Tumbler vs. sonic cleaner

[jman47]

Can anybody add info on these 2 things? Looking at getting one and not real sure which to get.
Any good deals online for either of these or at a store?

 

[ocean_glocker]

in for info

 

[sparked1]

As far as reloading goes, a sonic cleaner is next to useless for me. Tumbler is the easy choice for that application.

 

[sparked1]

If you want to get cases super shiny and ultra clean, wet tumble with stainless pins is the route to go.

 

[YOTESHOOTER]

Used a sonic twice first and last time cleaned however left a film and the brass was off color dull.

Have a Big Dillon, tumbler it works great, so no sonic cleaner for me.

just my view on the subject...........

 

[Jeddak]

Reloading: Vibrating tumblers. Walnut media with a bit of Dillon polish paste and cases come out nice and clean.

 

[jman47]

Any views on what type of media people prefer. I know there is a bunch of choices out there for that. Any good deals on tumblers at stores in georgia or online?

 

[YOTESHOOTER]

We used turtle wax, cheaper and no shipping charges.. Been using this for over 35 years, give it a try you may like the brass results too............

 

[kf4zht]

I use all 3 major methods

Ultrasonic - Cleans the carbon off, but does little to make the brass pretty. Upside is that it can be used for cleaning guns also. Pretty quick

Dry tumbler - Cheap, cleans and polishes. Makes more mess, is louder and takes a while (hours)

Wet Tumbler - Usually more expensive (per capacity) but brings brass to the best shine, cleans primer pockets and is faster. Recommend a way to dry the brass or it kills the time savings

 

[sparked1]

Corn cob/Walnut/lizard cage media in a dry tumbler is cheap and works for many. I don't like the dust it lets off, though so I prefer wet tumbling. If you want to explore wet tumbling...harbor freight rock tumbler $45, stainless pins $20, dawn dish soap and LemiShine $4. Cleanest brass you've ever seen.