Is a tumbler necessary?

DaveInPA · January 22, 2008, 12:06 PM

I'm just getting into reloading and I'm wondering if I need a tumbler. I really don't care if my cartridges are shiny, as long as they go bang properly.

ShootingNut · January 22, 2008, 12:13 PM

Dave,
Well, I certainly consider it a necessary piece of equipment, but I like to put out a shiny finished product. After a few firings, I would think they are going to look pretty crappy, just my opinion of course.

Good Luck!
SN

DaveInGA · January 22, 2008, 12:29 PM

No, but they're handy for cleaning the range dirt off your brass. The NRA and other outfits have a liquid solution you can use to clean as well, but it's not as handy.

Regards,

Dave

oldcspsarge · January 22, 2008, 12:40 PM

The tumbler in cleaning both the inside and outside of the brass. Keeps your sizing die much cleaner by processing clean brass and it you retumble after sizing, cleans out primer pocket as well.

You may consider taking a NRA reloading class at a local NRA affiliate range...lots of good info and tips on where to find discount components locally.

TexasSeaRay · January 22, 2008, 12:43 PM

I consider it a necessary piece of reloading equipment, and for the following reasons:

1. Clean brass is easier to inspect for defects.

2. I don't like running dirty brass through my dies.

3. I've seen reloaded ammo that was loaded in really dirty cases that had turned green--the soot and dirt on the brass cartridge eventually retained humidity/moisture.

4. Why run dirty cartridges through my guns?

Jeff

Al Norris · January 22, 2008, 01:35 PM

I didn't have a tumbler when I first started reloading. I used an old bag that I put my brass in and washed it with my work clothes (there are many other ways to clean your brass without a tumbler). Then I had to dry it all. PITA. But I had reasonably clean brass. Tweren't all shiny, but the excess soot and stuff was gone, so it wouldn't scratch up my dies. Then, I didn't care how my brass looked... I just wanted to shoot!

Got a tumbler last year in Feb.

Now, I wouldn't be caught without one. Not only does my brass look new, but I know for sure there are no cracks or other defects. I know for sure it won't scratch my dies. I also like the comments from my shooting buddies, who think I've bought new brass (they don't reload and a small amount of pride in your workmanship is good for the ego)).

Is it essential? No. But it's one of those things that just make life a little easier.

arkie2 · January 22, 2008, 01:39 PM

The short answer is, no you don't need a tumbler. I started out washing my brass in the kitchen and drying it in the oven on low heat. However, the amount of peace obtained by buying a tumbler was worth it! The wife is much happier. I might add that using a tumbler is easier so it's a win win.

tomh1426 · January 22, 2008, 01:49 PM

Ive been reloading without a tumbler for a while but I plan on getting one ASAP.
I was thinkin about this one http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...853&hasJS=true

farnorthdan · January 22, 2008, 02:39 PM

Agreed...a tumbler is a must have and makes the cleaning process so much faster. I tumble my brass before I do anything else. then I lube and size, then take it to the kitchen sink and wash in hot soapy water, rinse. Then I put it in a kitchen colander and put it on a rack in the clothes dryer on high. End product=like new brass ready for reloading.......

caz223 · January 22, 2008, 02:39 PM

At first I didn't know if I was going to like reloading enough to get into it hardcore, so I went absolutely minimalistic.
Broke as a joke college student paying off loans, but I bought a .41 magnum. Couldn't keep it fed on my earnings, so I limited myself to 100 rounds a week of reloaded ammo.
I operated for 2 years with only minor upgrades, and prolly only spent $100 on equipment that kept me in ammo for 2 years of 100 rounds a week.
Lee loader kit, tupperware, hand priming tool, dippers, primer pocket brush, a load manual, and a milk carton to store the whole thing in. Then I bought another $150 or so of stuff and lasted another year. Uniflo powder measure, RCBS 502 scale, a powder trickler, and more lee loader kits in other calibers.
I didn't have a tumbler until '98 or so, went for years and years just fine with chrome polish and a rag, using the same 300 pieces of brass over and over, they lasted a very long, long time. Still got most of them.
Now I don't even bother with a tumbler anymore, I got a better job and went spending crazy, got some nice dillon presses, lots of quick change kits. My job gave me access to their industrial ultrasonic cleaner for my brass and guns. No more dust, no more picking media from flash holes, no more scraping primer pockets, no more wiping every case with a rag. No more dirty cases. No more. I bought my own a few years back. So worth it.
My ammo isn't any better than it was in the early days.
It's just a whole lot easier to make it, and I can make a whole lot more of it in one sitting.
Decide for yourself if the volume you're doing is worth it.
100 rounds a week? Not worth it.
200 rounds a week? Depends on caliber and amount of spare time.
More than that? Get a tumbler now, and save yourself the bother of wiping the cases down.

Scorch · January 22, 2008, 02:43 PM

I reloaded for 10 years before buying a tumbler (way back in 1981), and then upgraded to a vibratory tumbler about 1986. I would say no, a tumbler is not "absolutely necessary", but it definitely fits into the "good to have" category.

YukonKid · January 22, 2008, 02:45 PM

yes, i like to shoot shiney bullets

The Lovemaster · January 22, 2008, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by arkie2

However, the amount of peace obtained by buying a tumbler was worth it! The wife is much happier.

I heard that!

Turns out if you dry brass on one of the wife's cookie sheets, for some reason you can see little outlines of the casings on the sheet, and they don't wash off. Beware, married men!! Luckily I got in almost no trouble for this one.

I second the tumbler votes above....not mandatory, but danged nice to have. The ease of use is great, and the end product is too. I've recently become a big fan of the NuFinish trick. A capful of it every third load or so and my brass comes out looking corn cob cleaned.....sweet!

Sevens · January 22, 2008, 06:58 PM

I don't think that a tumbler is a necessity. I started reloading as a 16-year old on a shoestring budget. I reloaded for nearly 20 years without any kind of a case cleaner. I have one now, but it not a necessity.

If you shoot auto pistols more than revolvers, your brass may get a little dirtier. If you shoot outdoors on a muddy, dirty or dusty range, your brass may be a little dirtier.
If you scrounge a lot of brass from other folks' leftovers, your brass may be good and dirty.

DWARREN123 · January 22, 2008, 09:53 PM

Makes them shiny but also cleans them quite a lot.

DBotkin · January 23, 2008, 09:18 AM

Didn't have a tumbler for the first 30 years reloading rifle and pistol ammo, and everything worked out just fine. Also didn't spend any time washing, scrubbing, drying or worrying about how the brass looked - it all worked perfectly.

Couple of years ago I got a vibratory tumbler. Now everything works precisely the same, but the brass looks much nicer. Oh, and my hands don't get quite as dirty when reloading... but it doesn't save any washing, especially after fishing all the brass out of the cleaning media. All in all, I'd say it not necessary, but awfully nice to have.

zxcvbob · January 23, 2008, 09:39 AM

It's seldom necessary to even clean your brass if you shoot a revolver.

If you shoot an autoloader, or scrounge used brass at the range, you're gonna want a tumbler. You don't really need a media separator unless you are doing high volume.

Alleykat · January 23, 2008, 09:53 AM

A tumbler is not really necessary, any more than dies without scratches are really necessary.

GLK · January 23, 2008, 10:56 AM

I consider a tumbler or a cleaner of some type necessary, TexasSeaRay and AlleyKat pretty much nailed it as to why.

CrustyFN · January 23, 2008, 06:38 PM

Quote:

Is it essential? No. But it's one of those things that just make life a little easier.

A lot easier for me. I cleaned around 2,000 cases yesterday and today and only have around 20 minutes of my time in it. I have a load in the tumbler right now. I can't imagine having to clean brass any other way.
Rusty

hhrgprez · January 23, 2008, 11:15 PM

Only one person mentioned liquid cleaner. Don't want to dry in household appliances, then dip in alcohol. I put mine in mesk laundry bag and dip in a small bucket of alcohol. shake out and cover the bucket. Nice clean dry cases, though not as shiny, but much faster.

flycaster · January 24, 2008, 08:49 PM

I'm newish at this, but here's what I did: I filled my office ultrasonic cleaner with water, and a shot each of dishwashing liquid and vinegar. Then I ran the sucker for 20 minutes, rinsed the brass, dunked it in a mild baking soda solution, re-rinsed, and dried them. Very clean, inside and out- just not sparkly shiny. I don't mind that.

Chuck

speedracer211 · January 24, 2008, 10:23 PM

Dont use anything ammonia based.

Eric M. · January 24, 2008, 11:01 PM

About the cheapest investment in reloading is a tumbler.
Like what was said, it keeps your dies much cleaner, and gives your reloads a much more finished look.
About $60.00 gets you a good one.
You can clean with other means, but the tumbler works the best and will not cost much.

Eric

indiansummer · January 25, 2008, 10:10 AM

Question isn't why buy one ....it's why not. Any serious reloader would want to keep his area and components clean. I used to use the cleaning cloths from Sportsmans Warehouse or Gander Mountain. Pain in the butt & very time consuming though they worked good.......but not on the inside of the case. They're disposable though so if you plan on reloading for a long time the cost of a tumbler isn't so bad. Deposits on cases, dies, and chambers are never a good thing even if you're not reloading for precision accuracy.

January 22, 2008, 12:06 PM	#1
DaveInPA Senior Member Join Date: January 20, 2008 Location: Berks County, PA Posts: 1,106	Is a tumbler necessary? I'm just getting into reloading and I'm wondering if I need a tumbler. I really don't care if my cartridges are shiny, as long as they go bang properly.

January 22, 2008, 12:40 PM	#4
oldcspsarge Senior Member Join Date: January 11, 2008 Location: Rocky Mountains Posts: 441	YES ! The tumbler in cleaning both the inside and outside of the brass. Keeps your sizing die much cleaner by processing clean brass and it you retumble after sizing, cleans out primer pocket as well. You may consider taking a NRA reloading class at a local NRA affiliate range...lots of good info and tips on where to find discount components locally.

January 22, 2008, 12:43 PM	#5
TexasSeaRay Senior Member Join Date: November 19, 2007 Location: Texas Posts: 810	I consider it a necessary piece of reloading equipment, and for the following reasons: 1. Clean brass is easier to inspect for defects. 2. I don't like running dirty brass through my dies. 3. I've seen reloaded ammo that was loaded in really dirty cases that had turned green--the soot and dirt on the brass cartridge eventually retained humidity/moisture. 4. Why run dirty cartridges through my guns? Jeff __________________ If every single gun owner belonged to the NRA as well as their respective state rifle/gun association, we wouldn't be in the mess we're in today. So to those of you who are members of neither, thanks for nothing.

January 22, 2008, 02:39 PM	#10
caz223 Senior Member Join Date: May 15, 2002 Location: Michigan Posts: 1,429	At first I didn't know if I was going to like reloading enough to get into it hardcore, so I went absolutely minimalistic. Broke as a joke college student paying off loans, but I bought a .41 magnum. Couldn't keep it fed on my earnings, so I limited myself to 100 rounds a week of reloaded ammo. I operated for 2 years with only minor upgrades, and prolly only spent $100 on equipment that kept me in ammo for 2 years of 100 rounds a week. Lee loader kit, tupperware, hand priming tool, dippers, primer pocket brush, a load manual, and a milk carton to store the whole thing in. Then I bought another $150 or so of stuff and lasted another year. Uniflo powder measure, RCBS 502 scale, a powder trickler, and more lee loader kits in other calibers. I didn't have a tumbler until '98 or so, went for years and years just fine with chrome polish and a rag, using the same 300 pieces of brass over and over, they lasted a very long, long time. Still got most of them. Now I don't even bother with a tumbler anymore, I got a better job and went spending crazy, got some nice dillon presses, lots of quick change kits. My job gave me access to their industrial ultrasonic cleaner for my brass and guns. No more dust, no more picking media from flash holes, no more scraping primer pockets, no more wiping every case with a rag. No more dirty cases. No more. I bought my own a few years back. So worth it. My ammo isn't any better than it was in the early days. It's just a whole lot easier to make it, and I can make a whole lot more of it in one sitting. Decide for yourself if the volume you're doing is worth it. 100 rounds a week? Not worth it. 200 rounds a week? Depends on caliber and amount of spare time. More than that? Get a tumbler now, and save yourself the bother of wiping the cases down. __________________ I'm not just a gun. I'm YOUR gun. (Hold me.)

January 22, 2008, 02:43 PM	#11
Scorch Senior Member Join Date: February 13, 2006 Location: Washington state Posts: 15,248	I reloaded for 10 years before buying a tumbler (way back in 1981), and then upgraded to a vibratory tumbler about 1986. I would say no, a tumbler is not "absolutely necessary", but it definitely fits into the "good to have" category. __________________ Never try to educate someone who resists knowledge at all costs. But what do I know? Summit Arms Services

January 22, 2008, 12:13 PM	#2
ShootingNut Senior Member Join Date: December 27, 2006 Location: Wisconsin Posts: 1,475	Dave, Well, I certainly consider it a necessary piece of equipment, but I like to put out a shiny finished product. After a few firings, I would think they are going to look pretty crappy, just my opinion of course. Good Luck! SN

January 22, 2008, 12:29 PM	#3
DaveInGA Senior Member Join Date: December 13, 2005 Location: Flowery Branch, GA Posts: 132	No, but they're handy for cleaning the range dirt off your brass. The NRA and other outfits have a liquid solution you can use to clean as well, but it's not as handy. Regards, Dave

January 22, 2008, 01:35 PM	#6
Al Norris Moderator Emeritus Join Date: June 29, 2000 Location: Rupert, Idaho Posts: 9,660	I didn't have a tumbler when I first started reloading. I used an old bag that I put my brass in and washed it with my work clothes (there are many other ways to clean your brass without a tumbler). Then I had to dry it all. PITA. But I had reasonably clean brass. Tweren't all shiny, but the excess soot and stuff was gone, so it wouldn't scratch up my dies. Then, I didn't care how my brass looked... I just wanted to shoot! Got a tumbler last year in Feb. Now, I wouldn't be caught without one. Not only does my brass look new, but I know for sure there are no cracks or other defects. I know for sure it won't scratch my dies. I also like the comments from my shooting buddies, who think I've bought new brass (they don't reload and a small amount of pride in your workmanship is good for the ego)). Is it essential? No. But it's one of those things that just make life a little easier.

January 22, 2008, 01:39 PM	#7
arkie2 Senior Member Join Date: September 3, 2006 Posts: 475	The short answer is, no you don't need a tumbler. I started out washing my brass in the kitchen and drying it in the oven on low heat. However, the amount of peace obtained by buying a tumbler was worth it! The wife is much happier. I might add that using a tumbler is easier so it's a win win.

January 22, 2008, 01:49 PM	#8
tomh1426 Senior Member Join Date: September 17, 2005 Location: Youngtown Arizona Posts: 1,135	Ive been reloading without a tumbler for a while but I plan on getting one ASAP. I was thinkin about this one http://www.cabelas.com/cabelas/en/te...853&hasJS=true

January 22, 2008, 02:39 PM	#9
farnorthdan Senior Member Join Date: December 3, 2007 Posts: 371	Agreed...a tumbler is a must have and makes the cleaning process so much faster. I tumble my brass before I do anything else. then I lube and size, then take it to the kitchen sink and wash in hot soapy water, rinse. Then I put it in a kitchen colander and put it on a rack in the clothes dryer on high. End product=like new brass ready for reloading.......

January 22, 2008, 02:45 PM	#12
YukonKid Senior Member Join Date: November 29, 2007 Location: NW Posts: 744	yes, i like to shoot shiney bullets __________________ This is ten percent luck, twenty percent skill Fifteen percent concentrated power of will Five percent pleasure, fifty percent pain And a hundred percent reason to remember the name!

January 22, 2008, 06:58 PM	#14
Sevens Senior Member Join Date: July 28, 2007 Location: Ohio Posts: 11,756	I don't think that a tumbler is a necessity. I started reloading as a 16-year old on a shoestring budget. I reloaded for nearly 20 years without any kind of a case cleaner. I have one now, but it not a necessity. If you shoot auto pistols more than revolvers, your brass may get a little dirtier. If you shoot outdoors on a muddy, dirty or dusty range, your brass may be a little dirtier. If you scrounge a lot of brass from other folks' leftovers, your brass may be good and dirty. __________________ *Attention Brass rats and other reloaders:* I really need .327 Federal Magnum brass, no lot size too small. Tell me what caliber you need and I'll see what I have to swap. PM me and we'll discuss.

January 22, 2008, 09:53 PM	#15
DWARREN123 Senior Member Join Date: January 22, 2006 Location: BETWEEN TN & KY Posts: 1,758	Makes them shiny but also cleans them quite a lot. __________________ Have a nice day!

January 23, 2008, 09:18 AM	#16
DBotkin Senior Member Join Date: December 14, 2006 Location: Omaha, NE Posts: 302	Didn't have a tumbler for the first 30 years reloading rifle and pistol ammo, and everything worked out just fine. Also didn't spend any time washing, scrubbing, drying or worrying about how the brass looked - it all worked perfectly. Couple of years ago I got a vibratory tumbler. Now everything works precisely the same, but the brass looks much nicer. Oh, and my hands don't get quite as dirty when reloading... but it doesn't save any washing, especially after fishing all the brass out of the cleaning media. All in all, I'd say it not necessary, but awfully nice to have.

January 23, 2008, 09:39 AM	#17
zxcvbob Senior Member Join Date: December 20, 2007 Location: S.E. Minnesota Posts: 4,720	It's seldom necessary to even clean your brass if you shoot a revolver. If you shoot an autoloader, or scrounge used brass at the range, you're gonna want a tumbler. You don't really need a media separator unless you are doing high volume.

January 23, 2008, 09:53 AM	#18
Alleykat Junior member Join Date: July 26, 2007 Posts: 3,668	A tumbler is not really necessary, any more than dies without scratches are really necessary.

January 23, 2008, 10:56 AM	#19
GLK Senior Member Join Date: June 22, 2000 Location: Brandon FL USA Posts: 527	I consider a tumbler or a cleaner of some type necessary, TexasSeaRay and AlleyKat pretty much nailed it as to why.

January 23, 2008, 11:15 PM	#21
hhrgprez Member Join Date: November 17, 2006 Posts: 18	tumbler Only one person mentioned liquid cleaner. Don't want to dry in household appliances, then dip in alcohol. I put mine in mesk laundry bag and dip in a small bucket of alcohol. shake out and cover the bucket. Nice clean dry cases, though not as shiny, but much faster.

January 24, 2008, 08:49 PM	#22
flycaster Senior Member Join Date: June 8, 2004 Posts: 289	I'm newish at this, but here's what I did: I filled my office ultrasonic cleaner with water, and a shot each of dishwashing liquid and vinegar. Then I ran the sucker for 20 minutes, rinsed the brass, dunked it in a mild baking soda solution, re-rinsed, and dried them. Very clean, inside and out- just not sparkly shiny. I don't mind that. Chuck

January 24, 2008, 10:23 PM	#23
speedracer211 Senior Member Join Date: April 30, 2007 Posts: 176	Dont use anything ammonia based.

January 24, 2008, 11:01 PM	#24
Eric M. Senior Member Join Date: January 26, 2007 Location: Forest Lake, Minnesota Posts: 307	About the cheapest investment in reloading is a tumbler. Like what was said, it keeps your dies much cleaner, and gives your reloads a much more finished look. About $60.00 gets you a good one. You can clean with other means, but the tumbler works the best and will not cost much. Eric __________________ NRA Chief Range Safety Officer NRA Pistol Instructor NRA Life Member DNR Certified Firearms Safety Instructor 37 yrs

January 25, 2008, 10:10 AM	#25
indiansummer Junior Member Join Date: January 14, 2008 Posts: 4	Question isn't why buy one ....it's why not. Any serious reloader would want to keep his area and components clean. I used to use the cleaning cloths from Sportsmans Warehouse or Gander Mountain. Pain in the butt & very time consuming though they worked good.......but not on the inside of the case. They're disposable though so if you plan on reloading for a long time the cost of a tumbler isn't so bad. Deposits on cases, dies, and chambers are never a good thing even if you're not reloading for precision accuracy.

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