Walnut Media Problems

[Greyman50]

I clean before depriming/ sizing basically to make it easier to Inspect the brass before going further. Then I clean primer pockets and re clean for maybe a hour or so. Brass looks like new and am positive no split cases which I HATE. Time is not an issue with me as Im retired and Henry the Cat comes out in the garage with me. He even has a “ spot” under the reloading bench, lol.

 

[Mike SC Hunter]

Wet media tumble is the best way to clean brass.

NAH..........Lotsa ways to skin a cat.........All get the hide off.

 

[mikld]

Here's another "I do it this way" post.

First, I reloaded for 12 years before I got a tumbler. I wiped each case with a solvent dampened rag as I inspected it, never any problems with scratched/worn dies or chambers. So don't think tumbling has all the importance assigned to it today, and it seems to be one of the most talked about but least important subject on forums...

After a few years of experimenting with different kinds of media (I'm a "I wanna see for myself" kinda guy). including walnut, pet litters, glass beads, beach sand, wood chunks, charcoal, beans/rice/peas, and probably a half dozen more. I settled on corn cob blast media 14-20. Blast media is designed for metal polishing/cleaning and pet litter is for rats and lizards to pee on.

I normally tumble pre sizing as the step after tumbling is an inspection. Cleaning primer pockets has never been a priority for 99% of my handloading (handgun). I have two additives that I use sometimes; auto wax to leave a smooth light coating of wax to retard tarnish, and for hard cleaning I add about 10-20% hard resin pyramids, 3/8". If I want shiny brass In just leave the tumbler running longer...

 

[cadmike]

For handgun rounds I tumble before decap as well. On a Dillon 550 the case is decapped and reprimed at station one. I never see the inside of the primer pocket.

 

[Mark Pilcher]

I got tired of dealing with the problems from dry tumbling and splurged and went to wet tumbling. The cases come out like brand new. I'll never go back!

 

[rockquarry]

I got tired of dealing with the problems from dry tumbling and splurged and went to wet tumbling. The cases come out like brand new. I'll never go back!

What problems did you have?

 

[venomballistics]

line em up and blow em out with an air compressor

 

[SMSgt]

Day late, dollar short, but here goes. I use only pet-store walnut bedding and have never had it clog but one primer pocket, and that was because a glob of NuFinish got in it. Other than that, the walnut is ground too fine to plug a flash hole, small, large, or otherwise. Corn cob is whole nuther matter. As mentioned above, a primer will unplug a flash hole in an instant. I also find a true "tumbler" more effective than a vibrator.

 

[Greyman50]

Forgot to mention I use both types of media with white rice added, works Very Very well.

 

[raljr1]

Size them with tbe decapping pin in place and set the primers after that

Robert

 

[Mark Pilcher]

What problems did you have?

Flash holes plugged up. Media clumping and not cleaning sufficiently. Adding the "right" amount of polishing agent. Deposits on the inside of the bowl. Throwing away expensive media when polishing really dirty brass.

Now all I need is water, dish soap, and Lemi-Shine, and the brass comes out like new.

 

[Igiveup]

Exactly what Mike, SC Hunter said. Pet Smart lizard litter and Nushine polish.