The Verdict on Ceramic-style Tumbling Media - Page 2

LBussy · December 31, 2017, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ShootistPRS

It comes with a soap and stainless pins but I just use my walnut media in it. It works well with dry media and it holds 3 times the brass that my old one did. I don't have to rinse or shake pins out of brass and I don't have to wait for brass to dry.

Those who have not used SS pins may not understand the process. I did some 5.56 shells a few weeks ago and I think everyone would agree this may be one of the tougher shells to clean of media, excepting maybe the .17 Hornet. All I did was tumble the shells in the separator while rinsing. I did that three times but no more pins came out after two. You'd need to do something similar no matter what media you use.

So, no shaking out individual cases.

Yes you do need to wait for brass to dry, but it's a rhythm like anything else. You leave those out to dry while you go do something else. Since you have the pins you should try it once. Don't forget the LemiShine ... 1/4 tsp per batch.

**Unclenick** · December 31, 2017, 10:43 AM

…and, a lot cheaper than lemishine, which is mainly a form of citric acid, is just to buy citric acid. 10 lbs for $25, postage paid. The old Frankford Arsenal cleaning formula is 5% citric acid by weight (about 1C of powder with water added to make a gallon), but that's a lot stronger and faster than the way you are using it and is not going to give the pins much time to work. Half an hour at that strength is enough. If you have a bulk purchase for a group of handloaders, 50 lbs is $82 from that same source, which is the lowest price I've found for that quantity. If you have Amazon Prime, you can get 10 lb down to $22.50. It's a lifetime supply at your usage rate.

LBussy · December 31, 2017, 10:50 AM

You can get bulk citric acid at most local health stores too. While compared to those prices, LemiShine is expensive, at 1/4 tsp per gallon (roughly) a canister of it lasts a REALLY long time. I think I have had this canister since I started reloading.

F. Guffey · December 31, 2017, 12:30 PM

Quote:

Those who have not used SS pins may not understand the process.

I suggest they start with pins and no acid, after a round of tumbling with pins and no acid I believe the reloader should take a test that would determine what they learned.

And then? There are other questions that could be asked.

F. Guffey

mikld · January 1, 2018, 11:36 AM

To add to Mr Guffy's post; try with just water and pins. You'll prolly be surprised at how the brass turns out...

December 31, 2017, 10:43 AM	#27
Unclenick Staff Join Date: March 4, 2005 Location: Ohio Posts: 21,063	…and, a lot cheaper than lemishine, which is mainly a form of citric acid, is just to buy citric acid. 10 lbs for $25, postage paid. The old Frankford Arsenal cleaning formula is 5% citric acid by weight (about 1C of powder with water added to make a gallon), but that's a lot stronger and faster than the way you are using it and is not going to give the pins much time to work. Half an hour at that strength is enough. If you have a bulk purchase for a group of handloaders, 50 lbs is $82 from that same source, which is the lowest price I've found for that quantity. If you have Amazon Prime, you can get 10 lb down to $22.50. It's a lifetime supply at your usage rate. __________________ Gunsite Orange Hat Family Member CMP Certified GSM Master Instructor NRA Certified Rifle Instructor NRA Benefactor Member and Golden Eagle

December 31, 2017, 10:50 AM	#28
LBussy Senior Member Join Date: February 26, 2012 Location: Kansas City, MO Posts: 296	You can get bulk citric acid at most local health stores too. While compared to those prices, LemiShine is expensive, at 1/4 tsp per gallon (roughly) a canister of it lasts a REALLY long time. I think I have had this canister since I started reloading. __________________ -- Lee Bad decisions make good stories.

January 1, 2018, 11:36 AM	#30
mikld Senior Member Join Date: February 7, 2009 Location: Southern Oregon! Posts: 2,891	To add to Mr Guffy's post; try with just water and pins. You'll prolly be surprised at how the brass turns out... __________________ My Anchor is holding fast! I've learned how to stand on my own two knees...