Tumbling brass

[MrD]

Gents

I have a frankford arsenal tumbler that i intend to use stainless pins with
I know there are magnets for the removal / separation by same but its a bit of a clunky looking thing

just wondering if any of you have any ideas of how to remove the pins without needing the proprietary device
all ideas welcome

Cheers

I empty the cases/pins into a bowl through a Tesco nylon sieve. I can then rinse the cases and remove them neck down. This removes any 'inside' pins and pins are then returned from sieve to tumbler.

 

[jamesey]

Thank you - I had wondered if the humble sieve would be the way to go

 

[MrD]

Just check the mesh size first. I tried a metal one first and some of the pins went through.

 

[jamesey]

yeah - I've got one of those fine ones - think it will be ok but good looking out Thank you

 

[MrD]

On a similar note, I bought a cheap chip pan for melting chunks of scrap lead to produce ingots. Came with a wire chip basket which is ideal for separating cases from dry tumbling media.

 

[Muir]

How did you determine that it’s from a pin left behind? Was it still in the case? If so, wat caused the overpressure?

When I got the case out the was a steel pin jammed in the neck. I looked no further.~Muir

 

[moeggesit]

When I got the case out the was a steel pin jammed in the neck. I looked no further.~Muir

That’s curious, I’m guessing there must have been a few left behind if what we assume 60000+ psi did not manage to blow it free?
I would put it down to poor loading practice myself as any filler reducing case capacity could cause a significant overpressure.

 

[Jagged77]

I’ve been using stainless media since 2010, couldn’t tell you how many 1000’s of rounds I’ve loaded from .17 to .50 and never had an issue with pins being left in the case.

I use the Frankford bucket and tombola separator (or whatever it’s called) and this does the trick providing the brass is rotated under the water (bucket full to the brim). My loading process is then anneal, size, trim and then finally clean in hot water and fairy liquid. I have no doubts that even if one pin should escape the initial separation, by the end of the process they most certainly will be all gone.

 

[Muir]

That’s curious, I’m guessing there must have been a few left behind if what we assume 60000+ psi did not manage to blow it free?
I would put it down to poor loading practice myself as any filler reducing case capacity could cause a significant overpressure.

This was in 1982 so its hard to judge. It was all new back then. The pin was stuck in the neck, bridging between the chamber walls. I have witnessed cast lead bullets sized too large blowing the tops of the receiver-rings off of otherwise sound rifles. Impingement is a thorny devil. -Muir