I'm currently using the pins that came with my FA tumbler. However I'm not impressed with the results particularly, in the primer pockets. I usually load it with approximately 200 or so .308 or 300WM. A squirt of dawn and a half tablespoon of Lemi. It seems the pins aren't aggressive enough in pockets or inside the case, even after 5 hours. What is everyone else using??
Wet tumbling media ?
- Thread starter M60A3TTS
- Start date
Straightshooter1
Gold $$ Contributor
Are you using really HOT water?
When I use really HOT water with Dawn and 1/4 tablespoon of LemiShine, then rinse with cool water, where I get pretty good results in less than an hour of tumbling with the pins that came with the tumbler. These days, when I wet tumble, I no longer use pins . . . unless the brass is really cruddy from being ejected into mud or dirt that gets inside the case.
Krogen
Gold $$ Contributor
Maybe your pins are too large. I'm using these.
pelletsllc.com
I ordered them back in 2012 from Midway along with a Thumler's Tumbler. The pockets and case interior clean up nicely. I use a squirt of Dawn and a very small amount of Lemishine; only half 9mm case or so. I learned that adding some car wash/wax to the soup eases mouth expanding and sizing of pistol cases.
Pellet Pins™ - Finishing Pins for Brass Ammunition Cartridges
Pellet Pins™ are the longest-lasting media on the brass ammo reloading market. They clean all bullet sizes from 9 mm to 50 caliber shells.
pelletsllc.com
I ordered them back in 2012 from Midway along with a Thumler's Tumbler. The pockets and case interior clean up nicely. I use a squirt of Dawn and a very small amount of Lemishine; only half 9mm case or so. I learned that adding some car wash/wax to the soup eases mouth expanding and sizing of pistol cases.
10XSHOOTER
Gold $$ Contributor
I like using stainless steel chips that are between 1/16th and 1/8th in size. cleans primer pockets and don't get stuck in the neck or flash hole
I tried some stuff called southern shine. It was small chips that made a mess. It would stick to any place that was wet. The dehydrator/dryer would have bits in it and they seemed to keep falling out of cases. Was finding them on the floor no matter how careful I was. I got rid of it because I didnt want a piece of it finding its way into my barrel when fired. I'd recommend just getting some other brand of pins. The pins do wear out or get dull over time and need to be replaced.
SSchnd
Silver $$ Contributor
I use STM pins and chips from Southern Shine IIRC. I added chips later in life. Only reason chips (or pins) would be falling out of cases after rinse is not submersing the brass (with media still in) into a tub of water ( I used the F/A separator, clam shell with top and bottom tubs. With the brass submerged in the water bath the media easily comes out and falls into the non screen tub of the F/A separator.
STM pins have been in use for 10 years and the chips another 5. Once you find a smart way of doing it and an efficient way you will be happy.
You could also try jewelers media too. those are a little fatter, softer but still have points.
Never been a fan of the F/A pins. I am a believer not all pins are created equal
STM pins have been in use for 10 years and the chips another 5. Once you find a smart way of doing it and an efficient way you will be happy.
You could also try jewelers media too. those are a little fatter, softer but still have points.
Never been a fan of the F/A pins. I am a believer not all pins are created equal
Running cases for hours in a pin tumbler just dings up the case mouths and removes the carbon from inside of the necks. Both of those issues are undesirable to me. I run cases in my STM tumbler for no more than 1/2 hour, so the pockets are not completely cleaned. They are cleaned adequately but some carbon is visible. If I want the pockets 100% clean, I'll just run the pocket uniformer into them. It only takes a few seconds for each case.
I wouldn't expect any method to clean the primer pockets. I use a hand primer pocket cleaning tool. You shouldn't have to tumble much more than a hour.
Coyotefurharvester
Silver $$ Contributor
Never have bothered with pins/media just hot water, Dawn, small amount of Lemi-S. Occasionally a light pour of vinegar(I go back and forth on this, shot of lemon juice) rinse with HOT water. I like to sun dry brass. Run 1/2 hr- 1 hr. I have it almost full of water, never had case mouth issues.
SSchnd
Silver $$ Contributor
With the pins and than added the chips I run maybe a hour. The chips cut run time to achieve my desired pocket cleanliness.
And have many a time done just the water and no media as mentioned works great too.
Southern Shine has a Brass Juice solution premixed, it is very good product. And lasts through some batches too. I am a Dawn/Hot water, Leminshine user but the Brass Juice.
And have many a time done just the water and no media as mentioned works great too.
Southern Shine has a Brass Juice solution premixed, it is very good product. And lasts through some batches too. I am a Dawn/Hot water, Leminshine user but the Brass Juice.
Skip the pins and just use BrassJuice with hot water.
No pins here and only 15 to 20 minutes to remove case lube. Im making ammo, not polishing a Lamborghini....
I just started using chips and they do a great job on the primer pockets in half the time.
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