The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Reloading Tumbler for Your Needs
For serious reloaders, achieving consistent and accurate ammunition requires meticulous attention to detail. One often-overlooked step in the process is cleaning your brass casings. A high-quality reloading tumbler is essential for removing dirt, grime, and oxidation, ensuring smooth feeding and reliable performance. This comprehensive guide will explore the different types of reloading tumblers available, key features to consider, and our top recommendations to help you choose the best reloading tumbler for your specific needs.
Why Use a Reloading Tumbler?
Before diving into the specifics of choosing a reloading tumbler, it’s important to understand why this piece of equipment is so crucial. Here’s a breakdown of the benefits:
- Improved Accuracy: Clean brass casings are more consistent in weight and dimensions, contributing to more accurate loads.
- Reduced Wear and Tear: Dirt and grit can damage your reloading dies and firearm chamber. A reloading tumbler removes these abrasives, extending the lifespan of your equipment.
- Smoother Feeding: Cleaned brass casings feed more smoothly in your firearm, reducing the risk of jams and malfunctions.
- Enhanced Appearance: While not essential for performance, clean brass casings simply look better and give you a sense of pride in your reloads.
Types of Reloading Tumblers
There are two main types of reloading tumblers: vibratory tumblers and rotary tumblers. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages.
Vibratory Tumblers
Vibratory tumblers use a vibrating motor to agitate the brass casings in a bowl filled with media, such as crushed corncob or walnut shells. This type of reloading tumbler is generally faster than rotary tumblers, typically cleaning brass in 1-3 hours. They are also quieter and more affordable.
Pros:
- Faster cleaning times
- Quieter operation
- More affordable
- Easy to use
Cons:
- May not be as effective at removing heavy tarnish or stubborn dirt
- Can be dusty, requiring proper ventilation
Rotary Tumblers
Rotary tumblers use a rotating drum to tumble the brass casings in a liquid solution, often containing stainless steel pins. This method is more effective at removing heavy tarnish and stubborn dirt, resulting in exceptionally clean brass. However, rotary tumblers typically take longer to clean brass, often requiring several hours or even overnight. They are also generally louder and more expensive than vibratory tumblers.
Pros:
- Extremely effective at cleaning heavily tarnished or dirty brass
- Can achieve a mirror-like shine
- Uses liquid, minimizing dust
Cons:
- Slower cleaning times
- Louder operation
- More expensive
- Requires drying the brass after cleaning
Key Features to Consider When Choosing a Reloading Tumbler
When selecting the best reloading tumbler for your needs, consider the following features:
Capacity
The capacity of a reloading tumbler refers to the amount of brass it can clean in a single batch. Consider the volume of brass you typically reload and choose a tumbler with sufficient capacity to handle your needs. Vibratory tumblers are often rated in terms of case quantity (e.g., 600 .45 ACP cases), while rotary tumblers are rated in terms of volume (e.g., 7 liters).
Motor Power and Durability
The motor is the heart of any reloading tumbler. Look for a tumbler with a powerful and durable motor that can handle the weight of the brass and media without overheating. Read reviews and look for models with a reputation for reliability.
Noise Level
Reloading can be a time-consuming process, so consider the noise level of the reloading tumbler. Vibratory tumblers are generally quieter than rotary tumblers, but some models are louder than others. Look for models with noise-dampening features if noise is a concern.
Ease of Use
Choose a reloading tumbler that is easy to use and maintain. Look for features such as a simple on/off switch, a durable bowl or drum, and easy access for cleaning and maintenance. Rotary tumblers will require some method of separating the pins from the brass after tumbling, so consider how this is accomplished.
Price
Reloading tumblers range in price from around $50 to several hundred dollars. Consider your budget and choose a tumbler that offers the best value for your money. Don’t necessarily opt for the cheapest model, as it may not be durable or effective. Investing in a quality reloading tumbler will save you time and frustration in the long run.
Top Reloading Tumbler Recommendations
Based on our research and testing, here are our top recommendations for the best reloading tumbler:
Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler
The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler is a popular choice for reloaders who want exceptionally clean brass. Its large capacity and powerful motor make it ideal for cleaning large quantities of brass. It also features a built-in timer and a noise-dampening base. It is an excellent choice for those seeking a top-tier reloading tumbler.
Lyman Turbo Sonic 2500
The Lyman Turbo Sonic 2500 is an ultrasonic cleaner, a different method for cleaning brass. While technically not a tumbler, it’s included here as a highly effective alternative. It uses ultrasonic waves to remove dirt and grime from brass casings. It is a quieter option than rotary tumblers and can clean brass in a relatively short amount of time. This is a great reloading tumbler alternative.
Hornady M-1 Case Tumbler
The Hornady M-1 Case Tumbler is a reliable and affordable vibratory tumbler that is perfect for reloaders on a budget. It has a large capacity and a powerful motor, and it is easy to use and maintain. It’s a solid choice for those looking for a dependable reloading tumbler without breaking the bank.
RCBS Vibratory Case Tumbler
The RCBS Vibratory Case Tumbler is a well-built and durable vibratory tumbler that is designed to last. It features a heavy-duty motor and a large-capacity bowl, making it ideal for cleaning large quantities of brass. It offers great value as a reloading tumbler.
Frankford Arsenal Wet-Dry Media Separator
While not a tumbler itself, the Frankford Arsenal Wet-Dry Media Separator is an essential accessory for rotary tumblers. It makes separating the stainless steel pins from the cleaned brass quick and easy, saving you time and frustration. It’s a valuable addition for anyone using a rotary reloading tumbler.
Tips for Using a Reloading Tumbler
Here are some tips for getting the most out of your reloading tumbler:
- Use the right media: Choose the appropriate media for your needs. Crushed corncob is good for general cleaning, while walnut shells are more abrasive and effective at removing heavy tarnish. For rotary tumblers, use stainless steel pins.
- Don’t overload the tumbler: Overloading the tumbler can damage the motor and reduce its effectiveness. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for capacity.
- Add a case polish: Adding a small amount of case polish to the media can help to remove tarnish and leave your brass casings with a bright, shiny finish.
- Clean the tumbler regularly: Clean the tumbler bowl or drum regularly to remove dirt and debris. This will help to maintain its performance and extend its lifespan.
- Dry your brass thoroughly: If using a rotary tumbler, dry your brass thoroughly after cleaning to prevent corrosion. A food dehydrator or a low-temperature oven can be used for this purpose.
Conclusion
Choosing the best reloading tumbler is an important step in producing accurate and reliable ammunition. By considering the different types of tumblers available, key features to look for, and our top recommendations, you can find the perfect tumbler to meet your specific needs. Whether you choose a vibratory or rotary model, a reloading tumbler is an investment that will pay off in improved accuracy, reduced wear and tear on your equipment, and smoother feeding in your firearm. Investing in a quality reloading tumbler ensures your reloads are the best they can be.
[See also: Reloading Dies: A Comprehensive Guide]
[See also: Primers: Choosing the Right One for Your Reloads]
[See also: Gun Cleaning Kits: Keeping Your Firearm in Top Condition]
