Mark/Die/Stain brass

[Pitt300]

Got a new batch of 500 - .223 virgin brass cases that I'm going to turn in to 300 Whispers.

What is the easiest way to mark/die/stain these so I can keep this lot of brass separate from my previous lot of 500 pieces?

[Flewis]

Got a new batch of 500 - .223 virgin brass cases that I'm going to turn in to 300 Whispers.

What is the easiest way to mark/die/stain these so I can keep this lot of brass separate from my previous lot of 500 pieces?

I've seen people color the case head with a sharpie. Seems to last a reasonable amount of time, but not forever.

[Colohunter]

I've used the sharpie on the case head and or primer if I don't want it to last. Usually it will come off either way when I tumble the cases. If you are going to tumble you might want to do this batch seperate, then remark them as soon as they come out of the tumbler.

[kdiver58]

The Machinery's Handbook lists several ways of staining brass ..but they are involved. It's listed under the heading of brass / coloring brass.

[kdiver58]

http://chestofbooks.com/reference/Henley-s-20th-Century-Formulas-Recipes-Processes-Vol1/Miscellaneous-Coloring-of-Brass.html

[amafrank]

Liver of Sulfur which used to be available at art and craft stores is used for blacking copper and brass. They use it to darken the low areas and by polishing the high surfaces you get more contrast.
You can put some on a pad like an ink pad and rub the case head on it to black the ends. The next batch can be rolled or the necks colored etc....
Not sure if the stuff is still available as its probably toxic in california but its worth looking into. Its nasty smelling, like rotten eggs due to the sulfur, but it works well and is fairly permanent. It can be polished off but won't rub off like sharpie. It could likely be applied to bulk cases in some manner too so you won't need to handle each case individually just to color.

Good luck and hope that helps
frank

[Jeff_8]

I have seen the use of very fine file cuts on the head near the headstamp. One cut per firing.

Jeff

:sniper:

:machinegu

[nwcid]

Many of the guys that I have shot IDPA with have Shapie markings on their cases. Most use different colors and mark and + on the bottom. I am not sure how long it lasts though.

For me when I do different loads I use a Sharpie on the primers. I have regular 9mm and SS 9mm that all look the same. I color the primer then when they are reloaded the mark is gone.



.

[JFettig]

Has anyone tried the birchwood casey brass black? I just finished up a batch of 500 cases and I'd like a way to identify them I wonder if that brass would stay black through sizing and everything? I'd like to mark them with a light file mark on the head for the times fired, I do this on my nickel cases the same way.

Would this stuff make the brass brittle?

Jon