tumbler and tumbler media..

[XD45]

I am going to be getting a tumbler in the next day or 2 and wanted to get some input.

I was wondering what is everyones favorite media/brass polisher? seems most people i've talked to say corncob media is the best way to go, not the fastest but for the best clean.

and how often do you change the media, and if you use a polish liquid do you have to totally clean it out for the next use?

[Chunky Monkey]

Been using Frankford Arsenal walnut with Nu Finish and brass come out looking new!

[Lambo]

I've been using the Lyman treated walnut prior to the de-capping/re-sizing process. Walnut does a better job on removing powder burns/stains. After, I switch to Corn with the RCBS dry polish mixed-in. This leaves you with a great sheen & alot less dust residue then Walnut. In other words, "Walnut to Clean, Corn to Polish".

[Steve in PA]

I used crushed walnut, bought at pet stores. Its usually sold as litter and is quite cheap. I add a few tablespoons of Iosso case polish and the brass comes out looking like a shiny penny.

If you are not cleaning .223 or similar small necked brass, you can get away with crushed corn cob, which has slightly bigger kernels. I made the switch to walnut because the corn cob would clog the neck, requiring me to sit there and pick out te corn cob with a straightened paper clip.

The walnut is much smaller and just pours out when you take the brass out. As for how long will it last.....quite a long time. When I find the brass is taking longer and longer to get clean, I'll change the media.

[XD45]

what type of tumblers do you fellers have?

[Mtdew]

Frankford Arsenal tumbler & crushed walnut.

[Chunky Monkey]

RCBS! great customer service, therefore I may have paid a few x-tra bucks for peace of mind! Got mine from Midsouth Shooters for about $56.

[dodge]

I have one that the family got me for Christmas from Cabela's and use walnut in it. When you get this one they send both kinds and some liquid polish with it.

[1927A1]

Frankford Arsenal with untreated corn cob, I'm not as concerned about bright and shiny as clean.
I tried tumbling after decaping but then had to go back and clean granules out of all the flash holes.

[762xIan]

I am using a Lyman 1200? maybe 1400...either way it has taken some abuse and keeps on ticking (many hours). It will handle 50 pieces of rifle brass or 100 pistol no problem. If I remember it should be the $75 or so model.

I have yet to buy any of the "prepared" media for tumbling. I have been using the crushed corncob from wally world...and crushed walnut from Petco (lizard bedding or something). Drop in a capful of liquid carwax with each batch....Nufinish is popular but I have been using rainX liquid wax.

Makes nice and shiny brass.