Recomendations for Tumbler and Case Trimmer

[BobTheTomato]

I inherited a reloading set and the only thing that is missing is a way to clean the brass and a way to trim the brass. I will be doing 7.62x63, 7.5x55, 9x19 and .45 apc.

I was curious what recommendations people had for tumblers. Also, is it worth it to use a ultrasonic cleaner?

Secondly, what do most people use to trim brass? Recommendations please.

Thanks in advance.

 

[ArtP]

I just went through the same decision. After reading lots of discussion, and considering money, I bought a Lyman 1200 Turbo for $53, corn cobb media and Flitz polish. I read walnut may be necessary to remove all the dirt, but I'm going to start with corn and polish and see how well it does.

If money didn't matter I would have gone with http://www.stainlesstumblingmedia.com

 

[dbarnhart]

The answer to your trimmer question depends upon your reloading volume. I have a Wilson trimmer that does a VERY nice job. With the power adapter and a cordless drill, its good for a few hundred at a time. If you are trimming a thousand cases at a time or more IMHO there are only two choices:

- Dillon RT1200
- Giraud

 

[daboone]

I doubt you'll need a trimmer for 9x19 or 45. I have Lymans, Lees and Wilsons Sinclair trimmers. I'm not a benchrest reloader so they have all work very well but the Wilson is a work of art to look at and use but I see no real advantage to any one of those I mentioned.
Ultrasonic is great for parts cleaning. Critic acid solution work well on brass if you want to get it wet.
For the last 3 years the cheap Frankford Arsenal's buzz bucket had run a lot of hours and is still going and getting the job done.

 

[dbarnhart]

'Buzz Bucket' - I love it!

I have the Frankford Arsenal one as well and it works great. I think all the vibratory polishers are essentially the same so no need to spend more than you have to.

 

[dnmccoy]

+1 for the Frankfort Arsenal. They have a setup that runs about 70$ that includes the tumbler, media and a bucket with a media separator. That's good for the money.

As far as trimming, the lee trimmer chucked in a drill works great. Goto YouTube ad search for lee trimmer video. I use the lee trimmers with the ziptrim and love it!

 

[northark147]

Berrys/Cabela's/Someone else sells the same thing in red, but I cant remember who if your looking for a "Buzz bucket."

Thumlers W/ Stainless media, If your looking for as clean as it can possibly get.

Personally I am not that impressed by the ultrasonic on brass, at least not using Hornady's solution, and I haven't gotten around to trying anything else. I do think it is wonderful for cleaning pistols and AR-15 bolts and carriers.

If your cheap/poor I like the lee trimmers. Possum hollow trimmers look like a good deal, but I haven't got to try one yet. If you have the cash and are gonna trim a lot Giraud is the best way to go.

 

[altitude_19]

I use a Lyman Turbo twin. Frankly, it's more than I need. What kind of volume are you tumbling? If it's only 100 at a time or less for a single-stage, I'd get a Lyman Pop-top. They look all retro and nostalgia-nifty.

 

[popper]

Possum hollow trimmers - a good deal. Wrap some masking tape around your worthless RCBS PP cleaner, chuck the other end in a drill and go. Ultra precision? No, but I don't neck turn either. Caliber specific but adjustable. Poor man's giraud.

 

[Hondo 60]

Tumblers are all pretty much the same, Lyman, Cabelas, Berry's, RCBS any of 'em will do.

Case trimmers are different.
It depends on how much you wanna spend.
The Lee case trimmers that you chuck in a cordless drill or screwdriver are $10-$12.
You need both parts listed below
http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/107333/lee-case-length-gage-and-shellholder-223-remington
http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/476992/lee-case-trimmer-cutter-and-lock-stud

If you want a fancy electric power trimmer, those are more like $220 + shipping.
http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/309537/lyman-power-trimmer-with-9-pilot-multi-pack-110-volt