Reloading: Tumblers or Ultrasonic for case cleaning???

[gregrmp]

FWIW - I used vibratory and rotary tumblers for 20+ years. I got a Hornady Ultrasonic for Christmas last year and I have never been happier. I use it after sizing to remove lube and clean primer pockets. If I am in a hurry to reload I put the brass in a sock and throw it in the dryer for 15 minutes, otherwise i just let it air dry on a towell for 24 hours. FAR less hassle and mess than separating brass from media and it is done in minutes, not hours. No media stuck in flash holes, and for 5.7 x 28 I just use 1 part Simple Green to 3 parts distilled water (always use distilled water - no residue). I reload more now than ever before because of the reduced hassle factor. The only thing I would do different is I would get the magnum size cleaner.

[HK SD9 Tactical]

I'm not a reloader (yet), but HK SD9 Tactical's information and arguments makes a lot of sense to me. I'll probably choose this method myself when I someday do start reloading.

Remember, you can not use this process (SS Pins) because it will remove the lacquer on the 5.7x28mm brass. It is a valid technique for all other brass though. The more and more I use it, the more and more I like it and since I started using SS pins in a wet media, my vibratory tumbler just sits on the shelf.

[hyperdog]

FWIW - I used vibratory and rotary tumblers for 20+ years. I got a Hornady Ultrasonic for Christmas last year and I have never been happier. I use it after sizing to remove lube and clean primer pockets. If I am in a hurry to reload I put the brass in a sock and throw it in the dryer for 15 minutes, otherwise i just let it air dry on a towell for 24 hours. FAR less hassle and mess than separating brass from media and it is done in minutes, not hours. No media stuck in flash holes, and for 5.7 x 28 I just use 1 part Simple Green to 3 parts distilled water (always use distilled water - no residue). I reload more now than ever before because of the reduced hassle factor. The only thing I would do different is I would get the magnum size cleaner.

I spend about 30 seconds rotating my brass in the media separator after it has been tumbled, not hours. I spend 0 minutes waiting for my brass to dry, not at the least 15 minutes or up to 24 hours.

I also do not deprime before tumbling. Made that mistake the first trip through and sat there with a toothpick in the flash hole. Also I don't want to put any kind of residue in my dies. I have the RCBS prep center equipped with 2 primer cleaners, a debur and chamfer bit.

The only advantage I see to using an ultrasonic cleaner is the ability to do multiple calibers at once. Without the risk of cases getting stuck in cases.

[HK SD9 Tactical]

...I also do not deprime before tumbling. Made that mistake the first trip through and sat there with a toothpick in the flash hole. ...

I made that mistake ONCE as well using crushed walnut shell. It was with over 300 9mm cases. I thought that I would never get through and at times wanted to chuck the entire batch in the recycle bin. Lesson learned though.

I don't mind the wait for the brass to dry because I clean all my brass the day I get home from the range so it sits quite awhile before I get around to re-loading it.

[DougF]

I'm new to reloading and have a LymanTurbo Sonic 700 cleaner. It is small and will only hold 20 rounds of .308, but that is enough for me, I'm in no hurry. It takes 10 minutes to ultrasound clean, then 4-5 minutes to rinse the casings, then 10 min drying in a warm oven. Does a very good job of cleaning. Does not polish the brass however.

I wonder, however, how much cleaning helps. I know cleaning the primer hole helps, but wonder about the interior of the case.

[HK SD9 Tactical]

I'm new to reloading and have a LymanTurbo Sonic 700 cleaner. It is small and will only hold 20 rounds of .308, but that is enough for me, I'm in no hurry. It takes 10 minutes to ultrasound clean, then 4-5 minutes to rinse the casings, then 10 min drying in a warm oven. Does a very good job of cleaning. Does not polish the brass however.

I wonder, however, how much cleaning helps. I know cleaning the primer hole helps, but wonder about the interior of the case.

Over the last century, reloaders have been loading brass without the inside cleaned.

Primer pockets are a different matter IMHO. I like my pockets clean. I also prefer not the have the smell of burnt (I think it is burned) powder in my house, so that is an additional factor for me. Your brass will probably fail before a primer pocket issue with burned powder.

[berthlamenacetarine]

At first, I put the brass in a sock ... Then in the washing machine.

Now it's ultrasonic tray + white vinegar