Lyman Tumbler lead cleaning...

[Etienne Brule]

Hi,

I read your forum almost everyday. Just great ! Just like the best book of experts...

I cast the round balls and I recently began to tumble them in a Lyman autoflow tumbler; that is absolutely marvelous and also reveal the air pockets.

But... there always seems to have a "but...", there is a lead deposit on the bottom of the pot.

What would be the best way to get rid of that lead deposit ?

Thank you fot the attention.

Etienne Brule... the first (?) coureur des bois..

 

[Swampman]

I believe they will shoot as well without polishing them. You might try it.

 

[Slamfire]

Sorting by weight will also reveal the balls with air cavities, and while more labor intensive, doesn't create the lead dust problem. You could of course, disolve the lead into mercury, but that creates another health issue. :surrender:

 

[J.D.]

I have read about using a 50/50 mix of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide for removing leading.

The instructions say to pour into the barrel and let soak for five minutes. No more, or the barrel will become a rusty pipe.

This might, or might not, work on your tumbler.

WARNING: I have not used this concoction, nor do I personally know anyone who has used it. I do not make any claims to how well it works, or to the safety of its use.

This formula is mentioned only for informational purposes. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE for damage to anyone's gun or tumbler, if such damage should occur.

In other words, I don't know if this stuff will work, or what damage might occur if it is used, so don't come crying to me if you mess up your gun or tumbler.
J.D.

 

[paulvallandigham]

Have you tried using a modern lead solvent, Like Hoppes #9 to wipe out the lead? It would seem to me if lead solvents will break free lead in gun barrels, surely they would do the same in a tumbler.

the other thing to try is something mechanical. Have you thought about running the tumbler with walnut shell bits or pieces? This kind of stuff, or kitty litter can be bought cheap in quantity, and should be able to abrade the lead out of your tumbler. You don't mention what the tumbler is made of, and I am not familiar with the particular one. I have a vibrating case tumbler, that has a plastic bowl. I would not fear using these abrasives in my tumbler, since the bowl is plastic. however, it might be a problem if the tumbler is made of thin metal. I just don't know. My guts tell me that if its built to take being pounded by cartridge casings and bullets, or balls, it surely must be able to stand up to kitty litter, or walnut hull chips. NO?

 

[xxgrampa]

hi-ho etienne,

a most hearty welcome to the forum. best wishes for burning a ton of bp.

is it a tumbler like a rock polisher?? or a vibrating case cleaner??

..ttfn..grampa..

 

[TANSTAAFL]

Just my two cents, but, IMO, you will make no significant gains by tumbling.

If you are only seeking weight consistency, try weighing them on a reloading scale.

 

[Etienne Brule]

Thank you everybody,

I succeded in cleaning that plastic vibrating Autoflow Lyman bowl tumbler.

I put some 50/50 mix of white vinegar and hydrogen peroxide and let soal for 5 minutes.

Then, something mechanical. I ran the tumbler with walnut shell bits for 12 hours.

That was done... the plastic is a bit rough, but cleaned...

But what a job:

I think that I will listen to Mark Lewis (unless I find something easier):

I believe they will shoot as well without polishing them. You might try it.

Thank you everybody for the attention.

Etienne Brule