Are you in the market for the ultimate brass tumbler or simply looking to gather more information about this essential tool? Regardless of your intentions, it’s crucial to first determine what constitutes the “best brass tumbler” for your specific needs. The task of finding a high-quality brass tumbler can be daunting with so many options available on the market.
To make your decision-making process easier, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide that will help you navigate the vast selection of brass tumblers. Our guide will not only assist you in making an informed and profitable investment but also provide you with all the information you need to choose the perfect brass tumbler.
When selecting a brass tumbler, it’s essential to consider the construction materials and its compatibility with the metal you’ll be working with. Additionally, your budget and personal preferences also play a significant role in determining the right brass tumbler for you. This is why a brass tumbler should be an essential tool for any reloader. We’ve compiled a list of the best brass tumblers available, making it easier for you to make your final decision. So, go ahead and choose the perfect brass tumbler for your needs.
Top 5 Best Brass Tumblers 2023
- Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series – Overall Best Pick
- Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler (115-Volt)
- Frankford Arsenal Quick Vibratory Case Tumbler
- Hornady 050202 M-1 Case Tumbler, 110V
- Lyman 7631550 Cyclone Rotary Tumble
5 Best Brass Tumbler Reviews
1. Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series 110V 7L Rotary – Overall Best Brass Tumbler
The Frankford Arsenal rotary tumbler is our top pick for the best brass tumbler on the market. Known for its stability and durability, this tumbler is perfect for reloading rifle cases. With a spacious 7-liter capacity, it can clean up to 1,000 cases of .223 brass in one go. This is why we have placed it at the top of our list.
One of the best features of the Frankford Arsenal rotary tumbler is its maintenance-free drivetrain. This eliminates the need for replacing belts, making it a low-maintenance option. Additionally, it has a built-in timer in the base that can be set to run for up to 3 hours and automatically shut off when finished. This tumbler is also effective at cleaning without the need for stainless steel media pins, allowing you to use a mixture of brass cleaning solution and water.
The Frankford Arsenal rotary tumbler also boasts a dual-layer drum with noise-dampening rubber lining, which helps to minimize noise while in operation. This tumbler comes with 5 lb. of 304 Stainless Steel media and a sample packet of Frankford Arsenal Brass Cleaning Solution, which is enough for hundreds of washes. In conclusion, the Frankford Arsenal rotary tumbler is a great choice for anyone looking for a high-quality, low-maintenance and effective brass tumbler.
2. Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler (115-Volt)
The Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler is a great option for anyone looking for a high-quality brass tumbler. Although it has a relatively low capacity of 350 .38 shells, it is still sufficient for most purposes.
One of the best things about the Lyman Pro 1200 is that it strikes the perfect balance between capacity, durability, and economy. The vibratory tumbler is a popular and proven way to remove oxidation, old lube, and fouling from brass cases. The Pro 1200 stands out with its powerful thermally protected motor, built-in sifter lid, and advanced bowl design. This constantly circulates both cases and media for greater polishing action, resulting in superior results in a shorter cycle time.
The Pro 1200 is also equipped with one of the most powerful motors in its class, delivering a powerful cleaning action. The advanced bowl design provides a strong cascading action, making it easy to use and effective. The Pro 1200 can also be used as a separate polishing and drying step for cases cleaned in a rotary wet tumbler or sonic cleaner. Additionally, I have used walnut media with this tumbler and have seen great results on the exterior of 45 ACP cases. However, one downside is that when it’s on, most of the media tends to pool and tumble to one side.
3. Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ 110V Vibratory Case Tumbler
The Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler is also designed with a durable construction and a sturdy handle for easy transport. It also features a clear lid, so you can easily monitor the cleaning process without having to stop and open the tumbler. Furthermore, it is designed with a powerful motor that ensures efficient and thorough cleaning of your brass.
Overall, the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler is a great option for those looking for an affordable and efficient way to clean their brass. It is easy to use, durable, and provides great results. Whether you are a beginner or a seasoned reloader, this case tumbler is a great addition to your reloading tools.
4. Hornady 050202 M-1 Case Tumbler, 110V
At the fourth position, we have the Hornady 050202 M-1 Case Tumbler. This powerful tumbler is designed to clean brass to a brilliant shine, making it perfect for reloaders who are looking for a high-quality and efficient cleaning tool. With the ability to hold up to (400) .38 special cases, (180) 30-06 cases, or the equivalent of other like-sized cases, this tumbler offers a great capacity for cleaning large amounts of brass at once.
The Hornady M-1 Case Tumbler is equipped with a powerful cyclonic and vibratory action that ensures that all brass is cleaned to a high standard. The included sifter makes it easy to separate the polished brass from the media, so you can quickly and easily move on to the next step of your reloading process.
One of the standout features of this tumbler is its quiet operation. Unlike other tumblers that can be quite loud, the Hornady M-1 Case Tumbler is designed to be much quieter, so you can use it in any room of your home without worrying about disturbing others. To further reduce noise, it’s recommended to not overload the tumbler, run smaller loads of brass, this will reduce noise and you will find that you’ll shorten your run times considerably. Additionally, setting the tumbler up on a flat soft surface such as a soft rubber mat 3/8″ to 1/2″ thick will reduce the amount of vibration that finds its way to the hard table surface.
5. Lyman 7631550 Cyclone Rotary Tumbler
The Cyclone Rotary Tumbler is a must-have tool for any reloader looking for a powerful and efficient way to clean their brass. Its belt-driven motor ensures reliability and quiet operation, while the large capacity drum and built-in timer make it easy to use and maintain. The rubber lining in the drum protects the cases and reduces noise, while the stainless steel media pins provide superior cleaning action in hard-to-reach areas.
The Lyman Dual Sifter System makes it easy to separate the cases from the pins and media, making the cleaning process faster and more efficient. Overall, the Cyclone Rotary Tumbler is a top-of-the-line tool that will take your brass cleaning to the next level.
Choose The Best Brass Tumbler
When searching for the best brass tumbler, it’s important to consider factors such as safety, price, warranty, durability, stability, and brand. We have carefully selected brass tumblers based on these criteria to help make your decision easier. It’s recommended to familiarize yourself with these factors before making a purchase.
Capacity
When looking for the best brass tumbler, capacity is an important factor to consider. Tumblers can vary greatly in their capacity, with some holding as little as 500 rounds and others able to hold up to 1,000 rounds. A tumbler with a higher capacity can save time when processing larger batches of ammunition. However, it’s important to keep in mind that tumblers with higher capacities may also come with a higher price tag. Ultimately, it’s important to consider your specific needs and preferences when choosing the capacity of your brass tumbler.
Compatibility
When choosing a brass tumbler, it’s crucial to consider the compatibility of the tumbler with the type of ammo shells you plan to use. While many tumblers can handle a variety of shells, some are designed specifically for certain types. For example, a tumbler built to hold 1,000 .223 brass may not be able to accommodate the same number of .45 shells. It’s important to check the tumbler’s compatibility with the shells you plan to use before making a purchase. This will ensure that the tumbler can efficiently process the number of shells you need, and you don’t have to compromise on capacity or efficiency.
Durability
Some tumblers are made of refractory steel, while others are made of plastic. In general, steel tumblers tend to be more durable than plastic ones. It’s important to invest in a tumbler that is built to last, as you don’t want to spend a significant amount of money on a tumbler that will break or wear out quickly. While it may cost more initially, investing in a durable tumbler will ultimately save you money and time in the long run.
Construction
While more expensive tumblers may have better construction, this is not always the case. To ensure that the tumbler is able to effectively process your ammunition, it’s important to check for key components such as gears, belts, and wheels. Make sure that the construction of the tumbler is sturdy, and that it will be able to handle the workload. By considering the construction of the tumbler, you can ensure that you are getting a high-quality product that will last for a long time.
Reliability
While a high price may indicate a high-quality product, this is not always the case. To ensure that you are getting a reliable tumbler, it’s important to check for key components such as gears, bolts, and wheels. Make sure that they are sturdy and able to maintain a consistent speed during operation. Additionally, check for customer reviews and the brand reputation. This will give you an idea of the satisfaction of other users and the overall reliability of the product. By ensuring reliability, you can rest assured that your tumbler will effectively and consistently process your ammunition.
Safety
Safety should be a top priority when choosing a brass tumbler. The process of tumbling brass can be risky, as it involves handling powerful and potentially unstable explosives. It’s important to ensure that the tumbler you choose has safety features built in, such as a secure lid to prevent spills and a sturdy base to prevent tipping over. Additionally, check the manufacturer’s safety guidelines and make sure you understand and follow them when using the tumbler. By prioritizing safety, you can ensure that you are using your brass tumbler in the safest way possible and get the most efficient results.
Price
Price is an important factor to consider when choosing a brass tumbler. You want to make sure that you are getting the best value for your money. However, it’s important to remember that the cheapest option may not always be the best. Consider the features and durability of the tumbler, as well as the brand reputation, to find the best option for your needs and budget.
For example, Frankford Arsenal offers brass tumblers at a more affordable price, but for professionals, brands such as Lyman or Hornady may be a better choice as they offer more precision and consistency. It’s important to consider your specific needs and budget when making a decision.
Warranty
Warranty can provide additional security and peace of mind for your purchase. Many brands, such as Frankford Arsenal, Lyman, and Hornady, offer a 1-year warranty on their products. This can give you the assurance that if anything goes wrong with your tumbler within the first year of use, it will be covered by the manufacturer. It’s important to check the warranty period and the coverage details before making your purchase.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. is the five pounds of media enough or do you need to buy extra?
It has lots of media It works great. I really found the shiny brass secret dish to clean soap and Lemi-shine. After that the bud and zip out the pin. My last step and I believe the most obvious is to bring clean water back again and put it again for 15-30 minutes. I have been every time that it has been great. Without the last step, it is completely damaged or missed by soap and it does not release water.
2. Can you use this for rock tumbling as well?
I do that. It is an open vibration basket in plastic. A rock tumbler acid unit that can keep the water and smooth compounds necessary and can be made more durable material.
3. If the tumbler is used to polish coins, what cleaning media would you recommend?
Numismatists recommend not to clean the coin. By cleaning it, they are pushing together, as well as being covered by the media. If they are collectible, this will ruin a lot of their value. When they are not collectible, it is not really worth it. However, if you want to clean small red metal items, use raw walnut shells, it is found in cheap pets compared to commercial media and a tablespoon of metal polish.
4. How much cleaning media is used in this tumbler?
Probably about 2 pounds or so. Please fill 2/3 full before adding your case. I got mine 2 days ago and today it ran in different forms of brass for 6 hours. No problem!
5. How to use the brass tumbler?
Final Verdict
In conclusion, when looking for the best brass tumbler for reloading, there are several factors to consider, such as safety, price, warranty, durability, and construction. Brands like Frankford Arsenal, Lyman, and Hornady provide excellent products and customer service. Additionally, it’s important to consider the capacity, compatibility and reliability of the tumbler. Remember, a brass tumbler is an important tool for reloading, and it’s worth investing in a high-quality product that will last for a long time. Be sure to do your research and choose the brass tumbler that best fits your needs and budget. Happy reloading!