Do you vibrate, tumble, wash, or other? Why?
What media do you use? Why?
What media do you use? Why?
Reloading - Cleaning Cases
- Thread starter Frontiersman
- Start date
Ive used corncob media in a vibrating tumbler for years. Ive been thinking about trying a rotary tumbler with a cleaning solution. The mirror finish is pretty, but I like the unfired factory brass look better for field use.
Does anyone have experience to share?
Does anyone have experience to share?
I use a Lyman vibratory tumbler (my second one) usually with walnut media.
All I know about rotary and liquid is a former neighbor and I met at the mailbox one day, and he told me he had cases in the rotary cleaner. We talked less than five minutes, and he said it was time to take the cases out. That made me sad.
All I know about rotary and liquid is a former neighbor and I met at the mailbox one day, and he told me he had cases in the rotary cleaner. We talked less than five minutes, and he said it was time to take the cases out. That made me sad.
4stringdude
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2025
- Messages
- 105
I have no experience with the rotary tumbler. It sounds like a nice idea. I hope someone with experience will chime in.
I have a Lyman Vibratory tumbler. I use corn cob and hazelnut shell media. I’m happy with the shine I get from those. I guess I’m not too picky. I know some guys want factory new clean look for their brass. Other than powder burns and my sharpie marks, my brass doesn’t get too dirty. My range has a concrete pad, so no dirt/mud to deal with.
I have a Lyman Vibratory tumbler. I use corn cob and hazelnut shell media. I’m happy with the shine I get from those. I guess I’m not too picky. I know some guys want factory new clean look for their brass. Other than powder burns and my sharpie marks, my brass doesn’t get too dirty. My range has a concrete pad, so no dirt/mud to deal with.
It does seem to be a bit harder than the corn cobs we grow. I wonder what they do to it at the factory.
We also buy bagged dirt, canned air, and bottled water. Imagine what gggrandpa would have to say about that.
We also buy bagged dirt, canned air, and bottled water. Imagine what gggrandpa would have to say about that.
4stringdude
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jun 29, 2025
- Messages
- 105
A very good point!
When I first started tumbling brass I used a rock tumbler I bought at a yard sale. It would hold about 50 cases. I tried to use corn cob bedding from Rural King as media. Mostly because it was cheap and available. It worked, but some pieces were too large and would get stuck inside the 30-30 brass. It was a pain to get the bits out of the cases. The things we do to save a penny.
