Walnut versus Corn Cob?

[AZRedhawk44]

I've always used Walnut from the pet store since it is cheaper than "official" tumbling media sold at a gun store.

I have stretched my horizons recently though and bought a bag of corn cob media at Sportsman's Warehouse.  Brass does seem to come out with a different sheen to it.  Only done 100 rounds of .223 so far, using the corn cob as a final finishing tumble and still relying on the walnut for the heavy cleaning.

Your thoughts, oh learned sages of APS (and you as well, fistful)?

[Balog]

[charby]

I only use corncob media with a liquid polish added to it. I also rip up a dryer sheet and toss it in there to keep the dust down.

[mtnbkr]

I've used both and don't have a preference.  My goal isn't shiny, new looking brass, but just brass that doesn't turn my fingers black from handling it. 

I'll have to try the dryer sheet trick. 

Chris

[charby]

I'll have to try the dryer sheet trick. 
Chris

I read about that on THR, works slick!

[Ben]

I like that dryer sheet trick!

I have also used both, no preference.

[esheato]

I use crushed walnut in several tumblers...small/large vibratory and a rotary Thumlers.

I find the walnut flows out of bottleneck brass much easier. YMMV, but I always end up with chunks of corn cob in the case and can't get it out.

Like mtbkr, I prefer function versus shine. On the other hand, if you're not in a rush, the Thumlers puts a shine on brass like I've never seen. Of course, I usually leave brass in there for a very extended amount of time (ie, 3-10 days).

Dryer sheets definitely works.

I live in a fairly rural town, so there are feed stores in the area. They have crushed walnut in 50 lb bags for just over $10. I have no less than 5 in my garage at any time. Reloader friends and family always seem to grab one or two when the come over.

Ed

[roo_ster]

I like pet-store walnut + ripped in half dryer sheet + capful or two of NuFinish.

I am not sure they could come out any shinier.  A few hours of the above did the trick on some blackened .38spl cases I had scrounged from the range.

[coppertales]

I use what ever is cheapest when I need some.  Just tumble the brass enough to clean it anyway.  Bright shiney brass makes an easier trail for the blue helmets to follow.....chris3

[Gewehr98]

Bright shiney brass makes an easier trail for the blue helmets to follow

[makattak]

I think he was joking.

Although that's obviously why you don't want your hat made out of brass.

Also, make sure you use the dull, not the more reflective side of the aluminum foil so you have a lower profile.

[Ben]

Also, make sure you use the dull, not the more reflective side of the aluminum foil so you have a lower profile.

You big meanie -- you don't care about the Earth at all, do you? Using the shiny side not only stops the evil rays, but also reflects sunlight more, reducing your carbon footprint. Why do you hate the Earth?

[charby]

Speaking of shiny things.

[makattak]

Speaking of shiny things.

http://www.desmoinesregister.com/assets/jpg/D2135684528.JPG

.... did you just Godwin a thread about reloading media!?!?!   

Bravo!...

Also, I love those old WWII motivational pictures/posters.

[charby]

*takes a bow*

[AZRedhawk44]

Go ahead and help Hitler... I don't want a hospital re-using syringes (bottom left corner of board).   

What tumbling media did Hitler favor? (back sort of on topic after Godwin-ing).

[charby]

Go ahead and help Hitler... I don't want a hospital re-using syringes (bottom left corner of board).   

What tumbling media did Hitler favor? (back sort of on topic after Godwin-ing).

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&rlz=1T4DMUS_enUS312US312&q=hitler+tumbling+media&aq=f&oq=&aqi=

[Werewolf]

6 of one - half a dozen of the other. Same - Same.

That said in the six years I've been reloading I've become convinced that walnut does a better job of cleaning out the primer pocket than corn cob.

[MicroBalrog]

I don't want a hospital re-using syringes (bottom left corner of board).   

Syringes were reuseable for a long time. The disposable syringe was invented in 1974.

Before the advent of plastic syringes, sterilizing of the syringes in autoclaves was the common practice, and this is probably what was done during WW2. In fact, certain types of syringes are reusable even in modern hospitals.

[RoadKingLarry]

Never having tried a walnut I'm pretty sure the corn cob would do a better job and be much easier on the tender bits. http://www.straightdope.com/columns/read/572/what-did-people-use-before-toilet-paper-was-invented

[Doggy Daddy]

Walnut versus Corn Cob?

As I was informed over in Politics:

Triphammer
Yep. Next I'm gonna try that store bought paper. They tell me it comes on a roll so's ya don't hafta tear pages.

Technology marches on!

DD

[grislyatoms]

Corn cob in bulk from the pet store and a capful of Nufinish in the tumbler.

[Gewehr98]

Does Nufinish have ammonia in it?

[grislyatoms]

I don't know. I can check the bottle...

Using Nufinish was a tip I picked up from THR when I first started reloading. Works great.

Will ammonia damage brass? Now you have me wondering...

[Werewolf]

Will ammonia damage brass? Now you have me wondering...

Yepper...

Weakens it badly. I believe it does so because it disolves/leeches out the copper in the brass. If that isn't the case I'm sure a chemistry guy will jump in and correct the statement.