Reloading your own ammunition can be a rewarding hobby, offering cost savings and the ability to customize your cartridges. A crucial step in the reloading process is cleaning your brass casings, and wet tumbling has become a popular and efficient method for achieving sparkling clean and consistent results. This comprehensive guide will explore the benefits of wet tumbling, the equipment you'll need, the process itself, and tips for optimal results.
Why Choose Wet Tumbling for Reloading Brass?
Wet tumbling offers several advantages over traditional methods like dry tumbling or hand cleaning:
- Superior Cleaning: Wet tumbling effectively removes dirt, carbon fouling, and even stubborn primer residue, leaving your brass gleaming. The abrasive media and cleaning solution work together to achieve a level of cleanliness difficult to replicate with other methods.
- Efficiency: Wet tumbling is significantly faster than hand cleaning, especially when dealing with large batches of brass. You can set it and forget it, freeing up your time for other reloading tasks.
- Consistency: Wet tumbling ensures a consistent level of cleaning across all your brass casings, leading to more uniform reloading results.
- Brass Preservation: The process is gentler on your brass than some other cleaning methods, helping to extend its lifespan.
Essential Equipment for Wet Tumbling
Before you begin, you'll need the following equipment:
- Wet Tumbler: This is the heart of the operation. Several models are available, ranging in capacity and features. Consider factors like size (capacity), noise level, and whether it includes a built-in filter or requires a separate one.
- Abrasive Media: This is what does the cleaning. Common options include stainless steel pins, corncob media, or walnut media. Each has its pros and cons regarding cleaning power and potential brass damage. Stainless steel is the most aggressive, while walnut is the gentlest.
- Cleaning Solution: This is crucial for effective cleaning and lubrication. Many commercial solutions are available, specifically formulated for wet tumbling. These often contain detergents and lubricants to help remove fouling and prevent corrosion.
- Water: Use clean water, preferably distilled or filtered, to avoid introducing impurities that could affect your brass.
- Drying Medium: After cleaning, your brass will need to be dried. You can use a dedicated brass drying tumbler or simply spread it out on a towel.
- Filtering System: To reuse your cleaning solution and media, a filter is vital. This prevents the build-up of debris and ensures continued effectiveness.
The Wet Tumbling Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prepare Your Brass: Inspect your brass for any significant damage. Remove any large debris or excessive fouling.
- Load the Tumbler: Add your abrasive media to the tumbler, followed by your brass casings. Avoid overfilling. The general rule is to fill the tumbler about two-thirds full.
- Add Cleaning Solution: Pour in your chosen cleaning solution according to the manufacturer's instructions. Usually, a specific ratio of solution to water is recommended.
- Add Water: Add clean water to the tumbler, ensuring all the brass is submerged.
- Run the Tumbler: Turn on your wet tumbler and let it run for the recommended time, which usually ranges from 2-4 hours, depending on the solution and level of soiling.
- Drain and Filter: Once finished, carefully drain the solution, separating the brass from the media using a fine-mesh sieve or strainer. Clean the media and reuse it in future cleaning sessions.
- Dry the Brass: Dry your cleaned brass using a dedicated drying tumbler or by spreading it out on a towel to air dry.
Choosing the Right Media and Solution
Selecting the appropriate abrasive media and cleaning solution is crucial for optimal results.
Abrasive Media:
- Stainless Steel Pins: These are the most aggressive, providing the deepest clean, but they can also be harder on your brass, particularly older or softer brass.
- Corncob Media: A less aggressive option that is gentler on brass while still providing effective cleaning.
- Walnut Media: The gentlest option, ideal for delicate brass or those concerned about potential damage.
Cleaning Solutions:
Commercial solutions are formulated to provide effective cleaning and lubrication, often incorporating detergents, lubricants, and corrosion inhibitors. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.
Troubleshooting Common Wet Tumbling Issues
- Brass not clean enough: Try increasing the tumbling time, using a more aggressive media, or checking the concentration of your cleaning solution.
- Brass damaged: Use a less aggressive media, and reduce the tumbling time. Over-tumbling can damage your brass.
- Solution too dirty: This can reduce cleaning effectiveness. Regularly clean and filter your solution.
Conclusion: Shine On!
Wet tumbling is a highly effective and efficient method for cleaning reloading brass. By following the steps outlined above and choosing the right equipment, you can achieve consistently clean and shiny brass, ready for your next reloading session. Remember, proper maintenance and the right technique are key to getting the best results and prolonging the lifespan of your equipment.
