For cleaning brass what's the better option? I ordered a lee challenger kit today so I am wanting opinions on cleaning the brass. I'm a total newbie at reloading.
Stainless steel pin tumblers get brass the cleanest. Im looking at getting one to replace a vibrating tumbler.
Hoov as it sits I have neither, can I use just the ultra sonic with out having a tumbler or do I need both?
You can get away with just a tumbler to start with, just throw in a dryer sheet with each tumble. that will capture the 'dust' thats created while the brass cleans.
The ultrasonic is great (we use one as a first clean) to soak really grungy stuff, but it's not necessary.
The ultrasonic is great (we use one as a first clean) to soak really grungy stuff, but it's not necessary.
I am one of the anal ones with some of my brass and others, just clean enough to not harm the dies. I use the ultrasonic mostly to get out caked in dirt from range pick ups. I have the big Dillon tumbler that I do large batches of brass in, and I use the wet tumbler with stainless media for my showy stuff. It really cleans the best, but is pricy and messy.
On the tumbler what's preferred the roller drum type or the vibrating type?
Stainless wet tumbling (drum type) is what's 'in' right at the moment. It's all the rage and makes for some beautiful brass.
vibratory tumblers have been around for a long time and do an excellent job.
If you go the route of stainless pin wet tumbling you won't need an ultrasonic cleaner, IMHO.
vibratory tumblers have been around for a long time and do an excellent job.
If you go the route of stainless pin wet tumbling you won't need an ultrasonic cleaner, IMHO.
Could I do the stainless pin rolling/tumbling with say this dude?
http://m.harborfreight.com/dual-drum-rotary-rock-tumbler-67632.html#.UzBcR-29LCQ
http://m.harborfreight.com/dual-drum-rotary-rock-tumbler-67632.html#.UzBcR-29LCQ
Yes, but I don't think you realize the size of that machine. It's tiny. REALLY tiny. Diameter is 6 1/2 inches. and has a 2-3lb capacity. In order to efficiently clean brass, you're going to have 5lb of pins alone.
search for thumlers tumbler to get an idea of what you're needing.
Frankford Arsenal just came out with a tumbler. Haven't seen any reviews on it yet
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/71...ries-rotary-case-tumbler?cm_vc=ProductFinding
search for thumlers tumbler to get an idea of what you're needing.
Frankford Arsenal just came out with a tumbler. Haven't seen any reviews on it yet
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/71...ries-rotary-case-tumbler?cm_vc=ProductFinding
