Stainless vs dry tumbling pro/cons

madcow

madcow

CGN Ultra frequent flyer
Rating - 100%
255   0   0
Location
Edmonton
I been researching the topic a lot lately, I have bot the traditional and stainless tumblers.

Just wanted to see opinions of others.

I used both, but in a pinch for what its worth and cost and time effectiveness, I find traditional tumbling better in the long run.

less expensive media, no drying, can reload as soon as the brass is tumbled. May not be as shiny, but that doesn't really matter to me.

Opinions?!
 
I just like not worrying about all the additive you need to add, then removing the pins, then drying the brass.

With corncob/walnut, you add a little additive, and viola a few hours later you separate it, and start reloading. I have media that I have used for years without replacing and still works fine.

plus the dry tumblers are usually much cheaper too.
 
I like stainless a one time purchase for pins and done forever.. works great no dust and less noise I have found the cases come out really clean for case inspection I find this an advantage and clean primer pockets to boot.

I add nothing but a table spoon of laundry low "e" detergent and a pinch of Lemishine and done..

Cases go into the oven for 20 minutes on low 200 deg
 
Id think that if you didnt NEED the super shiny, then dry would be fine.



EDIT: ALso does dry media clean the inside as well?
 
titch-- said:
Id think that if you didnt NEED the super shiny, then dry would be fine.



EDIT: ALso does dry media clean the inside as well?
Click to expand...

This is some 40sw brass in walnut media a dab of Brasso, I use walnut because it seems more abrasive and smaller.

 
silverfoxdj said:
I like stainless a one time purchase for pins and done forever.. works great no dust and less noise I have found the cases come out really clean for case inspection I find this an advantage and clean primer pockets to boot.

I add nothing but a table spoon of laundry low "e" detergent and a pinch of Lemishine and done..

Cases go into the oven for 20 minutes on low 200 deg
Click to expand...

what solution do you use? I hear some use just vinagar
 
SS Media clean the insides so well , and the primer pockets as well.

Never wears out.

Time tumbling saved on SS tumbling is lost in the drying process.Dry takes longer and no drying, so to me it is a wash.

For the cleaner cases I will stay with SS.

When I empty the dirty water it tells me again why I use this method.
 
I've posted these many time's, but they say 4000 word's

DSCF1256.jpg




DSCF1257.jpg




DSCF1258.jpg




DSCF1259.jpg
 
I have gone over to wet tumbling for a number of reasons:

1. Tumbled cases are much cleaner to handle. There is no film that turns your fingers black
2. Less stray media. I find that walnut shells or corncob particles tend to get everywhere. The few stainless pins that get spilled are easily picked up with a magnet.
3. No possibility of airborne lead, as it is all in solution.
 
silverfoxdj said:
I like stainless a one time purchase for pins and done forever.. works great no dust and less noise I have found the cases come out really clean for case inspection I find this an advantage and clean primer pockets to boot.

I add nothing but a table spoon of laundry low "e" detergent and a pinch of Lemishine and done..

Cases go into the oven for 20 minutes on low 200 deg
Click to expand...

I just put Mine in for 15 min at 175f. I have dried 170 cases like that at a time. But I roll on a towel before the oven.
 
I do both but mostly SS now. The only other minor thing not mentioned about SS tumbling is it can cause "peening" tiny dents, and is noticeable at the case mouth sometimes. It is caused by tumbling way too long. (I do 2-3 hr max) or if the case has a chamfer on it you will see it get dull and not be as sharp. Not an issue if you trim or debur after. I don't have any issue with this but other have and just wanted it out there.
SS is the way to go to to avoid the dust. Many say they don't have dust when using walnut cleaned brass but they are just lying :)
 
Seagull said:
I do both but mostly SS now. The only other minor thing not mentioned about SS tumbling is it can cause "peening" tiny dents, and is noticeable at the case mouth sometimes. It is caused by tumbling way too long. (I do 2-3 hr max) or if the case has a chamfer on it you will see it get dull and not be as sharp. Not an issue if you trim or debur after. I don't have any issue with this but other have and just wanted it out there.
SS is the way to go to to avoid the dust. Many say they don't have dust when using walnut cleaned brass but they are just lying :)
Click to expand...


I found no dust, just add a few strips of a bounce strip, but I could be lying
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom