Thumler's Tumbler Model B is the long-standing, heavy-duty rotary many workshops trust for repeated wet-media use; its simple, rugged construction and proven motor life make it a market leader for high-volume or shop environments. It typically requires a higher upfront investment than the Frankford Lite or Lyman Cyclone but rewards owners with durability and capacity that newer consumer units may not match, and it is commonly paired with an RCBS media separator to complete an efficient wet-tumbling workflow.
Proven reliability — old-school
Plug-and-run simplicity
Proven reliability — old-school
Plug-and-run simplicity
Review Summary
"Thumler's Tumbler Model B receives high marks from long-term users for its rugged, simple design, longevity, and excellent polishing results despite its smaller size; many reloaders report decades of trouble-free service. Its lower capacity is the main trade-off, but users value its proven reliability."
Workhorse barrel — rugged
Time-tested steel drum and dependable motor construction made for long service life in wet tumbling.
Workhorse barrel — rugged
Time-tested steel drum and dependable motor construction made for long service life in wet tumbling.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Thumler's Tumbler Model B is the long-standing, heavy-duty rotary many workshops trust for repeated wet-media use; its simple, rugged construction and proven motor life make it a market leader for high-volume or shop environments. It typically requires a higher upfront investment than the Frankford Lite or Lyman Cyclone but rewards owners with durability and capacity that newer consumer units may not match, and it is commonly paired with an RCBS media separator to complete an efficient wet-tumbling workflow.
Proven reliability — old-school
Plug-and-run simplicity
Workhorse barrel — rugged
Time-tested steel drum and dependable motor construction made for long service life in wet tumbling.
Straightforward mechanical design with removable barrel and drain plug for easy media changes and rinsing.
Proven reliability — old-school
Plug-and-run simplicity
Workhorse barrel — rugged
Time-tested steel drum and dependable motor construction made for long service life in wet tumbling.
Straightforward mechanical design with removable barrel and drain plug for easy media changes and rinsing.
$220-310 CAD
Lyman Cyclone Rotary Tumbler
The Lyman Cyclone balances professional-level results with strong value, earning its place as a market leader for reloaders who want rotary-style gentleness without the highest premium. It typically undercuts the Platinum Series on price while delivering comparable case finish and capacity, making it a go-to for high-volume hobbyists who want consistent, primer-safe polishing. Against vibratory machines it offers quieter operation and less abrasive action, and versus premium rotaries it trades a bit of refinement for a better price-to-performance ratio.
Heavy-duty drum — workhorse
Consistent tumble
Heavy-duty drum — workhorse
Consistent tumble
Review Summary
"The Lyman Cyclone rotary is widely regarded as a top-tier machine—robust construction, large capacity and excellent, repeatable finishes with minimal fuss; complaints are few and mostly about price and weight. It’s frequently recommended as a best-in-class rotary tumbler."
No-spill lid
Rotary tumbling action offers low-impact cleaning that minimizes case wear while improving uniformity.
No-spill lid
Rotary tumbling action offers low-impact cleaning that minimizes case wear while improving uniformity.
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
The Lyman Cyclone balances professional-level results with strong value, earning its place as a market leader for reloaders who want rotary-style gentleness without the highest premium. It typically undercuts the Platinum Series on price while delivering comparable case finish and capacity, making it a go-to for high-volume hobbyists who want consistent, primer-safe polishing. Against vibratory machines it offers quieter operation and less abrasive action, and versus premium rotaries it trades a bit of refinement for a better price-to-performance ratio.
Heavy-duty drum — workhorse
Consistent tumble
No-spill lid
Rotary tumbling action offers low-impact cleaning that minimizes case wear while improving uniformity.
Generous drum capacity accommodates larger batches of brass for efficient workflow.
Heavy-duty drum — workhorse
Consistent tumble
No-spill lid
Rotary tumbling action offers low-impact cleaning that minimizes case wear while improving uniformity.
Generous drum capacity accommodates larger batches of brass for efficient workflow.
$250-350 CAD
The iSonic P4821 is a budget-conscious ultrasonic cleaner offering generous tank volume and digital controls, delivering high ultrasonic power per dollar for hobbyist reloaders. It holds value-leader status by undercutting premium brands on price while providing capable cleaning—though it lacks some reloader-specific accessories and the industrial throughput of Lyman or the ecosystem integration of Hornady.
Heated wash — warm-soak
Dual transducers — double-punch
Heated wash — warm-soak
Dual transducers — double-punch
Review Summary
"The iSonic P4821 is frequently highlighted as a best-value ultrasonic cleaner — good cavitation, adequate tank size for reloading batches, and reliable heating make it a favorite among hobbyists; some buyers report flimsy baskets or rare early failures but most praise its consistent performance. Long-term users generally find it dependable for brass and small parts."
Compact design — space-saver
Compact and affordable ultrasonic cleaner suitable for small batches of cases
Compact design — space-saver
Compact and affordable ultrasonic cleaner suitable for small batches of cases
Time-Saving Convenience
Eco-Friendly Living
Skill Development & Mastery
The iSonic P4821 is a budget-conscious ultrasonic cleaner offering generous tank volume and digital controls, delivering high ultrasonic power per dollar for hobbyist reloaders. It holds value-leader status by undercutting premium brands on price while providing capable cleaning—though it lacks some reloader-specific accessories and the industrial throughput of Lyman or the ecosystem integration of Hornady.
Heated wash — warm-soak
Dual transducers — double-punch
Compact design — space-saver
Compact and affordable ultrasonic cleaner suitable for small batches of cases
Stainless-steel tank with effective cavitation for removing light residue
Heated wash — warm-soak
Dual transducers — double-punch
Compact design — space-saver
Compact and affordable ultrasonic cleaner suitable for small batches of cases
Stainless-steel tank with effective cavitation for removing light residue
$150-250 CAD
RCBS stainless steel pin media is marketed as a premium, consistency-focused product targeted at high-volume reloaders and shop environments, delivering tight size tolerances and a highly polished finish that reduces marring and media embedment. While more expensive per pound than economy brands, RCBS justifies that premium with longer usable life, superior part-to-part uniformity, and predictable performance compared with lower-cost pins like Frankford Arsenal or commodity STM batches.
Consistent size — precise
Fast polish
Consistent size — precise
Fast polish
Review Summary
"RCBS stainless pins are regarded as premium, very consistent and effective at removing carbon and polish without excessive marring, and users report long-lasting durability. The main negatives are the higher price and occasional shipping/packaging complaints."
Rust resistant
High-quality stainless pins produced to consistent tolerances for uniform cleaning
Rust resistant
High-quality stainless pins produced to consistent tolerances for uniform cleaning
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
RCBS stainless steel pin media is marketed as a premium, consistency-focused product targeted at high-volume reloaders and shop environments, delivering tight size tolerances and a highly polished finish that reduces marring and media embedment. While more expensive per pound than economy brands, RCBS justifies that premium with longer usable life, superior part-to-part uniformity, and predictable performance compared with lower-cost pins like Frankford Arsenal or commodity STM batches.
Consistent size — precise
Fast polish
Rust resistant
High-quality stainless pins produced to consistent tolerances for uniform cleaning
Durable finish minimizes contamination and prolongs media life
Consistent size — precise
Fast polish
Rust resistant
High-quality stainless pins produced to consistent tolerances for uniform cleaning
Durable finish minimizes contamination and prolongs media life
$70-110 CAD
The Hornady M-2 Case Tumbler Media Separator is designed for users who favor the Hornady ecosystem, offering a compact, well-integrated separator that emphasizes user-friendly operation and consistent results. Priced in the mid-to-upper range, it provides a more turnkey experience than many budget options and is often chosen by reloaders who value compatibility and convenience over the larger capacity of industrial-style rotary units like RCBS or Berry's. It is available commercially and appeals to hobbyists looking for a reliable, brand-matched solution.
High-capacity drum
Quick dump
High-capacity drum
Quick dump
Review Summary
"High-quality, efficient separator praised for durability and quick operation; most users report long-term reliability and consistent separation."
Rugged construction
Designed to pair with Hornady M-2 tumbler for seamless workflow
Rugged construction
Designed to pair with Hornady M-2 tumbler for seamless workflow
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Recreational Enjoyment
The Hornady M-2 Case Tumbler Media Separator is designed for users who favor the Hornady ecosystem, offering a compact, well-integrated separator that emphasizes user-friendly operation and consistent results. Priced in the mid-to-upper range, it provides a more turnkey experience than many budget options and is often chosen by reloaders who value compatibility and convenience over the larger capacity of industrial-style rotary units like RCBS or Berry's. It is available commercially and appeals to hobbyists looking for a reliable, brand-matched solution.
High-capacity drum
Quick dump
Rugged construction
Designed to pair with Hornady M-2 tumbler for seamless workflow
Quick-release sieve and stackable trays for fast cleaning
High-capacity drum
Quick dump
Rugged construction
Designed to pair with Hornady M-2 tumbler for seamless workflow
Quick-release sieve and stackable trays for fast cleaning
$120-180 CAD
Flitz Metal Polish is a premium, non-abrasive polish celebrated for producing a deep, durable shine while being safe on delicate or plated brass surfaces; its formulation often includes long-lasting protective agents that minimize re-tarnish. Though typically pricier than the others listed, Flitz delivers a technical advantage in gentle, high-gloss restoration and longevity, making it the market-leader choice when preserving finish integrity and minimizing repeat maintenance are priorities.
Non-abrasive sheen — velvet feel
Protective film — long glow
Non-abrasive sheen — velvet feel
Protective film — long glow
Review Summary
"Flitz is widely rated as a high-performing, non-abrasive metal polish that cleans, shines, and leaves a durable protective coating without harsh fumes; reviewers frequently call it worth the premium."
Collector-safe — praise-worthy
Non-abrasive polish that cleans, polishes and protects brass without scratching.
Collector-safe — praise-worthy
Non-abrasive polish that cleans, polishes and protects brass without scratching.
Time-Saving Convenience
Skill Development & Mastery
Eco-Friendly Living
Flitz Metal Polish is a premium, non-abrasive polish celebrated for producing a deep, durable shine while being safe on delicate or plated brass surfaces; its formulation often includes long-lasting protective agents that minimize re-tarnish. Though typically pricier than the others listed, Flitz delivers a technical advantage in gentle, high-gloss restoration and longevity, making it the market-leader choice when preserving finish integrity and minimizing repeat maintenance are priorities.
Non-abrasive sheen — velvet feel
Protective film — long glow
Collector-safe — praise-worthy
Non-abrasive polish that cleans, polishes and protects brass without scratching.
Safe on fine jewelry, musical instruments and coated surfaces when used as directed.
Non-abrasive sheen — velvet feel
Protective film — long glow
Collector-safe — praise-worthy
Non-abrasive polish that cleans, polishes and protects brass without scratching.
Safe on fine jewelry, musical instruments and coated surfaces when used as directed.
$12-25 CAD
Hornady's M2 replacement bowl pairs with the M2 tumbler platform to provide quiet, efficient cleaning and precise fitment that reduces dust and media loss. It occupies a middle ground between high-speed Lyman and vibratory RCBS options, offering lower vibration and a competitive price point while delivering better containment and user experience than generic or lower-cost drums like Lee.
Polished results
Durable construction
Polished results
Durable construction
Review Summary
"Hornady M2 replacement bowls earn high marks for heavy-duty build quality, consistent performance and long service life; buyers frequently say they justify the higher price for long-term reliability. Few report issues, making it a top choice for enthusiasts wanting a factory-quality spare."
Turbo shine magic
OEM-fit replacement bowl for Hornady M2 case tumblers.
Turbo shine magic
OEM-fit replacement bowl for Hornady M2 case tumblers.
Skill Development & Mastery
Time-Saving Convenience
Recreational Enjoyment
Hornady's M2 replacement bowl pairs with the M2 tumbler platform to provide quiet, efficient cleaning and precise fitment that reduces dust and media loss. It occupies a middle ground between high-speed Lyman and vibratory RCBS options, offering lower vibration and a competitive price point while delivering better containment and user experience than generic or lower-cost drums like Lee.
Polished results
Durable construction
Turbo shine magic
OEM-fit replacement bowl for Hornady M2 case tumblers.
Precision-molded to maintain balance and reduce wobble during operation.
Polished results
Durable construction
Turbo shine magic
OEM-fit replacement bowl for Hornady M2 case tumblers.
Precision-molded to maintain balance and reduce wobble during operation.
$80-120 CAD