For reloaders chasing that factory-fresh look, nothing beats the results of wet tumbling. Its the difference between a clean case and a brilliant, shiny brass case that looks brand new. The heart of this process is the media itself, and Frankford Arsenals offering is a staple on many reloading benches. But does it live up to the hype, and is it the right choice for your brass case cleaning routine?
This review dives deep into the Frankford Arsenal Stainless Steel Media Pins. Well examine its build, performance, and how it stacks up in the crowded market of stainless steel tumbling media. From separation headaches to long-term durability, were covering what the specs dont tell you.
Wet Tumbling 101: Why Stainless Steel Pins Dominate
Dry media tumblers have been around for decades. They get the job done, but they leave dust, dont clean primer pockets, and often leave a dull patina. Wet tumbling with stainless steel pins changed the game. The combination of water, a mild detergent (often a pinch of soap and citric acid), and the abrasive action of thousands of small pins produces stunning results. The pins physically scrub every surface, including the interior and the notoriously grimy primer pocket cleaning area.
The process is straightforward but requires specific reloading supplies. Youll need a rotary tumbler, the media, water, and a cleaning agent. After the tumbling time is complete, the real work begins: media separation. This is where many products succeed or fail. Efficiently removing every single pin from your brass, especially from case necks, is critical for safety and smooth operation in your press, whether youre using a single-stage like the RCBS Rock Chucker or a progressive model.
Frankford Arsenal Pins: A Detailed Look at Features & Specs
Frankford Arsenal packages these pins as a complete system focused on solving the separation problem. Its not just a bag of media; its a kit designed for the entire reloading cleaning process. The product is squarely in the Case Cleaning Media category, a critical subset of Reloading Components.
Heres what you actually get based on the product specifications:
| Feature | Specification / Description |
|---|---|
| Media Type | 304 Stainless Steel magnetic pins |
| Included Tool | Magnetic media handling magnet |
| Magnet Dimensions | 9″ H x 6″ W |
| Magnet Weight | 1.5 lbs |
| Magnet Build | Durable, lightweight plastic and steel construction |
| Handle Design | Ambidextrous for right or left-hand use |
| Core Function | Fast and convenient pin transfer and separation via magnetic pickup and handle-squeeze release |
| Check current price on Amazon |
The standout feature is the dedicated magnetic tool. Honestly speaking, this addresses the single biggest pain point in wet tumbling reloading. The magnet is designed for one job: to grab the pins. The ambidextrous handle and squeeze-to-release mechanism show thoughtful design for a messy, wet workflow. The media itself is standard 304 stainless, a good grade for corrosion resistance, with a common 0.047″ diameter that fits well in most calibers.
Performance Review: Cleaning Power and Operational Efficiency
So, how do they work? In my honest assessment, the cleaning performance is excellent and consistent with other quality stainless pin media. The pins aggressively scrub carbon, tarnish, and range grime. After a proper cycle, primer pockets are spotless, and cases gleam inside and out. The real-world question isnt about cleaningits about the post-tumble workflow.
This is where the Frankford Arsenal system aims to excel. The provided magnet is strong. It easily lifts a substantial cluster of wet pins from your separator or bucket. The squeeze release is genuinely convenient when dumping pins back into storage or into the tumbler drum for the next batch. It minimizes pin loss and fumbling.
However, a critical point often missed in reviews is the magnet strength needed for complete separation. While the included tool is great for bulk transfer, a small, powerful handheld magnet is still an indispensable tool for running through your cleaned brass to catch any stray pins, especially those wedged in .223 or 9mm cases. The best practice, according to Honest Opinion, is to use the Frankford magnet for the heavy lifting and a smaller one for the final inspection.
Addressing the Long-Term Questions
Users often ask: do Frankford Arsenal pins rust? The 304 stainless steel is highly rust-resistant, but its not immune. Proper maintenancerinsing and drying the pins after useis crucial. Leaving them wet in a sealed container can lead to surface corrosion.
Another overlooked aspect is long-term wear on the tumbler drum. The constant abrasion of stainless steel pins can wear down plastic tumbler drums over many years. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.Its a slow process, but its a factor of the media type, not this specific brand. Using the correct pin-to-brass-to-water ratio helps mitigate this.
Finally, theres a niche concern about impact on case mouth dimensions. The tiny pins can occasionally become lodged in the case mouth. If not removed before resizing, this could theoretically affect the neck. This underscores why thorough media separation isnt just a suggestion; its a mandatory safety and quality step in your reloading process.
Frankford Arsenal Pins vs. The Competition
Its natural to wonder how these compare. The market has several players like STM and Southern Shine. A common search is for Frankford Arsenal pins vs other stainless media.
My honest take is that the media itself is largely comparable across reputable brands. Most use similar 304 stainless steel in a pin shape. The real differentiator is the package. Frankford Arsenal bundles a purpose-built separation tool. Many competitors sell just the pins, leaving you to source your own magnet. For a beginner, the Frankford kit is a more complete, convenient solution. For a veteran who already has a magnetic wand they love, buying plain pins might be more cost-effective.
The included magnets design, with its wide head and controlled release, arguably gives Frankford Arsenal an edge in user experience for the integrated system. Its a thoughtful addition that streamlines the messiest part of the job. For those deep into case prep, pairing clean brass from this system with a tool like the Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Center creates a supremely efficient workflow.
Practical Usage Tips and Maintenance
Getting the best results requires a good process. Heres how to integrate these pins effectively, answering common questions like how long to tumble brass with Frankford Arsenal pins and best way to separate pins from brass.
- The Ratio is Key: Use about 1 lb of pins per 100-150 cases of 9mm/.223 size, with enough water to cover everything by an inch, and a 9mm case cap of dish soap and a half-teaspoon of citric acid.
- Tumbling Time: For moderately dirty range brass, 1.5 to 2 hours is typically sufficient. For heavily tarnished or neglected brass, you might go to 3 hours. Speaking honestly, longer isnt always better; it just increases media wear.
- The Separation Dance: Dump the contents into a rotary media separator over a bucket. Crank to remove most water and pins. Use the Frankford magnet to pull the bulk pins from the separator basket. Then, pour your brass into a tray and use a small hand magnet for a final, thorough pass.
- Pin Maintenance: After separating, rinse the pins in clean water and spread them on a towel to dry completely before storage. This prevents clumping and any chance of rust.
This approach ensures you get the legendary shiny brass without the headache of lost media or contaminated cases. Its a system that works well whether youre prepping brass for a high-volume progressive press like a Dillon Precision RL550C or for precision rifle loading on a single-stage.
Final Verdict: Value and Recommendation
So, are the Frankford Arsenal Stainless Steel Media Pins worth it? I honestly believe they offer exceptional value, particularly for reloaders new to wet tumbler media. The inclusion of a well-designed magnetic tool solves the primary operational hurdle right out of the box. Youre not just buying media; youre buying a streamlined solution for the entire cleaning brass with pins process.
The performance is top-tier, producing impeccably clean brass with bright primer pockets. The durability of the 304 stainless pins is excellent with proper care. While the media itself is on par with competitors, the bundled magnet provides a tangible convenience advantage.
For the reloader looking to upgrade from dry tumbling or starting fresh, this kit is a compelling, one-stop purchase. It eliminates guesswork and provides all the necessary hardware to achieve professional-grade case cleaning results. The value proposition is clear, and the results on the benchand in your finished ammunitionspeak for themselves. For more discussions from the reloading community on tools and techniques, the r/reloading subreddit is an excellent resource.
If your goal is flawless, shiny brass that feeds reliably and looks fantastic, this system delivers. Its a straightforward, effective tool that does exactly what it promises, making it a solid investment for any serious reloading setup.