Choosing the right media for tumbling brass is essential for efficient cleaning, shining, and reconditioning spent cartridge cases. This guide reviews five top picks commonly used by reloaders, focusing on performance, ease of use, and suitability for various tumbler setups. Whether you prefer corncob, walnut hull, or steel media, these options are designed to cut through dirt, powder residue, and oxidation. The selections below balance cleaning power with safety for brass, offering a range of materials and sizes to fit standard vibratory tumblers and custom rigs alike.
Summary of chosen products (selected for compatibility with common tumbler models and performance in brass cleaning):
| Product | Brand | Media Type | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 lb Corn Cob Media | Frankford Arsenal | Corn Cob | Strong cleaning, minimal brass abrasion |
| 5 lb Treated Walnut Hull Media | Frankford Arsenal | Walnut Hull | Brass polish included |
| Walnut Hull 15 lb | Frankford Arsenal | Walnut Hull | Large quantity for ongoing use |
| Flitz Tumbler Media Additive | FLITZ | Cleaner/Polish Liquid | Speeds cleaning; protective coating |
| 15 lb Walnut Hull (Alternative) | Phoenix Reloading | Walnut Hull | Medium course for brass |
Frankford Arsenal 15 lb Bag of Walnut Hull Media
Walnut hull media is a popular choice for brass tumbling due to its gentle cleaning action and polish-friendly surface. This Frankford Arsenal bag provides a large quantity (15 lb) designed for ongoing use in vibratory tumblers. Features emphasize quick dirt and powder residue removal, making it a staple for prep before reloading. The media is sold in a cardboard box for easy storage, with standard compatibility across common tumbler models. While it does not include polishing treatments, it offers dependable, consistent cleaning with minimal risk to brass integrity.
Frankford Arsenal 7 lb Box Of Corn Cob Media
Corn cob media provides gentle cleaning and good performance for removing dirt and powder residue from brass. The 7-pound box is a convenient starter option for reloaders with vibratory tumblers. The media’s natural texture helps dislodge grime while minimizing brass wear. It’s straightforward to use—simply pour into the tumbler and run until clean. This option is especially effective for brass that has surface oxidation or light tarnish without aggressive scuffing.
Frankford Arsenal 15 lb Bag Of Corn Cob Media
This larger quantity corn cob media is designed for frequent brass cleaning cycles. It shares core benefits with smaller cob media, including efficient dirt removal and compatibility with standard tumblers. The 15 lb bag is ideal for high-volume reloaders or households with regular brass cleaning needs. It remains a low-abrasion option, reducing the risk of thinning brass walls during processing while still delivering a passable polish.
Flitz Tumbler Media Additive
Flitz is a media additive designed to accelerate cleaning time and enhance brass shine. The 7.6-ounce bottle is formulated to work with various media types, including steel and walnut hull. It claims to cut tumbling time in half and to leave a protective coating that can last up to six months. This additive provides a supplementary step for deeper cleaning and oxidation removal, particularly useful when cases show stubborn tarnish after repeated reload cycles.
Frankford Arsenal 5 lb Container Of Treated Walnut Hull Media
This 5 lb container offers walnut hull media pre-treated with brass polish, providing both cleaning and a visible polish enhancement. The pre-treatment streamlines the tumbling process by combining cleaning with an initial shine, reducing extra steps in the reloading workflow. Suitable for most vibratory tumblers, it’s especially helpful for shooters who want speed and predictable results without separate polishing compounds.
Buying Guide: Key Purchase Considerations and Comparisons
- Media Type: Choose corn cob for gentle cleaning and minimal brass wear, walnut hull for a balance of cleaning and polishing, or specialty media (steel pins) for inside-pocket cleaning and deeper residue removal.
- Container Size: Larger bags reduce cost per pound and are better for high-volume reloaders; smaller containers are convenient for occasional use or testing new media.
- Pre-Treated vs. Untreated: Pre-treated walnut hull can add polishing benefits, while untreated options require separate polish compounds if desired.
- Polishing Additives: Additives like Flitz can speed up cleaning and provide protective coatings, but they introduce an additional component to the workflow and may affect the final finish.
- Compatibility: Ensure media aligns with your tumbler type (vibratory vs. rotary) and brass size to avoid excessive wear or incomplete cleaning.
- Safety and Handling: Media pins (stainless steel) may require magnetized handling; always follow manufacturer guidelines for handling and disposal.
- Cost and Availability: Compare price per pound and availability, especially for large quantities, to optimize long-term maintenance of brass preparation.
- Brass Condition Goals: If you need heavy cleaning and polishing, a combination approach (initial corn cob or walnut hull, followed by a polishing additive) can produce the best results.