The UK's Finest Independent Forum for Shooters and Gun Owners. Est 2010.

Just wondered, how many of you folks use corn cob tumbling media in your tumblers and if so, which type and how much does it cost you? Don't need to hear from anyone using steel media or the likes just the corn cob media.

Blu

Reptile bedding is supposed to be very good, much finer and doesn't get stuck in flash holes as easily

Hi Blu,

I use the cheapest corn cob media and add a cap of T Cut car scratch remover. I let it run for 30mins then add cases. I use a Lyman vibratory tumbler. I top up the polish every couple of tumblings. OK, I have to prick out the flash holes but that's part of reloading!!

I think I paid about £5? a kilo

JohnG :cornwall:

phaedra1106 wrote:Reptile bedding is supposed to be very good, much finer and doesn't get stuck in flash holes as easily

I use a reptile substrate product but it is walnut shell, not corn-cob, so probably not of interest to the OP. It is fine enough that it doesn't block flash holes (not all reptile substrates are - you need to find the right grit size and grading). It was pretty good value compared to reloading products at £29.99 for 25 Kg. I treat it with an ammonia-free car metal polish diluted with white sprit.

..

I'd go with the above - use walnut grit for dry tumbling. You'll need to add something to it but it's good stuff and lasts ages before you need to wash it or replace it.

Jon

I use the Lyman branded stuff as that's what my local shop stocks. The red stuff makes them really shiny, the green stuff cleans quickly....

But, it takes one and a little bit to get the right amount in their 1200 tumbler.

Thanks for the replies guys. I usually use the Lyman stuff as well at $16.99 for 6lbs of the stuff. Well on Friday last I was in the pet supply store buying dry dog food and I noticed that they have more or less the exact same stuff for bedding only they are selling this stuff for $7.50 for a 15lb bag. So I bought a bag and tried it yesterday in my tumbler and it did the just a good a job as the Lyman stuff, cases came out all nice and bright. So If you are still buying the dear stuff it might be worth while having a look around your local pet supply store.

Blu

You probably know this but its worth putting in some kitchen roll or 4x2 in the case/media mix.
Tear a sheet of kitchen roll into smallish squares or even old t shirts or pillow cases.
I have used old t shirts cut into 2 inch squares and then used a dab of solvol autosol rubbed into them.
Chuck out the used material each time. Its amazing how much dirt they attract and it makes the media last longer.
HTH
Tony

mag41uk. Thanks for that wee tip, I'll give it a try. It just makes me wonder how much of the cash we hand over is paying for the brand name. Like I said, Lymans media is $16.99 for a 6lb tub, corn cob pet bedding less than $8 for 15lbs and it does the same ruddy job. I know where I'll be buying my tumbling media from now on.

Blu

Not tried kitchen roll but found that used " bounce " sheets from the tumble dryer work very well at drawing out the dirt , must try the kitchen roll !