is not without its drawbacks. Because it is based on a strong acid, it can be more aggressive than other cleaners, particularly if it is used in excessive concentration or for prolonged periods. Overexposure to the product can potentially lead to surface etching or pitting of the brass, diminishing its lifespan and overall appearance. It’s also important to note that Lemi Shine is not specifically formulated for brass. Therefore, users must be careful when using it in conjunction with other types of media or polishing agents.
Exploring the Properties of New Finish
New Finish enters the brass cleaning arena as a product specifically formulated for the task of brass tumbling. Unlike Lemi Shine, New Finish is not a general-purpose cleaner; rather, it’s engineered to tackle the unique challenges presented by brass casings during reloading. Unfortunately, specific ingredient information is often proprietary, but the underlying formulations are crafted to deliver superior cleaning performance while minimizing any potentially harmful effects on brass.
The advantages of New Finish often center around its efficiency and precision. It is engineered to maximize effectiveness while minimizing the risks of damage or adverse effects on the brass. Because it’s a specific product, users can expect a well-balanced solution that can provide effective cleaning without being overly abrasive. This can lead to brighter, cleaner brass casings without the risk of etching or pitting.
The primary disadvantage of New Finish is a higher price point compared to more widely available alternatives like Lemi Shine. However, for many reloaders, the potential benefits of targeted performance can easily justify the added cost. Because it’s not a mainstream product, finding New Finish can sometimes require a little more effort; it may not be available in all local stores. It is frequently sold online through reloading retailers.
Direct Comparison: Evaluating the Contenders
To determine the best option for your brass tumbling needs, we must meticulously compare Lemi Shine and New Finish across critical factors.
Cleaning Power: A Head-to-Head Evaluation
A product’s cleaning power is the heart of any brass tumbling endeavor. In most circumstances, both Lemi Shine and New Finish effectively remove dirt, grime, and carbon buildup. However, there can be subtle differences. Lemi Shine, with its citric acid base, can be exceptionally effective at breaking down stubborn deposits and tarnish, particularly if you use it at an appropriately high concentration. The aggressiveness of Lemi Shine can be both a benefit and a potential drawback. For cases with heavy fouling, it can restore a shine more effectively than milder products. However, its strength also means that you must carefully control the dwell time and solution strength to avoid unwanted surface etching.
New Finish, in contrast, usually demonstrates a more balanced cleaning profile. While it may not always deliver the most aggressive cleaning power, its carefully crafted formula often excels at producing a superior finish. Because it is explicitly designed for brass, it tends to remove contaminants without damaging the brass itself, leaving the casings looking clean and bright. Users typically report great results in terms of cleanliness, but with less risk of damaging the surface of the brass.
It’s important to consider the level of cleaning needed. For light tarnish, New Finish may be perfectly adequate. But if you have very dirty brass, especially with stubborn carbon buildup, Lemi Shine may be the better choice.
The Cost and Where to Find It
Cost and availability are essential factors for every reloader. Lemi Shine gains an edge in this area due to its typically lower price and easy access. Its availability at numerous grocery stores and online retailers makes it convenient to obtain. The low price point is attractive for those starting out.
New Finish is often more expensive. While the price difference isn’t always extreme, it can add up over time. Availability can also be a factor, as it’s generally available from reloading supply stores and online vendors. You may have to plan your purchase, but you are usually able to find it readily.
The Simplicity of Use
The simplicity of use can impact your overall experience. Lemi Shine is straightforward to mix and apply. You usually simply mix a small amount of powder or liquid with water, based on the manufacturer’s instructions. Then you add the solution to the tumbler with your brass and tumbling media. This simplicity makes it easy to use.
New Finish is also usually simple. The user can usually follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to properly dilute the concentrate. Many users appreciate this simplicity. Always handle both products with caution, and follow safety guidelines.
The Final Results and What They Mean
The ultimate measure of any brass cleaning product is the final result. Both Lemi Shine and New Finish can deliver effectively cleaned brass, but the nature of the results may vary slightly. Lemi Shine may result in cleaner brass, but the finish may be more matte than polished. New Finish often produces a bright, shiny finish that’s more aesthetically pleasing and can be more friendly for reloaders.
For reloaders, this is an important distinction. The brighter and cleaner the brass, the better it feeds into the chamber and the more reliable your firearm’s operation.
Considering These Additional Factors
Beyond the fundamental comparison of Lemi Shine and New Finish, it’s important to recognize other factors that will influence the best choice.
The type of brass matters. The thickness and alloy composition of your brass can affect how each product reacts. Always start with lower concentrations and shorter tumbling times, and adjust as needed.
The choice of tumbling media also affects the results. Walnut shell is abrasive. Corn cob is gentler. Stainless steel media offers the most aggressive cleaning and polishing, but that media is not the focus of this discussion.
Always be mindful of environmental considerations. Dispose of the used cleaning solution in accordance with local regulations.
The Final Recommendation and the Conclusion
So, which cleaning solution emerges as the winner? The answer, as with many things, depends on your specific requirements.
If budget is a key concern and you’re willing to take extra care with dilution and dwell times, Lemi Shine remains a solid choice. It’s readily available, effective, and very cost-effective. You’ll get clean brass at a very competitive price.
If you value a bright finish and prioritize the brass’s longevity, New Finish offers a compelling solution. The fact that it is formulated specifically for brass adds reassurance. For most reloaders, the results justify the higher price point.
Ultimately, the best approach may be to experiment. Buy small quantities of both products and compare the results on your own brass. The best approach will depend on the level of dirt and the desired end result.
Regardless of your chosen cleaner, clean brass is a must. With the information presented in this article, you are now better equipped to choose the best cleaner for your brass tumbling and your reloading needs.
Always, safety first. Wear appropriate personal protective equipment. Work in a well-ventilated area. If you have any questions or insights, please share them.
