Sonic or tumble

[John O.]

In my studies I have seen that there are two methods of cleaning brass. For one there is tumbling either wet or dry. The other is sonic. What are the advantages and or disadvantages to each? What would you suggest for a beginner?

 

[chkunz]

I have both and they both work well. I have been using the Thumblers Tumbler for 40+ years and it works well and has many options as to how to use it. I tried the sonic cleaner a few years ago and it worked ok but I went back to the tumbler. It is probably more personal choice and you will only know which you prefer by trying both yourself. There is a lot on this subject in previous threads that you can search.

 

[M-61]

Quote from T-REX:
"There is a lot on this subject in previous threads that you can search."

'a lot' would be putting it mildly.....many many threads and opinions, search will reveal what you ask.

 

[Berger.Fan222]

Stainless tumbling media: clean and shiny, without residues.

 

[dreever]

I'm old school. Lyman Turbo Tumbler and untreated corn cob media.

Danny

 

[waterfwlr]

Tumbler for me. Gets them plenty clean and I don't like to get the carbon out of the inside of the neck. How do you guys that sonic, or SS, deal with the squeaking clean inside necks?

 

[Berger.Fan222]

Tumbler for me. Gets them plenty clean and I don't like to get the carbon out of the inside of the neck. How do you guys that sonic, or SS, deal with the squeaking clean inside necks?

I don't think stainless tumbling media really gets the inside squeaking clean, because the pins are impacting the outside much more than the inside. The insides are not that shiny, and I've never seen any evidence of cold welding even after a few years. I think the insides are cleaner from the soapy water and the impacts to the outside of the case loosing things up, but there seems to be enough carbon (and lead residue also from the primers) that it isn't "squeaking clean."

I tumble with STM for 3-4 hours. I tried more like 2-3 hours, but this leaves too much residue in the primer pockets.

 

[Canadian bushman]

Tumbler for me. Gets them plenty clean and I don't like to get the carbon out of the inside of the neck. How do you guys that sonic, or SS, deal with the squeaking clean inside necks?

I lube with graphite

 

[wolley]

I process thousands of pieces of Brass a year to keep the Service Rifles and Palma gun fed. I am not doing anything that adds time or steps to the reloading process. Unless it has a measurable, positive effect on precision and so far there is enough anecdotal evidence that folks see bigger SDs with squeaky clean brass that I will never adopt it. No matter how purty it is.
Walnut all the way for me.

 

[M-61]

I have used the vibrating Lyman Turbo tumbler for longer than I care to say. Walnut with some sort of rouge mixed in. It's good for me.

 

[DeadEyeDick45]

Tumbler for me. Gets them plenty clean and I don't like to get the carbon out of the inside of the neck. How do you guys that sonic, or SS, deal with the squeaking clean inside necks?

That's what Oneshot was made for, and it works great.

 

[Rpbump]

I use a Sonic cleaner for my 6.5x55AI/.308/6BR brass as I like my brass to be shiny. It is easier to detect cracks/faults in clean brass. I also like clean primer pockets and try to stay away from using primer pocket brushes or cutters/uniformers. I do lube bottleneck cases with mica when loading. For my straight wall cases 45-70/40-65/45-90 I use a Thumblers tumbler with ceramic media/water and a small amount of 409. I do not leave my brass to air dry but use an air compressor to blow out all cases bottle neck or straight wall. As I do not normally shoot at ranges over 300yds using mica to lube inside the case does not seem to be a problem.
Rpbump

 

[waterfwlr]

Tumbler for me. Gets them plenty clean and I don't like to get the carbon out of the inside of the neck. How do you guys that sonic, or SS, deal with the squeaking clean inside necks?

That's what Oneshot was made for, and it works great.

For the INSIDE of the necks?

 

[CJ6]

I use/used the Vibra-Shine for years with green treated media, Now I use the Lyman sonic and the Vibra-Shine. Sonic for the cleaning aspect and shorter time (about 25 mins.) and the Vibra-shine to put the HIGH polish on and remove any sizing lube after sizing (also about 20-25 mins.) Any pocket residue that may (if at all) be left after sonic cleaning gets wiped-out with a Q-Tip.

 

[Iowa Fox]

After a case gets fired in my stuff (single Shots) the case goes back in the box neck down. I de-cap them and wash in hot water and dish washing soap, a twirl with a Q-tip in the primer pocket after they have soaked, rinse and dry. Too many cleaning methods put nicks in the necks that transfer to the heel of the bullet.

 

[Catfur]

Tumble (STM), every sonic cleaner I've ever bought has self destructed.