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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Reloading Tumbler for Your Needs

For any serious reloader, a reliable and efficient reloading tumbler is an indispensable piece of equipment. It’s the unsung hero that transforms dull, tarnished brass casings into gleaming, ready-to-reload components. Choosing the best reloading tumbler can significantly improve your reloading process, ensuring consistent and accurate results. This comprehensive guide will walk you through everything you need to know to select the perfect tumbler for your specific needs, helping you make an informed decision and invest in a tool that will serve you well for years to come.

Why You Need a Reloading Tumbler

Before diving into the specifics of choosing a reloading tumbler, let’s understand why it’s such a crucial part of the reloading process. A reloading tumbler serves several key functions:

Cleaning Brass Casings: The primary function is to remove dirt, grime, carbon fouling, and oxidation from used brass casings. This ensures that your dies and reloading press operate smoothly and efficiently.
Improving Reloading Accuracy: Clean brass allows for more consistent powder charges and bullet seating, leading to improved accuracy in your reloads.
Extending the Life of Your Dies: Abrasive dirt and grit can damage your reloading dies over time. Cleaning your brass with a reloading tumbler before reloading helps protect your investment in your reloading equipment.
Enhancing the Appearance of Your Ammunition: While not strictly necessary, clean and polished brass casings simply look better and give your reloads a professional appearance.

Types of Reloading Tumblers

There are two main types of reloading tumblers available: vibratory tumblers and rotary tumblers. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, making them suitable for different needs and preferences.

Vibratory Tumblers

Vibratory tumblers use a vibrating motor to agitate the brass casings in a bowl filled with media, typically crushed walnut shells or corncob media. The vibration causes the media to rub against the brass, removing dirt and tarnish. Vibratory tumblers are known for their speed and efficiency, typically cleaning brass in 1 to 4 hours.

Pros of Vibratory Tumblers:

Fast Cleaning Times: Vibratory tumblers clean brass relatively quickly compared to rotary tumblers.
Relatively Inexpensive: Vibratory tumblers are generally more affordable than rotary tumblers.
Easy to Use: Vibratory tumblers are simple to operate and require minimal maintenance.

Cons of Vibratory Tumblers:

Can Be Noisy: The vibration can generate a significant amount of noise.
Less Effective on Heavily Tarnished Brass: Vibratory tumblers may struggle to thoroughly clean heavily tarnished or corroded brass.
Dust Production: The vibrating action can create dust, requiring good ventilation.

Rotary Tumblers

Rotary tumblers use a rotating drum to tumble the brass casings in a liquid solution, typically water mixed with a cleaning agent. The tumbling action, combined with the cleaning solution, effectively removes dirt, grime, and tarnish. Rotary tumblers are known for their ability to thoroughly clean even heavily tarnished brass, often producing a near-new finish.

Pros of Rotary Tumblers:

Thorough Cleaning: Rotary tumblers provide a deep and thorough cleaning, even on heavily tarnished brass.
Minimal Dust: The wet tumbling process eliminates dust production.
Polishing Capabilities: Rotary tumblers can be used to polish brass to a high shine.

Cons of Rotary Tumblers:

Longer Cleaning Times: Rotary tumblers typically take longer to clean brass than vibratory tumblers, often requiring several hours.
More Expensive: Rotary tumblers are generally more expensive than vibratory tumblers.
Drying Required: Brass must be thoroughly dried after tumbling to prevent corrosion.

Factors to Consider When Choosing a Reloading Tumbler

Selecting the best reloading tumbler requires careful consideration of several factors. Here’s a breakdown of the key aspects to evaluate:

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. If you reload large quantities, a tumbler with a larger capacity will save you time and effort. Vibratory tumblers are often rated by the number of .223 cases they can hold, while rotary tumblers are typically rated by volume (e.g., quarts or gallons).

Cleaning Time

Cleaning time is another important factor to consider. Vibratory tumblers generally clean brass faster than rotary tumblers. If you need to clean brass quickly, a vibratory tumbler may be the better choice. However, if you prioritize thorough cleaning over speed, a rotary tumbler may be more suitable.

Noise Level

Reloading tumblers can generate a significant amount of noise, especially vibratory tumblers. If noise is a concern, consider a rotary tumbler, which operates much more quietly. You can also mitigate noise by placing your reloading tumbler in a garage or basement and using sound-dampening materials.

Media Type

The type of media you use in your reloading tumbler can affect the cleaning process. Crushed walnut shells are a popular choice for vibratory tumblers, as they are effective at removing dirt and grime. Corncob media is often used for polishing brass. For rotary tumblers, stainless steel pins are a popular choice for their ability to thoroughly clean brass and reach into primer pockets.

Budget

Reloading tumblers range in price from around $50 to several hundred dollars. Set a budget before you start shopping to narrow down your options. Remember that investing in a higher-quality reloading tumbler can save you money in the long run by extending the life of your brass and reloading dies. [See also: Reloading Die Maintenance Tips]

Features

Some reloading tumblers come with additional features, such as timers, variable speed controls, and built-in dust collection systems. Consider which features are important to you and look for a tumbler that offers them. A timer can be useful for setting the cleaning time and automatically shutting off the tumbler. Variable speed controls allow you to adjust the intensity of the cleaning action. Dust collection systems help to minimize dust and keep your work area clean.

Durability and Reliability

Choose a reloading tumbler from a reputable manufacturer known for producing durable and reliable products. Read online reviews and ask other reloaders for their recommendations. A well-built tumbler will last for many years and provide consistent performance.

Top Reloading Tumbler Recommendations

While specific recommendations can vary based on current models and availability, here are some general suggestions based on the type and features discussed:

For Budget-Conscious Reloaders (Vibratory): Look for models from Frankford Arsenal or Hornady. These typically offer a good balance of performance and affordability.
For High-Volume Reloaders (Vibratory): Consider the RCBS Vibratory Case Tumbler. It has a larger capacity and is known for its durability.
For the Best Cleaning (Rotary): The Thumler’s Tumbler Model B High Speed is a popular choice for its ability to thoroughly clean and polish brass.
For a Mid-Range Option (Rotary): Explore models from Lyman or Frankford Arsenal that offer a good balance of price and performance.

Tips for Using Your Reloading Tumbler

To get the most out of your reloading tumbler, follow these tips:

Don’t Overload the Tumbler: Overloading the tumbler can reduce its cleaning efficiency and potentially damage the motor. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for capacity.
Use the Right Media: Choose the appropriate media for the type of brass and the desired level of cleaning.
Replace Media Regularly: Over time, the media will become saturated with dirt and grime, reducing its effectiveness. Replace the media regularly to maintain optimal cleaning performance.
Dry Brass Thoroughly (Rotary Tumblers): After tumbling in a rotary tumbler, dry the brass thoroughly to prevent corrosion. You can use a dedicated brass dryer or simply spread the brass out on a towel to air dry. A food dehydrator can also work well.
Inspect Brass After Tumbling: After tumbling, inspect the brass for any signs of damage or defects. Discard any damaged brass.
Clean Your Tumbler Regularly: Clean your reloading tumbler regularly to remove accumulated dirt and grime. This will help to prolong its life and maintain its performance. [See also: Common Reloading Mistakes to Avoid]

Conclusion

Choosing the best reloading tumbler is a critical step in the reloading process. By understanding the different types of tumblers available, considering your specific needs and budget, and following the tips outlined in this guide, you can select a tumbler that will provide years of reliable service and help you produce consistent and accurate reloads. A quality reloading tumbler is an investment that will pay off in the long run, ensuring that your brass casings are clean, your dies are protected, and your reloads are performing at their best. Remember to always prioritize safety and follow proper reloading procedures. Happy reloading!