Dirty brass is more than an eyesore. It’s a potential problem for your reloading process, hiding imperfections and shortening the life of your dies. For years, the standard was the dry, dusty vibratory tumbler. But a new champion has emerged for serious reloaders who demand pristine, like-new brass: the rotary tumbler. This method, specifically the wet tumbling process, delivers a level of cleanliness that dry media simply can’t touch, reaching into the primer pocket and case neck with surgical precision.
The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler represents a significant step forward in this category. Its designed not just to clean, but to transform your case cleaning routine from a chore into an efficient, almost hands-off operation. If you’re tired of dusty media and want brass that looks factory-new, this is the machine that can get you there.
What Makes a Rotary Tumbler the Best for Brass Cleaning?
At its core, a rotary tumbler is a simple machine: a motor turns a drum. But the magic happens inside. You add water, a specialized cleaning compound, your brass, and a tumbling mediamost effectively, stainless steel pin media. As the drum rotates, this slurry creates a gentle, thorough scrubbing action. The pins physically scour every surface, inside and out, removing carbon, dirt, and oxidation. The result isn’t just shiny; it’s deeply, metallically clean.
This is a fundamental shift from vibratory tumblers. A vibratory tumbler uses dry media like corn cob or walnut shells to polish the exterior. It’s great for a quick shine but does little for the interior or primer pocket. For the meticulous reloader focused on every stage of case preparation, the interior cleanliness provided by wet tumbling is non-negotiable. It allows for better inspection and can even improve consistency. Honestly speaking, once you see the difference, it’s hard to go back.
Key Features That Define a Top-Tier Rotary Tumbler
Not all rotary tumblers are created equal. When you’re looking for the best tumbler for cleaning brass, several critical factors separate the good from the great. These aren’t just specs on a sheet; they directly impact your workflow, results, and long-term satisfaction.
- Motor Torque & Durability: This is the heart of the machine. A weak motor will struggle, especially with a full load of wet brass, water, and steel media. You need ample motor torque to maintain a consistent rotation without stalling or overheating. A maintenance-free drivetrain, like the one mentioned in the Frankford Arsenal’s features, is a huge plus for long-term reliability.
- Drum Capacity & Construction: Drum capacity dictates your batch size. A 7-liter drum, for example, can handle up to 1,000 .223 cases. But capacity is useless without a robust seal. A leaky drum is a messy disaster. Look for a dual-layer drum with features like noise-dampening rubber lining, which also adds structural integrity and quiet operation.
- Noise Level & Operational Design: This is a frequently overlooked but vital aspect. A loud tumbler can confine your reloading to the garage or basement. A quieter model with insulated drums makes it possible to run a batch without disturbing the whole house. Built-in timers with auto-shutoff are essential for safety and convenience, preventing over-tumbling.
- The Media Separation System: This is the single biggest workflow bottleneck in wet tumbling. Separating tiny steel pins from clean brass can be tedious. An integrated system, like a media transfer magnet, transforms a 15-minute chore into a 2-minute task. Its a game-changer for efficiency.
Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler: An In-Depth Review
So, how does the Frankford Arsenal Platinum stack up against these criteria? In my honest opinion, it checks nearly every box for the serious hobbyist or high-volume shooter. Let’s break down what this package actually delivers.
Right out of the box, it’s clear this is a system, not just a tumbler. It comes with 5 pounds of 304 stainless steel media and a sample of Frankford Arsenal Brass Cleaning Solution. This is crucial because it means you can start tumbling immediately without sourcing separate components. The included Media Transfer Magnet is the star of the show for post-tumble workflow. The ambidextrous squeeze handle makes retrieving pins from the wet slurry intuitive and remarkably clean.
The drum’s 7-liter capacity is substantial. For common calibers like 9mm or .223, you can process large batches, making your reloading supplies preparation far more efficient. The dual-layer construction with rubber lining directly addresses noise level comparison concernsit runs significantly quieter than many bare-plastic drums on the market. The built-in timer, programmable up to 3 hours, adds a layer of set-and-forget convenience that I find invaluable.
My honest take is that the design focuses on solving the real-world pain points of wet tumbling. The magnet solves the separation problem. The timer and quiet drum make it neighbor-friendly. The included media gets you started. Its a thoughtful, complete package.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler |
| Drum Capacity | 7 Liters |
| Included Media | 5 lbs of 304 Stainless Steel Pins |
| Included Accessories | Media Transfer Magnet, Sample Cleaning Solution |
| Motor & Drive | Maintenance-Free Drivetrain |
| Noise Control | Dual-Layer Drum with Noise-Dampening Lining |
| Timer | Built-in, up to 3 hours with Auto Shut-off |
| Power | 110V |
| Check current price on Amazon |
Frankford Arsenal vs Lyman Rotary Tumbler: A Practical Perspective
Many reloaders considering a wet tumbler for brass end up comparing the Frankford Arsenal Platinum to popular models from Lyman or Thumler’s Tumbler. From my honest perspective, the comparison often hinges on the out-of-the-box experience and workflow integration.
While brands like Lyman offer excellent tumblers, they often sell the media and separation tools separately. The Frankford Arsenal’s bundled approachincluding a substantial amount of media and the clever transfer magnetprovides immediate, complete functionality. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.This bundled value is a significant differentiator. The drum seal and motor durability on the Platinum are consistently praised in user communities, which is a strong testament to its build quality for long-term use. For a detailed look at how Frankford Arsenal approaches other reloading tools, our review of the Frankford Arsenal M-Press highlights their design philosophy.
How to Use a Rotary Tumbler: Your Step-by-Step Guide
If you’re new to wet tumbling, the process is straightforward. Heres a reliable method to get professional-grade brass polishing results with the Frankford Arsenal Platinum.
- Preparation: Always deprime your brass before tumbling. Decapping pins allow the cleaning solution and pins to clean the primer pocket thoroughly. This step is, honestly speaking, essential for the best results.
- Loading the Drum: Add your dirty brass to the drum. Follow with the stainless steel pins. A good starting ratio is about a 1:1 by volume of brass to pins. Then, add hot water until the contents are just covered.
- Adding Compound: Add a small amount of brass cleaning solution or a teaspoon of citric acid-based powder (like Lemishine) and a few drops of dish soap. The Frankford Arsenal sample packet is perfect for your first few batches.
- Tumbling: Secure the lid tightly. Set the timer based on how dirty the brass is. For range brass, 1.5 to 2 hours is often sufficient. This answers the common question of how long to tumble brass in a rotary tumbler.
- Separation & Drying: This is where the magnet shines. Drain the dirty water, rinse the contents with clean water, and then use the magnet to lift all the pins out of the drum and brass. Spread your brass on a towel or use a dedicated dryer. The pins are clean and ready for the next batch.
This rotary tumbler setup for wet tumbling brass is efficient and repeatable. The best practices, according to , include always using hot water and ensuring you don’t overload the drum, which ensures proper tumbling action.
Rotary vs. Vibratory Tumbling: The Final Verdict for Brass
This is the fundamental choice for reloaders. So, which is better? Rotary vs vibratory tumbler isn’t just about shine; it’s about your goals in the reloading process.
A vibratory tumbler is faster for a basic exterior polish. It’s dry, so there’s no drying time. It’s a proven, simple technology. However, it leaves dust inside the cases and does not clean primer pockets. The media breaks down over time and needs replacement.
A rotary wet tumbler with stainless pins is a deeper cleaning solution. It cleans inside and out, including the primer pocket and case neck. It produces no dust, which is better for your health and your reloading space. The media lasts virtually forever. The trade-off is a longer overall cycle time due to the drying step.
My honest assessment is this: if you reload for precision, or simply want your brass in the absolute best condition before it touches your sizing die, the rotary tumbler is the superior tool. It’s an investment in the longevity of your brass and the consistency of your ammunition. For high-volume pistol shooters who prioritize speed, a vibratory might suffice, but even then, the deep clean of a rotary has merits. The community on forums like r/reloading often debates this very topic, with wet tumbling gaining steady favor.
Long-Term Value and Considerations
When evaluating any piece of reloading equipment, think beyond the purchase price. For a rotary tumbler, consider energy consumption/efficiency and long-term maintenance requirements. The Frankford Arsenal’s maintenance-free drivetrain is a strong point here, designed to run for years without service. Its energy use is modest, similar to a small appliance. The stainless steel media is a one-time purchase that will outlast the tumbler itself. Compared to constantly buying new corn cob or walnut media, the long-term cost of ownership for a wet tumbling system can be lower.
I honestly believe that pairing a robust tumbler like this with a solid case prep station completes the brass processing line. After your brass is clean, tools like the Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Center make trimming, deburring, and primer pocket cleaning a breeze. Its all about creating an efficient, high-quality workflow.
The Bottom Line on the Frankford Arsenal Platinum
The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler isn’t just another brass case cleaner. It’s a thoughtfully engineered system that addresses the major hurdles of wet tumbling. From the powerful, quiet operation and large capacity to the genius of the included media transfer magnet, it’s built for performance and convenience.
Is it the best rotary tumbler for cleaning 9mm brass and other calibers? To be completely honest, for most reloaders, the answer is a resounding yes. It delivers professional-grade results, simplifies the most tedious part of the process, and is built to last. It represents a significant upgrade in brass preparation that can benefit the accuracy and enjoyment of your reloading hobby for years to come. If you’re ready to see your brass look better than new, this tumbler is an investment that pays off with every flawless batch.