Hunting Forum

I had a Frankford Arsenal tumbler for about 20 years before it quit on me,but I probably don't reload as much as some of these other guys because I don't shoot as much as I use too.

Most all the reviews I have read are quite favorable. I will only be reloading 200-300 shells a year for the first few years. Right now, I'm starting with my .243 and the next one will be my S&W 500 revolver. I don't shoot this revolver much now because at upwards of $4 a shot, it's too darn expensive. lol

I use corn media with a few drops of Berrys polish in each load...I usually uniform my flash holes ,especially on hunting rounds, so that helps clear any media from the primer pockets....My son owns a  Frankford Arsenal tumbler and he seems to like it....

What do you mean by "uniform my flash holes"?

Using a flash hole uniforming tool to make sure the flash holes are all round, the proper diameter and any extra brass from punching out the holes during the manufacturing process is removed.

http://www.midwayusa.com/product/72...ormer-tool

Ah, ok . I remember seeing this tool now. Thanks

Has anyone ever tried using sand as a media for tumbling? More specifically, mason's sand?

I have used only the walnut media with Berrys polish. I deprime my brass first and then tumble them. That way I only put clean brass through my resizing die. I then put them back into the tumbler to remove the sizing lube and proceed to clean them out and continue reloading. Works for me.

I tried crushed corn cob and ut worked well, but it packed into the casings and I had to dig it out of each and every casing. Corn cob is probably better suited for straight wall casings. I will be using walnut hulls, but I work at a ready mix concrete plant with literally tons of sand and it got me curious as to whether or not anyone has or still does use sand.

Sand is too corse. It'll shorten the useful life of your brass.

Compared to other media for cleaning brass, sand is HARD, might be hard on the brass. And if any doesn't get removed, it could chew up the dies.

The "hardness" factor is the first thing that came to mind when a friend suggested sand. By the way, my Frankford Arsenal Tumbler arrived about 2 weeks ago...first batch of 120 .243 casing came out beautifully clean and shiny after 2 hrs. I will not use corn cob on necked down rifle casing ever again. lol . I had to hand pick all the cob material out of each and every shell. Got me some english walnut shells now.

Is that the treated corn cob stuff?  I only run plain and I've never had any pack in that tight, tap the case on the side of the tumbler a couple of times and it all comes out.  223 is definitely tougher to get out than 270 but it all comes out.  I have to tap with walnut too.

Dale

I've always used corn cob in my tumbler. The media should be dry. I leave the tumbler running as I remove the brass out of it and will momentarly touch the base of the case to the threaded stem for that goes up through the lid for the lid nut. Any media still in the shell case easly comes out. Then I use a thooth pick to remove any media stuck in the primer flash hole.

I shoot about 3000 rounds a year and reload everything , I shoot .223- .338mag and 9mm,38,357mag,40s&w and 45auto and , I allways use brown corn or the green corn and have never had a problem.. If someone is having a problem or has any qusetions about reloading please feel free to contact me through the club or Grandpops knows how to get a hold of me... LM NAHC, LM NRA, LM National Match Shooters Assc. And Retired USMC Sniper..

The corn cob media that I have is not treated, it is bone dry. I definitely could not tap it on the side of the bowl or hold it against the hold down stud, I had to use an automotive style/dental pick to remove the cob from the casings.Thank you Cherokee, I sincerely appreciate you offering up your knowledge and experience. I'm sure I will be contacting you and grandpops in the future. lol.

Are you talking a case full of media? Or just a grain or two stuck in the flash hole? I've used corn cob and I've used walnut and never had any stick so bad that is had to be dug out. Smaller neck diameters are more difficult than big (love that 358 Win) but it all comes out. And I see no difference between corn and walnut. Something is strange or I'm not understanding you and your problem.

Dale

I use crushed walnut in a Hornody tumbler and am very happy.  A little media gets in some of the flash holes but I hit each cartridge with the air gun, even those that look clear..
Quick and thorough

dk99300....the cases, all of them, are packed full. Not just a few pieces, but packed right full. I picked up the corn cob media at the local Country Max(farm supply store) in the pet section. I'm thinking if I put the corn cob media in a blender and give it a few pulses to break it down to smaller pieces, it will work much better. The corn cob pieces are much larger size in comparison to the crushed walnut media.

OK now I understand. On the bright side, the stuff is probably too big to stick in the flash hole.

Dale