Let’s Dive into Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator
As an experienced reloader, I’m always on the lookout for ways to streamline the process and maximize the life of my equipment. That’s what led me to the Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator. It promises to rejuvenate used corncob media, which could save money and reduce waste – a win-win.
I was tired of tossing out perfectly good media just because it wasn’t polishing brass as effectively as it used to. The prospect of restoring its cleaning power with the Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator was extremely appealing. Upon receiving the 4 oz bottle, my initial impression was positive; the bottle was sturdy and the instructions seemed straightforward.
Compared to buying new media, which I typically do every few months, the Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator seemed like a cost-effective alternative. I’ve tried other media additives before, mostly polishes, but none that specifically claim to reactivate already used media. I was cautiously optimistic, hoping this product would live up to its claims and extend the life of my tumbling media. My initial excitement was tempered with a bit of skepticism, but the potential savings and environmental benefits were enough to pique my interest.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator after a busy weekend of reloading, my corncob media was visibly darkened and its polishing capabilities were significantly diminished. I followed the instructions, adding the recommended amount of reactivator to my tumbler filled with the spent media and a batch of tarnished 9mm brass. The initial tumbling session lasted for about two hours.
The brass came out noticeably cleaner than it would have without the reactivator, but it wasn’t quite as polished as when using fresh media. There were still some stubborn stains that I wouldn’t have expected using new media. Even so, there was no escaping that the Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator improved the polishing capabilities of the used media.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and numerous batches of brass, the Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator continued to provide a noticeable improvement in the media’s cleaning ability. I found myself using it consistently every few tumbling sessions. While the media never performed exactly like brand new, the reactivator prolonged its usable life considerably.
There was no noticeable wear and tear on the tumbler itself from using the Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator. The cleaning process was simple; I just added the reactivator directly to the media as instructed. Compared to simply discarding the used media and replacing it with new, this method proved far more economical and reduced waste. The Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator definitely outperforms just using the spent tumbling media on its own.
Breaking Down the Features of Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator
Specifications
The Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator is designed to restore the polishing performance of used corncob media. It is available in both 4 oz and 16 oz bottles to suit different needs and usage levels. The 4 oz bottle has a weight of 4 oz and is designed to work with all calibers.
This universal application means it’s suitable for rifle, pistol, and shotgun reloading processes. The key specification is its ability to rejuvenate spent media, extending its lifespan and saving reloaders money. This is achieved through a proprietary formula that replenishes the cleaning and polishing agents within the media.
Performance & Functionality
The Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator performs admirably, revitalizing used corncob media and extending its usability. The improvement in cleaning power is undeniable. While it doesn’t completely restore the media to its original state, it significantly enhances its performance.
Its primary strength lies in its ability to prolong the life of tumbling media. Its one weakness is that it doesn’t make old media perform like brand new media. However, it significantly closes the gap and will meet the expectations of most reloaders looking to economize and reduce waste.
Design & Ergonomics
The Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator comes in a simple, functional bottle. The design is straightforward, with clear instructions on how to use the product. It does not add any extra weight to tumbling media worth mentioning and does what it intends to do.
There’s no learning curve associated with its use; simply add the recommended amount to the media. Anyone who can operate a reloading tumbler can use the Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator effectively.
Durability & Maintenance
The Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator itself is a consumable item. How long a bottle lasts depends on frequency of use and the amount of media being treated. There are no special maintenance or repair requirements.
The durability aspect here refers to the longevity of the media it helps to prolong, and in that regard, it performs well. The cleaning process is straightforward, and does not require any special procedures.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator doesn’t come with any additional accessories, nor does it require them. It is designed to be used directly with existing corncob media and a reloading tumbler. Since it works with all calibers it is already very flexible.
It can be used in conjunction with other media additives like polish, but it’s primarily intended to reactivate rather than enhance. There is some overlap with other additives on the market, but the core function is reactivation.
Pros and Cons of Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator
Pros
- Extends the life of corncob media, saving money on replacements.
- Improves the cleaning and polishing performance of used media.
- Simple and easy to use; no special equipment required.
- Universal application for all calibers, making it versatile for various reloading needs.
- Reduces waste by prolonging the usable life of tumbling media, contributing to a more sustainable reloading process.
Cons
- Doesn’t completely restore media to brand new condition, so expectations must be reasonable.
- The improvement in cleaning performance, though noticeable, may not be dramatic for heavily soiled media.
Who Should Buy Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator?
The Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator is perfect for reloaders who want to save money and reduce waste. It is well suited for high-volume reloaders who go through media quickly. It’s also ideal for reloaders looking for an environmentally conscious solution.
Those who should skip this product are reloaders who demand absolutely pristine, like-new results every time. Also those who don’t use corncob media and don’t mind replacing media frequently won’t see value here. A must-have accessory is a reliable reloading tumbler.
Conclusion on Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator
The Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator is a worthwhile investment for reloaders seeking to extend the life of their corncob media. While it doesn’t magically transform old media into new, it provides a noticeable improvement in cleaning performance. The value proposition is strong, especially for those who reload frequently and want to reduce waste.
At $12.50, the price is justified given the potential savings on replacement media. I would personally recommend the Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator to fellow reloaders looking to get more mileage out of their tumbling media. Give the Lyman Turbo Charger Media Reactivator a try and make your media last!