Achieving Flawless Brass: An In-Depth Guide to RCBS 87068 Formula 2 Corn Cob Media for Reloading Excellence

For dedicated firearms enthusiasts, competitive shooters, hunters, and handloaders, the pursuit of perfection in ammunition reloading is a continuous journey. A critical, often underestimated, step in this process is the thorough cleaning and polishing of brass casings. Dirty, tarnished, or oxidized brass can lead to a host of problems, from inconsistent feeding and premature die wear to compromised accuracy and even safety hazards. This is where specialized cleaning media, like the RCBS 87068 Formula 2 Corn Cob Media (4 lbs), becomes an indispensable component of any serious reloader's toolkit.

Why is Clean Brass Essential for Every Handloader?

The importance of meticulously cleaned brass cannot be overstated. When you invest time and resources into reloading your own ammunition, every component must perform optimally.

What problems does dirty brass cause?

• Inconsistent Cartridge Feeding: Residue on the case exterior can interfere with smooth feeding into the chamber, potentially leading to malfunctions.
• Accelerated Die Wear: Abrasive dirt and grit clinging to brass can act like sandpaper on your expensive resizing and seating dies, significantly shortening their lifespan.
• Poor Primer Seating: A dirty primer pocket prevents the primer from seating fully and consistently, which can result in misfires or hangfires.
• Inconsistent Powder Charges: While less direct, a perfectly prepped case contributes to overall consistency, which is vital for precise powder metering.
• Reduced Case Life: Carbon buildup and tarnish can contribute to brass fatigue, leading to cracks and splits, thus shortening the number of times a case can be reloaded.
• Subpar Aesthetics: Beyond performance, clean, shiny brass simply looks professional and well-maintained.

By proactively addressing these issues, you not only enhance the performance and safety of your reloads but also preserve the longevity of your valuable reloading equipment.

Understanding Vibratory Tumbling: The Foundation of Brass Cleaning

How do I clean brass for reloading effectively?
One of the most widely adopted and efficient methods for cleaning and polishing spent brass casings is vibratory tumbling. This process involves placing dirty brass alongside a specialized media in a vibratory tumbler. The motor in the tumbler creates high-frequency vibrations, causing the media and brass to rub against each other. This continuous friction effectively removes carbon, oxidation, and other residues, leaving the brass clean and ready for subsequent reloading steps.

While there are other methods, such as ultrasonic cleaning or wet tumbling with stainless steel pins, vibratory tumbling with dry media like corn cob remains a popular choice for its simplicity, cost-effectiveness, and excellent polishing capabilities.

Introducing RCBS 87068 Formula 2 Corn Cob Media: The Polishing Powerhouse

The RCBS 87068 Formula 2 Corn Cob Media is specifically engineered to elevate your brass cleaning process, moving beyond basic residue removal to deliver a superior, polished finish. This 4-pound container of specialized media is a testament to RCBS's commitment to quality and innovation in the reloading industry.

What is Formula 2 Corn Cob Media and what makes it unique?
Unlike standard corn cob media, RCBS Formula 2 is infused with special polishing agents. These agents work synergistically with the natural abrasive properties of the corn cob, lifting away stubborn tarnish and imparting a brilliant, mirror-like shine to your brass. The fine granular texture of the media ensures thorough cleaning without scratching or damaging the delicate brass casings. It’s designed to provide that final, professional gleam that makes your reloads truly stand out.

This specialized blend means you’re not just cleaning; you’re restoring your brass to an almost new condition, preparing it perfectly for sizing, priming, and powder charging.

Key Benefits of Choosing RCBS 87068 Formula 2 Corn Cob Media

When searching for the best media for polishing brass, RCBS Formula 2 consistently stands out for several compelling reasons:

• Superior Polishing Action: The integrated polishing agents ensure your brass achieves an unparalleled luster. This is crucial for competitive shooters or anyone who demands the finest finish.
• Efficient Residue Removal: While primarily a polishing media, it effectively removes light carbon buildup and tarnish, leaving brass spotless.
• Gentle on Brass: The fine, non-aggressive nature of corn cob media ensures that your valuable brass casings are cleaned thoroughly without any risk of damage, extending their reloadable lifespan.
• Reduced Die Wear: By removing micro-abrasives and ensuring a smooth surface, it significantly reduces friction and wear on your reloading dies, saving you money on replacement parts over time.
• Optimized for Vibratory Tumblers: Designed to perform exceptionally well in all standard vibratory brass tumblers, making it a versatile choice for most reloaders.
• Long-Lasting Performance: A single 4-pound container offers a substantial quantity of media, providing numerous cleaning cycles before needing replacement. Its effectiveness is maintained even after multiple uses, assuming proper care.
• Trusted Brand Reliability: RCBS is a name synonymous with quality and innovation in the reloading community. Choosing their Formula 2 media means investing in a product backed by decades of engineering excellence and a deep understanding of reloader needs. This ensures a consistent and reliable cleaning experience every time.

These benefits directly translate into a more efficient, cost-effective, and ultimately, more satisfying reloading experience for you.

How to Use RCBS Formula 2 Corn Cob Media for Optimal Results

What supplies do I need for reloading brass effectively?
Using the RCBS 87068 Formula 2 Corn Cob Media is straightforward, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced reloaders. Here’s a simple guide to achieving the best results:

1. Gather Your Equipment: You will need a vibratory brass tumbler (any compatible model will work, such as those also available at DEGuns), your spent brass casings, and the RCBS Formula 2 Corn Cob Media.
2. Add Media to Tumbler: Pour the RCBS Formula 2 Corn Cob Media into your vibratory tumbler's bowl. A good rule of thumb is to fill the bowl approximately half to two-thirds full, depending on the tumbler's capacity.
3. Add Brass Casings: Place your dirty brass casings into the media. Do not overload the tumbler; ensure there's enough room for the media and brass to move freely and tumble against each other. Overloading can reduce cleaning efficiency.
4. Activate Tumbler: Turn on your vibratory tumbler. The media and brass will begin to agitate, with the friction gradually cleaning and polishing the cases.
5. Tumbling Time: For optimal polishing, allow the brass to tumble for 1 to 3 hours. For heavily tarnished brass, you might extend this to 4-6 hours, or consider an initial cleaning with a coarser media like walnut before the final polish.
6. Separate Media and Brass: Once the tumbling cycle is complete, turn off the tumbler. Use a media separator (either a sifter or a rotary separator) to quickly and efficiently separate the clean, polished brass from the corn cob media. The media can be reused multiple times.
7. Inspect and Store: Inspect your newly polished brass. They should be shiny and free of tarnish. Store your clean brass in a dry, airtight container to prevent re-tarnishing before reloading.

Corn Cob vs. Walnut Media: Knowing the Difference for Superior Results

What's the difference between corn cob and walnut media for brass cleaning?
Reloaders often inquire about the differences between various tumbling media. While both corn cob and crushed walnut shells are popular choices, they serve distinct purposes in the brass cleaning workflow.

• Crushed Walnut Shell Media: Primarily used for initial, heavier cleaning. Its harder, more angular particles excel at removing stubborn carbon buildup, grime, and oxidation from heavily fouled cases. Think of it as the workhorse for deep cleaning.
• RCBS 87068 Formula 2 Corn Cob Media: This is your go-to for polishing and shining. Its finer, softer texture, especially when infused with polishing agents like Formula 2, is designed to bring out a brilliant luster. It's less effective at removing heavy, baked-on carbon but unparalleled for achieving that factory-fresh gleam.

Many experienced reloaders employ a two-stage cleaning process:

1. Initial Clean: Tumble brass in crushed walnut media to remove major grime.
2. Final Polish: Transfer the brass to a tumbler with RCBS Formula 2 Corn Cob Media to achieve a superior, lasting shine.

This combined approach ensures both thorough cleaning and a pristine finish, extending the life of your brass and enhancing the reliability of your reloaded ammunition.

Tips for Extending the Life of Your RCBS Corn Cob Media

To maximize the value and effectiveness of your RCBS 87068 Formula 2 Corn Cob Media, consider these practical tips:

• Avoid Overloading: As mentioned, avoid putting too much brass into your tumbler. This ensures the media has sufficient contact with all surfaces of the cases.
• Keep it Dry: Store your media in a dry, sealed container when not in use. Moisture can degrade its effectiveness and potentially lead to clumping.
• Monitor Effectiveness: Over time, the media will become saturated with dirt and polishing agents will deplete. You'll notice a decrease in polishing effectiveness or the media becoming very dark. This is when it's time for replacement.
• Add a Dash of Liquid Polish (Optional): Some reloaders periodically add a small amount of liquid brass polish or tumbling additive (specifically designed for vibratory tumblers) to their corn cob media to rejuvenate its polishing power. Always follow the instructions for any such additive.

By following these simple guidelines, you can ensure that your RCBS Formula 2 Corn Cob Media continues to deliver outstanding results for many cleaning cycles.

The RCBS Legacy: A Name You Can Trust

For generations, RCBS has been at the forefront of the reloading industry, providing handloaders with innovative, reliable, and durable tools. Their commitment to quality is evident in every product they offer, including the RCBS 87068 Formula 2 Corn Cob Media. When you choose RCBS, you're not just buying a product; you're investing in decades of expertise, stringent quality control, and a legacy of helping reloaders achieve precision and consistency. This media is a prime example of their dedication to providing essential components that meet the highest standards of the reloading community.

Who Benefits Most from RCBS 87068 Formula 2 Corn Cob Media?

This specific product is an ideal solution for:

• Precision Reloaders: Those who demand the cleanest, most consistent brass for competitive shooting or critical applications.
• High-Volume Reloaders: Individuals who process large quantities of brass and need an efficient, effective polishing solution.
• New Reloaders: A great entry point into advanced brass preparation, offering simple usage and excellent results.
• Collectors and Enthusiasts: Anyone who values the aesthetic appeal of pristine, shiny reloaded ammunition.
• Anyone Looking to Extend Brass Life: By reducing friction and ensuring smooth cycling, clean brass lasts longer.

In essence, if you're serious about the quality, appearance, and longevity of your reloaded ammunition, the RCBS Formula 2 Corn Cob Media is an indispensable addition to your reloading bench. Its ability to impart a brilliant shine while gently cleaning makes it a top choice for preparing brass for its next firing.

The pursuit of the perfect reload begins with the perfect casing, and the RCBS 87068 Formula 2 Corn Cob Media stands as a cornerstone in achieving that goal. Enhance your reloading process and proudly showcase your meticulously prepared ammunition. This essential reloading supply, like many other high-quality RCBS products, is readily available to elevate your handloading experience.

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Product Specifications

Feature	Detail
Product Name	RCBS Formula 2 Corn Cob Media
Item Number	87068
Weight	4 lbs
Type	Vibratory Tumbling Media
Primary Use	Brass Polishing and Light Cleaning
Special Note	Infused with Polishing Agents for Enhanced Shine
UPC	076683870681
Availability	Available at reputable reloading supply retailers, including DEGuns.com