Liquid case cleaner vs. dry media

[srcjahc]

I was looking at the RCBS Sidewinder and was reading some glowing reviews of it. Is using liquid case cleaner in a rolling barrell-type machine faster and better than dry media in either the Thumbler rotating-style or the vibratory-style tumblers? The $200+ price tag for the Sidewinder is a bit much for me but I was thinking of buying just the barrell itself for $60 and build my own if it was really that good of a design. Thanks

[IronKnees]

I can't respond to the liquid question because all I have used for nearly a quarter century is treated Lyman media... but I can sure tell you this: You can get a quality tumbler for FAR less than $200. You amy want to log onto the Cabela's website, Midway, etc. and check their prices... I have a Lyman tumbler that I added a larger bowl on and have been using it for YEARS....

[HBL]

The first tumbler I purchased 18 years ago was a sidewinder. I mostly used the liquid cleaner with it and it only took 30 minutes to get what the dry media could do in 6-8 hours. Especially with severely tarnished brass, the liquid made it look like new.

The only downside is that you will then need to let the brass air dry or place in an oven at the lowest temp until the cases are completely dry.

I have since bought a Lyman 2200 and have only used dry media since. I will still use the sidewinder when I have too many cases to clean at one time or when I am willing to let the tumbler run for 8-10 hours.

Either way works great. It's just your personal preference. I agree with Iron, the sidewinder, IMO is way overpriced. It should not cost but half of what it does. Lymann are very reasonable IMO.

HBL

 

[John Traveler]

There are no secrets about the benefits of wet tumbling.

You can do your own without spending $200.  Get a lapidary wet tumbler... it works as well as the more expensive ones, is liquidproof, and works fine for about $60.

[kb]

I have placed my brass into a sock, tied it shut, and thrown it in with my laundry (gentle cycle).  It has come out just as clean as when I tumble it.  The only draw-back is having to dry the cases.  I let the sun do that.  So far I have  not ruined any cases, or run into any other problems.

Good luck.

kb