WALNUT MEDIA QUESTION??

[CQB45ACP]

We are definitely in agreement regarding wet tumbling doing a "better" job of cleaning fouling/dirt away from brass surface.

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But I disagree with the notion that dry tumbling brass in walnut media does not "clean" brass surface.

Handling dry tumbled brass resulting in dirty hands doesn't mean brass surface is still dirty rather fouling/dirt removed from the brass surface has not properly separated from brass surface by the way of sifting sufficiently.

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And that’s why both methods are popular and many products sold

 

[LiveLife]

And that’s why both methods are popular and many products sold

Yes.

If dry tumbling is done outdoors with adequate ventilation or with use of respirator using proper filters, it will provide sufficient "cleaning" of brass. And remove fouling/dirt with sufficient sifting to not scratch die surface.

But if well ventilated outdoor dry tumbling option is not available, wet tumbling is a viable brass cleaning/polishing option, especially if you have blood lead level issues.

While dry tumbling has suited my reloading process of shooting over one million pistol/rifle rounds over the decades (I only closely track pistol rounds reloaded), I am open to considering Frankford Arsenal wet tumbler (I actually obtained a different wet tumbler and SS pins, but during the current shortage, PIF the setup to another reloader after seeing FART features).

 

[Hikingman]

I buy the lizard bedding at the pet store as it is lower dust (guess lizards don't like dust). Has worked well for me and the store is close.

Nothing against the HF option if one is close to you.

Fine walnut mix.

 

[mdi]

I believe cleaning/polishing brass is one of the most talked about, but least important part sof reloading. One question often generates 20 different recipes and methods for cleaning brass. So I'll add "Mike's Marvelous Media"; I use corn cob blast media 14-20 and add 10%-15% Harbor Freight Hard Resin tumbling media and a bit of auto wax (no abrasives or polishes of any kind. Concerned about transfer of any abrasive to my dies, guns, etc.). The resin media adds a bit of speed and aggressiveness to the process and the corn cob adds a shine (I can get factory new finish depending on how long I tumble in my rotary). I use the resin media straight for tumbling rusty tool, parts, and really tarnished cases, but used alone it leaves a matte finish. The auto wax leaves a very thin coating that helps keep tarnish away. I don't time the tumbling, as the tumbler runs while I doing something else in my shop and I just check it when I think about it.
Recipe #21...

https://www.harborfreight.com/autom...tting-resin-abrasive-tumbler-media-63672.html

 

[CQB45ACP]

Yes.

If dry tumbling is done outdoors with adequate ventilation or with use of respirator using proper filters, it will provide sufficient "cleaning" of brass. And remove fouling/dirt with sufficient sifting to not scratch die surface.

But if well ventilated outdoor dry tumbling option is not available, wet tumbling is a viable brass cleaning/polishing option, especially if you have blood lead level issues.

While dry tumbling has suited my reloading process of shooting over one million pistol/rifle rounds over the decades (I only closely track pistol rounds reloaded), I am open to considering Frankford Arsenal wet tumbler (I actually obtained a different wet tumbler and SS pins, but during the current shortage, PIF the setup to another reloader after seeing FART features).

That me correct that for you…you meant if wet tumbling isn’t available, then dry tumbling is a viable option

 

[LiveLife]

you meant if wet tumbling isn’t available, then dry tumbling is a viable option

 

[dman2112]

My favorite method is wet tumbling with a cascade dishwasher tab and a teaspoon of lemishine. 1.5 hours. Drain. Dump it on a beach towel before bed and the next morning I have some very clean brass

 

[GW Staar]

Some people think a mix of different media is the answer. Like an even mix of corncob and walnut. That to me is like making sandpaper with a mix of grit from say 600 and 400 grit ....... the result may be faster, but you just add 400 grit scratches to 600 grit scratches. If 400 grit scratches are good enough for you....then it's faster to use all 400 grit. If you want 600 grit smoothness then accept the extra time and leave out the rougher grit. Same thing.

Never seen or tried the "resin" mentioned above, so I don't know whether is rough like walnut or smoother than corncob.....or the same? If it speeds the tumbling, then it must be rougher......so has anyone tried just the resin?

 

[hdwhit]

I've tried many suppliers over the last four decades and haven't noticed any appreciable difference between any of them.

Yes, some may be just the right size to stick in the primer flash hole, but for that rare occurrence, I keep a supply of toothpicks on my reloading bench.

 

[AJC1]

I wish I'd never bought SS pins.

Well I submit that your not wet tumbling or you don't want clean.... inevitable result

 

[CQB45ACP]

My favorite method is wet tumbling with a cascade dishwasher tab and a teaspoon of lemishine. 1.5 hours. Drain. Dump it on a beach towel before bed and the next morning I have some very clean brass

I’ve thought about that too. Seems like a simple way to do it. But Isn’t citric acid already in the cascade?

 

[dman2112]

A bit, but I experimented and with the amount of water my tumbler requires, the brass would not get shiny. Just clean. Also with the lemi shine the primer pocket holes are mostly clean. With just the cascade tab, they were not as clean. I dont like to use and media in the wet tumble because Im old and lazy and don't want to deal with that. This was my final solution and I'm stickin to it