For years, cleaning brass casings after reloading was a tedious, time-consuming chore. I’d spend hours painstakingly scrubbing each casing, leaving me exhausted and frustrated. This wasn’t just inconvenient; the inconsistent cleaning impacted the accuracy and reliability of my reloads. A Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler would have been a lifesaver back then, offering a far more efficient solution.
- 115 Volt / Holds 2 pounds of Media
- Built in sifter lid for quick and easy media separation
- No need for separate media sifter
Factors to Ponder Before Purchasing a Vibratory Case Tumbler
The world of case tumblers caters to a specific need: efficiently cleaning and polishing spent brass casings for reloading. This is a crucial step for maintaining consistent ammunition performance and extending the lifespan of your brass. The ideal customer is a serious reloader, someone who values both efficiency and consistent results. This product isn’t for casual shooters who reload infrequently; for them, manual cleaning might suffice. Before buying, consider the volume of brass you need to clean regularly, your budget (including media costs), and the available space for the tumbler. You should also factor in the noise level and the type of media you’ll use (corncob, walnut shells, etc.).
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Introducing the Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler
The Lyman Pro 1200 Turbo Tumbler is a vibratory tumbler designed for cleaning and polishing brass casings. It promises efficient and consistent results, saving significant time and effort. The package includes the tumbler itself. Compared to market leaders, it offers a compelling balance of performance and affordability. This specific model is ideal for medium-volume reloaders. It’s not intended for commercial-scale operations or those seeking extremely quiet operation.
* Pros:
* Efficient cleaning process.
* Built-in sifter lid simplifies media separation.
* Relatively quiet operation.
* Durable construction (based on my long-term experience).
* Affordable price point.
* Cons:
* No on/off switch (though this seems to have been addressed in newer models).
* Media tends to accumulate on one side of the bowl.
* Can be a little noisy, but still quiet compared to others.
Delving into the Lyman Pro 1200’s Features and Benefits
Cleaning Power and Efficiency
Over the years, the Lyman Pro 1200 has consistently proven its ability to clean large batches of brass. The vibratory action, coupled with the appropriate media (I recommend Lyman’s own Tufnut media), effectively removes dirt, carbon, and other debris. I routinely clean 100-150 large rifle cases at a time, and the tumbler handles this volume without issue. While it might take 1.5-2 hours, I’ve found that its capability to maintain a strong cascading motion is crucial for this.
Built-in Sifter Lid: A Game Changer
The integrated sifter lid is a brilliant feature. It eliminates the need for a separate media sifter, streamlining the cleaning process considerably. After tumbling, simply use the lid to quickly separate the cleaned brass from the media. This small detail saves a surprising amount of time and minimizes cleanup. The media separation is very clean, which further improves efficiency.
Noise Level and Durability
The Lyman Pro 1200‘s noise level is reasonable. While not silent, it’s far quieter than other tumblers I’ve encountered. The rubber feet and lid nut effectively dampen vibrations, keeping noise to a minimum. The durability is exceptional. I’ve been using mine for many years, and it shows virtually no signs of wear and tear, further testament to Lyman’s commitment to quality and robustness. It has never stopped working or broken down during my decades of use.
Capacity and Media Usage
The 2-pound media capacity is suitable for most reloading sessions. With its excellent cascading action, it ensures a thorough cleaning of even large batches of cases in an efficient manner. I use a mixture of corncob and walnut shells, adjusting the ratio depending on how dirty the brass is. The result has consistently been beautifully cleaned and polished brass.
Maintaining the Lyman Pro 1200
Maintenance is minimal. Occasionally, I’ll rinse out the bowl to remove any accumulated dust or debris. Replacing the media is only necessary every few thousand cases. The durability of the motor and the overall design show itself over time with minimal upkeep, a characteristic that I greatly value.
User Experiences: What Others Are Saying
The Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler enjoys overwhelmingly positive feedback online. Many users praise its efficiency, ease of use, and the quality of the cleaned brass. Several reviewers highlight the time saved compared to manual cleaning and the durability of the tumbler itself. While some have mentioned the media accumulating to one side and the lack of an on/off switch on older models, the overall consensus is very positive. A great number of reviewers have echoed the same satisfaction as my own.
The Verdict: A Sound Investment for Serious Reloaders
Cleaning brass casings for reloading is essential, and doing it inefficiently leads to wasted time and potentially inconsistent results. The Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler solves this problem by providing a fast, efficient, and reliable solution. Its durable construction, user-friendly design (especially with the built-in sifter), and comparatively quiet operation make it a superb choice. To experience the benefits firsthand, click here to check out the Lyman Pro 1200 Tumbler today! You won’t regret it.
Last update on 2025-08-14 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API