Choosing the right media for brass tumbling can cut prep time and improve results for reloading. This guide highlights five top media options from trusted brands, covering walnut hull, corn cob, and specialty additives. Each product below includes key features to help you compare effectiveness, ease of use, and maintenance. Use this overview to pick media that fits your tumbler, batch size, and desired brass finish.
| Product | Brand | Type | Approx. Batch Size | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media, 15 lb | Frankford Arsenal | Walnut Hull | Large | Effective dirt and residue removal |
| Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media, 5 lb (Treated) | Frankford Arsenal | Walnut Hull (Treated) | Medium | Brass polish added |
| Flitz Tumbler Media Additive | FLITZ | Liquid Polish | Small | Brass cleaner and polish booster |
| Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media, 7 lb | Frankford Arsenal | Corn Cob | Medium | Gentle cleaning |
| Hazelnut Shell Abrasive Media, 10 lb | Hazel Shell Products | Hazelnut Shell | Medium | Cleans and shines brass |
Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media, 15 lb
Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media is designed for quick dirt and residue removal from brass cases before reloading. This 15-pound bag is suitable for larger batches and works well in vibratory or rotary tumblers. Easy to use—simply pour into the tumbler with your brass cases and let the media do the cleaning work. The media is known for efficient cleaning and straightforward maintenance, making it a staple in many reloading shops.
Frankford Arsenal Treated Walnut Hull Media, 5 lb
This 5-pound container features treated walnut hull media designed to quickly remove dirt, grit, and powder residues from brass. The pre-treated formula includes brass polishing properties to help brass shine, reducing additional polishing steps after cleaning. It’s a convenient option for moderate-volume reloading setups, especially when a shinier finish is preferred straight from the tumbler.
Flitz Tumbler Media Additive
Flitz Media Additive is a reusable cleaner and polish designed to work with various metals, including brass. This liquid additive can cut tumbling time by enhancing cleaning, polishing, and deoxidizing. A small amount goes a long way, and the formula offers a durable protective coating that helps maintain shine for months. It’s especially useful for reloaders looking to maximize efficiency and reduce post-tumble finishing.
Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media, 7 lb
Corn cob media provides gentle cleaning and polishing for brass cartridges. This 7-pound option is ideal for light to moderate cleaning tasks and is favored for its ability to leave brass with a natural sheen without aggressive abrasion. It pairs well with simple polishing steps and is a good choice for beginner reloading enthusiasts seeking an forgiving media option.
2.5 lb Stainless Steel Tumbling Media Pins
Stainless steel pins are used for thorough internal cleaning, including primer pockets and case interiors. These 2 pounds of pins are magnetic for easy handling and work well with compatible tumblers. They are especially helpful for brass with stubborn buildup or when aggressive cleaning is desired for precise reloading tolerances.
Phoenix Reloading Walnut Shell Media, Medium Course
Phoenix Walnut Shell media is designed for vibratory tumblers, offering a medium course for effective cleaning and polishing. Walnut shell media provides a balanced approach—gentle on brass while removing tarnish and oxidation. It’s versatile for a broad range of reloading workflows and can be paired with a polishing additive for enhanced shine.
Buying Guide
Key considerations when choosing tumbling media:
- Batches and Tumler Type: Select media size and type that match your tumbler capacity (large vs. small batches) and whether you use vibratory or rotary tumblers.
- Cleaning Intensity: Walnut hull and corn cob media deliver gentle cleaning, while steel pins provide deeper cleaning for brass interiors. Balance cleaning depth with potential brass wear.
- Finish Desired: If a bright shine is a priority, consider treated walnut hull or polishing additives like Flitz to enhance luster after tumbling.
- Polishing Additives: Additives can reduce post-tumble polishing time but may add cost and require rinsing steps.
- Maintenance: Some media require periodic cleaning or replacement. Stainless pins need drying and rust prevention; organic media may clump if dirty.
- Cost and Availability: For high-volume reloading, bulk media (like 15 lb walnut hull) can lower per-brass cost, while specialty additives suit premium finishing.
- Brass Compatibility: Ensure media is compatible with your brass geometry and cleaning goals (interior cleaning needs pins; surface shine benefits from polish additives).
- Safety and Handling: Wear eye protection when tumbling and ensure proper ventilation and tumbling hygiene to prevent residue transfer to firearms components.
Overall, combining media types can yield a robust workflow: start with a cleaning media (walnut hull or corn cob), finish with a polishing additive if desired, and reserve steel pins for cases requiring interior cleaning. Always follow the manufacturer’s tumbler guidelines and cycle times to optimize results and media longevity.