A brass tumbler is an essential tool for those involved in reloading ammunition or dealing with metal parts that need a thorough cleaning. It's a device designed to clean and polish brass casings to a brilliant shine, removing dirt, grime, and oxidation that can affect performance. By using a combination of tumbling media, like crushed walnut shell or corn cob, and a bit of polishing compound, a brass tumbler can restore your spent casings to their former glory, making them look almost as good as new. This not only improves the aesthetic appeal of the brass but also extends its lifespan and ensures better functionality. Whether you're a hobbyist, a professional gunsmith, or a jewelry maker, a brass tumbler is an invaluable tool to keep in your arsenal.
How We Choose
The job of the brass tumbler is very simple, a durable container that shakes your brass along with cleaning media. Just put your cases in the tumbler and add your choice media, plug it in, let it run until you are happy with the quality of your tumble, and then separate the brass from the media and you are good to reload. For those of you that are wanting to use stainless steel media with Lemi Shine to tumble wet, all the tumblers are capable of wet tumbling with stainless steel pins but you will wind up with heavy loads so a drum tumbler gives you more options. We have created this list for you to check out!
Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ 110V Vibratory Case Tumbler Quick-N-EZ Standard Media Separator for Reloading
Frankford Arsenal
Quick-N-EZ 110V Vibratory Case Tumbler Quick-N-EZ Standard Media Separator for Reloading
The Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler offers a fast, simple, and cost-effective solution for cleaning brass. When paired with Frankford Arsenal Walnut and Corn Cob Medias, this case tumbler efficiently eliminates lube and oxidation. It can accommodate up to 600 9mm cases or 350 .223 cases. For optimal results, combine the Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler with the Quick-N-EZ Rotary Separator to swiftly separate media from brass.
Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler with 7-Liter Capacity
Frankford Arsenal's Rotary Tumbler is a must-have for reloading benches. It can handle up to 1,000 .223 brass cases per batch, with a runtime of 0-3 hours. Use with Stainless Steel Media Pins for gleaming primer pockets. Features 7-liter capacity, clear window, leakproof seal, and noise-reducing design for quiet operation.
Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler Lite
Frankford Arsenal’s Rotary Tumbler Lite offers efficient cleaning for specialty cartridges and smaller brass batches. With a 3.3L capacity, it can handle up to 300 .223 brass pieces. The direct drive electric motor ensures maintenance-free operation, while the easy ON/OFF function simplifies use. The 230-volt model is tailored for European electrical outlets.
Hornady Vibratory Tumbler
Hornady M-1 Case Tumbler – Elevate the quality of your reloaded ammunition with the M-1 Hornady Tumbler, a reliable tool for cleaning and polishing large quantities of cases rapidly and effectively. This tumbler can accommodate up to (400) .38 Special cases, (180) 30-06 cases, or the equivalent of other similar-sized cases.
Enhance Your Reloads to Perfection – When paired with Hornady Tumbling Media (available separately), the cyclonic and vibratory motion of the Hornady M1 Tumbler ensures that brass is cleaned to a brilliant shine. Utilize the provided sifter to effortlessly separate the polished brass from the media.
Generous Capacity – Specifically engineered for swift and efficient cleaning and polishing of a large number of cartridge cases, the Hornady Case Tumbler boasts a full 3-1/2 quart working capacity, 3/16" bowl thickness, wide and stable base, as well as a quiet fan-cooled, sealed ball-bearing motor for seamless operation.
Hornady Rotary Case Tumbler
Clean and polish brass cartridge cases to a brilliant shine with the rotary action of this tumbler and stainless steel pin tumbling media (included). This tumbler is designed to efficiently clean large quantities of cases at once, saving time and effort. The 6-liter rubber-lined drum can hold up to 5 pounds of brass cartridge cases, making it suitable for substantial batches.
The Hornady Case Tumbler pairs perfectly with the One Shot Cartridge Case Solution, ensuring your cartridges maintain a pristine appearance. The digital timer feature allows the tumbler to operate for up to 8 hours, with 30-minute increments for precise cleaning cycles.
Hornady's line of cleaning, case care, and prep tools are tailored to simplify tasks like cleaning, trimming, deburring, or chamfering cartridge cases. Enhance the accuracy of your handloads and streamline your reloading process with these tools, optimizing your efficiency and freeing up more time for your shooting pursuits.
Lyman Pro 1200 Rotary Tumbler
The Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler is designed to offer an exceptional balance between capacity, durability, and affordability. This high-quality tumbler is a standout choice for reloading enthusiasts seeking efficient and reliable case cleaning.
The Pro 1200 boasts a robust thermally protected motor, ensuring long-lasting performance. Its built-in sifter lid simplifies the process of separating cases after tumbling, saving you time and effort. The advanced bowl design further enhances its overall effectiveness in achieving optimal cleaning results.
With a media capacity of 2 lbs., the Pro 1200 can handle up to 350 38spl. cases per cycle, providing you with ample cleaning capacity for your reloading needs. This vibratory case tumbler is compatible with both corncob and nutshell media, offering versatility in cleaning various types of cases effectively.
Proudly made in the USA, the Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler combines affordability with effectiveness, making it a reliable choice for reloaders looking for a premium tumbling solution.
Extreme Tumblers Stainless Steel Ammo Reloading Kit
This is a MUST for cleaning pistol brass or small caliber brass efficiently and effectively. By using a universal decapping die, you can ensure thorough cleaning of primer pockets, leaving them looking pristine. The Extreme Tumblers Rebel 17 Tumbler is a groundbreaking unit tailored for stainless steel media, boasting a generous capacity of 17 lbs (equivalent to 2-4lbs of brass). With features like high strength powder coating, a thick rubber-lined drum, large solid shafts, and heavy-duty sealed ball bearings, this tumbler guarantees durability and longevity. Additionally, it offers a 5-year warranty on the barrel and liner, a 3-year warranty on the unit, and a 1-year warranty on the motor, providing peace of mind to users. The seamless drive belt, easy on/off nylon locking drum lid knobs, and seam-welded, robust base with dual motor support brackets further enhance its reliability and convenience. Get ready to experience efficient brass cleaning with the Extreme Tumblers Rebel 17 Tumbler!
Brass Tumbler FAQs
How do I know how much media to load when running a tumbler?
Typically, the recommended ratio for media to brass is 1:1 or 2:1. This means that for every pound of brass, you should load either one or two pounds of media. However, it's important to note that this can vary depending on the type and amount of dirt or residue on your brass. It's always a good idea to start with a 1:1 ratio and adjust accordingly based on the results you see.
How often should I change the media in my tumbler?
This depends on how often you use your tumbler and the condition of your brass. If you clean heavily soiled or dirty brass, it's recommended to change the media after every use. However, if you regularly maintain your brass and only need a light cleaning, you can typically change the media every few uses. It's important to monitor the condition of your media and replace it when it becomes worn or dirty.
Can I use any type of media with my Rebel 17 Tumbler?
It is recommended to use stainless steel media specifically designed for tumbling in the Rebel 17 Tumbler. This type of media is durable and long-lasting, making it a cost-effective choice for brass cleaning. Additionally, using the recommended media ensures optimal results and reduces the risk of damaging your tumbler or brass.
Conclusion
When you look at the key features of these machines designed to clean brass you will see brands that will work great for years to come and before you know it you will be telling your friends how long to tumble inside a hexagon-shaped drum before you switch it off and see all that beautiful brass ready for drying. Clean brass is the first step to quality reloading so order your Brass Tumbler today!
