Flitz Tumbler Media Additive is a concentrated liquid designed to boost the cleaning power of dry tumbling media. It’s sold in a 7.6-ounce bottle, and this listing is for a 6-pack. The product is positioned as an ammonia-free cleaner for brass casings, which matters to reloaders who want to avoid ammonia’s potentially harmful effects on brass over time. In practice, it’s used by adding a small amount to the tumbling media before running the tumbler. The additive is intended to enhance shine and speed up cleaning, but it’s not a standalone solution—it requires a tumbler and media, which are sold separately.
From a functional standpoint, the additive is a liquid concentrate that mixes with dry media such as corn cob or walnut shells. The ammonia-free formula is a key selling point because ammonia can weaken brass through stress corrosion cracking, though the risk is often debated among reloaders. The 7.6-ounce bottle is fairly small; with typical use of a capful or two per batch, a single bottle might last through several dozen cycles, depending on batch size. The 6-pack bundles multiple bottles, which could be convenient for high-volume reloaders or those who prefer to stock up. However, the product doesn’t come with detailed instructions on the bottle, so users may need to consult Flitz’s website or forums for dosage guidance.
In real-world use, reloaders add the additive to their tumbling media and run the tumbler for a few hours. The additive is said to reduce dust and improve the media’s ability to remove tarnish and carbon residue. Some users report that it extends the life of the media by keeping it cleaner. That said, it’s not a miracle worker—heavily tarnished or corroded brass may still require pre-cleaning or longer tumbling times. Also, because it’s a liquid, over-application can cause clumping in the media, which then needs to be replaced. The ammonia-free aspect is a plus for those concerned about brass longevity, but it doesn’t necessarily clean better than ammonia-based alternatives; it’s more of a safety consideration.
Compared to similar products like Lyman Turbo Brite or Hornady One Shot, Flitz’s additive is competitively priced, especially in the 6-pack. However, some reloaders prefer dry media additives that are more concentrated or come with clearer instructions. The Flitz product is relatively mild, which is good for preserving brass but might require more frequent use to maintain shine. It’s also worth noting that the 6-pack might be overkill for casual reloaders who tumble occasionally; a single bottle could last a long time. For those who process large volumes of brass regularly, the bulk pack makes sense.
Who is this for? It’s suitable for reloaders who already have a dry tumbler setup and want an ammonia-free additive to enhance cleaning and shine. It’s also a good choice for those who are concerned about ammonia’s effects on brass and prefer a gentler formula. However, it’s not for someone looking for a complete tumbling kit—you’ll need media and a tumbler separately. It’s also not ideal for those who want a one-step cleaning solution; this is an additive, not a standalone cleaner. Casual reloaders who tumble small batches infrequently might find the 6-pack excessive and may prefer a single bottle or a different product with more detailed instructions.
In terms of performance, expectations should be realistic: the additive improves the tumbling process but doesn’t drastically cut down time. Most users will still need to tumble for at least a couple of hours to get a decent shine. The ammonia-free claim is accurate, and the product does seem to reduce dust, which is a nice side benefit. However, the lack of clear dosing instructions on the label is a minor annoyance—new users might have to experiment to find the right amount. Also, the bottle’s cap isn’t the most precise for measuring small amounts, so it’s easy to over-pour.
Overall, the Flitz Tumbler Media Additive is a solid option for reloaders seeking an ammonia-free media booster. It’s not a game-changer, but it does what it claims with few downsides. The 6-pack offers good value for frequent users, though others might want to start with a single bottle. Just be prepared to do a little research on dosage and to manage media clumping if you use too much.