tumbling / steel shot size

What *size steel shot is best for tumbling silver? I found some for very cheap (5# for about $10-12) in the Cabella's Reloading catalog, so I'm going to visit their local store here in my area. But they have about 5 or 6 different sizes of shot.

Does anyone know what size steel shot works best in a tumbler for silver? Thanks!

Reply to
bluemaxx
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Get mixed shape stainless steel and Cabella's won't have that. Check Indian Jewelers, Rio, your local rock shop. Sometimes it is just as cheap to get locally when you consider shipping.

Susan W

Reply to
Steve & Susan Wright

If I were you I would pay the extra money to buy stainless steel shot. With steel shot, you have to tumble the shot separately with a different solution after every tumbling, then spread it out to dry, or it rusts. I get mine from Indian Jewelers Supply, gallup NM. Believe me, it's worth the extra money. If you insist on going the less expensive route, stay with stuff about 1/16 to 1/4 inch in size. Shape is also important. You want a variety of shapes to fit into a variety of spaces. If everything you are buying is round buy 2 or 3 sizes, so that all the nooks and crannies get their needs met. Barbara Dream Master

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"We've got two lives, one we're given, the other one we make." Mary Chapin Carpenter

Reply to
Barbara Otterson

Thanks, Vivki - Susan & Barbara! :) I just received a catalog from Santa Fe Jewelers that has stainless steel shot in it with a very nice picture. I see what you all meant about the different sizes of shot! There's thin pieces and fat tube pieces and triangles and all sorts of shapes. I didn't realize that I needed different *shapes to reach into all the corners of my silver pieces, but I do now. Thanks again! :)

Reply to
bluemaxx

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