The Franklin Armory's small tumbler is a popular choice for cleaning brass casings, but a frequently asked question revolves around its capacity. There's no single definitive answer to "how much brass" it can handle because it depends on several factors. Let's break down the variables and give you a realistic assessment.
Factors Affecting Brass Capacity
The amount of brass your small Franklin Arsenal tumbler can effectively clean hinges on these key elements:
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Brass Case Size: Smaller pistol calibers (like 9mm, .380, .45 ACP) will naturally allow for a higher volume compared to larger rifle calibers (.223, .308, etc.). Larger cases take up significantly more space within the tumbler.
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Media Type & Amount: The type and quantity of cleaning media you use drastically impact capacity. Using a coarser media might require less overall volume to achieve the same cleaning effect as a finer media, leading to a higher brass-to-media ratio. Overfilling with media will reduce the space available for brass.
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Desired Cleaning Level: If you're aiming for a pristine finish, you'll likely want a lower brass-to-media ratio, reducing the overall number of cases you can process in a single run. A less thorough cleaning might allow for a slightly higher capacity.
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Tumbler Type: While we're focusing on the small Franklin Arsenal tumbler, it's worth noting that different models or even slight variations within a model line might influence the usable space.
Practical Capacity Estimates
While Franklin Armory doesn't provide a precise number, experienced users suggest the following as reasonable estimates:
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Small Pistol Calibers (9mm, .380, .45 ACP): You might comfortably fit between 200-400 cases, depending on the factors mentioned above. Pushing beyond this could result in inadequate cleaning or media damage.
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Larger Pistol Calibers & Smaller Rifle Calibers (.223, 5.56): Expect to process between 100-200 cases per run. Again, this is an estimate and can vary.
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Larger Rifle Calibers (.308, 7.62x39): The capacity will likely be significantly lower, potentially around 50-100 cases, due to the larger size of these cases.
Tips for Optimizing Your Tumbler's Capacity
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Pre-cleaning: Remove excessive dirt and debris from your brass before tumbling. This improves the efficiency of your cleaning media and allows you to process more cases.
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Proper Media-to-Brass Ratio: Experiment to find the optimal balance between media and brass for effective cleaning without overcrowding.
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Multiple Runs: Don't try to cram too much brass into a single run. It's better to do multiple smaller batches for consistently excellent results.
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Case Preparation: Ensure cases are relatively uniform in terms of size and shape. Bent or damaged cases might take up more space and hinder the cleaning process.
Conclusion
Determining the exact brass capacity of your small Franklin Arsenal tumbler requires practical experimentation. The estimates provided offer a useful starting point, but remember to adjust based on the factors discussed. Prioritizing effective cleaning over maximum capacity will yield better results in the long run. Remember to always consult your tumbler’s manual for specific recommendations from the manufacturer.
