Cleaning brass cases in rotary tumblers
After smoke started rising from my old ultrasonic cleaner during its cycle, I decided to replace it with a so-called "tumbler."
A rotary tumbler belongs to the category of wet cleaning methods for fired brass cases as part of their preparation for reloading. Its operation is fundamentally straightforward. The tumbler’s base houses an electric motor that drives a pair of rollers on its surface, rotating at a specific speed. A large, sealable plastic drum is placed on these rollers. The drum is filled with brass cases, cleaning media—typically small stainless steel pins a few millimeters in length—water, and optionally additional polishing, degreasing, or cleaning agents. When the device is switched on, the rollers rotate the drum, causing its contents to tumble and rub against one another. This process scrapes away carbon fouling and deposits, dissolving them into the water. After the designated cleaning time, the dirty water is drained from the drum, the pins are separated, and the brass cases are rinsed with clean water. Once dried, the cases are ready for reloading.
The Pros and Cons of Tumblers
Title photo: Lyman Cyclone Rotary Tumbler
Large Capacity
Noisy but Effective
Tumblers are generally not a quiet method for cleaning brass, and the Cyclone is no exception. Without additional noise dampening, its sound level reaches 73 dB. While this is noticeable, it remains within an acceptable range—even tolerable for a few hours once a month in an apartment. If you have a garage or workshop, the noise is hardly an issue and can be further mitigated by placing the device on a proper mat or surrounding it with cardboard. Competing models don’t fare much better; for example, the Frankford Arsenal tumbler produces a slightly lower noise level of 71 dB.Regarding optimal cleaning times, a 2-hour cycle cleans brass cases thoroughly, while a 3-hour cycle achieves a perfect result. The cleaning duration also depends on the type of brass. For 9x19 mm Luger cases, even a 1-hour cycle is sufficient, whereas longer cases like .223 Remington with narrow necks require more time. You can clean multiple calibers together, but some may have a tendency to nest inside each other, which reduces cleaning effectiveness. For instance, .44 Magnum cases tend to "swallow" 9x19 mm and .223 Rem cases. This issue applies to all tumblers, and common caliber combinations like .308 Winchester, .223 Remington, 9x19 mm, and .357 Magnum work well together without any problems. Personally, I simplify the process by running all calibers through a 2.5-hour cycle together, except for .44 Magnum and .444 Marlin, which I clean separately. For even better aesthetic results, you can change the water halfway through the cycle. Additionally, you can experiment with polishing additives if you want your brass cases to achieve a mirror-like shine.
Conclusion
The tumbler is exceptionally robust. Everything about it is over-engineered, with no signs of cost-cutting or skimping on materials. It’s an honest piece of hardware that proudly reflects its origins from the 1980s. The same goes for the internal components: a massive motor, durable roller drives, and sturdy wiring. There’s little room for breakdowns or performance degradation due to regular use. Of course, nothing lasts forever. One day, the motor will wear out, and the drum’s lining and seals will deteriorate, but I’d wager that will take decades. Unlike cheap knock-offs or much of the competition, the Cyclone is built to last, and in my opinion, this fully justifies its higher price. The only technical issue worth mentioning is the drum closure system. If you don’t tighten the lid properly with enough force or accidentally pinch the seal, water may leak out during the cycle. It requires a bit of finesse. Otherwise, there’s really nothing to complain about. Yes, the Cyclone is noisy, but that can be said about all available tumblers. It performs exactly as it should, is user-friendly, and the quality of brass cleaning it delivers can be described in one word: outstanding.
Advantages/Disadvantages
+ Highly effective cleaning method
+ Practically indestructible and easy-to-use machine
+ High capacity
- High price
- (Relatively) noisy
You can purchase the Lyman rotary tumbler at STROBL.CZ s.r.o.. For more information, visit strobl.cz or the manufacturer’s website at lymanproducts.com.
Photo sources: Author’s archive, manufacturer materials – lymanproducts.com
Author: Tomáš Prachař
This article originally appeared in the magazine Lovec by Extra Publishing.