How dirty can brass be before it is unusable? I shoot often out in the country and literally have piles of brass. I have some weeks old and others years old. Can it be tumbled, cleaned and made usuable??? Thanks for any info.

Perry

I wouldnot hesitate to use the brass.
Clean it good in a vibrator cleaner or wash it with a mix of vinegar water and salt.
Dry it out and reload it.
Some may have stains but it will not hurt the brass . just look it over good for any that may be split or have major defects.
Dave

You can also wash it in a solution of citric acid. The solution I heard with vinegar is white vinegar, lemon juice, and dash of dish soap. There are recipes on the internet for case washes. Vinegar can leach the zinc out of the case alloy especially if you let it soak long.

Clean it any way you want: tumble, vibrate, or wash in the sink.

Can it be sold dirty? I have lots of loaded 9mm, probabaly more than I will ever shoot. Is there a market for it, even dirty. My thought is not to make a huge profit but supply some guys here with brass if there is a demand. There are literally 1000's of rounds just sitting on the ground. Thanks for the input.

Yes you can sell it either way, clean or dirty. I would assume reloaders would like it clean, but if they got a price break on uncleaned brass they would take it.

http://www.once-fired-brass.com/?refresh=true
Check this out sell for $35/500