Stainless steel tumbling media from Frankford Arsenal
These stainless steel media pins from Frankford Arsenal are designed for wet tumbling in a rotary case tumbler. Combined with water and a cleaning solution, they deliver a cleaning result that dry media simply cannot match. The small pins reach into the case neck, through the flash hole and into the primer pocket — areas that walnut or corn cob media cannot access.
What makes steel pins so effective?
During wet tumbling, the cases rotate together with the steel pins, water and a dash of cleaning solution inside the drum. The pins are small enough (1mm diameter, 7mm long) to reach every cavity inside the case. They remove carbon buildup, oxidation, lubricant and discolouration both on the outside and the inside of the case. The result is brass that looks like new — shiny on the outside, clean on the inside.
An additional advantage over dry media: steel pins produce no dust. When tumbling with walnut or corn cob, fine dust is released that covers your workspace and gets inhaled. With steel pins and water, that problem does not exist.
How long do they last?
Steel media does not wear out in practice. The pins are made from 304 stainless steel and last a lifetime with normal use. You never need to replace them — only top up if you lose a few. The 2 lbs (0.9 kg) pack is sufficient as a supplement to existing media or as a starting load for a smaller tumbler such as the Rotary Tumbler Lite.
Magnetic for easy separation
The 304 stainless steel pins are magnetic, which makes separating media from brass after tumbling much easier. With a media transfer magnet you can quickly collect the pins from the water and release them back into the drum with a single pull of the handle. Without a magnet you rely on sieving, which takes more time and increases the risk of losing pins down the drain.
Specifications
- Brand: Frankford Arsenal
- Type: Stainless Steel Tumbling Media
- Material: 304 stainless steel (magnetic)
- Pin dimensions: 1mm diameter x 7mm long
- Weight: 2 lbs (0.9 kg)
- Application: wet tumbling in rotary case tumblers
- Lifespan: unlimited with normal use
- Magnetic: yes
- Manufacturer part number: 1097884
Usage tips
Fill the tumbler with cases, steel pins, water to just above the level of the brass, and a dash of cleaning solution. Tumble for 1 to 3 hours depending on how dirty the cases are. After tumbling, use a sieve or media magnet to separate pins and brass. Dry the cases thoroughly before further processing — moisture inside cases can cause problems during reloading.
