Discover the importance of clean brass cases in ammunition reloading. Learn about brass tumbler media and how it enhances the reliability and consistency of your reloads. In the world of ammunition reloading, maintaining clean and polished brass cases is essential for ensuring reliable performance and consistency. One crucial tool in achieving this is brass tumbler media. Brass tumbler media refers to the material used inside a tumbler machine to clean and polish spent brass casings. By understanding the different types of media available and their specific applications, reloaders can enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of their brass cleaning processes.
Types of Brass Tumbler Media for a Vibratory Tumbler
- Corn Cob Media:
- Corn cob media is one of the most popular choices for brass cleaning. Made from ground-up corn cobs, this media is gentle on brass while effectively removing dirt, soot, and carbon buildup. It is particularly well-suited for polishing brass to a high shine.
- Walnut Shell Media:
- Walnut shell media is another favored option. Derived from crushed walnut shells, it provides a slightly more aggressive cleaning action compared to corn cob media. This makes it ideal for heavily tarnished or dirty brass casings. Walnut shell media excels at quickly stripping away grime and residue.
- Stainless Steel Pins:
- For those seeking a thorough and precise clean, stainless steel pins are an excellent choice. These small, cylindrical stainless pins work effectively with wet tumbling methods, reaching into primer pockets and other hard-to-access areas. Stainless steel pins can produce exceptionally clean and shiny brass.
- Ceramic Media:
- Ceramic media is often used for heavy-duty cleaning tasks. Its hardness and density make it effective for removing stubborn contaminants. Ceramic media is commonly employed in industrial settings but can also be utilized by advanced hobbyist reloaders.
Choosing the Right Media
Selecting the appropriate brass tumbler media depends on several factors, including the level of contamination on the brass, the desired finish, and personal preferences. For routine rifle brass cleaning and polishing, corn cob or walnut shell media is usually sufficient. However, for deep cleaning or specialized tasks, stainless steel pins or ceramic media may be more suitable.
Benefits of Using Brass Tumbler Media
- Improved Performance: Clean brass ensures consistent chambering, extraction, and overall firearm reliability.
- Extended Brass Life: Regular cleaning and polishing help prevent corrosion and damage, prolonging the life of brass casings.
- Aesthetic Appeal: Polished brass not only looks better but also facilitates easier inspection for defects or damage.
By selecting the right brass tumbler media and integrating it into their reloading process, enthusiasts and professionals can achieve cleaner, more reliable, and visually appealing ammunition.
Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media
- SPECS: 7 lbs of media in a cardboard box
- ACCURACY: Frankford media is designed to quickly and efficiently remove dirt, grit, and powder residue from brass cases before reloading
- EASE OF USE: Just pour into the tumbler of your choice and get to cleaning
- VERSATILITY: Can be used to clean/polish media in a brass tumbler and can also be used to fill shooting bags for the range
- DURABLE: Can be used multiple times before needing to change out with new media
Frankford Arsenal 15 lbs Bag of Walnut Hull Media
- SPECS: 18 lbs of media in a cardboard box
- ACCURACY: Frankford media is designed to quickly and efficiently remove dirt, grit, and powder residue from brass cases before reloading
- EASE OF USE: Just pour into the tumbler of your choice and get to cleaning
- VERSATILITY: Can be used to clean/polish media in a brass tumbler and can also be used to fill shooting bags for the range
- DURABLE: Can be used multiple times before needing to change out with new media
Lyman Corn Cob Tumbling Media
- Made from natural processed corncobs.
- Corncob media is tough enough to clean brass that has minor tarnishing yet soft enough to not damage the casing.
- Media is reusable for multiple tumbling cycles
- Proper brass cleaning extends the life of cases and reloading dies
Frankford Arsenal Stainless Steel Media
- SPECS: 2 lbs. of pins with a size of 1mm x 7mm
- EASE OF USE: Magnetic for convenient handling and to prevent rust and the perfect amount for replacing lost pins or tumbling smaller batches of brass
- RELIABLE: Perfect for cleaning the inside of primer pockets, and inside the case body and ideal for rotary tumbling
- DURABLE: Constructed strong 304 magnetic stainless steel for a lifetime of use
- CONVENIENT: Perfect amount for the Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite
Frankford Arsenal Bottle of Ammonia-Free Quick-N-EZ Brass Polish
- SPECS: 4 oz plastic bottle
- EASE OF USE: Add 3 teaspoons of polish to new media to activate and 1 teaspoon to used media to reactivate
- NON-HAZARDOUS: Ammonia free for a clean reloading experience and the container is biodegradable
- GREAT SMELL: Citrus scented to keep reloading rooms smelling fresh
- DURABLE: Strengthens brass and prevents it from becoming brittle
Flitz Metal Tumbler Media Additive
This product is gentle on metal and primers, stress-free for brass, and completely ammonia-free with no buildup. Perfect for use with corn cob, walnut, or other media, it cuts tumbling time in half while cleaning, polishing, and protecting brass, nickel, and copper.
- Liquid formula
- Safe for all metals and primer, cleans and polishes brass, copper, and more
- Suitable for corn cob, walnut, or other media
- Superior polishing product for use in tumbler machines
Brass Tumbler Media FAQs
What is the best cleaning media?
The best cleaning media for brass tumbling is a matter of personal preference and depends on your specific needs. Some popular options include corn cob, walnut shell, stainless steel pins, and ceramic or synthetic media. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, so it's important to do some research and determine which one will work best for you.
What is the recommended amount of media to use in a tumbler?
The recommended amount of media to use in a tumbler can vary depending on the size and type of tumbler you have. However, a good rule of thumb is to fill the tumbler approximately 2/3 full with media. This will allow enough room for the cases to move around and get properly cleaned.
Can I mix different types of media?
Yes, you can mix different types of media when tumbling brass. In fact, many people prefer to use a combination of corn cob and walnut shells for the best cleaning and polishing results. Just make sure to not overload your tumbler with too much media, as this can hinder the effectiveness of the tumbling process.
How often should I change my tumbler media?
It's recommended to change your tumbler media every few uses, or whenever it starts to appear dirty and worn out. This will ensure that your brass cases are properly cleaned and polished without any residue or debris from the old media.
Can I reuse tumbler media?
Yes, you can reuse tumbler media multiple times before needing to replace it. However, keep in mind that the media will eventually wear down and lose its effectiveness over time. It's important to regularly inspect your media and replace it as needed for optimal results.
How do I clean my tumbler media?
To clean your tumbler media, simply rinse it with water and dry it thoroughly before using it again. You can also add a small amount of dish soap to the water for a deeper clean. It's important to let the media dry completely before adding it back into your tumbler, as any moisture can affect the tumbling process.
Other tips and considerations
- When choosing media for your tumbler, make sure to consider the size and shape of your brass cases. Some types of media may work better for smaller or larger cases.
- If you notice that your brass is not getting as clean as desired, try adjusting the ratio of brass cases to media in your tumbler.
- Consider using a separate tumbler for different types of media, such as one for cleaning and another for polishing. This can help prevent cross-contamination and ensure the best results.
- Don't forget to regularly clean and maintain your tumbler, including checking for any worn or broken parts that may affect its performance.
- When tumbling, be patient and avoid overloading your tumbler. It's better to run multiple cycles with smaller batches than trying to cram everything into one cycle.
- Finally, always follow the manufacturer's instructions and safety guidelines when using a tumbler. Safety should always be a top priority when reloading ammunition. Overall, taking good care of your tumbler and media will result in cleaner, shinier brass cases for your reloading needs. Happy tumbling!
Conclusion
Reloading is a great hobby and a way to increase your accuracy with any caliber. To get the most from your reloads you have to have the brass clean. Brass cleaning is different with the type of media you use, corn cob, stainless steel pins, and walnut media will all make your brass shiny. People have tried everything over the years from Dawn dish soap, mineral spirits, and dryer sheets, load a few batches and compare the accuracy with SS pins or new brass. So what are you waiting for? Order today!
