Dry tumbling media question...

[jakfrost]

I've started using my Hornady Case Tumbler again, with the provided media, crushed corn media I believe...and having an issue with the media staying inside the 9mm cases after the tumbling. I have to use a brush in every single case to get the media out. I remember learning my lesson when I had previously used the tumbler, to NOT decap before tumbling in the dry media since it left media jammed into almost every primer pocket and was a time consuming pain to remove.

I didn't remember the media remaining inside the cases however. Its almost like static electricity is keeping the media inside the case mouths...? Is there a dry media I could try that wouldn't cause this problem? I understand that SS pins/wet tumbler is an option but was hoping to avoid the expense at this time, rather pay for other shooting supplies...like ammo!

On another note, I have bought a Dillon XL650 from a friend who never used it, ( never even put powder in it...) and been reading that Dillon recommends 'dry lube' even for straight walled pistol cases in carbide dies...any thoughts?

Jim

 

[john92awd]

I use the crushed walnut stuff. I sounds like it may work a bit better (I've never used corn cob) but it will fully separate from the brass if you agitate it well

 

[jakfrost]

Where to buy? Higginson only has the corn stuff...

 

[yomomma]

Reptile cage litter from your pet store....

 

[jakfrost]

Snake litter...? OK, I'll check at the local 'Pet Smart'...thanks!

 

[glycerin]

I use walnut, used in bulk for airblasting wood? and lizard litter, no problem in dry cases with correct grit. Never used lube in my 650 for .38 9mm, & 45 acp, might consider it for .44 mag.

 

[Markham123]

Walnut from pet smart and one used bouce sheet cut up into quarters. Works well for me

 

[tjhaile]

A rotary media separator will knock the media out of the inside of the cases without much difficulty.

Case lube is not necessary with carbide dies, but it does cut down on effort and makes things run smoother. A light film is sufficient and you can either leave the loaded rounds as-is or roll the loaded rounds back and forth in a towel with a bit of rubbing alcohol to remove the lube. Lubes I have used for this are:

-Dillon alcohol/lanolin spray or the home mixed equivalent
-Hornady One Shot
-Castor oil
-Permatex engine assembly lube

I shake the cases around in a large freezer bag to lube them. The right amount is just enough to make them feel a bit slippery, but not really wet.

 

[trebor2880]

Crushed walnut at Princess Auto is fairly cheap.

 

[johnsks]

try putting some car wax in with your media cuts down on the dust and helps with the shine also provides a bit of lube for the dies

 

[silverfoxdj]

A rotary media separator will knock the media out of the inside of the cases without much difficulty.

Case lube is not necessary with carbide dies, but it does cut down on effort and makes things run smoother. A light film is sufficient and you can either leave the loaded rounds as-is or roll the loaded rounds back and forth in a towel with a bit of rubbing alcohol to remove the lube. Lubes I have used for this are:

-Dillon alcohol/lanolin spray or the home mixed equivalent
-Hornady One Shot
-Castor oil
-Permatex engine assembly lube

I shake the cases around in a large freezer bag to lube them. The right amount is just enough to make them feel a bit slippery, but not really wet.

I use the home made lanolin method at about 1 part to 12 seems right

 

[trebor2880]

try putting some car wax in with your media cuts down on the dust and helps with the shine also provides a bit of lube for the dies

The car "polish" is better to use than the wax. Like NuFinish" car polish.

 

[Brianma65]

I just tumbled some 9 mm cases in the red walnut media( Lyman's). What a waste of time, media got packed in the cases so tight that it didn't clean them at all. May as well have used thes as is.

Can't remember having this problem with ordinary walnut media.

 

[jakfrost]

I use the home made lanolin method at about 1 part to 12 seems right

"Home made lanolin"?? Someone at the range the other day suggested 98% isopropyl alcohol and olive oil...?? Is that the 'lanolin formula'?

 

[camster]

"Home made lanolin"?? Someone at the range the other day suggested 98% isopropyl alcohol and olive oil...?? Is that the 'lanolin formula'?

Substitute lanolin (liquid) for olive oil. You can find it in pharmacies.

 

[silverfoxdj]

"Home made lanolin"?? Someone at the range the other day suggested 98% isopropyl alcohol and olive oil...?? Is that the 'lanolin formula'?

Warm it before mixing 1 to 12 https://well.ca/products/now-solutions-liquid-lanolin_19676.html

 

[jakfrost]

Warm it before mixing 1 to 12 https://well.ca/products/now-solutions-liquid-lanolin_19676.html

Thanks for that...great info. Do you use a hand mister/spray bottle to apply? Or just throw some into a plastic bag with the 'formula' and shake rattle and roll ?

 

[Brianma65]

Thanks for that...great info. Do you use a hand mister/spray bottle to apply? Or just throw some into a plastic bag with the 'formula' and shake rattle and roll ?

I use a spray bottle, give it a shake before each use and it's good to go.

I only lube my rifle cases not my handgun cases.

 

[bat119]

For easy mixing 12:1

1 Table spoon lanolin in 3/4 cup alcohol and shake well

There's 12 table spoons in 3/4 of a cup

 

[legi0n]

I've started using my Hornady Case Tumbler again, with the provided media, crushed corn media I believe...and having an issue with the media staying inside the 9mm cases after the tumbling. I have to use a brush in every single case to get the media out. I remember learning my lesson when I had previously used the tumbler, to NOT decap before tumbling in the dry media since it left media jammed into almost every primer pocket and was a time consuming pain to remove.

I didn't remember the media remaining inside the cases however. Its almost like static electricity is keeping the media inside the case mouths...? Is there a dry media I could try that wouldn't cause this problem? I understand that SS pins/wet tumbler is an option but was hoping to avoid the expense at this time, rather pay for other shooting supplies...like ammo!

On another note, I have bought a Dillon XL650 from a friend who never used it, ( never even put powder in it...) and been reading that Dillon recommends 'dry lube' even for straight walled pistol cases in carbide dies...any thoughts?

Jim

Cut an used drier sheet in 4 and add it to the tumbler. It will reduce the static charge and capture the soot. Discard the sheets after tumbling.