Reloaders: Wet vs Dry Tumble?
Printed From: The BaitShop
Category: FireArms, et cetera
Forum Name: Metallic Cartridge Handloading and Bullet Casting
Forum Description: Discuss reloading, bullet casting etc. here. We take no responsibility for the safety or validity of the loads mentioned in this forum. Start low and work up to what is safe in YOUR firearm!
URL: http://www.baitshopboyz.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=28240
Printed Date: 26 March 2026 at 14:51
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Topic: Reloaders: Wet vs Dry Tumble?
Posted By: MillerOutfitter
Subject: Reloaders: Wet vs Dry Tumble?
Date Posted: 09 March 2026 at 08:18
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Do you all prefer wet or dry media tumbling of your brass? I prefer dry tumble as I can clean so much more brass at once. Plus I have never had an issue with dry tumbled brass. I have tried wet tumbling. Seems to be so much more work. ------------- MillerOutfitters.com |
Replies:
Posted By: BEAR
Date Posted: 09 March 2026 at 09:18
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I dry tumble, then ultra sound. very clean inside and outside ------------- The IQ and the life expectancy of the average American recently passed each other in opposite directions. |
Posted By: MillerOutfitter
Date Posted: 09 March 2026 at 09:42
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I have never tried ultrasound. I did mention it this weekend and my bride asked, how much will that cost me. ha ha ------------- MillerOutfitters.com |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 09 March 2026 at 19:16
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I also dry tumble my brass. I never have tried wet tumbling or ultrasound. I don't have the equipment to do either. I like using the Lyman walnut shells with the red rouge. I haven't been able to find it in local stores so I've been using walnut shells with a little bit of car wax added to it. They come out clean but not as shiny as with the Lyman. Do any of you use corncob media? How do you like it? ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Posted By: MillerOutfitter
Date Posted: 10 March 2026 at 05:19
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I have not used walnut media in maybe 15 to 20 years. Until I tried wet tumble this past weekend I have used corn cob media with a treatment. I run it a little longer but the end result is clean shiny brass. I pitch it once it gets dirty. I buy corn cob media in larger bags, I think 40 lbs. It is untreated so I add a cleaner of choice and all works out well for me. ------------- MillerOutfitters.com |
Posted By: BEAR
Date Posted: 10 March 2026 at 08:38
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I tumble in walnut with red rouge, really shines brighter than new. I use to use corn cob with some wax to shine and prevent the quick oxidation. I have two tubs, one walnut one corn. Walnut works faster. ultra sound cleans out carbon and rouge inside case. I use CREWORKS 3Liter Ultrasonic Cleaner, 0.8 gal Digital Sonic Cavitation Machine about $75 on amazon.------------- The IQ and the life expectancy of the average American recently passed each other in opposite directions. |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 10 March 2026 at 13:53
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How does an ultrasonic cleaner work? Do you have to use a special solution with it? ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Posted By: BEAR
Date Posted: 10 March 2026 at 14:25
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I use dishwasher soap, about a spoon full. RCBS and other make special cleaners. some people use lemon shine. I avoid any acid as that can make the brass weak by leaching out the zinc. brass then looks a little pink.
------------- The IQ and the life expectancy of the average American recently passed each other in opposite directions. |
Posted By: MillerOutfitter
Date Posted: 10 March 2026 at 17:57
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I have heard too much Lemi Shine will discolor the brass. I have not had that yet, and hope to avoid that experience. I used less than 1/4 teaspoon per gallon and it worked out just fine. I only tried wet polish for a specific purpose. I plan to stick with corn cob media. All I know is the dental clinics use the ultrasonic cleaners. I'm sure they have a specialized solution that I don't want near my firearm parts! ------------- MillerOutfitters.com |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 12 March 2026 at 17:29
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Thanks for the info guys. I might look into getting one. ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Posted By: MillerOutfitter
Date Posted: 13 March 2026 at 06:33
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Wet Tumble update So, I had a cleaner in the garage called Oil Eater. I think it is a water-based oil/grease cleaner. While testing brass wet tumbling I thought, a little wont hurt. I put like a half pump of the stuff in the cement mixer with hot water, lemi shine, and dawn. Clearly better than just lemi shine and dawn. The brass looks NEW! I will try to post a pic. I am not a mechanic nor machinist so dealing with oil and grease everyday isnt my thing. However, my brothers are. One brother swears by Oil Eater so that is how I found out about it. Great Stuff! My advice, ALWAYS dilute before using on anything. I consider a high concentration at 25%. Be careful when using. Might be avail on amazon. ------------- MillerOutfitters.com |
Posted By: MillerOutfitter
Date Posted: 13 March 2026 at 06:39
------------- MillerOutfitters.com |
Posted By: BEAR
Date Posted: 13 March 2026 at 08:06
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OIL EATER IS: MATERIAL CAS # % by WT. Sodium metasilicate - pentahydrate 10213-79-3 < 5% 2 Butoxyethanol 111-76-2 < 5 % Linear Alcohol Ethoxylate 68439-46-3 < 5 % Non-flammable is expected to be inherently biodegradable. ------------- The IQ and the life expectancy of the average American recently passed each other in opposite directions. |
Posted By: MillerOutfitter
Date Posted: 13 March 2026 at 08:20
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Thanks Bear. All I know, is it works. ------------- MillerOutfitters.com |
Posted By: BEAR
Date Posted: 13 March 2026 at 11:01
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it didn't seem too bad for a chemical product, and as you say. "it works". available for $12 a gallon on Amazon, Home DEPO, Walmart. I'l try some in my sonic cleaner. those case of yours look really clean inside, tumbling alone never gets mine that clean.
------------- The IQ and the life expectancy of the average American recently passed each other in opposite directions. |
Posted By: MillerOutfitter
Date Posted: 13 March 2026 at 11:06
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If you ever work on mowers etc, this stuff works great. I normally put 2 or 4 oz in a 32 oz spray bottle, then top off with water. At one point I had hundreds of 2 oz sample bottles. I gave to customers, to farmers where I hunted, etc. ------------- MillerOutfitters.com |
Posted By: Wing master
Date Posted: 13 March 2026 at 20:11
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That looks great. I noticed they make several different products. Did you use the cleaner/degreaser? ------------- I have always considered myself to be quite the bullshitter, But ocasionally it is nice to sit back and listen to a true professional......So, Carry on. |
Posted By: MillerOutfitter
Date Posted: 26 March 2026 at 12:02
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Sorry for the delay in responding. Yes, the cleaner/degreaser. I use on a variety of stuff. ------------- MillerOutfitters.com |