Tumbler media

[eckerph]

Where do you guys get you're media for you're case tumbler? I've been using corn cob media so i guess I'll stick with that, I would like to buy it local if you guys know any places that sell it. Im just N. of Sacremento.

[elsolo]

Save yourself some time and try walnut.

[bu-bye]

I have heard a lot poeple use cobb bedding found at pet shops. They say it works great and is super cheap.

[TonyM]

I get my corncob media from Midway in the buckets, haven't found a deal locally. I do get my walnut media locally at PetSmart/Petco. It's sold in 20 pound bags under the brand "Lizard Litter".

I run two tumblers, as follows.

1. The Big Dillon: 75% walnut 25% corn. This cleans and polishes very well.

2. Small Franford: 100% corn. This is for when I want the "ultra shine" picture type ammo.

I would say that the #1 setup gets the cases to about 90% of what #2 will do. I rarely use #2, I just have it because I started with the Frankford small tumbler. When I upgraded to the Dillon I couldn't see throwing it away. Running the mix of 75-25 also saves the corn media and makes it longer between times I need to order it online.

[TonyM]

Oh,

The Walnut/Corn mix will also cut dirt/residue in about 1/2 the time that corn alone will, and it lasts what seems to be about 2 or more times longer than 100% corn.

[thmpr]

Thanks for the great info as well. I was thinking of changing to walnut since the corn cob media does not last long. I heard people clean the corn media with thinner. Is this true?

[xrMike]

I've read on the 1911 forums about guys using a paper towel torn into strips, tossed into the media, before each load, or using dryer sheets to keep the dust down and the media cleaner longer.

[ocabj]

Find a bird supply store. I get crushed walnut shell for $8 per 25 lbs from the one in my area.

I use dryer sheets to keep the dust down. I also add about a tablespoon of mineral spirits in each tumbling load. I don't even know why I did it in the first place, but it seems to help shine the brass a little. I'd use some of the brass polish sold by the various reloading vendors, but I hate how they leave the waxy residue build up in the tumbler bowl.

[DV8]

Corn cob bedding at petsmart or walnut if they have it. Throw in a few ounces of flitz then another cycle with just the media. Brass comes out really shiney.

[TonyM]

+1 on the Bounce dryer sheets. I use them after they have been used in the laundry (wife got upset with me raiding the box for new ones) every so often in the tumbler, they come out gray/black and reduce the dust in the media. Works great.

[whatever]

The trick I read was when your media gets too dirty dump it into a pantyhose stocking and throw it into your clothes washer (maybe dishwasher will work?)

[TonyM]

The trick I read was when your media gets too dirty dump it into a pantyhose stocking and throw it into your clothes washer (maybe dishwasher will work?)

I wouldn't do that for any reason.

There's lead and other particles in that dust that can eventually kill you. By all means, keep it away from your dishwasher, and your clothes for that matter.

[eckerph]

Thanx for the info guys, looks like im gonna get some crushed walnut at the pet store this weekend.

[C.G.]

I am going to give this a try:

http://www.6mmbr.com/ultrasonic.html

[bu-bye]

I don't use a tumbler . I put my brass in a 1 gallon bucket filling it about half way up, put in a half scoop of laundry detergent (the powder kind) and fill with hot water. I then put the top on the bucket and roll the thing around with my foot for 30 min or so while watching tv. I then dump all the brass into a strainer and rinse all the soap off with hot water from the sink. All the brass is then put into ammo trays (rim up) and flipped on to a cookie sheet so the neck is facing up. I can get about 500 rounds on a cookie sheet. They then go in the oven for a couple hours at the lowest setting 150 degrees. If you get the brass to hot it will no longer flex when you try to resize and it will jam in your gun......HARD. Don't ask me how I know this . Any way, once all the case are dry I then resize them load up.

I like my washing machine style cleaing. The brass is not as shinny as tumbling in media but brighter enough. In fact I don't really want shinny brass. I have my reasons . The brass comes out very clean, inside and out, and its cheap and easy. No equipment costs and I can do 500 rounds in one run.