Tumbler question

[ValleyGunNut]

Hey guys, just getting into reloading and was wondering about tumblers... Buddies dad reloads and hes got one of those Hornady sonic case cleaners and he loves it... Was wondering if anyone else had some experience with these? Or what would the best tumbler be to buy? Not overly concerned with price (within reason) Just want to buy one that will last and that also does a good job.

Thanks a lot

Bob

 

[Cleftwynd]

Since you do not actually need a tumbler or vibratory cleaner it is really up to preference. I have both and use the tumbler with SS pins for cleaning my brass now, and sometimes toss brass in the other with corn cob media and a bit of NU Finish just to make the brass look like mirrored brass.

A vibrator unit cleans better with walnut media, but polishes better with corn cob, however to get the interior looking like new nothing beats a good tumbler with the SS pins.

This is strictly my opinion and others will probably chime in soon with thiers as well.

 

[paperslayer]

I have everything. My favorite is the stainless steel pins. next best for cleaning is ultrasonic. Rather than buying hornady, definitely check ebay for US cleaners. Many for much less than the the Hornady. US is by far the fastest, but like need to let them dry. same with Stainless.

Most "tumblers" are actually vibratory cleaners. These make them look pretty but don't clean primer pockets well at all. Option D is simply not bother.

 

[sail32]

Thumblers Tumbler Model B and stainless steel pins work like they advertise.
I have found mine much quieter than a Lyman 1200 vibrator, which is great if you live in an apartment.
I use mine for black powder and smokeless cartridges.
I also deprime my cases at the range and soak them in water and dish soap on the way home, rinse and tumble them for 3 hours.
I use an electric light timer I can go out and forget about the tumbler.

 

[Wired leader]

vibratory tumblers will do the job, but I find they are noisy, dusty and the media gets stuck in the flash holes.
I also now use a tumbler with SS media and am very happy with the results.
I cannot speak for the sonic cleaners, but I hear they do the job as well.
As Cleftwynd stated, some will clean with SS and then polish with corn corb pellets in a vibratory tumbler to get that mirror shine.
Personally, I find the SS does a sufficient job.