On another forum this question was asked I said it was OK. During the discussion, the subject of powder degradation came up one poster (a gun writer and trainer) was adamant about not cleaning ammunition in a tumbler. So I contacted Hodgdon and posed the question to them. Here's the answer I got:
Tumbling loaded cartridges is not a good idea. The powder is mechanically degraded by friction creating a very fine dust-like powder and reducing the size of the powder kernels both of which increase the burn speed of the propellant in the cartridge. If the propellant has an externally applied deterrent coating, this coating may also be removed from the individual powder kernels which, again, increases the burn speed of the powder. Increases in burn speed of the powder will cause pressures to escalate along with the degree of degradation of the powder by the mechanical action of tumbling or vibration.
In other words, it is not recommended to tumble or vibrate loaded ammo. There can be no positive outcome from doing this, only negative outcomes.
Mike Daly
Customer Service Manager
Hodgdon Family of Fine Propellants
Hodgdon Smokeless Powder
IMR Powder Company
Winchester Smokeless Propellants
GOEX Blackpowder
umbling loaded cartridges is not a good idea. The powder is mechanically degraded by friction creating a very fine dust-like powder and reducing the size of the powder kernels both of which increase the burn speed of the propellant in the cartridge. If the propellant has an externally applied deterrent coating, this coating may also be removed from the individual powder kernels which, again, increases the burn speed of the powder. Increases in burn speed of the powder will cause pressures to escalate along with the degree of degradation of the powder by the mechanical action of tumbling or vibration.
In other words, it is not recommended to tumble or vibrate loaded ammo. There can be no positive outcome from doing this, only negative outcomes.
Mike Daly
Customer Service Manager
Hodgdon Family of Fine Propellants
Hodgdon Smokeless Powder
IMR Powder Company
Winchester Smokeless Propellants
GOEX BlackpowderT
Just a little friendly heads up.
