AR Members:

I have an older Thumbler rotary tumbler, the kind that uses two canisters. Lately I have noticed that my Thumbler brand media is leaving residue on some of the brass. It appears to be a rouge bearing media, not sure if it is corn cobs, walnut shell or what. Perhaps moisture is in the media and it needs replacing . Just not sure.

My question concerns media choice. What is the best media to use in this tumbler? I don't think liquid media can be used as the canisters do not appear to be 100% watertight. Is corn cob preferable or should I consider walnut shells? Any ceramic types of media I should think about? What brands do you like?

I look forward to your suggestions. Thanks in advance for your help.

Regards,

RCG

I use "Lyman Green" corncob for most cleaning. Walnut hulls for real dirty brass.....Grant

Go with crushed corn cob and Dillon Rapid Polish. Thats all I now use and cases come out spotless and shinier than when they were new. Corn cob is cheap enough so when it gets dirty you can just simply toss it. Bill T.

Grant & Bill:

Thanks for the suggestions.

RCG

I have the very same tumbler as you do. I bought a 6# jug of Lyman green and gave it a try. I had never used a tumbler prior to this, and the results were great. No issues, just clean brass. Very satisfied.

Sounds like Lyman's will do the job.

Thanks,

RCG

the walnut shell media does wear out and then leaves a red coating on the brass, which is kinda tough to get off. It last much longer that corncob and perhaps does a better job on really dirty stuff, but the corncob stuff is easier to come by and use. and yes you use jewelers rouge as an activator with walnut shells

If you are after bright and shiny I guess you got your answer.

To me ,however the bright and shiny isn't as important as clean. Of greater importance that applies to the inside of the case also. By far the courser walnut shells do this better than corn cobs.After I put the media back into the vibrator the white 5 gal soap bucket it came out of is just full of clinging black powder residue and so are the napkin strips I use in the tumbler.

If you are after the uzz and ozz of your peers at the range over your shiny brass you can go with the corn.If you want clean ;walnut shells and clean the tumbler strainer and bucket when you use it. Does it really mean anything? I guess you'll have to ask someone who knows. roger

has anyone else had the media get stuck in the flash holes? What a pain in the ass. I switched from lyman to RCBS media, it is finer and dosent get stuck nearly as much.

Walnut is for cleaning, corncob is for polishing.

I use Lymans Tuf-Nut walnut media and find it does an excellent job. I use it mainly because I prefer a dry operation. It seems to last forever and doesn't clog too badly. I also use what looks like a primer removal pin to remove anything that sticks in the primer pocket. My cases were hazy and clogged badly when I used liquid additives so I discontinued it. I have no problems with the jewellers rouge so far. Best wishes.

Cal - Montreal

quote:

Originally posted by Cal Sibley:
I use Lymans Tuf-Nut walnut media and find it does an excellent job. I use it mainly because I prefer a dry operation. It seems to last forever and doesn't clog too badly. I also use what looks like a primer removal pin to remove anything that sticks in the primer pocket. My cases were hazy and clogged badly when I used liquid additives so I discontinued it. I have no problems with the jewellers rouge so far. Best wishes.Cal - Montreal

Cal you might try a little Bon-Ami with a few squirts of Orange 409. The cut up pieces of napkin removes a lot of the powder residue. I cut up a whole napkin into 1/2" to 1" pieces.In a couple of hours they really turn light grey. roger

Thanks for all of the comments and tips.

RCG