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Depends on the caliber. Around 400 .223 will run in my tumbler, but it will hold 2-3 times that in .380 or 9mm. The instructions say it will do 650 ".38 cal cases". I'm assuming by that they mean .38spl.

How much I actually do depends on how much I bring back from the range.

J Wilson wrote:Try a sand blasting supply store.We used to buy crushed walnut shells in 50lb bags.Where do you think the guys at the gun shows that sell it in 2ltr bottles get it from?

Google CLEMTEX

Yeah, Grainger carries both corn cob and walnut media. That's my plan once my current stock runs out.

I tumble before each loading. More accurately speaking, I tumble after each firing. As soon as I get brass home from the range, it goes into the tumbler. When it's done, it gets sorted into bins (by caliber and headstamp) and it's ready to use when I need it.

While not absolutely necessary, A tumbler is a good part of a starting set up. It was for me.