How to Wet-Tumble Brass Cartridges Efficiently

September 19, 2021 – How to Efficiently Tumble Cartridge Brass Ace tactical gunsmith Jim See of Elite Accuracy LLC recently tried a Frankford Arsenal rotary brass tumbler. This can tumble your cases in liquid solution, just like the older Thumbler’s Tumblers. Jim reports that the wet-tumbling process worked well. Jim posted on Facebook: “I was very impressed with the Frankford Arsenal Rotary tumbler and cleaning packets they sent me. I ran 350 pieces brass for an hour. They look amazing now. Jim appreciated that they didn’t have to deal with dry tumbling materials like crushed walnut shells. Dry media can produce dust and leave residues that can clog flash-holes. Jim suggests that you try wet-tumbling without using stainless media. Give it a shot. Tumbling without media makes it easier and eliminates the need to worry about pins getting stuck in case-necks or flash-holes. Jim reports: “Stainless steel pins are included with the Frankford kit. However, mine went straight to the trash. The pins do not require you to clean 100% of the interior of your cases. Frankford’s liquid cleaner and hot water work great for brass bumping brass. One wag said, “That’s great to know. Stainless steel pins can be a pain in the arse. Jim’s assessment of the Frankford Arsenal Rotary tumbler was also shared by other Facebook users: “I have one for a few years and it works well. It can hold between 250 and 300 Dasher cases at a time. Because I am obsessed with clean brass, I use the pins. David W. “I have one for about a year and half now and it works with or without pins.” Luke C. “I bought one six months ago and have not used any SS media since. I use Lemi Shine(R), distilled water, and dawn. It makes the brass from the 5.56 range shiny and bright. Brian D. “I don’t use pins either and use a combination Dawn soap and Lemi Shine.” Jon N.G. This video shows you how to assemble and use the Frankford rotary tumbler. Jim See doesn’t believe stainless media is necessary. How to Dry Brass — Hair Dryer vs. Machine. The downside to wet tumbling brass is that it can leave behind a lot of wet brass after the cleaning cycle. There are many options for drying brass, including drying in the sun or using a stovetop oven. However, you should not overcook your brass. Jim was asked by a Facebook poster: “What drying method do you use for wet brass? And how long does it take?” Jim See responded: “To begin, I drain off any dirty water and rinse the brass with hot water. Next, I roll the brass on a towel and place it in a 1-gallon bucket. Next, I place the brass in a bucket with a hair dryer and let it run for 5 minutes. This method takes less than 10 minutes to dry my hair. Jack Lanhart uses a different method: “I use my food dehydrator.” It takes between 30 and 45 minutes. Frankford Arsenal also offers a matching Platinum Series Case Dryer, which simplifies the process for drying brass. Lyman also makes a Cyclone Case Dryer. Each of these drying machines costs about $65.00. Both have multiple levels that allow you to separate different types cartridge brass. Lyman claims that the Cyclone’s forced heated air circulation will dry your brass from the inside out in about an hour to two hours, without any unsightly water spots. The Lyman dryer can also be used for ultrasonically-cleaned gun parts. *The Frankford Rotary tumbler includes media separators, if you wish to use the provided pins and other media. Click HERE to see a diagram of how media separators are used.
Similar Posts: Tags : Cartridge Brass, Case Cleaning, Frankford Arsenal, Jim See, Lyman Cyclone, Rotary Tumbler, Stainless Media, Wet Tumbling