Do I need a case tumbler?

[nighthawkf-117]

Hello!

I'm getting started reloading. So far I've acquired most of what I need to get going but looking into case cleaning. Do I need a case tumbler to get started? I'm not against spending the money on one if it makes a big difference. Can I clean cases by hand with a simple IPA bath or something like that?

 

[NRA4LIFE]

My answer would be yes. Wet or dry, they save a lot of time cleaning cases.

 

[Ram94]

You don’t need to clean cases. Wipe them down to get any sizing lube off and keep shooting. If you want shiny brass, then a tumbler is handy. I don’t clean my brass.

 

[Marbles]

No. Deprime/resize, check spec, and load.

 

[TaperPin]

It’s definitely not needed. Wiping case lube off with a dry rag or even paper towel has been done well before case tumblers became common. They are sold as if they must be used, but it’s simply not true. Wax will come off with a little mineral spirits, or alcohol. Wiping a case prior to sizing encourages the close inspection for splits or the beginning of a head separation, so I think it’s better for a beginning reloader. Heavily tarnished cases can be brightened up with super fine steel wool, but it’s not required.

 

[Taudisio]

You absolutely do not need one. I have one and rarely use it. If I get a hankering to clean my brass, some steel wool shines it right up. I wouldn’t buy a tumbler unless you were doing 200+ pieces at a time.

 

[TaperPin]

I was just thinking to myself why I love all sorts of specialty tools and don’t a tumbler (I did have one for 10 years, sold it before a move and never replaced it). If there was more bench space, or a big clear shelf with nearby outlet, that could be dedicated to a tumbler I’d probably get another. As is, there are too many hobbies competing for space in the garage and it’s only good for one thing in one hobby.

 

[hereinaz]

A sealed plastic container with hot water with lemishine and some shaking will wash dirt and dust off if brass is dirty. Just dry it well before the next step.

 

[Marbles]

I was just thinking to myself why I love all sorts of specialty tools and don’t a tumbler (I did have one for 10 years, sold it before a move and never replaced it). If there was more bench space, or a big clear shelf with nearby outlet, that could be dedicated to a tumbler I’d probably get another. As is, there are too many hobbies competing for space in the garage and it’s only good for one thing in one hobby.

You need to take up rockhounding and silverworking, then it would be good for 3 hobbies.

 

[waspocrew]

Not required at all, but I like mine. I deprime my brass and toss them in the tumbler for a few hours, then it's done. I'd rather do that instead of using steel wool, etc.

 

[nighthawkf-117]

Thanks everyone! I'll stick with steel wool to start

 

[SDHNTR]

The only time I use mine is for big batches of brass.