Tumbler Media - Keep How Long?

[Rustynuts]

Just wondering how to keep the tumbler media going before tossing the lot? Using treated cob right now with some ceramic pellets mixed in. The ceramic should last forever. Next I'll have to figure out how to sort the ceramic from the cob!

 

[esheato]

Simple answer...until it's no longer effective.

Not so simple answer...if it takes an hour and a half with new media and it's currently taking over two and a half hours then I would discard it. Media is cheap, your time isn't.

BTW, if you're not already, find a pet supply place and buy it in bulk from them. Much, much cheaper.

Ed

 

[res45]

I get corn cob media at Wally World $4.25 a bag,enough to fill my Frankford Arsenal Vib tumbler full 3 times made by Hartz.

 

[Walkalong]

Until it won't hold any more dirt etc. You will know. It just does not work as well anymore. It will leave trash on the brass almost like a fine powder. Sometimes more polish or a bit of water will cure it, sometimes it's just worn out.

 

[USSR]

Media is cheap, your time isn't.

BTW, if you're not already, find a pet supply place and buy it in bulk from them. Much, much cheaper.

+1.


Don

 

[The Bushmaster]

Add a couple of pieces of dryer sheet that have been cut to 2" squares or cut a paper towel in forths and add two of them to your tumbler. When they look dirty toss them and add two more. Make sure you use USED dryer sheets or they may make a mess and there's nothing like fresh smellin' cases...

This will help make your media last a little longer...

 

[scrat]

+ 1million on the dryer sheets. adding a small cap full of mineral spirits and turning it on with no brass for a while will clean up the media as long as you use dryer sheets.

 

[evan price]

I am about to change mine for the first time. I estimate that my 5 pounds of media has done nearly 20,000 cases over six months. The last 5000 or so I forgot to use dryer sheets and it really went to crap quick.
It's so dirty now that it leaves a plume of dust out the top if the lid is off and I sneeze and cough and taste metal if I am near it.
Time for new...

 

[GaryL]

Older media can be used for an intial cleaning (knocking the dirt loose) if you don't mind a couple of stages of tumbling brass.

 

[Walkalong]

It's so dirty now that it leaves a plume of dust out the top if the lid is off and I sneeze and cough and taste metal if I am near it.
Time for new...

Past time for new. Way past.

 

[345 DeSoto]

When you're done with the cob media w/ceramic pellets, toss it in a bucket of water. The cob will float, and the ceramic will sink...

 

[Rustynuts]

Ha, thanks! I was thinking of harder ways like tossing them in front of a box fan and sorting the wheat from chaff!

 

[PsychoKnight]

I was thinking of harder ways like tossing them in front of a box fan and sorting the wheat from chaff!

Well, why not?

Removes all the carcinogenic primer dust from the media before I handle it. I set it on a timer so I'm never around when the dust is dissipated in the backyard. The next door pets have been feeling kinda poorly lately tho.

 

[Diggers]

I'm just getting into the reloading game so pardon the silly questions.

BUT just how toxic is the media after its been used for a while? Carcinogens? Lead?

Do any of you take precautions being/working around it?

Thanks.

 

[evan price]

Re: Toxicity

I wouldn't eat it, or eat or drink after handling it until I have washed thoroughly. Figure it is as leaded as a lead bullet. And it's full of lead in minute dust form, easily absorbed if it is ingested.

 

[trickyasafox]

as soon as the media starts getting pretty dusty- I change it. It's really not so expensive, and i think much of my lead exposure comes from tumbling and seperating. I have no actual evidence to back this up - just a hunch.

Also- I tumble outside now. this may i'll see if it makes a difference in my lead levels.

 

[jeepmor]

I always keep enough polishing agent (nu finish or flitz) and dryer sheets in my that dust is not a problem.