Rotary Tumbling 5.56 Cases

[Josh1978]

Has anyone figured out an easy way to get the stainless steel pins out of 5.56 cases after rotary tumbling?
Thanks,
Josh

 

[wolfeel]

switch to stainless steel chips..they clean better and don't get stuck in brass...(ammoBrass,LLC)

 

[Longshot231]

I switched to the stainless steel chips. I have one of these and after separating the water, I dump the cases with chip in and give it several vigorous spins.

https://www.dillonprecision.com/cm-500-case-media-separator_8_8_23663.html

 

[Josh1978]

Where can I purchase the stainless steel chips?
Thanks, Josh

 

[sinister]

Use the Dillon separator but fill the tub with water. This helps break the contact between pins and cases.

Use the Frankford magnet to pick up the pins and put them back in your tumbler canister.

 

[Longshot231]

Where can I purchase the stainless steel chips?
Thanks, Josh

Remember to wash or tumble the chips in soapy water when you get them to remove any oil deposits before using on your cases. I tumbled them in water and dawn dishwashing soap several times to get rid of all the oil.

https://tbbullets.com/stainless-steel-tumbling-media/

 

[straightshooter1]

Has anyone figured out an easy way to get the stainless steel pins out of 5.56 cases after rotary tumbling?
Thanks,
Josh

You might try just wet tumbling without pins at all. . . especially with HOT water. Inside the case's won't be as clean, but that's actually desirable and will help with seating consistency. Primer pockets won't be quite as clean, but maybe clean enough or a quick couple twists with a primer pocket cleaner/brush will do.

. . . just a quick thought if you haven't considered it before.

 

[needham]

I wet tumble with hot water and a frankford arsenal cleaning pack for 30 minutes and that gets my brass clean enough.

as noted by straightshooter1, it might not totally shine the inside or the primer pockets, but that's ok.

plus after tumbling it is a quick shake in a towel then lay out to dry overnight. ready to load for the next day.

 

[straightshooter1]

I wet tumble with hot water and a frankford arsenal cleaning pack for 30 minutes and that gets my brass clean enough.

as noted by straightshooter1, it might not totally shine the inside or the primer pockets, but that's ok.

plus after tumbling it is a quick shake in a towel then lay out to dry overnight. ready to load for the next day.

Since I don't like to wait long for them to dry out, I spread them out a little and use a heat gun to get them hot so they'll dry out fast. Then when they've cooled down (about 1/2 hr) I continue with my brass prep.

 

[Josh1978]

Since I don't like to wait long for them to dry out, I spread them out a little and use a heat gun to get them hot so they'll dry out fast. Then when they've cooled down (about 1/2 hr) I continue with my brass prep.

I hadn’t thought about doing it that way.

 

[needham]

I hadn’t thought about doing it that way.

Or in the oven for 30 minutes temp set on 200 or so if you are really in a pinch.

 

[Josh1978]

Or in the oven for 30 minutes temp set on 200 or so if you are really in a pinch.

I have a dehumidifier but normally just blow them dry with the air compressor.