Case tumbler, what's best?

[StockDoc]

I bought a Lortone Rock Tumbler 40 years ago, still have it and use. Has never let me down. the QT -12

http://www.lortone.com/midsize_tumblers.html

[Allen]

enlighten me on the stainless media. I've been using the crushed wallnut shells in my small dillon for about 20 years now. (I've changed the wallnut media about every year or so)

I will start the reply and maybe others will add and improve on what I miss. Stainless steel pins are used in rotary tumblers such as the Thumbler's Tumbler model B with various liquid soaps and water (they have a rubber lined can and lid). The pins clean the primer pocket cavity (provided you have the primer punched out) and polish the brass. The main beauty of the pins (or beads or pellets) is that they are reusable and should last forever. Just empty the tumbler when finished into a strainer with a bucket under it and rinse. I bought 5# of pins for about $35 from a seller on ebay and it is the right amount for this type tumbler. You might find a better source though. Corncob and walnut media often plug the flash hole. Not so with the pins. The only downside I have found is if you want to add a wax or car polish to your brass to keep them from tarnishing as quickly you will still need to use your walnut or corncob dry media and tumble afterward. Pins probably won't work in a vibrator type tumbler due to the weight.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/5-Pounds-Stainless-Steel-Tumbling-Media-Pins-5lb-047-x-255-1-19mm-x-6-48mm-/181306798331?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2a36ba30fb

[PhillipM]

enlighten me on the stainless media. I've been using the crushed wallnut shells in my small dillon for about 20 years now. (I've changed the wallnut media about every year or so)

I do it in my RCBS sidewinder, but the Thumbler's works better.

[Allen]

You definitely improved on my reply. The video is worth a thousand words !!!

[Sunray]

Had a Lyman something for 40ish years. Really makes no difference which one you buy though.
You can make one that'll work just as well as a commercial tumbler. Small electric motor, some pulleys and belts screwed to a hunk of plywood with a lidded plastic bucket. Same idea as Allen's, but not as flashy. snicker.

[psteinmayer]

I have a Cabelas tumbler, which does as much as a Lyman, for 1/2 the price... and ain't failed me yet!