Getting Started: Understanding the Importance of Clean Brass
Reloading ammunition is a rewarding pursuit for firearm enthusiasts, offering cost savings, the opportunity to tailor loads for specific needs, and a deeper understanding of ballistics. A crucial aspect of the reloading process, often overlooked, is the preparation of brass casings. Clean brass is essential for consistent bullet seating, optimal chambering, and the overall accuracy and performance of your reloads. Enter the world of brass tumblers, and in particular, the Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler. This review delves deep into the capabilities, features, and performance of this popular tumbler, helping you decide if it’s the right choice for your reloading setup.
Before diving into the specifics of the Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler, let’s underscore why clean brass is so critical. Reloading involves a series of steps, from depriming and resizing to priming, powder charging, and seating the bullet. Each step depends on the proper function of the previous one. Dirty brass can introduce grit and grime into your dies, potentially scratching cases or damaging your reloading equipment. Furthermore, accumulated residue from firing, carbon buildup, and tarnishing can hinder the smooth operation of your reloading press, making the process less efficient and potentially leading to inaccurate reloads.
Clean brass cases ensure consistent bullet seating depth, which directly impacts accuracy. Uniformly cleaned cases also promote more consistent powder burn characteristics, contributing to better ballistic performance. Ultimately, clean brass is the foundation for safe, reliable, and accurate reloads. The Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler is designed to help achieve this essential goal.
Exploring the Design and Features of the Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler
The Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler presents a thoughtfully designed package for the reloader. Constructed with a durable and robust build, this tumbler is meant to withstand the rigors of regular use in a reloading environment. Its size is generally compact, allowing it to fit comfortably on a reloading bench without consuming excessive space.
One of the most notable features is its turbo tumbling action. This action utilizes a vibratory motion, creating a swirling effect inside the bowl. This action is designed to thoroughly clean the brass. The movement effectively removes carbon residue, tarnish, and other debris that accumulates after firing. The efficiency of this turbo action distinguishes this tumbler from simpler models.
The bowl itself is another critical element of the design. It is made of a material that is designed to withstand the abrasive action of the media and the cases themselves. Its size is optimized to handle a substantial number of brass cases at once, making it an efficient choice for reloaders who process large quantities of ammunition. The bowl’s shape contributes to the overall cleaning effectiveness, promoting a consistent tumbling action throughout.
A key component of the Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler is the sifter lid. This feature simplifies the separation process, making it easy to remove the brass cases from the cleaning media. The lid is designed with appropriately sized holes that allow the media to fall through while retaining the brass. This process significantly reduces the time and effort required to retrieve the cleaned cases.
The inclusion of a built-in timer is a notable convenience. The timer allows the user to set the tumbling duration accurately. This feature is invaluable because it prevents over-tumbling and allows for consistent cleaning across different batches of brass.
Putting the Tumbler to the Test: Performance and User Experience
The true measure of any reloading tool lies in its performance. The Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler excels in several areas.
The cleaning efficiency is one of its standout qualities. The turbo action, combined with the correct tumbling media, swiftly removes the various contaminants found on spent brass. Expect a noticeable difference in brass appearance after a single tumbling cycle. Tarnish disappears, and even stubborn carbon deposits are often eliminated. The time required for cleaning depends on the extent of the dirt and the type of media, but the Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler consistently delivers excellent results within a reasonable timeframe.
The noise level is another important consideration, particularly for reloaders in shared spaces. The Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler generally operates at a moderate noise level. While it’s not completely silent, it’s typically quieter than some other vibratory tumblers on the market. This characteristic makes it suitable for use in apartments, garages, or reloading rooms without causing excessive disturbance.
The ease of use is also a major advantage. The setup process is straightforward, requiring minimal assembly. Loading the brass into the bowl is simple. The built-in timer is user-friendly, allowing for easy setting and adjustment of the tumbling duration. The use of the sifter lid is particularly convenient, streamlining the media separation process.
The durability and reliability of the Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler seem to be well-regarded. It’s built with quality materials that are designed to withstand frequent use over time. Regular maintenance, such as cleaning the bowl and periodically replacing the media, can further extend the lifespan of the tumbler.
Weighing the Options: Pros and Cons
To fully appreciate the strengths and weaknesses of the Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler, let’s consider a summary of the advantages and disadvantages:
Pros:
- Effective Cleaning: Delivers excellent results, efficiently removing tarnish, carbon, and other debris.
- Durable Construction: Built with quality materials that should provide years of service.
- Easy to Use: Simple to set up, load, operate, and unload.
- Built-in Timer: Provides precise control over the tumbling process.
- Convenient Sifter Lid: Simplifies media separation.
- Reasonable Noise Level: Operates at a moderate noise level, making it suitable for various environments.
- Good Capacity: Can handle a substantial amount of brass at once.
Cons:
- May Need Frequent Media Replacements: The media used for tumbling will eventually wear down and will need to be replaced, depending on how often you are tumbling.
- Media Not Included: The Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler does not typically include tumbling media with purchase, requiring an additional expense.
Choosing the Right Media and Additives for Optimal Performance
The choice of tumbling media significantly influences the effectiveness of the cleaning process. Several types of media are available, each offering its unique benefits.
Corn cob media is a popular and versatile choice. It’s relatively inexpensive, readily available, and effective at removing tarnish and light residue.
Walnut shell media is another common option. It offers a more aggressive cleaning action than corn cob media, which can be useful for removing heavier carbon deposits.
Some reloaders prefer treated media. This media typically includes polishing compounds or cleaning agents, often providing enhanced cleaning results and a brighter finish.
In addition to choosing the right media, the use of additives can further enhance the cleaning process. Brass polish or cleaning solutions can be added to the media to improve the cleaning effectiveness.
Maintaining the media is critical for optimal performance. Regularly sifting the media to remove dust and debris is important. You can also consider replacing the media periodically. This ensures that it continues to perform its cleaning duties.
Comparing the Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler to Competitors
The market offers a variety of brass tumblers. Two popular competitors include those from Frankford Arsenal and RCBS.
Frankford Arsenal models often present a balance of affordability and functionality. They may offer similar cleaning capabilities to the Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler, though the build quality might vary.
RCBS is known for its reloading equipment. RCBS tumblers are generally well-regarded for their build quality and performance.
Final Thoughts: Is the Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler the Right Choice for You?
The Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler presents a compelling option for reloaders seeking an efficient and effective brass cleaning solution. Its combination of turbo tumbling action, robust design, user-friendly features, and reasonable price point make it a strong contender in the market.
This tumbler is well-suited for reloaders of all experience levels, from beginners to seasoned veterans. Its ease of use makes it accessible for newcomers, while its robust cleaning capabilities will satisfy the needs of experienced reloaders.
Is it worth the investment? Absolutely. The Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler offers excellent value for its price, providing reliable performance, efficient brass cleaning, and a durable construction that will last for years. The benefits of clean brass – enhanced accuracy, consistent reloads, and equipment longevity – far outweigh the initial investment.
In conclusion, the Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler is a recommended choice for any reloader seeking to improve the quality and consistency of their reloads. It is a valuable addition to any reloading setup, contributing to a more efficient and enjoyable reloading experience. Consider investing in one and experience the benefits of clean brass for yourself.
