Dirty brass is more than an eyesore. It can hide defects, accelerate barrel wear, and introduce inconsistencies into your reloading process. That’s why a dedicated brass cleaning system isn’t a luxury; it’s a fundamental component of precision ammunition manufacturing. The market offers a dizzying array of options, from simple vibratory tumblers to sophisticated ultrasonic baths. Frankford Arsenal has carved out a significant niche here, offering solutions that promise to bridge the gap between thorough cleaning and user-friendly operation.
This guide cuts through the noise. We’ll dissect the Frankford Arsenal brass cleaning ecosystem, from their flagship rotary tumblers to their innovative consumables like the InstaClean packs. The goal is to give you the information needed to match a system to your volume, patience, and desired results. Speaking honestly, the right choice can save you hours of tedious work and yield brass that looks and performs like new.
Frankford Arsenal Brass Cleaning: A System-Based Approach
Frankford Arsenal doesn’t just sell tumblers; they sell a cleaning philosophy. Their products are designed to work together, creating a streamlined workflow from dirty range pick-up to ready-to-load brass. This system-based thinking is evident in their accessory compatibility, like how their media separators fit specific tumbler drums. My honest take is that this integrated approach reduces guesswork for newcomers while offering experienced reloaders a clear upgrade path.
Their lineup primarily tackles the two dominant cleaning methods: wet tumbling and dry tumbling. Wet tumbling, using water, detergent, and often stainless steel pins, is renowned for its ability to clean inside primer pockets and case necks to a brilliant shine. Dry tumbling with corn cob or walnut media is faster, simpler, and excellent for general de-greasing and polishing. Frankford Arsenal caters to both camps, but their reputation is particularly strong in the wet tumbling sphere with their rotary tumbler systems.
Product Line Overview: From Quick Clean-Ups to High-Volume Processing
Navigating the Frankford Arsenal catalog reveals a tiered strategy. You have entry-level options for the casual reloader and heavy-duty machines for those processing thousands of rounds. The core of their wet cleaning fame lies in the rotary tumbler category.
- Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler (Standard): Often the gateway into wet tumbling. It’s a reliable workhorse with a decent capacity, suitable for most hobbyists. It typically includes the drum, a base, and a basic media separator.
- Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series: This represents the premium tier. These models often feature more powerful motors, larger capacity drums, upgraded lids with better sealing, and sometimes integrated timers or digital controls. They’re built for longevity and larger batch processing.
- Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-Ez: This is their dedicated dry tumbler line. These vibratory tumblers are straightforward: add brass, add dry media, turn on. They’re perfect for a quick polish after resizing or for shooters who prioritize speed over the laboratory-clean finish of wet tumbling.
- Accessories & Kits: This is where the system shines. They offer media separators in various sizes, drying trays, specific wet tumbling media, and cleaning solutions designed to work in concert with their machines.
A common comparison shooters make is Frankford Arsenal vs Hornady brass cleaner. Honestly speaking, both are excellent. The decision often comes down to capacity, included accessories, and personal preference on drum design. Hornady units are robust, but Frankford’s Platinum series often competes directly with features like molded-in handles and reinforced lids.
Deep Dive: The Frankford Arsenal InstaClean Brass Cleaning Packs
Let’s focus on a specific innovation that simplifies the wet tumbling process: the Frankford Arsenal InstaClean packs. This product tackles one of the minor hassles of wet tumblingmeasuring out soap and citric acid or other cleaning compounds.
The concept is brilliantly simple. Each pack contains a pre-measured, crystallized formula that dissolves in water. You don’t need to fuss with liquid soap bottles or scoops of powder. For consistent results batch after batch, this convenience is a genuine game-changer. In my honest opinion, it removes a small but real barrier to using your wet tumbler more frequently.
Specifications and Key Features
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Contents | 24 individual cleaning packets in one resealable storage bag. |
| Origin | Proudly made in the United States of America. |
| Ease of Use | Simply drop one pre-measured pack into the tumbler drum with water and brass (with or without stainless steel media). |
| Versatility | Engineered for Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumblers but works in any wet tumbler system. |
| Convenience | The resealable bag prevents unused pods from drying out or clumping, aiding in storage and transport. |
| Innovation | Quick-dissolving, water-soluble formula designed for effective cleaning and light polishing. |
| Check current price on Amazon |
The standout feature is the pre-measured design. It guarantees consistency. No more “was that two tablespoons or three?” This is especially valuable for newcomers to wet tumbling who are still dialing in their process. The resealable bag is a thoughtful touch, as humidity can ruin bulk powdered cleaners. From my honest perspective, while you pay a slight premium per load versus bulk chemicals, the time saved and eliminated mess offer tangible value.
Cleaning Media & Solutions: Building the Perfect Bath
The InstaClean packs are one part of the equation. The media you choose is the other. For many, the best media for Frankford Arsenal tumbler is stainless steel pins. These tiny rods provide aggressive mechanical scrubbing, reaching into primer pockets and scouring carbon from case necks that dry media can’t touch. The result is brass that looks factory new, inside and out.
However, media choice depends on your goals. Heres a quick breakdown:
- Stainless Steel Pins: Maximum cleaning, inside and out. Requires a media separator. Longer cycle times (2-3 hours).
- Stainless Steel Chips/Shots: Faster than pins, easier to separate, but slightly less effective on primer pockets.
- Dry Media (Corn Cob/Walnut): Used in vibratory tumblers like the Quick-N-Ez. Great for polish and luster. Faster cycles (1-2 hours). Doesn’t clean primer pockets.
- Liquid Solutions: This is where InstaClean sits. You can also use dedicated brass cleaning solutions, a squirt of dish soap, or a pinch of citric acid. The InstaClean formula is designed as an all-in-one cleaner and mild brass polish.
An often-overlooked question is the environmental disposal of used cleaning solutions. Honest to goodness, you shouldn’t just pour it down the drain, especially if it contains dissolved lead and carbon residues. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.The best practice, according to , is to let the sediment settle, decant the clearer water, and dispose of the sludge as hazardous waste according to local regulations. It’s a small but critical part of responsible reloading.
The Step-by-Step Wet Tumbling Process with Frankford Arsenal
How do you actually clean brass for reloading with this system? Let’s walk through a standard wet tumbling process using a Frankford Arsenal rotary tumbler and InstaClean packs.
- Preparation: Deprime your brass first. Cleaning with spent primers in place leaves dirty primer pockets. This is non-negotiable for a perfect clean.
- Loading the Drum: Place your deprimed brass into the drum. Add your chosen stainless steel media (about 1 lb per 100 .223 cases is a good start). Fill the drum about 2/3 with warm water.
- Adding Cleaner: Drop in one Frankford Arsenal InstaClean pack. The crystallized formula will dissolve quickly. No measuring, no mess.
- Tumbling: Secure the lid tightly. Place the drum on the base and let it run. For heavily soiled brass with pins, 2-3 hours is typical. For a maintenance clean, 1-1.5 hours may suffice.
- Separation & Rinsing: This is crucial. Use your Frankford Arsenal media separator with fresh water to thoroughly rinse the brass and separate out all the pins. Any pins left inside a case will destroy your reloading die.
- Drying: Spread the clean, rinsed brass on a drying tray or towel. Some use a food dehydrator or an oven on its lowest setting (with caution) to speed the process. Air drying works fine but takes longer.
This process, while involving more steps than dry tumbling, produces superior results. I honestly believe the extra time is worth it for the inspection advantage aloneflawless brass reveals cracks and defects that polished brass might hide.
Buying Considerations & Maintenance Tips
right brass cleaning system is a personal decision. key factors to weigh, including some missing from typical comparisons.
Capacity vs. Frequency
Do you shoot 100 rounds a month or 1000? A large Frankford Arsenal rotary tumbler from the Platinum series handles big batches but has a longer cycle time. A smaller unit might mean running two batches more frequently. Consider your patience and typical shooting volume. For small batch processing of precision rifle brass, even a standard unit is often more than enough.
Wet vs. Dry vs. Ultrasonic
We’ve covered wet and dry. But what about ultrasonic cleaning alternatives? Ultrasonic cleaners use high-frequency sound waves in a liquid bath. They are fantastic for intricate parts and can clean brass well, but they often don’t polish or shine the exterior like tumbling does. They also typically have smaller capacities. They’re a great tool for a specific job but aren’t a direct replacement for a tumbler for most reloaders.
Durability and Noise
Rotary tumblers are generally quieter than vibratory tumblers. The Frankford Arsenal models with solid construction and good bearings will last for years. Place your tumbler in a garage or basementit’s not a kitchen appliance. Regular maintenance is simple: rinse the drum after use, ensure the seal is clean, and occasionally check the motor base for debris.
When looking at a Frankford Arsenal cleaning kit review, pay attention to what’s included. Does it have the separator, the media, the solution? Often, buying a kit is more cost-effective than piecing it together. It’s also worth seeing how other Frankford tools, like their excellent case prep center, fit into a complete brass processing workflow.
The Competitor Landscape
It’s wise to glance at the competition. Brands like RCBS, Lyman, and Hornady all make excellent tumblers. The Frankford Arsenal vs Hornady brass cleaner debate often centers on the included accessories and drum design. My honest assessment is that Frankford Arsenal frequently offers a compelling value proposition with comprehensive kits at a competitive price point.
For deeper dives into user experiences and long-term reviews, enthusiast forums like the reloading subreddit or specialized boards are invaluable resources where real-world pros and cons are hashed out daily.
The Final Verdict on Frankford Arsenal Brass Cleaning
Frankford Arsenal has successfully positioned itself as a leader in the brass cleaning space Their rotary tumblers are robust and effective, and products like the InstaClean packs solve a genuine pain point. Whether you’re a high-volume pistol shooter who needs the quick turnaround of a vibratory tumbler or a precision rifle enthusiast demanding immaculate brass from a wet tumbler, they have a solution that fits.
The journey of how to clean brass for reloading is one of balancing results, time, and effort. To be completely honest, no method is “best” for everyone. But for those seeking that flawless, like-new finish with clean primer pockets, a Frankford Arsenal wet tumbling system, complemented by their convenient InstaClean packs, presents a incredibly strong and streamlined option. It transforms a chore into a simple, almost satisfying, part of the reloading ritual.