what is your preference on type of cleaners for brass.

[Ruslow]

thinking of upgrading my corn cob tumbler cleaner to something that is less dusty and cleans better. what are you guys using and how well does it work. as well as media cost and length of time it can be used. thanks Stan

 

[bruddah]

Walnut media, dryer sheets and a couple capfuls of mineral spirits will cut down or eliminate the dust.

Or you can go with SS media and a tumbler.

 

[supercorndogs]

Corn media, vibratory tumbler.

 

[spife7980]

I've always cob tumbled but I'm about through the last of it and am going to give orkans rice trick a go beginning next week. I can report however that it is tasty as far as white rice goes.

I worried about bout the dust until I got a solid lid for the tumbler. Then I carry it outdoors to pour into the separator though it doesn't seem like it makes much dust.

 

[padronanniversary]

corn cob media. you can get a 50lbs bag for around $30 from graiger that will last a long time. cheap, clean, and gets the job done. now it's not going to look new like ss pins but it gets it really clean and not much hassel in terms of work. i hated rinsing, drying, separating the ss pins.

 

[TripleBull]

I worried about bout the dust until I got a solid lid for the tumbler. Then I carry it outdoors to pour into the separator though it doesn't seem like it makes much dust.

That's a healthy worry. Tumbler dust typically has lead and mercury so you really don't want to breathe it.

 

[gary55]

I was under the impression that tumblers didn't clean inside the case as well as sonic cleaners. Mind you, I'm still new to reloading.

 

[TripleBull]

I was under the impression that tumblers didn't clean inside the case as well as sonic cleaners. Mind you, I'm still new to reloading.

Sonic cleaners are highly variable in their power output. The liquid you choose can also have a big impact. A weak sonic cleaner will hardly touch a dirty case if you use a dilute soap solution. A powerful sonic bath with an acidic solution will dissolve brass to the point that you can weigh the weight loss. Look at the specs of a sonic bath before you buy.

 

[Temper]

Sonic cleaners are highly variable in their power output. The liquid you choose can also have a big impact. A weak sonic cleaner will hardly touch a dirty case if you use a dilute soap solution. A powerful sonic bath with an acidic solution will dissolve brass to the point that you can weigh the weight loss. Look at the specs of a sonic bath before you buy.

You can buy a cheap Lyman ultrasonic case cleaner. I bought an unbranded(same as the Lyman) one at Harbor Freight for 60 bucks. I reckon one of these and some Hornady ultrasonic cleaning solution meant for brass would do a pretty bang up job for much less than a stainless media tumbler. Once I get some of that Hornady stuff I can report on it but it's on the back burner for now.

 

[delfuego]

Walnut media, dryer sheets and a couple capfuls of mineral spirits will cut down or eliminate the dust.

+1
Zilla Walnut Reptile bedding from the pet store is way cheaper and works great. You can also add a little Nu-Finish car polish if you want them to shine.