The Franklin Arsenal tumbler, specifically the smaller model, is a popular choice for reloading enthusiasts looking to clean their brass casings efficiently. But a common question arises: what's the optimal capacity? While Franklin Arsenal doesn't provide a hard and fast "maximum brass capacity" number for their smaller tumbler, determining the ideal amount comes down to several factors. Overfilling can lead to less effective cleaning and potential damage to your brass.
Understanding the Limitations of the Small Franklin Arsenal Tumbler
The small Franklin Arsenal tumbler's capacity is limited primarily by its drum size and the need for adequate media-to-brass ratio for effective cleaning. Cramming too much brass into the tumbler will result in:
- Inefficient Cleaning: Brass pieces won't have enough room to tumble freely, leading to uneven cleaning and potentially leaving residue behind.
- Damage to Brass: Overcrowding can cause brass to become scratched, dented, or even broken, especially if the media is insufficient.
- Motor Strain: Overloading the tumbler puts extra strain on the motor, potentially leading to premature wear and tear or even malfunction.
Finding the Sweet Spot: Optimal Brass Quantity
Instead of focusing on a specific numerical limit (which varies depending on the size and shape of your brass), concentrate on these guidelines:
1. The Media-to-Brass Ratio:
The key is ensuring sufficient cleaning media (typically corncob, walnut, or plastic media) to thoroughly clean the brass. Aim for a ratio of approximately 1:1 or slightly more media to brass. If you're unsure, err on the side of more media.
2. Visual Inspection:
Before starting the tumbling process, add brass to the tumbler and visually assess the space. There should be enough room for the brass to move freely and tumble consistently. If you see large spaces between brass casings, you're likely well within safe limits. If the tumbler is overcrowded and the brass is clumped together, remove some.
3. Test Runs:
Start with a smaller batch of brass and evaluate the results. If the brass is thoroughly cleaned, gradually increase the quantity in subsequent runs, always keeping the media-to-brass ratio in mind. This trial-and-error approach allows you to find the optimal amount for your specific setup.
4. Considering Brass Caliber:
Larger calibers (.308 Winchester, .30-06 Springfield, etc.) will naturally occupy more space than smaller calibers (.223 Remington, 9mm, etc.). This will influence the total number of cases you can process in a single run.
Conclusion: It's About the Ratio, Not the Number
There’s no magic number for how much brass the small Franklin Arsenal tumbler can handle. Focus instead on maintaining the proper media-to-brass ratio and ensuring the brass has enough room to tumble effectively. Through observation and testing, you'll quickly determine the sweet spot for your specific needs, ensuring consistently clean and undamaged brass with each use. Remember safety and efficiency should always be your primary goals.
