tumbler vs sonic vs ss???

[nra-for-life]

hi everyone,

i would like to hear your thoughts on the type of brass cleaning system that you use and like. i am undecided on what to buy.

seems like the thumblers tumbler has generally very good reviews with ss media, but also seems like it adds a lot of extra difficulty and complication, ie sorting media, sifting in the sink or 5 gallon buckets filled with water, etc etc.

the sonic cleaners seem a little bit more simple but i have seen mixed reviews on how well they clean.

a traditional tumbler, which seems like the cheapest choice doesnt seem to really get the inside of the cases or the primer pockets cleaned...?

tell me what you use and like please, im interested in getting some more opinions on this. thanks in advance to everyone.

 

[snuffy]

I have both, a Harbor freight ultrasonic and a midway vibratory tumbler. I use the tumbler 95% of the time, the cases are ready to load right out of the tumbler, no drying time or possibility of water remaining to kill a load.

Using the ultrasonic with cases that have the primer removed results in primer pockets that are clean as well as the inside of the brass. I use the Hornady case cleaner solution made for US cleaners. It's basically citric acid and a bit of soap.

http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/711474/hornady-one-shot-sonic-clean-ultrasonic-case-cleaning-solution-1-quart

Another use for the US cleaners is cleaning gun parts. Usually without the need to take them all apart. like an entire 1911 slide, or frame. The crap and crud simply floats away. For gun parts I use shooters choice Aqua Clean;

http://www.midwayusa.com/Product/311703/shooters-choice-aqua-clean-firearm-action-cleaner-degreaser-gallon-liquid

One thing though. If you use a US cleaner on gun parts, BE SURE you re-oil everything, they clean down to bare metal. It'll rust as you watch it.

A word about the perceived need to get every bit of carbon out of the inside of a brass case. You DON'T. Need to that is! For those OCD people, it can't be clean enough, I'd hate to live like that. Oh, and a US cleaner will get them clean, but NOT shiny. To get the "knock-yer-eyes-out-shine" you'll still need the tumbler.

 

[northark147]

You got the tumbler right.. It shines up the outside and forgets about the primer pocket and insides.

I personally am not impressed with the Ultra Sonic and Hornady Solution.. Yes It will get everything clean....... eventually.. I got really tired of having to reset it every 8 minutes. Perhaps if they came with a 45 min or hour timer I would like them more. I do think they are wonderful for cleaning Small rifle parts and pistols. even with a single 8 min cycle, it makes the crud a lot easier to scrub off.

The SS in the Thumlers is the way to go if you want it clean. Dealing witht he pins once in my opinion is a lot better than having to go reset all the time.