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How to Make Brass Cases

A cartridge case is a cylindrical shaped metal that houses a primer, powder charge and bullet of a round of ammunition. Most cartridge cases are made from copper, steel, aluminum and brass. Cases are the most expensive component of a round of ammo, especially cases made of brass. This can be a problem for hunters or amateur gunsmiths on a budget. Electroplating, the transfer of an expensive metal onto the surface of a cheaper metal using electricity and a special liquid, allows gun owners the opportunity to create their own brass cases using cheaper metal cases as a base.

Things You'll Need

Brass plating solution
Splash proof safety goggles
Brass object
Work gloves
Beaker
Wall mount power adapter with alligator clips

Instructions

- 1
  Buy brass plating solution from an online electroplating kit merchant or your local hobby shop.
- 2
  Put on the splash proof safety goggles and work gloves to prevent accidental contact between the plating solution and your eyes or skin.
- 3
  Fill the beaker with enough plating solution to fully submerge the shell case. The beaker should be large enough to fit the case and the brass piece without them touching, otherwise dark staining may occur on the quarter or the brass may not transfer evenly across its surface.
- 4
  Attach the positive charged alligator clip to the brass piece and the negative charged alligator clip to the case. Place the brass piece and case in the beaker. Ensure the alligator clips are not touching, otherwise the wall mount power adapter may short out once it is plugged in.
- 5
  Insert the power adapter into the nearest electrical outlet and allow the plating process to continue until the case assumes the physical characteristics of the brass. This can be monitored by looking through the beaker or occasionally removing the case from the beaker and inspecting it.

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