First Impression Using SS Media

[rardoin]

In terms of media size, about the only thing I have run across is with 6.5 cases. If you shoot any 6.5 definitely buy the pins that are made with that case in mind or you will have pins that get caught side-ways in their necks.

I have experienced this with the pins supplied with the FA tumbler. They will also wedge in a small primer flash hole on occasion; I have had this occur a couple of times so I visually inspect all cases after tumbling instead of prior as was my routine. I have seen a media that had small 'football' shaped 'pins' that should alleviate the wedging issues but I have not tried them yet.

 

[jlow]

I have caused case mouth peening by loading too many cases in walnut hull media. Just the cases hitting each other caused the peening.

This is absolutely correct. It is true that the pins do not and cannot peen the mouth of the cases, but it is the cases themselves banging against each other that cause the peening. This is the reason why less cases result in less peening. In fact the pins acts as cushions to prevent peening. More cases, means the pins are less effective as cushions, and more pins i.e. 10 lb vs. 5 lbs means there are more protective pins around to reduce peening.

 

[Bob L.]

Thanks guys for your input, I didn't use hot water so there's one problem. Next time I try it I'll cut down on the pieces maybe 75 or so and add more media also. Like I mentioned before, I was more concerned about getting the pockets clean than anything else. Right now I only have 5lbs of media but I have 5 more coming in the mail.

Oh, is there any particular SS media that works better than others? The stuff I have now measures .040" diameter and .275" length or really close to that.

I use .047" dia. and 0.255" length in my 6BRX brass. These clean the inside of the case and do not stick in the small flash hole. When I first use new pins I will get a few cases with a pin stuck crossways in the mouth. I cull these pins.

 

[Shaggy357]

Does anyone use the Stainless pins in 17 Remington or 17 Mark IV? I am hesitant to throw them in the tumbler as they load up with the fine hull pieces or shell pieces and they are a bear to clean out. I have been putting my 17s in the hydro-sonic only then wipe them down.

Steve

 

[Thumb]

OK, I got some more SS pins to throw in and I'll try maybe 100-150 .223 cases and see what that does.