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Reloading your ammunition is not only a way to save money, it’s a way to be more involved in your hobby as well. There are a number of essential items needed to reload large amounts of ammunition, the most important of which is a brass tumbler.
What Does a Brass Tumbler Do?
Contents
Before reloading, it’s important to clean and polish your brass casings. The best brass tumblers are capable of cleaning and polishing large amounts of ammo shells at one time, ensuring more reliable ammunition and a shiny appearance. A good brass tumbler can clean upwards of 1,000 shells at once. This enables you to get a great deal more work done in a short amount of time. If you’re keen on reloading your ammunition, a brass tumbler is a very valuable item to have.
Compare the Top 10 Best Brass Tumblers of 2021
| Picture | Name | Brand | Capacity | Price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 1. Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler 7L | Frankford Arsenal | 1,000 | $$$$ |
 | 2. Extreme Tumblers Rebel 17 Ammo Reloading Tumbler | Extreme Tumblers | 700 | $$$$ |
 | 3. Lyman Cyclone Rotary Tumbler | Lyman | 1,000 | $$$$ |
 | 4. Tru-square Heavy Duty Rotary Tumbler | Tru-square | 500 | $$$$ |
 | 5. Dillon CV-750 Case Cleaner | Dillon | 500 | $$$$ |
 | 6. Hornady M2 Case Tumbler 110 Volt | Hornady | 500 | $$$ |
 | 7. Lyman Pro Magnum Tumbler | Lyman | 1,000 | $$ |
 | 8. Hornady M-1 Case Tumbler 110V | Hornady | 400 | $$ |
 | 9. Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler | Lyman | 350 | $$ |
 | 10. Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Case Tumbler | Frankford Arsenal | 600 | $ |
| Picture | Name | Brand | Capacity | Price |
What to Consider When Choosing a Brass Tumbler
While most brass tumblers appear to be about the same, the truth of the matter is that they’re really all quite different. There are a number of different aspects which separate one brass tumbler from another. In order to pick the best tumbler that is most appropriate for you, you must take these aspects into consideration. They include capacity, compatibility, construction, and durability.
What is the Capacity of a Brass Tumbler?
While some brass tumblers can hold up to 500 ammo shells at one time, others can hold up to 1,000. Obviously, the more shells a tumbler can hold, the faster it can clean a batch of shells. Of course, the tumblers with higher capacities are generally going to cost more. This really comes down to personal preference and need more than anything.
What Types of Ammo Shells Are Compatible With Brass Tumblers?
While most tumblers can handle ammo shells of all types, some are better equipped to handle specific types of shells. For example, a tumbler might be specifically equipped to hold 1,000 .223 brass shells. While you put .45 shells in the tumbler, you aren’t going to be able to fit 1,000. The number will be substantially smaller.
What Are Brass Tumblers Made Of?
Despite what the name may have you think, most brass tumblers aren’t made of brass, but rather a heavy-duty steel or plastic. As with anything you buy, you need to consider a brass tumbler’s overall construction quality. Generally speaking, a more expensive brass tumbler is going to possess more functional construction. However, this is not always the case. Ensure that its various gears, belts, and wheels are equipped to get the job done.
Which Brass Tumblers Are the Best?
While some brass tumblers are made out of unbreakable steel, others are made out of plastic. In the vast majority of cases, steel tumblers are going to hold up better than plastic ones. You don’t want to spend a great deal of money on a tumbler only to have it dying within a few months. Spend more money initially, and you’ll spend less money in the long run.
What are the Benefits of Reloading Your Ammunition?
Using a brass tumbler to reload your ammunition isn’t particularly complicated, but why bother with it at all? There are actually several benefits to using a brass tumbler.
The biggest benefit is financial. Making your own ammo is significantly cheaper than buying pre-made. If you’re an avid shooter, the savings can be substantial.
Plus, recycling allows you to customize your rounds. You’re creating a fresh bullet with new powder, primer and shot. How you create that bullet is up to you. You’re free from government and manufacturer limits.
Finally, recycling ammunition is a challenging activity – and that’s a benefit. It’s a skill which requires patience and practice. Many shooters find ammo reloading to be a fun hobby which helps relieve daily stress.
Reviews: What Are the Top 10 Best Brass Tumblers to Buy?
1. Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler 7L
The first brass tumbler on our list is also the best brass tumbler on our list. It possesses a solid construction to go with nearly flawless functionality. Available for a mid-level price, it does a terrific job of cleaning and polishing brass.
This tumbler is made out of a heavy-duty plastic that is designed to withstand tons of wear and tear. Because it’s made out of plastic, it is generally quiet. Metal tumblers typically make tons of noise, but this one is fairly subdued. You can operate it in the same room as you without much disturbance.
It can hold up to 1,000 .223 brass shells, making it rather huge compared to other tumblers. Constructed without any belts, it’s extremely durable, and rarely needs to be maintained. All in all, this is the best brass tumbler on the market today. As long as you’ve got the money to spend, there’s no reason not to buy it.
Key Features
- Made out of a heavy-duty plastic which is both durable and noise-resistant
- Operates without the use of belts to reduce maintenance issues
- Capable of holding up to 1,000 .223 brass shells
- Comes with a packet of brass cleaning solution
2. Extreme Tumblers Rebel 17 Ammo Reloading Tumbler
Next up is the Extreme Tumblers Rebel 17. The tumbler is definitely on the expensive side, but offers plenty in the ways of construction quality and overall functionality. It’s just a small bit below the Frankford Arsenal in terms of quality.
This tumbler possesses a heavy-duty plastic construction which is equal parts durable and quiet. At its peak, it can hold around 700 .223 brass shells. Its tumbler portion measures in at 9 inches x 8.5 inches, and possess an opening of around 7.5 inches.
Overall, this is a terrific tumbler. With a motor that can move at 3,000 RPM per minute, it can get quite a bit done in a short time. The only thing that separates it from the Frankford Arsenal above is that it’s more prone to maintenance issues.
Key Features
- Capable of holding up to 700 .223 brass shells at once
- Made out of heavy-duty plastic that is both quiet and durable
- Motor can move at speeds of up to 3,000 RPM
- Possesses an exceptionally strong base to keep it in place
3. Lyman Cyclone Rotary Tumbler
Another high-quality brass tumbler is the Lyman Cyclone Rotary Tumbler. Available for a mid-level price, it’s right up there with the Rebel 17 in terms of quality. It offers top-notch construction quality and functionality.
This tumbler is made out of a heavy-duty plastic that is designed specifically to handle wear and tear. At its peak, it can hold up to 1,000 .223 brass shells. This is tied for the most storage capacity on our list.
It possesses a solid motor which only malfunctions on occasion. A generally quiet tumbler, it’s one of the best brass tumblers on the market today. However, between this and the Frankford Arsenal reviewed above, the Frankford Arsenal wins.
Key Features
- Capable of holding up to 1,000 .223 brass shells
- Heavy-duty plastic construction makes it both durable and quiet
- Motor can move at speeds of up to 3,000 RPM
- Equipped with a 3-hour timer for easy monitoring
4. Tru-square Heavy Duty Rotary Tumbler
Next up on our list is the Tru-square Heavy Duty Rotary Tumbler. This is a fairly expensive tumbler, but it offers quite a bit in the ways of construction and overall performance. Made out of heavy-duty steel, it’s as durable as they come.
At its peak, this tumbler can hold around 500 brass shells. This comes out to around 15 pounds of capacity. While it’s not the biggest tumbler on the market, it works fast enough to get quite a bit done in a rather short time.
All in all, this is a terrific brass tumbler. It doesn’t outperform the previous tumblers in terms of capacity and functionality, but it actually offers more in the way of durability. If you’re looking for something extremely heavy-duty, this is the tumbler for you.
Key Features
- Possesses a tough and durable steel construction
- Can hold up to around 500 brass shells at once
- 115-volt motor runs powerfully and rapidly
- Designed to polish brass implements of all kinds; not just ammo shells
5. Dillon CV-750 Case Cleaner
Another high-quality brass tumbler is the Dillon CV-750 Case Cleaner. This tumbler is available at a mid-level price, and offers a decent amount in the ways of construction quality and functionality.
In total, it can hold around 500 .38 shell casings. This is a decent amount of brass, but not as much as the higher rated tumblers on our list. But, with a strong motor and a quiet overall operation, it can get quite a bit done in a short amount of time.
Overall, this is a solid mid-level brass tumbler. It’s certainly not the best brass tumbler, but will perform more than well enough to justify its price. It should, however, be noted that this can only accommodate dry objects.
Key Features
- Heavy-duty plastic construction is built to last over years of use
- Powerful and consistent motor does the job rather quickly
- Can hold up to 500 .38 shell casings at one time
- Uses a vibration mechanism, eliminating the need for susceptible belts
6. Hornady M2 Case Tumbler 110 Volt
One of the more reasonably priced brass tumblers on our list is this one from Hornady. The tumbler is available for around half the price of ones reviewed above, and still offers quite a bit in the ways of construction, functionality, and storage capacity.
At its max, it can accommodate around 500 brass shells at one time. It runs on a 120-volt motor which is both strong and consistent. While it doesn’t work as quickly as higher-end tumblers, it still gets the job done.
Overall, this is a solid budget brass tumbler. If you’re looking for above average value at a bargain price, look no further.
Key Features
- Can accommodate up to 500 shells at one time
- 120-volt motor supplies consistent power
- Heavy-duty plastic construction is durable and quiet
- Available for a very reasonable price
7. Lyman Pro Magnum Tumbler
Another solid budget brass tumbler is the Lyman Pro Magnum Tumbler. Available for around the same price as the Hornady M2, it offers similar value overall. Possessing a heavy-duty plastic construction, it’s equal parts quiet and durable.
This tumbler can hold up to around 1,000 .38 shells at one time, giving it spectacular storage capacity for its price. Its strong and consistent motor ensures that it runs adequately over long periods of time.
All in all, this is an extremely solid budget brass tumbler. If you’re seeking incredible storage capacity without spending a great deal of money, this is the tumbler for you.
Key Features
- Capable of holding up to 1,000 .38 shells at once
- Constructed out of a heavy-duty plastic that is both durable and quiet
- Available for a very reasonable price
- Motor offers a great deal of power and consistency
8. Lyman Pro Magnum Tumbler
One of the cheapest brass tumblers on the market today is this one from Hornady. While it’s not quite as big as the higher-end models on our list, it still provides above average construction and functionality.
At its peak, this tumbler can hold up to 400 .38 brass shells. This isn’t a great deal, but considering that its motor is consistent and reliable, you should be able to get quite a bit done in a short amount of time.
It’s made out of heavy-duty plastic which is equipped to handle a great deal of wear and tear. All in all, this is a solid budget tumbler. If you’re looking to spend the least amount of money possible, this would be a great option for you.
Key Features
- Possesses a heavy-duty plastic construction that’s durable and quiet
- Can hold up to around 400 .38 brass shells at once
- Consistent motor is as reliable as they come
- One button operation makes it very easy to use
9. Lyman Pro Magnum Tumbler
A tumbler that’s very similar to the Homady reviewed above is this one from Lyman. The Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler offers excellent construction quality and consistent power to go along with average storage capacity.
In total, it can hold around 350 .38 shells at one time. This is a relatively low number of shells, but is still sufficient for most purposes.
Made out of heavy-duty plastic, it’s equipped to handle quite a bit of abuse. It possesses a motor that provides consistency and power in equal parts. All in all, the Lyman Pro 1200 is a fantastic budget tumbler.
Key Features
- Can hold up to around 350 .38 shells at one time
- Made out of heavy-duty plastic, giving it durability and a quiet operation
- Motor works consistently
- Can bear up to 2 pounds of media at one time
10. Frankford Arsenal Quick-n-EZ Case Tumbler
The last brass tumbler we’ll review is this one from Frankford Arsenal. Available for an exceedingly reasonable price, it offers slightly above average quality overall.
It’s made out of a plastic that isn’t quite as durable as the other plastics on our list, but can still take a decent beating. In all, it can hold up to 350 .223 shell casings. This isn’t a great deal, but is enough to get the job done for many users.
All in all, this is a good, but not great budget brass tumbler. If you’re looking for something that can polish thousands of shells in one fell swoop, look elsewhere. If you’re looking for something that can just get the job done for a cheap price, this is the one for you.
Key Features
- Plastic is fairly durable, but not as durable as high-end models
- Can accommodate up to 350 .223 shell casings at once
- Motor is reliable and consistent
- Available for an exceedingly reasonable price