Through my internet wanderings, I came across a listing for cleaning brass cases with Stainless Steel Tumbling Media from a company in Utah called STM.
Their tumblers are over $250.00 and for now, was too much cash. So I made my own tumbler with stuff I salvaged from work. The tumbler chamber should have a hexagon shape for the best performance. I purchased 5 pounds of Stainless Tumbling Media for $50.00 from STM. The media is magnetic stainless steel "pins" about 1/4" long and .020-.030" in diameter. Add brass, media, 3 tablespoons of DAWN dishwashing soap, 1/4 teaspoon of Lemi-Shine(also purchased from STM), add cold water to almost full.
Tumble for 3-4 hours. I did de-prime my brass prior to tumbling, so that even the primer pockets/flash holes get cleaned. The brass comes out looking brand new!!
According to STM, cleaning brass this way does not harm the brass in any way, and I would agree with this statement.
A good rinse and separate the media from the brass, a final hot water rinse and dry. The STM lasts forever and the only slight problem is preventing loss of the "pins". I highly recommend this brass cleaning method. I also clean other pistol and rifle brass with my STM. My Tumbler will hold about 200 .45 ACP cases.
Big Daddy Bruce
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