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Rebel 17 Rotary Tumbler

Rebel 17 Rotary Tumbler

Over the years that I’ve been reloading, I’ve followed a very typical path as regards cleaning brass: starting with a vibratory tumbler, moving on to an ultrasonic bath, and now to my latest acquisition – a rotary tumbler. So why clean cases? Three reasons: Safety: easier to spot damage and impending head separation. Consistency: clean brass reduces variation in case volume, primer-pocket depth, and neck tension. Gratification: producing finished rounds that look as good as factory ammunition.

VIBRATORY VS. ROTARY

Unlike a dry, vibratory tumbler, the Rebel is a rotary which uses stainless-steel pins and runs wet. This complements the mechanical action of the media with chemical reagents: in this case citric acid powder and biological washing liquid. The steel pins, meanwhile, have more momentum than the lighter dry media, making for a more vigorous cleaning action; and their cut ends do a better job of scouring out of primer pockets. The only issue is that cases need drying afterwards!

The Rebel can be bought alone or as part of a kit that includes 2.2 Kg of stainless steel-pins, a bag of citric acid crystals, a bottle of Ariel biological washing liquid, and a handy telescopic rod with a pen clip on one end and a magnet on the other for picking up errant pins.

SETTING UP

The machine comes fitted with a US plug, so you just need to fit a UK replacement. Mount the motor in the cradle using the grip nuts supplied (you’ll need a spanner); fit the small pulley to the motor shaft and align it with the larger wheel on the base; fit the drive belt (orange O-ring); fine tune the alignment and lock the small wheel in place by tightening its grub screw with the Allen key supplied.

Now the motor will drive the belt, turning the large wheel, and with it one of two rollers mounted to the base (the other merely helps support the drum). Rubber collars at the front and rear of this drive roller align the drum, which sits on top, its weight providing the grip needed to keep it turning. It’s important to site the tumbler on an even, level surface if vibration causes it to ‘walk’.

The drum and base are made from power-coated sheet steel, which is also protected internally by a thick rubber liner that cushions the cases and reduces noise. The barrel and liner are warrantied for five years, the base unit for three and the motor for one!

FILLING UP

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The Rebel 17 can tumble up to 17lb of water, brass and pins (hence the name), which equates to as many as 300 .30 cal. cases. So tip in up to 4lb of dirty brass, add the pins, sprinkle on a quarter-teaspoonful of citric acid crystals, and pour in a tablespoon of bio liquid, before topping up with water to within 1” of the top.

The drum is then sealed by placing a rubber gasket over the six bolts mounted around its rim, followed by a steel top plate, and hand- tightening. At this point it’s a good idea to place a towel on a flat surface and roll the drum back and forth to check for leaks; if it does just snug up the nuts (by hand).

LET’S ROLL!

Switch the motor on and give the drum a push to get it moving as it reduces strain on the motor. It will now turn steadily, with a hum and a chinking of brass, 3-4 hours is about right! A change of water halfway through can help if the cases are really dirty, if required! The motor gets quite hot, so keep it clear of anything inflammable or heat-sensitive. Once finished, switch off and remove the drum and open it, as if by magic; through the dirty water you’ll see your brass gleaming back at you!

Initially I placed a plastic colander over a bucket and poured the contents of the drum into it in stages, half at a time. Shaking the colander dislodged residual pins and water, which fell into the bucket. Then dump the brass into a plastic bowl and finish emptying, this was slow and when sorting I found quite a few pins still inside the cases.

The pins have to be recovered too. This involved draining as much of the water out of the bucket as possible whilst leaving the pins inside (put the plug in the sink first); topping up with clean water, and repeating the process to rinse off any residue. You can store the pins wet in the tumbler drum, or put them in with the cases in the oven. I was really glad of the magnet supplied with the kit, since pins are tricky to pick up with your fingers.

A BETTER WAY?

I found the latter parts of the cleaning process a bit of a chore, so I got back in touch with the supplier who had a couple more tools: a Quick-N-EZ Rotary Media Separator, and a Media Release Magnet from Frankford Arsenal. They certainly make the process quicker, easier and more efficient. A quick search on the web for better ways of drying brass, revealed a consensus in favour of ‘repurposing’ an electric food dehydrator. As luck would have it, I already had one and it beats the oven or the airing cupboard hands down!

CONCLUSIONS?

My rotary tumbling kit cost more, and takes up more space, than my vibratory tumbler or ultrasonic bath, but it produces by far the best results of any of the three methods. As for the Extreme Tumblers Rebel 17: it’s well designed, easy to use, quiet, and clearly built to last; plus it’s priced lower than the closest equivalent. My wife, however, has commented that if I enjoy cleaning things so much, perhaps I’d like to try my hand at some housework!

 

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