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The Hornady Case Tumbler is a specialized piece of equipment designed to help reloaders organize and maintain their brass cases. By spinning the cases at high speed, it removes excess lubricant and cleaning solutions, preparing cartridges for further processing or storage. Our comprehensive review examines the features, performance, and value of this device, helping you make an informed decision.

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Reviews

Lyman 1200 Pro Turbo Tumbler

The Lyman 1200 Pro Turbo Tumbler has become a staple for dedicated reloaders, polishing thousands of brass cartridges since its 1997 release. While later iterations simplified the design, enthusiasts swear by its reliable performance and affordability. Whether you're cleaning 308 cartridges or maintaining precision rifles, this tumbler delivers exceptional results with minimal fuss.

Hogg 20oz Red/Orange Sublimatable Glow Tumbler

These 20oz glow-in-the-dark tumblers come in a practical 24-pack format, with each individually boxed cup featuring a clear sliding lid and straw. Made from durable food-grade stainless steel, these BPA-free tumblers keep drinks cold for 24 hours and hot for 8 hours thanks to their double-walled vacuum insulation. The red/orange glow finish works perfectly with oven sublimation techniques to create custom designs, while the straightforward cylindrical shape makes these tumblers a breeze to customize and gift.

Hornady Team Hornady Insulated Tumbler

Crafted from durable stainless steel, this 30oz tumbler keeps your drink cold for hours while the clear lid and red Team Hornady logo make it stand out. The insulated construction means you'll have hot coffee ready in the morning and iced tea frosty by lunchtime – perfect for a day in the shooting or hunting fields. The red and clear design elements give this practical item a dash of style that any outdoors enthusiast will appreciate.

Carlisle Blue Crystalon Stack-All Tumbler

These stackable plastic tumblers bring a touch of vintage diner charm to any establishment while keeping beverages safely contained. The crystal-clear design allows drinks to shine through, and the durable SAN plastic construction can take whatever customers dish out. With their ribbed sides for a secure grip and built-in stacking lugs to prevent topples, these tumblers are a practical upgrade from traditional glass options.

Berry's 400 Vibratory Tumbler

Crafted from durable injection-molded parts, the Berry's 400 tumbler combines powerful cleaning action with smooth operation. Its crystal-clear polycarbonate lid lets you watch the brass and media swirl around in the spacious, engineered bowl without interrupting the cycle. Built to last, this American-made unit has earned high praise from users who appreciate its efficiency and quiet performance.

Hornady Magnum Digital Vibratory Tumbler

The Hornady Magnum Digital keeps your brass shining like new while making your reloading equipment work better. Between its 7.65-pound frame and spacious drum that fits up to 600 38 Special cases, it handles plenty of clean-up duty. Tumble away for up to eight hours with the digital timer keeping track, then bask in the brilliant shine that makes your reloading setup run smoother.

Hogg 25oz Sublimation Duo Tumbler

These stylish 25oz tumblers combine premium sublimation coating with double-wall vacuum insulation, keeping drinks perfectly chilled or hot for hours. Coming in a practical 25-pack with clear straws and dual lids, these BPA-free tumblers are a durable addition to any drink lover's collection.

Hornady M 1 Case Tumbler

The Hornady M-1 Case Tumbler handles large volumes of brass cleaning thanks to its spacious 3.31-liter capacity. Running on standard 110 volts, this American-made tumbler combines cyclonic and vibratory action to polish brass cases to a brilliant shine, making it a reliable upgrade for any reloading setup.

Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler

Cleaning brass after reloading can be a time-consuming process, but the Frankford Arsenal tumbler speeds things up significantly. When paired with corn-cob media (not included), it efficiently removes gun residue and lubricant from your brass cases. The tumbler can handle a decent amount of work - it'll easily process 600 9mm cases or 350 . 223 cases at a time, which is a handy feature for reloaders who need to clean multiple batches of ammunition.

Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Tumbler Kit

The Quick-N-EZ case tumbler kit makes it simple to clean brass with its efficient design that includes a powerful motor and clear lid for monitoring. The included media separator quickly sorts clean cases from the tumbling media, while the compact footprint requires minimal space in your workshop.

Lyman Cyclone Rotary Tumbler

The Lyman Cyclone Rotary Tumbler takes the hassle out of brass cleaning with its versatile pin action that reaches every nook and cranny of spent cases. The included stainless steel pins and precision-timed tumbling cycle make quick work of even the toughest fouling, leaving your brass cleaner than you've ever imagined possible. Whether you're a casual shooter or a reload enthusiast, this durable tumbler will become your new best friend in the reloading room.

Tru-Square Heavy Duty Rock Tumbler

The Tru-square Model B rock tumbler handles up to 15 pounds of material in its hefty steel hexagon barrel. The rubber-lined barrel and fan-cooled motor make for quiet operation, though some might find the initial setup a bit challenging.

Eastwood 18 lbs Electric Rock Tumbler

Clean and polish small metal parts with this 18-pound electric rock tumbler, featuring rugged high-speed bearings and a powerful motor. The 15-inch diameter bowl handles parts up to 10 inches long, with 7 pounds of included media for both cleaning and polishing. The durable tumbling system works great for removing rust and achieving a brilliant luster on nuts, bolts, and other metallic pieces.

Model A-R2 Kit Rock Tumbler

The Thumler's Model A-R2 combines durable construction with efficient tumbling action. The dual 3-pound capacity barrels polish stones effectively, though the tumbling time can be longer than some models. Users appreciate its quiet operation and heavy-duty motor, though proper alignment of the belt ensures optimal performance.

Buyer's Guide

If you're serious about reloading ammunition, you'll appreciate the precision that comes with consistent case cleaning. That's where a reliable case tumbler like those from Hornady comes in - but with so many options available, how do you choose?

What is a Case Tumbler?

At its core, a case tumbler is a mechanized system that simultaneously cleans multiple brass cases of any size. Most models use either steel shot or brass media in a rotating drum to agitate and clean the cases. This process removes residue and oxides more efficiently than manual cleaning methods.

Key Features to Consider

Main features vary between models, from 9-shot single drums to 36-shot double drums. Higher capacity drums handle larger volumes of cases, while single-shot drums offer easier access and cleaning. Some models feature heating elements and automatic shut-off, while others include built-in media containers for convenience.

Performance Factors

Effective case tumbling depends on the tumbling media and drum material. Steel shot cleans more aggressively but can damage softer cases, while brass media is gentler. The drum's material affects case longevity - polycarbonate resists scratches but can fog over time, while stainless steel remains pristine but weighs more.

Manual vs. Automatic Tumblers

Manual tumblers require more operator involvement but are generally less expensive and simpler to maintain. They work well for occasional use or when space is limited. Automatic models save time with controlled tumbling cycles but cost more and need regular maintenance. Choose based on your usage frequency and willingness to perform regular care tasks.

FAQ

What is a Hornady Case Tumbler?

A Hornady Case Tumbler is a precision tool designed to clean and inspect firearm cases. It features a rotating barrel that tumbles cases at a controlled speed, ensuring they receive consistent cleaning and proper drying.

The tumbler uses specialized brushes and cleaning compounds to remove residue and oxidation from the cases' internal and external surfaces, maintaining optimal cartridge performance and reliability.

What sizes of tumbler are available?

Hornady offers multiple size options to accommodate different case types and quantities. The popular model tumbles cases ranging from. 22 caliber to. 458 caliber, with capacities from 100 to 300 cases.

Exact specifications vary by model, so it's important to check the manufacturer's website for the most accurate sizing information before purchasing.

What maintenance is required for the tumbler?

Regular maintenance includes cleaning the tumbler barrel after each use to remove metal shavings and debris. This helps prevent scratching and maintains proper barrel operation.

Check the brushes and bearings annually for wear and replace them as needed to ensure optimal tumbling performance and machine reliability.

What types of cases can be used in the tumbler?

The tumbler is compatible with most common firearm cases, including but not limited to. 223/5.56, . 308, . 45 ACP, and. 45 Colt. Specialized versions may be available for specific case types.

Avoid tumbling fragile or unusual case types unless explicitly recommended by the manufacturer to prevent damage to both the cases and the tumbler.

How long does a typical tumbling cycle take?

Standard tumbling cycles range from 5 to 30 minutes, depending on the case type, cleaning needs, and tumbler model. Newer cases or heavily fouled cases may require longer cycles.

For optimal results, follow the manufacturer's recommended cycle times and monitor progress to determine when the cases are clean and dry.

What is the warranty coverage for the tumbler?

Hornady typically offers a one-year warranty on their case tumblers, covering manufacturing defects and failures under normal use.

Warranty coverage details, including terms and conditions, can be found in the product documentation or on Hornady's website. For specific warranty information, contact their customer service department.