Removing 20mm cartridges from links?

[Derek]

I have a number of WW2 dated 20mm Hispano cartridges in the original links. I want to remove these from the links without damaging the brass cartridges (for clean-up). Does anyone have any tips on how to achieve this?

 

[Chris 42 RQ]

Swiftly but surely!

I always used to oil them with a good thick oil and then place a rod into the cartridge case and support the belt either side and then very swiflty knock the rod with a plastic hammer making sure I did not get near the cartridge case with the end of the hammer.(or your thimb as that hurts)
If done quickly this usually minimises the scratching to the cases:tinysmile_grin_t:

Use plenty of oil as this does make a significant difference to the damage that can be done.
Good luck!

 

[tomsk]

try this

try some open gear grease its a bit messy but ive used it it stopped the brass being scratched clean the grease off with petrol after.
regards
tom

 

[Chris 42 RQ]

Sand/dust particles

One thing I forgot to mention was BEFORE you grease the rounds up thoroughly wash and I mean very thoroughly wash the link area's where they make contact with the case as over years gone by the rounds will have attracted sand/dust particles which will be very abrasive and all of these will get stuck between the link and the case.

Once you have done the dismemberment (sorry, de-linking) then as "tomsk" says, petrol is a good medium to clean all the grease/oil/gunk off with.
Just don't smoke while you are doing it!:bird:

 

[jerseymic]

I don't know if this works with cartridges and links, but I find to free any metal objects up, soaking them in diesel for a few days works wonders.

Best wishes.

Mike.