While we are on the subject of alchohol for preserving (as opposed to
just Pickling!), a warning should be sent out re Methyl or "wood"
alchohol - not only is it and its fumes far more poisonous than ethyl or
propanol (as anyone who has known someone with a crude or malfunctioning
 still will know!!) , but it simply doesn't do the job very well - so
while it may be dirt-cheap (it is the main ingredient in antifreeze),
don't use it for shells or shell-grit!!

Ross von Neu Shotland.