The 10 Best Brass Tumbler – Check Our Top Picks!

Quality brass makes for quality hand loads. And there’s no more reliable way to keep your brass looking as good as new than with the best brass tumbler.

Well, cleaning spent brass cases takes a great deal of time and effort. But you can save a lot and increase the efficiency of your efforts with a brass tumbler. It’s effective and polishes more pieces of brass in one go. I must say it makes driving more bullets through one hole easier than ever.

For squeaky results, you need the best brass tumbler for the money. Well, I got your back. Below is a roundup of the best reloading tumblers to consider.

10 Best Brass Tumbler

1. Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler

Key Features

• A see-through window for monitoring
• 3-hour built-in timer
• Two strainers for separating brass from cleaning media
• Dual-layered drum cleans 1000 pieces of brass in one cycle
• A quiet, maintenance-free drive train system

Thanks to the rotary tumbling system, the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series delivers faster and cleaner results. Generally, it’s a step ahead of other tumbling methods, such as ultrasonic and vibratory tumblers.

The Frankford Arsenal rotary tumbler boasts a powerful motor. And with a 7-liter drum, it can tumble 1000 pieces of 223 brass at once. Also, the motor has a maintenance-free drivetrain for ease of use, durability, and cost savings.

Notably, this tumbler has a dual-layered drum design. It works in tandem with a rubber lining to minimize the noise and protect the brass.

Thanks to the built-in timer, you don’t have to be there throughout the entire process. You can set the tumbler to run for up to 3 hours, after which it shuts down automatically.

Also, the end caps are transparent. Hence, you can tell if the brass is clean enough without removing the caps.

So, how does the Frankford Arsenal tumbler clean brass? Well, this tumbler uses reusable stainless steel pins, water, and a solution to clean brass.

Unlike other media, the steel pins are cleaned thoroughly outside, inside, and in the primer pockets. Also, they last a lifetime, assuming you don’t lose them. Notably, the tumbler uses 5 pounds of stainless steel media.

As for the cleaning solution, you can use the Lemi-shine dishwasher cleaner. It repels dirt and allows the brass to dry quickly and without spots. The tumbler comes with two strainer filters. Hence, you can drain out the dirty water and retain clean brass.

Well, separating the steel pins from the brass can be a bit of a nuisance. However, you can use a magnet to make the process easier.

2. Extreme Tumblers Rebel 17 Reloading Tumbler

Key Features

• Heavy-duty, powder-coated steel construction
• A thick, rubber-lined drum cleans 4 pounds of brass in one cycle
• Seamless drive belt system and sealed ball bearings increase lifespan
• Mounting brackets for additional stability
• 5-year limited warranty

With its revolutionary new design, Rebel 17 Reloading takes brass tumbling to the extreme. Notably, it’s the most durable tumbler designed specifically for stainless steel media. Every inch of this brass tumbler screams heavy-duty performance.

It’s mostly of heavy-duty, powder-coated steel construction and a fully welded frame. Moreover, it uses a thick rubber liner for the barrel and boasts high-quality ball bearings. Thanks to such specs, this is a brass tumbler that’s going to last a lifetime.

As mentioned, the barrel has a thick rubber liner. It protects the brass and keeps the noise down. Also, the barrel has a high-strength powder coating on the inside for scratch-resistant performance.

So, how much does the barrel hold?

Well, the drum has a 17-pound capacity, which includes stainless steel media and brass. Notably, it can tumble up to 4 pounds of brass in one go.

A 3000 rpm high-speed motor is used to power this brass tumbler. And with a seamless drive belt and sealed bearings, it promises a longer lifespan. Also, the ball bearings deliver a quieter performance.

Rebel 17 brass tumbler is as stable as it’s durable. It has a large, heavy base. Also, it includes mounting brackets to provide a rock-steady setup.

Rebel 17 comes with generous warranties to guarantee durability, including a 5-year warranty on the barrel and liner.

3. Lyman 7631550 Cyclone Rotary Tumbler

Key Features

• Tumbles 1000 pieces of 223 cases in one cycle
• Advanced dual-sifter system
• Quiet, belt-driven system
• Includes Lyman proprietary tumbling solution
• 3-hour built-in timer

Before I go deeper, I want to commend Lyman 7631550 Cyclone for the all-in-one package. This brass tumbler comes complete with a cleaning solution and stainless steel media. Hence, it’s ready to go out of the box.

Well, Lyman Cyclone uses the revolutionary rotary design. Thus, it’s more effective and efficient than vibratory brass tumblers.

Notably, this brass tumbler has a large capacity drum.  It can hold 1000 pieces of 223 brass alongside the 5-pound stainless steel media. Moreover, it has a rubber lining that protects the cases as well as reduces noise.

Lyman Cyclone derives power from a belt-driven motor. It’s quiet, reliable, and powerful enough to handle increased load capacity. Moreover, it rewards you with easy maintenance.

This tumbler includes a built-in timer to make the process even more convenient. You can set the timer from 0-3 hours, and it will shut off automatically once done.

The dual sifter system is perhaps one of the most defining features of this brass tumbler. It consists of two pans nested together. Hence, it can separate the cleaning solution, stainless steel media, and brass in one go.

Notably, this brass tumbler comes with a proprietary 4oz Lyman cleaning solution. But there’s a way you can reduce the cost and still get the same result. All you do is use the Lemi-shine and a little dawn dish soap.

Lyman Cyclone Tumbler comes with non-slip feet. Hence, it doesn’t slide around when running.

4. Tru-square Metal Products Heavy-Duty Rotary Tumbler

Key Features

• Rugged, powder-coated steel construction
• Professional-grade design polishes brass, rocks, and other metals
• Smooth and quiet belt-driven system
• 15-pound capacity drum
• 5-year warranty

Tru-Square tumbler takes things to a professional level. And for that, it finds extensive application in schools, laboratories, and among serious hobbyists. On the whole, it’s a brass tumbler that meets the needs of hard-loading experts.

Before I get further, Tru-Square does more than tumble brass. It’s versatile enough to accommodate a variety of applications. Apart from brass, it can polish rocks and other metals.

Like Rebel 17, this brass tumbler features heavy-duty construction. It comes in powder-coated steel to provide rugged durability.

Well, this tumbler promises more than heavy-duty construction. It also has a powerful heavy-duty motor. The motor is fan-cooled, allowing it to run for longer. Also, it has overload protection for safe operation.

The motor doesn’t have a variable speed. But with a belt-driven system, it promises smooth, optimal performance.

Notably, this brass tumbler has a sizeable drum. It can hold 15 pounds worth of brass and stainless steel media. And with a removable liner, it keeps the noise down and protects the brass.

Alongside the solid construction, this tumbler has a broader base. Thus, it stays stable, even with a full load.

Like Rebel 17, the Tru-Square tumbler has a generous warranty of 5 years on the barrel and liner.

5. Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Vibratory Case Tumbler

Key Features

• 13.25-liter drum cleans up to 600 pieces of brass in one cycle
• See-through lid for easy monitoring
• A spring system isolates the vibrations
• Rubber feet for non-skid performance

It’s a bit simpler than the Frankford Arsenal rotary brass tumbler. Still, the Quick-N-EZ vibratory tumbler offers great value for the entry-level tumbler.

For such a simple brass tumbler, Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ doesn’t have the convenience of a timer. Nevertheless, the on/off switch makes the process pretty straightforward.

This brass tumbler is largely a plastic construction. Nonetheless, it promises durable performance. Also, the plastic reduces the weight for easy portability.

For a vibratory tumbler, Quick-N-EZ has a generous bowl capacity of 13.25 liters. Hence, it can tumble up to 600 pieces of 223 brass at once.

Perhaps the most defining feature of the bowl is the transparent lid. It allows you to monitor the tumbling action as it happens.

So, what cleaning media does it use?

Well, Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ uses either corn or walnut media. It’s not in the package, so you have to buy it separately.

Notably, this brass tumbler has a series of springs between the bowl and the base to isolate vibrations. And with non-slip feet, it stays stable during the operation.

6. Hornady M-1 Case Tumbler

Key Features

• Vibration-dampening spring system
• 3.5-quart bowl cleans 400 pieces of 38 special cases
• Transparent lid for monitoring
• Sealed ball-bearing motor for quiet and durable performance
• Comes with a sifter

At 6 pounds, Hornady M-1 is about the same weight as the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ tumbler. Hence, it’s a portable brass tumbler, but with dependable power and performance.

Notably, Hornady M-1 is a vibratory tumbler. Unlike rotary versions, it doesn’t use stainless steel media. You can use corn cob media or One-Shot Metal Polish.

The tumbler comes in plastic but promises durable performance. Also, it’s equipped with vibration-dampening springs for quiet, stable performance.

Thanks to the 3.5-quart bowl, Hornady M-1 can tumble 400 pieces of 38 special cases. And like Quick-N-EZ tumbler, it has a transparent lid for monitoring the process.

Notably, this brass tumbler uses a sealed ball-bearing motor. Hence, it promises a durable and quiet performance. And with a fan-cooled design, it runs for longer without overheating.

It’s a good thing that Hornady M-1 comes with a sifter. It makes it easier to separate the brass from the cleaning media.

Hornady M-1 doesn’t have a heavy-bottom design, at least not like metallic counterparts. But it compensates with a wider, non-slip base for stability.

7. Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler

Key Features

• Heavy-duty plastic construction
• Built-in sifter for easy media separation
• Cleans 350 cases in one go
• An extra-large base for stability

Lyman Turbo 1200 Pro tumbler offers true value for reloaders. It’s no surprise that it’s the best seller among Lyman brass tumblers.

For a turbo brass tumbler, Lyman 1200 Pro is pretty powerful. It has the same capacity as the standard 1200 model, but at an affordable price.

But how much can it clean?

Well, the bowl holds 2 pounds of media; crushed corn cob or walnut. As for the cleaning capacity, it can do 350 cases in one cycle.

I want to commend Lyman Turbo 1200 Pro for the thoughtful lid design. It’s a lid and a sifter at the same time. Hence, it makes media separation much easier. Also, it saves you the extra cost of a separate sifter.

This brass tumbler boasts a heavy-duty plastic construction. So, it promises durable performance. Also, it has an extra-large base for stability.

Lyman also offers this brass tumbler in value packages. As you buy more, you get to save more.

8. Lyman 2500 Pro Magnum Tumbler

Key Features

• High-volume brass reloader
• 2-gallon bowl cleans 1000 pieces of 38 cases in one cycle
• Durable motor with an advanced drive system

Lyman 2500 Pro Turbo tumbler might not look like much. Surprisingly, it has the features that every high-volume reloader needs.

Lyman Pro Magnum rewards you with an impressive bowl capacity. It holds two gallons’ worth of cleaning media and brass.

As for the cleaning capacity, this brass tumbler can do 1000 pieces of 38 special cases. It not only cleans more but also efficiently.

Notably, the Pro Magnum tumbler has a heavy-duty motor. And with an advanced drive system, it can handle high loads. Also, the belt-driven system promises a longer lifespan.

This brass tumbler comes in heavy-duty plastic construction. Also, it has a wide, tip-resistant base for stability.

The lid doesn’t allow see-through monitoring. Nor does it have a built-in sifter as in the Lyman 1200 Pro sifter. Still, that doesn’t make it a deal-breaker. It does its job well and cleans more brass in one go.

9. RCBS Vibratory Case Polisher

Key Features

• High-quality plastic construction
• A 1.5-gallon bowl holds 14 pounds of brass and cleaning media
• Quiet-running motor
• Includes a sifter for separating brass from debris
• 2-year limited warranty

RCBS is renowned for its precision-engineered reloading equipment. And as far as brass tumblers go, it doesn’t disappoint.

Enter the RCBS vibratory case polisher. This is a bright, brass cleaner that’s ready to go in minutes.

This brass cleaner uses an aggressive vibrating action. Hence, it cleans faster and better. But how much can it clean in one cycle?

Well, the RCBS case polisher has a 1.5-gallon bowl. It packs 14 pounds worth of brass and cleaning media. So, it cleans a lot of brass in one cycle.

As for the cleaning media, you can use crushed corn cob or walnut. But the cleaning media isn’t included in the package. So, you have to buy separately.

Notably, the bowl has a smooth interior. As such, it’s easy to clean.

It’s so thoughtful of RCBS to include a lid and a sifter. It makes separating brass from debris easy and less messy.

In as much as it delivers an aggressive vibrating action, the motor runs quietly. Without the load, it runs whisper-quiet. And it’s more like a running shower at full load.

RCBS case polisher is made from the highest quality materials. And it’s a good thing that it comes with a 2-year limited warranty.

10. Hornady 050220 Rotary Brass Tumbler

Key Features

• Ultra-light construction for easy portability
• 8-hour digital timer
• 6-quart drum cleans 5 pounds of brass in one cycle
• Fan-cooled motor for continuous running
• Non-skid rubber feet for stability

Hornady TBL100 rotary brass tumbler adopts a high-end look. It’s as functional as it’s trendy.

Thanks to the plastic construction, TBL100 is lighter than other rotary brass tumblers. At 3 pounds, it’s extremely portable. And since it uses heavy-duty plastic, it guarantees long-term durability as well.

The 6-quart rubber-lined drum has a weight limit of 17 pounds. But as for the cleaning capacity, it can handle 5 pounds of brass in one cycle. Notably, the rubber minimizes the noise and protects the brass.

TBL100 brass tumbler has a more advanced timer function. It uses a digital LCD timer. Moreover, it runs for longer. You can set the timer from 30 minutes to 8 hours.

This brass tumbler uses stainless steel pin media to clean. But for the best results, you use the One-Shot Cartridge Case Solution.

As mentioned, this rotary brass cleaner runs longer, courtesy of the fan-cooled motor.

TBL100 has a broader base for stability. Also, it includes non-slip feet to keep it from sliding around.

Best Brass Tumbler for Reloading: Complete Guide

Type of Tumbler

Which type of brass tumbler do you need? Generally, there are two types of brass tumblers: rotary and vibrating.

Rotary tumblers are more expensive. Nevertheless, they accommodate both dry and wet cleaning media. Also, some include a built-in timer for added convenience.

Capacity

How much can the tumbler hold? The more brass cases it holds, the faster the cleaning process. Generally, standard models hold up to 500 shells in one cycle. Though a bit more expensive, high-end brass tumblers have a generous capacity of up to 1000 shells.

Type of Cases

What kinds of cases do you use? After all, some brass tumblers are equipped to clean specific types of shells. So, before buying, take the time to do a compatibility check.

Construction Material

The material used for construction is a crucial factor. More durable brass tumblers come in metal, including steel and aluminum. For metallic versions, consider those with powder coating for added durability. In the case of plastic brass tumblers, consider heavy-duty plastic construction. After all, not all plastics are equal.

Noise Level

Aim for a brass tumbler that’s as quiet as possible. Unfortunately, most manufacturers don’t specify the noise level. However, you can read customer feedback to find out how quiet a particular brass tumbler is.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Question: What’s the best rotary brass tumbler?

Answer: Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series is easily the best rotary brass tumbler. It gets the most flawless feedback from customers. Also, it provides the most features for the price.

Question: What’s the best vibrating brass tumbler?

Answer: In terms of price-to-performance ratio, I’ll choose the Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ case tumbler. However, you’ll need to buy a media separator.

Question: What’s the best media for cleaning brass cases?

Answer: Well, I have three recommendations: corn cob media, walnut media, and stainless steel media.

Walnut Media provides thorough cleaning for brass that’s been fired many times. Also, it’s ideal for old, heavily tarnished brass cases. Though it cleans deeper, it doesn’t give as much shine.

Corn con media is milder than walnut media. Hence, it’s not ideal for heavily tarnished brass. Nevertheless, it’s aggressive and gives brass cases a nice shine. Overall, you should use it on lightly tarnished brass cases that have been fired once or twice.

Stainless steel media does an exceptional job of cleaning brass cases. Mostly of stainless steel pins, it’s the most effective and lends professional results. Another advantage of stainless steel media is that it can be used in conjunction with water and cleaning solutions. Hence, the brass comes out fresher. Again, stainless steel pin media lasts a lifetime. The only downside is that you need to give the brass time to dry.

Question: Dry tumbling Vs. Wet tumbling. Which one is better?

Answer: It’s pretty much of a personal preference. But for a vibrating tumbler, I’d recommend using dry media. Wet tumbling, on the other hand, is best for rotary brass tumblers. Also, it’s an ideal choice for removing dirt and debris inside the shells.

Question: How long do I need to tumble brass?

Answer: It depends on how tarnished the brass is. For heavily tarnished shells, it can take 4-5 hours. But for lightly tarnished cases, you’ll be good to go in as little as 30 minutes.

Conclusion

I hope you have a clear idea of what to consider when choosing the best brass tumbler for reloading. Also, by now, you know which products provide the most value for your money. Hence, you have all the head start you need for your next brass cleaning job. But before we part ways, let me know which brass tumbler made it to the top of your shopping list. Use the comments section for better convenience.