SmythBusters: Tumbling Brass With And Without Pins

Published on February 19, 2025
Duration: 13:43

This experiment compares wet tumbling brass cases with and without stainless steel pins. While both methods yield clean brass, the batch tumbled with pins demonstrated significantly cleaner primer pockets and a more polished exterior finish. The presence of pins is recommended for achieving a higher level of cleanliness, especially for critical reloading applications or for individuals who prefer pristine brass.

Quick Summary

Wet tumbling brass with stainless steel pins significantly enhances the cleanliness of primer pockets and provides a more polished exterior finish compared to tumbling without pins. While pins are not strictly necessary for all reloading, they are recommended for achieving a higher standard of clean, especially for precision applications or heavily soiled brass.

Chapters

  1. 00:03Introduction: The Big Question - Pins or No Pins?
  2. 00:33Setting Up the Experiment: Dirty 5.56 Brass
  3. 01:35Preparing the Tumblers: Pins vs. Air
  4. 02:27Adding Cleaning Solution and Water
  5. 04:04Sealing and Starting the Tumblers
  6. 04:46The Results Are In: Opening the Tumblers
  7. 05:41Initial Comparison: Foam and Dirty Water
  8. 06:53Comparing the Exterior Finish: Pins vs. No Pins
  9. 07:46Primer Pocket Deep Dive: The Crucial Difference
  10. 08:11Examining the Inside with a Q-tip and Boroscope
  11. 09:30Post-Tumbling Processes: Rinsing and Pin Removal
  12. 10:33Boroscope Inspection: Visualizing the Cleanliness
  13. 11:22Conclusion: The Verdict on Pins for Brass Tumbling
  14. 12:40Myth Busted: The Importance of Pins for Deep Cleaning
  15. 13:16Final Thoughts and Call to Action

Frequently Asked Questions

Does wet tumbling brass require stainless steel pins for effective cleaning?

While wet tumbling without pins can clean brass, using stainless steel pins significantly improves the cleanliness of primer pockets and the overall exterior finish of the cases. For critical reloading or a higher standard of clean, pins are recommended.

What is the main difference observed when wet tumbling brass with and without pins?

The primary difference is the enhanced cleaning of primer pockets and a more polished exterior finish on brass tumbled with pins. Cases tumbled without pins are cleaner than before but lack the deep clean in internal areas that pins provide.

How long should brass be wet tumbled for optimal results?

The experiment suggests tumbling for at least three to four hours provides noticeable results. However, the optimal time can vary based on the level of soiling and the specific tumbler and media used.

Is it necessary to remove all stainless steel pins after wet tumbling?

Yes, it is crucial to remove all stainless steel pins after wet tumbling to prevent damage to reloading equipment. This typically involves straining the brass and can sometimes be aided by specific techniques in the tumbler.

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