Tumblers

[Oldgringo]

Howdy,

I reload a couple of hundred (at best) .380, 9mm, 38 Spec. and/or .45 acp per month. What, and where, is a good and cheap tumbler for light duty use? It's getting harder every day (that we shoot) to find the spent cartidges on the ground.

Thanks,


Taurus PT 1911
Berretta 92 FS
Browning Hi Power
S&W 638 Airweight
Sig P-230
Kel Tec P3-AT

[AggieMM]

I am also thinking of buying a tumbler for low volume loading (~2000 rounds per year). Here are my thoughts/research so far. Looking at tumblers, I initially found this:

Berrys Brass Cleaning Kits

Looked like a good deal, but then someone on the CHL forums pointed out that Cabellas has the exact same stuff, just green.

Cabellas Case Tumbler Kit
Cabellas Rotary Media Separator

I can't by the exact same kit, but I get all the pieces for $78.98, verses $102.36. I may have to pay tax for Cabellas, but no shipping.

Then I got to reading some more. The tumbler above holds about 600 pieces. Then I got to thinking about storing all of the components, and I found this neat little thing:

Lyman Auto-Flo 2200 Self-Separating Tumbler

Auto separator, so I don't need the media separator. At $106.99, not that much more, and I get to clean 750 cases. But wait, for some reason, this one is cheaper, $104.99:

Lyman 2500 Pro Magnum/Auto-Flo Tumbler

1000 cases now. :) However, with the Lymans, no media is included, so the costs go up a little when I have to buy it. Also, the comments for the auto separators are not too favorable, so they may look cool, but they may be a gimmick.

So right now, I'm leaning towards the Berry's kit, as it includes all I need to get started. Anyways, just sharing my research and thoughts......

Ryan

[mactex]

If you have a Harbor Freight store in your neighborhood, check out their tumbler for $35. I've had mine for about 6 months now and only had one problem. The nut that is designed to hold the bowl onto the motor came loose. A bit of locktight took care of that issue.

[Mike1951]

I've got a Berry's, a Franklin Arsenal, and an RCBS.

The Berry's and Franklin are relatively inexpensive.

The only one I've had a problem with is the RCBS, but RCBS did send a replacement motor.

[Oldgringo]

Thank folks,

I think the Cabela's tumbler will be the way to go once we get back home. That is if the cost of diesel doesn't break me before then.