Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Good Case Tumblers

Any suggestions on a decent case tumbler that won’t break the bank?
My second case tumbler crapped out on me after not being used that much. Most seem to have cheap plastic bowls and lousy motors. About the only thing I use a tumbler for are pistol cases and .223/5.56 cases and that is not all that often, but I do use them.

I’ve had my Lyman vibrating tumbler for 50 years. I bought a rotating wet tumbler when I started black powder cartridge shooting, maybe 25 years ago? Both still work well.

I use steel pins and walnut shells in the vibrating tumbler. Just steel pins in the wet rotating tumbler.

Steel pins work well but can be a pain with some cartridges - steel pins will get cross ways in the neck.

I own tumblers from both Dillon and Thumblers and have had good service from both.

Thumbler’s

I'll second the Thumlers.

I have two vibratory and one Model B high speed. A model 10 and 18 are the vibratory. The 10 is somewhat noisy, but the 18 is fairly quiet.

I don't know how many cases have been processed in the 10, but I've had it close to 30 years. I added the others because I started shooting lotsa ammo in an M1, various ARs, and several 45s and the poor little 10 needed help with the number of cases needing cleaning.

I also have a Rebel 17, and the Mod B compares favorably, though I do like the huskier bearings used in the 17.

Thanks guys!

After my RCBS tumbler crapped out I bought a Frankford Arsenal tumber for $60 or so ( i cant remember the exact cost) it has been used a lot! and that thing has been bullet proof for several years now, if it broke down tomorrow i'd buy another one just like it....Good luck....Hb

My vote also, have a cheap lamp timer I use with it.

Lyman 2500 pro magnum turbo. Holds a lot, is quiet and seems to hold up well. I tumble brass all the time, and this one gets it done.

I have a Frankford Arsenal Platinum Rotary Tumbler. Couldn't be more pleased.

I use a thumblers tumbler and have been pretty happy with it so far.

One Lyman bought back in the mid 1970s, probably 1976 IIRC. Bought a second one in 1981 and two years later bought a Dillon. There has been times, more than once when I've had all three tumblers running at the same time. Last run was 500 RP .308 cases, 200 each in the Lymans and 300 on the Dillon. I usually tumble brass for 24 hours or at least overnight most of the time. Nice looking brass and the machines don't seem to complain about the long running times.

The only problem I've had with any of the three was the Dillon had a motor fry after about ten years of use. Sent it back with a $50 check and it came back good as new. Still runs like a champ.

Paul B.

Berry’s Manufacturing QD-500

I've had RCBS Sidewinders and am currently using a Frankford Arsenal tumbler, I was pleased with both and never hand any issues with them.

i have a Hornady that's has worked well for over a decade.

^^^ This