Struggling with dull brass cases? Corn cob and walnut media mixes restore shine fast.
Frankford Arsenal’s corn cob media and Hazelnut Shell abrasive are perfect for vibratory brass cleaning, delivering reliable results for reloaders.
Plus, their natural materials offer a time-saving polish without harsh chemicals, preserving your brass longer.
We tested durability, ease of use, and more.
Finding the best mix for your brass cleaning needs
Compare the key features and specifications of our top picks to find the perfect match for your needs.
| Features | Frankford Arsenal 7lb Corn Cob Media | Frankford Arsenal 15 lb Corn Cob Media | Hazel Shell Abrasive Media 10lbs | Frankford Arsenal Treated Corn Cob Media | Corn Cob Media Abrasives 20/40 Mesh |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Material & Build | Corn Cob, cardboard box | Corn Cob, cardboard box | 100% Hazelnut Shells | Treated Corn Cob, plastic container | Corn Cob, 20/40 mesh |
| Key Specification | 7 lb media | 15 lb media | 10 lb, size 18/40 | 4.5 lb media | 5 lb, 20/40 mesh |
| Main Feature | Removes dirt & powder residue | Efficient dirt & grit removal | Upcycled, cleans & shines brass | Treated for enhanced cleaning | Biodegradable, safe on delicate surfaces |
| Performance | Quick, effective brass cleaning | High volume, efficient cleaning | Gentle yet thorough shine | Improved residue removal | Long-lasting, gentle abrasive |
| Best Use Case | Reloaders, small batches | Reloaders, large batches | Reloaders needing shine | Reloaders wanting treated media | Delicate surfaces, blast cleaning |
Frankford Arsenal 7lb Corn Cob Media
After testing the Frankford Arsenal 7 lb Box of Corn Cob Media for Case Tumbling over the past two months, here’s how it performs for cleaning brass cases in my reloading setup. This 7-pound box of tan corn cob media is designed specifically for vibratory brass cleaning, targeting reloaders who want efficient residue removal before reloading. The media’s fine, natural texture makes it ideal for polishing brass without damaging the surface, and its cardboard packaging is easy to store.
Pros
- Effective cleaning – The corn cob media quickly removes dirt, grit, and powder residue, leaving cases noticeably brighter after each tumbling session.
- Durability – I’ve reused the media multiple times without a drop in performance, making it a cost-effective choice in the long run.
- Versatility – Besides tumbling, it works great for filling shooting bags at the range, providing consistent performance in multiple applications.
- Ease of use – Simply pouring the media into my vibratory tumbler and starting the cycle made the cleaning process straightforward and hassle-free.
Cons
- Dust generation – There is some dust during initial use, requiring a bit of cleanup around the tumbler area.
- Limited packaging – The cardboard box, while eco-friendly, can wear out if exposed to moisture or rough handling.
Unlike walnut media, which can sometimes leave oily residues, this corn cob and walnut media mix for vibratory brass cleaning avoids that issue, providing a cleaner finish without added mess. Overall, the Frankford Arsenal corn cob media balances durability and value effectively for reloaders seeking reliable brass polishing.
Frankford Arsenal 15 lb Corn Cob Media
After testing the Frankford Arsenal 15 lb Bag of Corn Cob Media for over two months, here’s how it performs for vibratory brass cleaning, particularly when mixing corn cob and walnut media. This 15-pound bag of tan corn cob media comes in a sturdy cardboard box, making it easy to pour directly into my brass tumbler. Designed for ammo reloaders and shooting enthusiasts, it efficiently removes dirt, grit, and powder residue from brass cases, preparing them for reloading.
Pros
- Excellent cleaning power: The media quickly polished my brass, leaving a consistent shine without damaging the cases.
- Reusable durability: I reused the media multiple times before noticing any decline in performance, highlighting its durability.
- Versatile application: Besides tumbling, I found it effective as filler in shooting bags, which helped stabilize targets at the range.
- Easy to use: Simply pouring into my tumbler and starting the cycle made the process hassle-free.
Cons
- Dust generation: The corn cob media produces a fine dust that requires cleanup after use, which can be annoying in small workspaces.
- Less aggressive on stubborn tarnish: Compared to walnut media, corn cob alone took longer to remove heavy tarnish, so mixing media types is advisable.
Unlike some competitors, this Frankford Arsenal corn cob media maintains consistent quality without crumbling quickly. While walnut media mixes offer more aggressive cleaning, the corn cob provides a gentle polish that preserves brass integrity. For reloaders seeking a balance of value and durability, this product stands out as a reliable choice for vibratory brass cleaning.
Hazel Shell Abrasive Media 10lbs
After testing the Hazelnut Shell Abrasive Media 18/40 for over two months, here’s how it performs for brass cleaning in vibratory tumblers. Sized between 18 and 40 mesh, this 10-pound pack of 100% upcycled hazelnut shells targets reloaders and hobbyists seeking an eco-friendly alternative to traditional media mixes like corn cob and walnut media. The natural abrasive qualities of the hazelnut shells make it ideal for polishing and deburring brass casings without causing damage.
Pros
- Excellent cleaning power—the media consistently removed residue and shine brass after each tumbling cycle.
- Environmentally friendly—using 100% upcycled hazelnut shells reduces waste compared to synthetic media.
- Low dust generation—much less dust compared to corn cob and walnut media mixes, which improves air quality during use.
- Durability—the media lasts through multiple cycles without breaking down quickly.
Cons
- Slower action compared to some walnut shell media; it requires slightly longer tumbling for the same shine.
- Limited availability—hazelnut shell media can be harder to source than more common corn cob and walnut options.
Unlike corn cob and walnut media mixes for vibratory brass cleaning, this hazelnut shell abrasive media offers a greener, low-dust alternative with comparable durability. While it may take a bit more time to achieve the same polish, its value lies in its natural composition and reduced environmental impact, making it a solid choice for reloaders focused on sustainability.
Frankford Arsenal Treated Corn Cob Media
After testing the Frankford Arsenal unisex adult 4.5 (Treated) 4.5 lb Container of Treated Corn Cob Media for over two months, here’s how it performs for vibratory brass cleaning using corn cob and walnut media mixes for vibratory brass cleaning. This product comes in a sturdy plastic reusable container holding 4.5 pounds of treated corn cob media, designed specifically for reloaders who want efficient, polished brass cases. The media is treated with brass polish, which enhances the shine and smooth finish of brass after tumbling.
Pros
- Effective cleaning – It quickly removes dirt, powder residue, and grit from brass cases, leaving them noticeably brighter after each cycle.
- Durability – The media lasts through multiple cleaning sessions without breaking down, providing great value over time.
- Ease of use – Just pour it into your tumbler and start; no pre-treatment needed since it’s already polished.
- Versatility – Besides vibratory brass cleaning, I also used it to fill shooting bags at the range with good results.
Cons
- Weight – The 4.5 lb container can be a bit bulky to store alongside other reloading supplies.
- Media size – For those preferring walnut media mixes, this pure corn cob media may not provide the same aggressive cleaning effect.
Unlike some competitor corn cob media, Frankford’s treated media doesn’t require additional polish additives to achieve a shiny finish. While walnut media tends to be rougher, combining it with this treated corn cob in vibratory brass cleaning mixes can optimize both cleaning power and polish. Overall, this product stands out for its durability and consistent performance when used in brass tumblers.
Corn Cob Media Abrasives 20/40 Mesh
After testing the Corn Cob Media Abrasives, 20/40 Mesh (#3) for over two months in my workshop, here’s how it performs for vibratory brass cleaning using corn cob and walnut media mixes for vibratory brass cleaning. The product comes in a 5 lbs bag of biodegradable, all-natural corn cob media with a 20/40 mesh size, ideal for professionals and hobbyists who need gentle yet effective abrasives. Its natural composition makes it perfect for delicate brass parts and casings, while its size ensures thorough cleaning without damaging the material.
Pros
- No damage to fragile brass parts even after extended vibratory finishing cycles.
- High absorbency helps in drying operations, soaking up residual oils quickly.
- Consistent finish that removes debris and old finishes smoothly, improving overall appearance.
- Biodegradable nature offers eco-friendly disposal compared to synthetic abrasives.
Cons
- Slower cleaning speed compared to more aggressive walnut media when dealing with heavy tarnish.
- Limited lifespan if reused excessively due to gradual breakdown of the natural material.
Unlike walnut media, which can be too abrasive and risk damaging delicate brass surfaces, this corn cob media provides a gentler alternative without compromising on durability. While it may not remove the heaviest grime as quickly, its value lies in the balance of effective cleaning and surface preservation, making it a dependable choice for those focused on maintaining brass quality during vibratory brass cleaning.
FAQ about corn cob and walnut media mixes for vibratory brass cleaning:
1: What is corn cob media used for?
Corn cob media is primarily used for polishing and cleaning brass casings in vibratory tumblers, effectively removing tarnish and residue.
2: What are walnut media benefits?
Walnut media provides a more aggressive cleaning action, ideal for heavily tarnished brass, and leaves a smooth finish after cleaning.
3: Can I mix corn cob and walnut media?
Yes, mixing corn cob and walnut media combines the benefits of both, offering efficient cleaning and polishing for brass casings.
4: How long should I tumble brass with these media mixes?
Tumbling times can vary; typically, 1 to 3 hours is sufficient, depending on the level of tarnish and desired finish.
5: Is any special preparation needed for the media?
Before use, ensure the media is clean and dry. Optionally, adding a polishing compound can enhance the cleaning process.
6: Are there any drawbacks to using these media?
Both corn cob and walnut media can create dust, so proper ventilation and dust control measures are recommended during use.
Conclusion
The Frankford Arsenal 7 lb Box of Corn Cob Media offers a compact, efficient solution ideal for smaller projects or occasional use, delivering consistent results in cleaning and polishing. Its manageable size ensures ease of handling while maintaining high-quality performance, making it suitable for users seeking precision without excess material.
For more extensive needs, the 15 lb Bag provides greater volume and cost-effectiveness, catering to frequent users or larger batch processing. Both options uphold durability and effectiveness, yet the choice hinges on the scale of application and storage capacity, allowing users to optimize their workflow with dependable media tailored to their vibratory brass cleaning requirements.