Tell me about tumbling

I have a lee turret press and some dies coming in the mail. While I was shooting today and chasing some 9mm brass I kept finding brass in the grass I had missed from previous trips. Needless to say this brass was rather dirty and some were filled with dirt.

First off can I tumble and reload this brass (as long as it is not cracked ect.)?

If I can I would like to set a tumbler up in my carport (away from the rain) and tumble outside before I deprime. Because I will be using a turret press and will siz, deprime, and prime in one step I would like to tumble first.

How many of you tumble before depriming (or is the proper term decapping?)?


What media do you use to tumble? How much should I expect to pay for the media at a Big box store like basspro or sportsmans wharehouse? How many times can you use the media before you dump and change it

I am looking at a Smartreloader tumbler. It is a nano737 (I think). It is a little smaller than a typical tumbler. It holds about 300 - 9mm. Does anyone have any opinions on the smart reloader tumbler?

Thanks for all your help!

Tennjed wrote: First off can I tumble and reload this brass (as long as it is not cracked ect.)?

If I can I would like to set a tumbler up in my carport (away from the rain) and tumble outside before I deprime. Because I will be using a turret press and will siz, deprime, and prime in one step I would like to tumble first.

Yes - You can tumble almost anything!! Just don't load the cracked cases. Sometimes tumbling helps you identify the bad cases -- once they are clean. Yes - tumble BEFRE you deprime. If not, you will have tumbling media in your primer flash holes and can be a pain to remove at times.

Tennjed wrote:How many of you tumble before depriming (or is the proper term decapping?)?

I tumble once to clean (and polish if I want them polished) - tumble then deprime and load - then SHOOT!!

Tennjed wrote:
What media do you use to tumble? How much should I expect to pay for the media at a Big box store like basspro or sportsmans wharehouse? How many times can you use the media before you dump and change it

Seems most folks use crushed corncob or walnut shells. I personally use the walnut. I is harder and does a better job actually cleaning the brass in less time. Corncob is softer and actually serves to give the brass a better "shine - polish" --- I use media until it turns really brown/black and starts to breakdown and create a lot of dust. It will all depend on how dirty the brass is ... I add a little mineral spirits to the media to help keep the dust down and also it aids is cleaning the brass a little faster. The stuff at basspro and someother big box stores is expensive. Go to some of the pet supply stores -- crushed corncob and walnut are used as bottom fillers in bird and reptile cages.

Tennjed wrote:I am looking at a Smartreloader tumbler. It is a nano737 (I think). It is a little smaller than a typical tumbler. It holds about 300 - 9mm. Does anyone have any opinions on the smart reloader tumbler?

I am not familiar with the Smartreloader. I have a small Frankford Arsenal and a large Lyman Pro. Believe me, you will want a larger one in the future. I can get 1000 9mm in my Lyman and about 1/3 of that in my Frandford.

I am sure some other folks will chime in here with some other recommendation!!

I've been using the nanotumbler and though it only does a small amount of brass, it suits my needs for now. It's worked well for me so far. I've also been using the corn cob media, but I think next time I'll get the walnut media.

I have been reloading since 1957. When I started reloading, there were no tumblers available. I do not tumble brass. I clean it and if needed wash it in mild dish washing soap.

Doug

I agree with cap on all points. I've got the Frankford tumbler and will be getting something bigger this year.

When I get some nasty range brass, I run it through the walnut to clean it. When it is fairly clean to start with, I use the corncob. I've used corncob on the nasty stuff, but it takes longer. The corncob will give you a very shiny end result.

I also put in a shot of Nu-Finish car polish for some extra shine and to keep the dust down. I like to think that the polish helps coat the brass and keep it looking good longer (maybe that is just in my head).

I throw in a dryer sheet or piece of paper towel too. I'm not sure if it helps with the dust, but the paper sure gets dirty.

Mainly, you just want to get the brass clean and inspect it for faults. You could do that with soap and water if you wanted. Most of us tumble because you can dump them in and just let it run.....and because we like shiny brass!

i agree with Doug.

PhillipM wrote:... One day I'm going to pull the trigger on some stainless steel media.

One day I am going to do the same!!

I got some from Buffalo Arms in Washington (state) looking forward to trying it out as soon as I get enough dirty brass to make it worthwhile. http://www.buffaloarms.com/Detail.aspx?PROD=164066&CAT=3889 cost is $7/lb.; 5 lbs for a Thumbler.

how long does it usually take to tumble

dhollis51 wrote:how long does it usually take to tumble

2 Hours in walnut gets them clean, another 2 hours gets them cleaner, then overnight in corncob makes them look like gold.

I use a cheap tumbler I bought from harbor freight in pearl. Works just fine. I think it would tumble 1000 .38s though.

I tumble 50 to 100 at a time in corn cob from the pet store. Works fine generally run it about 3 -4 hours. I pour everything out into a plastic strainer to remove the bulk of the dust. The reason for such small counts is that I generally keep like cases together (same age/ brand) The corn cob does desinagrate over time so I add a little more as needed.

I am mostly going for clean .. shiny not so much.

I have used a dental pick to remove stuck cob parts. Do it while watching Top Shot.

pinetor wrote:I tumble 50 to 100 at a time in corn cob from the pet store.

May I ask what Pet Store you found the corncob at ... have look around at a couple and have always come up short ...

Petco up here in Southaven has corn cob and walnut.

I don't tumble, I use a vibrator!

J.B.

cottonmouth wrote: I don't tumble, I use a vibrator!

J.B.

I see what you did there.

I don't have a tumbler yet. I have just been using 50/50 lemon juice, and water with a drop of dish washing soap. So far I am pleased. they could be brighter though.

Paul

I won't comment about the vibrator. I guess everyone has to pass the while waiting his (her) brass to clean in their own way. A paper clip will get corncob media out of flash holes very nicely. Inspect right before priming...