Wet Tumbling Brass

[NETim]

I finally took the plunge and am wet tumbling the brass. I "inherited" some brass after the April Vogel class that was full of sand, Kansas River mud silt, corroded and otherwise just pretty crappy stuff IMHO. No amount of time in the usual vibratory case cleaner and dry media routine seemed to touch the internal walls of the cases. (The exteriors naturally were great.)

I just didn't want to launch that stuff down the barrels of the guns, so off I went to wet tumbling with the SS pins etc.

It's slow (approx 3 hours tumble time/rinsing/drying/depriming before tumbling) but the end product and peace of mind are worth it IMHO. No dust too.

[CCT125US]

What set up did you go with?

[NETim]

What set up did you go with?

I went with the Rebel 17 from: http://www.stainlesstumblingmedia.com/extreme-tumblers-rebel-17.html

The size is adequate. I had thought about: http://www.biggdawgtumblers.net/
but I think they're overkill for my needs. Very, very good stuff though.

The Rebel is basically a copy of the Thumler Tumbler Model "B" http://www.thumlerstumbler.com/rotary.html but maybe built better. It has actual bearings on the shafts rather than plastic bushings and the motor is better supported. Also the interior of the Rebel is powder coated whereas the Model "B" is bare metal and rusts as a result.

I thought the Rebel I received was defective as the idler shaft would not spin easily and felt as if it were bent. I kept playing with it and kept push starting the drum and finally it took off and ran. I'm guessing the grease in the sealed bearings was a bit stiff or had settled or something. It now runs well after several loads.

The Rebel is built in China, like everything else. :(

[threedogdad]

Absolutely love my Model B. It took me a long time to be convinced that wet tumbling was worth the extra time and money, but I'm a believer now. I'll never go back. I load 1,000-1,200 rounds per month all year long. Having clean brass...meaning less potentially toxic primer residue on my fingers and being able to visually inspect the inside of my cases for obstructions and defects...equals a lot of peace of mind. It may not be for everyone, but it definitely works for me.

[Slavex]

the new Frankford Arsenal wet tumbler kicks some serious ass. Most of my buddies have sold their Thumblers and other brands to get the new FA one.