Stainless pins for vibratory case cleaning??

[Texas]

I have a basic vibratory case cleaner (Hornady) and I currently use walnut media. It works ok but takes a long time and takes a while to get the media out of all the flash holes. I know a few people who use the stainless pins but not sure if they use a tumbler or vibratory style. I've read some people say the pins damage case mouths. Others say this isn't true.
Can I use these pins in my cleaner and what are the pros and cons vs walnut media? Does it take long to dry the cases out?
I don't know much about it so any advice is appreciated.
Thanks

 

[shoot4fun]

I have not tried it but I just don't think your vibratory tumbler is the thing for using SS pins. SS media pins are used with distilled water, Dawn detergent and a little Lemi-Shine for optimal results and I don't think you vibratory tumbler will get along with that. As for damage, I have been using SS media for almost a year and can say it produces fantastic results in a much quicker time frame (2 hrs in SS compared to 10 or 12 for same result in walnut) and has done no damage to the cases. I use a rotary media separator to get all the pins out and sling out most of the water. I towel dry and leave them to finish over night. I have a Frankfort brand case dryer coming now but a Harbor Freight Food Dehydrator works just as well from what I understand.

 

[Sniper338]

Ss pins are best used in a wet tumbler... dry media is best for vibrating tumblers... ive never tried ss pins in a vibrating tumbler... i dont know what would happen with that... i made the switch to a good wet tumbler and pins and aint looking back... brass dries easy... just make sure to used distilled water so it doesnt leave water marks on it..

 

[Screamineagle]

It would be too dense. The reason a vibrating tumbler works is because the brass is free to flow through the media.

 

[bigedp51]

My wife makes makes jewelry and this is the only vibrarory "polisher" I have ever seen that uses stainless steel media, BUT the media is shaped differently.

This type media uses a high speed vibrator and the different media shapes polish the inside of the rings after assembly.

Don't ask how I know so much about this but I nearly went blind helping my wife.

 

[GrocMax]

bigedp51-

that's REAL media, not quickly cut, burr heavy, leftover 1/32" welding rod like is usually supplied.

 

[bigedp51]

bigedp51-

that's REAL media, not quickly cut, burr heavy, leftover 1/32" welding rod like is usually supplied.

And the bracelets I made for my wife were a REAL pain to make and a magnifying headband was required to see what you are doing. And this type of media above costs an arm and a leg and should be only used on gold plated Lapua brass.

 

[LHSmith]

Stn. Stl. pin cleaning Negatives: 1/ Removes the carbon in neck ID which acts like graphite ( both are allotropes of carbon) Carbon aids in producing consistent neck tension and preventing bullet weld....2/ Must be forever vigilant of pins remaining in case blocking flash hole or through adhesion to case walls risking damage to barrel .....3/ Adds other operations to process - rinsing and drying.....4/ no matter how careful, those small pins end up everywhere, 4/ nature of process forces prevents you from processing small quantities of brass (mix ratio is somewhat critical).

 

[chkunz]

Texas, it looks like from the replies so far the only way you are going to know is to try it. Then you can report the results and we will all know. Most folks are guessing that it would not work well and that is probably what you will find but sometimes we are surprised when we experiment.

 

[nmjwolf]

Use lizard bedding ...its a lot smaller and doesn't get stuck in the flash holes. You can add some jewelers rouge ... Red in color to help speed up the cleaning.

 

[shoot4fun]

Use lizard bedding ...its a lot smaller and doesn't get stuck in the flash holes. You can add some jewelers rouge ... Red in color to help speed up the cleaning.

I have no idea what lizard bedding is but I can tell you that once around the block with jeweler's rouge was my lesson. You have to tumble brass again in corn cob to even attempt to get all the rouge off and even then it will mess up you dies and anything else you come in contact with during the prep/loading process. PITA!!!!!

 

[bigedp51]

I have a vibratory tumbler and a wet media tumbler, and also use the mixture below for just washing/soaking that works well but doesn't add the "bling" of the other methods. I like the information at the link below because it satisfies my cheap bastard side and making my own.

A solution of 1 quart of water, 1 cup white vinegar, 1/2 cup lemon juice, 1/4 cup laundry or dishwashing detergent, 1/8 cup salt. Soak with some agitation for 15 to 20 minutes and follow with a rinse of soapy hot water and allow to dry. This may leave brass with a slight pinkish cast which will disappear with a short tumble in media.

Homemade Firearm Cleaners & Lubricants
http://www.frfrogspad.com/homemade.htm