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GLShooter · July 21, 2006, 09:04 PM

I used rice for a long time when I first started shooting IHMSA back in 1976. I used a standard Thumblers Tumbler at that time. It left a nice clean case with a slightly less bright patina. I eventually bought the big Dillon and have been using it for about the past 13 years. I picked up another Dillon last fall along with a 550 press for $50.00 total (I did buy some components and lots of FACTORY loaded pistol/shotgun ammo for another $50 just so I wouldn't feel TOO guilty!! I also picked up an extra Thumblers Tumbler at a swap meet in CA several years ago for $5 but I did have to buy a new barrel for $20.

I started using ground walnut hulls when I went to the Dillon with some additional liquid cleaners. I now use Nu Finish that I get from the auto parts stores to charge the walnut. I did buy some corncob stuff but I tried it on some rifle cases and it tended to build up in the interior. Poor choice of media for those. I found it works well on pistol brass though.

I never tried the rice on the Dillon. I , for some reason, was afraid the vibrating action would break it down too much. I may just fire up that second big Dillon and try it. Rice is even cheaper than walnut hulls from PetSmart so what the heck!!

Greg

July 21, 2006, 09:04 PM	#30
GLShooter Member Join Date: September 15, 2002 Location: Arizona Posts: 47	I used rice for a long time when I first started shooting IHMSA back in 1976. I used a standard Thumblers Tumbler at that time. It left a nice clean case with a slightly less bright patina. I eventually bought the big Dillon and have been using it for about the past 13 years. I picked up another Dillon last fall along with a 550 press for $50.00 total (I did buy some components and lots of FACTORY loaded pistol/shotgun ammo for another $50 just so I wouldn't feel TOO guilty!! I also picked up an extra Thumblers Tumbler at a swap meet in CA several years ago for $5 but I did have to buy a new barrel for $20. I started using ground walnut hulls when I went to the Dillon with some additional liquid cleaners. I now use Nu Finish that I get from the auto parts stores to charge the walnut. I did buy some corncob stuff but I tried it on some rifle cases and it tended to build up in the interior. Poor choice of media for those. I found it works well on pistol brass though. I never tried the rice on the Dillon. I , for some reason, was afraid the vibrating action would break it down too much. I may just fire up that second big Dillon and try it. Rice is even cheaper than walnut hulls from PetSmart so what the heck!! Greg