What is the consensus on which wet tumbler you use and why?

[Joe R]

Can someone please tell me what diameter pin is best to use in this application to avoid them getting stuck in flash holes etc.???????????

Jon,
the whole thing about having the "right" size pins is way overstated. I've done thousands of cases with the standard pins and gotten maybe 4-5 instances of two pins getting stuck in the flash hole. Pulling them out is a breeze with needle nose pliers. That only applies if you use the large rifle primers. I haven't had a single one with the small rifle primers.

Joe

 

[Johnny_V]

Jon,
the whole thing about having the "right" size pins is way overstated. I've done thousands of cases with the standard pins and gotten maybe 4-5 instances of two pins getting stuck in the flash hole. Pulling them out is a breeze with needle nose pliers. That only applies if you use the large rifle primers. I haven't had a single one with the small rifle primers.

Joe

No doubt they come out easily, but what happens if you don't spot them and you attempt to prime the case???

 

[savagedasher]

No doubt they come out easily, but what happens if you don't spot them and you attempt to prime the case???

Why would someone not inspect every case their going to load ? I have found many that were un safe. Larry

 

[Johnny_V]

Why would someone not inspect every case their going to load ? I have found many that were un safe. Larry

I ask myself that question too. I have a friend who doesn't even clean primer pockets (says it's not necessary). I would say that when he goes to the range, he has at least 2 to 3 rounds that are misfires, every time. Now he's one of those people that should never reload....

 

[Webster]

Can someone please tell me what diameter pin is best to use in this application to avoid them getting stuck in flash holes etc.???????????

I use the .045' pins never stuck one in a 6BR small primer flash hole. They all shake out when wet. I have had one stuck sideways in a range pickup pistol case I was going to give to a friend. After tumbling and drying I hold each case up to a light to make sure there are no pins. After priming and putting in a loading block I reinspect each case with a flash light. It only takes about 10 seconds to look inside 50 cases. You don't want to launch a pin down your barrel no matter what it cost. SS pins shouldn't rust. Mine are magnetic. Some SS alloys are magnetic, some are not (austenitic or martensitic phase are the 2 types).

 

[Jammer Six]

I ask myself that question too. I have a friend who doesn't even clean primer pockets (says it's not necessary).

I have an aquaintance like that. Reloads .45 ACP on a Square Deal. Every week at our league, he'd have high primers. We'd chatter about it at dinner after the league, and he told me my process (I also use a Square Deal for pistol) was all wrong, that the advantage of a progressive press is speed, and I'm not supposed to stop and inspect (or handle) every round.

I did everything I could to remain silent.

We had just come from a match where both of us had run 250-300 rounds, I didn't have any malfunctions of any kind, and I beat him twice, once because he had a high primer, and the second time because he had another high primer.

I didn't say anything, but it must have shown in my face because he looked at me and said "what?"

 

[Johnny_V]

That is too funny. The satisfaction of a job well done does pay off.

 

[outlawsix]

I just went through this new tumbler hunt. buddy has the franklin Arsenal model. I opted for the Lyman model. Came not only with 5lbsof media but also sifting baskets to help separate things. Was also cheaper than the FA model. Has 3 hour timer too. I have never had brass so clean!