As any seasoned shooter knows, reloading is a crucial part of the shooting process. To ensure the ability to fire again, the brass casings must be cleaned and polished. One of the most efficient ways to achieve this is to use a reloading tumbler. Reloading tumblers utilize vibration or rotary action to agitate the casings, thereby cleaning them thoroughly in a short amount of time.
In this blog post, we will showcase the 7 best reloading tumblers of 2021 while offering insights on their features, pros, and cons. We will also highlight the benefits of utilizing a reloading tumbler and guide you on how to pick the best one for your needs.
Benefits of Using a Reloading Tumbler
A reloading tumbler is a must-have accessory for any enthusiast shooter. They offer several benefits such as;
1. Time Saver
Cleaning brass casings through standard manual methods can be time-consuming and arduous. Utilizing a reloading tumbler saves you time and effort by completing the process quickly and efficiently.
2. Consistent Results
Irrespective of how many casings you load, the reloading tumbler delivers consistent results every time. This consistency ensures high-quality ammunition and maintains the accuracy of your shots.
3. Cost-effective
A single unit of a reloading tumbler can clean hundreds of brass casings. This means you do not have to incur additional costs for cleaning purposes, saving you money in the long run.
Best Reloading Tumblers of 2021
1. Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler 7L
The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler 7L is a top-of-the-line tumbler for those looking for impeccable results. The tumbler utilizes a rotary action to clean and polish casings and other fine items. With a 7-liter capacity, it can clean up to 1,000 cases weighing up to 0.223.
Pros
- Abrasive-resistant seal for durability
- Convenient access port
- A large capacity that processes a vast amount of brass casings at once.
Cons
- The high price might not be justified if you do not frequently clean your casings.
2. Lyman Cyclone Rotary Tumbler
The Lyman Cyclone Rotary Tumbler is a powerhouse designed for cleaning brass casings of all sizes, including small pistol casings. The tumbler boasts a large capacity of 115V for convenience in use. It utilizes a dual-action rotary motion with automatic separation, ensuring consistent and effective cleaning.
Pros
- Suitable for cleaning large and small brass, including other items such as coins or jewelry.
- Convenient loading and unloading ports
- A reliable DC motor with a built-in circuit that prevents any damage caused by power surges.
Cons
- Comparatively small chamber size
- Louder than some of its counterparts.
3. Hornady Lock-N-Load Sonic Cleaner
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Sonic Cleaner is a versatile cleaner designed for brass casings and other metal objects. The ultrasonic technology delivers hands-off cleaning that ensures efficient, effective cleaning in a short time. The unit features a 110-volt power cord that can be detached for convenience.
Pros
- Features a large, durable stainless steel tank for maximum capacity.
- Versatile, as it can also be used to clean other objects such as jewelry, watches, and more.
- Energy-efficient, as it consumes less power and water than many other ultrasonic cleaners.
Cons
- Cannot clean large objects that do not fit in the tank.
- Costlier than some other cleaners.
4. Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler
The Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler is a medium-sized two-bowl vibratory tumbler that cleans up to 350 cases at a time. It operates quietly and delivers consistent results using a dual-action process that reduces cleaning time. This tumbler is ideal for gun component cleaning, small parts, and metal finishing.
Pros
- Efficiently cleans small and large brass casings.
- Compact design with a small footprint that fits in any workspace.
- The two-bowl system ensures efficient and quick cleaning.
Cons
- The bowl capacity is relatively small.
- Some users report the machine vibrates excessively on high settings.
5. Lyman Pro Magnum Tumbler
The Lyman Pro Magnum Tumbler is considered the more substantial version of the Pro 1200 tumbler. It can clean up to 1,000 .223 cases or an equivalent number of other types of brass at a time. The tumbler features a large bowl suitable for cleaning heavy items like bullet projectiles.
Pros
- Large bowl capacity ideal for heavy brass casings and projectiles.
- Utilizes a two-cavity bowl that ensures consistent cleaning and agitation.
- Comes with an internal damper that minimizes noise generated during the cleaning process.
Cons
- The tumbler is big and bulky and requires storage space.
- The high capacity may lead to overspending when cleaning fewer casings.
6. RCBS Vibratory Case Cleaner
The RCBS Vibratory Case Cleaner is a simple but effective reloading tumbler designed to clean brass casings, including large and small casings. The tumbler is made of durable materials that guarantee longevity with an average electrical consumption rate of 120-volt power usage.
Pros
- Convenient, small size that fits in most workspaces.
- Fast, effective performance when cleaning brass casings.
- Durable and long-lasting.
Cons
- May leave a high dust residue on the brass casings.
- The compact design can make it challenging to clean the larger casings.
7. Hornady M-1 Case Tumbler
The Hornady M-1 Case Tumbler is a portable tumbler designed for smaller quantities of brass casings. It is compact and lightweight, making it an ideal option for those who need a tumbler but do not have space for a larger one. It uses a vibratory action to clean brass casings, making it efficient and effective.
Pros
- Portable design makes it easy to transport.
- Quiet operation compared to other vibratory cleaners.
- Can hold up to 400 .38 Special rounds.
Cons
- Small capacity ideal for only smaller quantities of brass casings.
- The compact size may be challenging to clean larger casings.
Final Thoughts
A reloading tumbler is an indispensable tool in any reloading process. The efficient and time-saving cleaning process ensures high-quality ammunition and maximized firepower. The above-mentioned reloading tumblers are some of the best in the market, providing consistent results and lasting performance. With this guide, you can now confidently pick the best reloading tumbler that suits your needs. Happy shooting!