Every reloader eventually faces the same brass cleaning dilemma. The gritty, time-consuming process of cleaning cases can feel like a chore, a necessary evil standing between you and a perfect reload. That’s where the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series tumbler enters the conversation, promising a streamlined solution. But with a price tag over $200, the core question remains: is this rotary tumbler truly worth the investment for your bench?
This isn’t just about shiny brass. It’s about efficiency, consistency, and protecting your precision equipment from abrasive grit. The shift from traditional vibratory methods to wet tumbling with stainless steel media has been a game-changer for many. Frankford Arsenal’s offering aims to be the all-in-one package that makes that transition seamless. Let’s break down exactly what you get and whether it delivers on its promises.
Key Features & What You Get in the Box
Unboxing the Frankford Arsenal Platinum reveals a system designed for immediate use. Honestly speaking, the inclusion of key components right out of the gate is a significant advantage. You’re not left scrambling to source separate media or cleaning agents for your first run.
The centerpiece is the 7-liter dual-layer drum, which is notably quiet due to its noise-dampening rubber lining. The base houses a maintenance-free drivetrain and a built-in timer that can be set for up to three hours with an automatic shutoff. The bundled 5 lb. of 304 stainless steel pin media is enough to get started for hundreds of cycles, and a sample packet of Frankford Arsenal Brass Cleaning Solution is included. The standout accessory, however, is the Media Transfer Magneta 9″ H x 6″ W tool with an ambidextrous squeeze handle designed to make separating pins from brass remarkably simple.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Model | Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler |
| Capacity | 7 Liters (Up to ~1000 .223 cases) |
| Included Media | 5 lbs. 304 Stainless Steel Pin Media |
| Key Accessories | Media Transfer Magnet, Sample Cleaning Solution |
| Timer | Built-in, up to 3 hours with auto-shutoff |
| Noise Dampening | Dual-layer drum with rubber lining |
| Drive System | Maintenance-free drivetrain |
| Check current price on Amazon |
Case Cleaning Process
The case cleaning process with this unit is straightforward. You load the drum with brass, add the stainless pins, water, and a cleaning agent. Set the timer, and the rotary tumbler does the work, tumbling the contents to scrub every surfaceinside and out. This method is particularly effective at cleaning the primer pocket and case mouth, areas often missed by dry methods. After tumbling, you drain the dirty water, and the included magnet makes quick work of retrieving every last pin from the wet brass. My honest take is that this magnet system alone saves a tremendous amount of time and frustration compared to using separate strainer trays.
Performance Analysis: Cleaning Results & Efficiency
Performance is where the Frankford Arsenal tumbler either justifies its cost or falls short. From my honest perspective, it excels in its core function. The 7-liter capacity is substantial, allowing you to clean large batches of pistol brass or a respectable quantity of rifle brass in one cycle. The cleaning results are consistently excellent; brass comes out not just polished but genuinely clean, free of range grit and carbon buildup.
The efficiency gains are real. The automatic timer lets you set a cycle and walk away without worry, a feature that enhances safety safetya critical but often missing point in reviewsit’s vital to always use the tumbler with a proper GFCI-protected outlet and never handle the unit with wet hands. The electrical components are sealed, but basic safety precautions for wet tumbling are non-negotiable.
- Cleaning Quality: Produces range-ready, impeccably clean brass with spotless primer pockets.
- Batch Efficiency: Large capacity reduces the number of cycles needed for high-volume shooters.
- Operational Ease: The set-and-forget timer and magnet system streamline the workflow significantly.
- Noise Level: The rubber-lined drum makes it one of the quieter rotary tumblers available, a boon for garage workshops.
Regarding power consumption, the unit is relatively efficient for its class. It uses a standard 110V motor designed for continuous duty over its 3-hour max cycle. You won’t see a dramatic spike in your electricity bill. For those curious about how long does Frankford Arsenal tumbler last, the maintenance-free drivetrain is a good sign for longevity. While individual motor life can vary, the design minimizes points of failure. Proper carelike not overloading the drum and ensuring it’s balancedis the best Frankford Arsenal tumbler maintenance tip for extending its service life for years.
Frankford Arsenal vs. The Competition
Any reloading equipment review needs context. How does the “FART” (a common nickname in the community) stack up against others? The primary rivals in this space are the Lyman Cyclone and various kits from Hornady and RCBS.
The Frankford Arsenal vs Lyman debate often centers on value. The Lyman Cyclone is a capable machine, but the Frankford Arsenal package frequently wins on included accessories. Getting a substantial amount of media and the excellent transfer magnet in the box often makes the Frankford Arsenal the better out-of-the-box value, even if the upfront price is slightly higher. This approach, recommended by , ensures you’re comparing total system cost, not just the base machine.
Compared to Hornady or RCBS rotary tumblers, the Frankford Arsenal Platinum typically offers a larger standard capacity. Its build quality and durability are on par, featuring a robust housing and a reliable motor. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.The ease of setup and use is enhanced by its comprehensive kit format. You can delve deeper into how Frankford Arsenal presses compare to other brands in our review of the Frankford Arsenal M-Press.
Wet Tumbling vs Dry Tumbling: The Real Shift
It’s crucial to understand this isn’t just a brand comparison. It’s about method. Wet tumbling vs dry tumbling represents a fundamental choice. Dry tumbling with corn cob or walnut media is cheaper to start, faster for a simple polish, and requires no drying step. However, it’s dustier, less thorough at cleaning primer pockets, and the media wears out.
Wet tumbling with stainless pins is a deeper clean. It removes all contaminants, prolonging die life and ensuring more consistent powder charges. The trade-off is the added step of drying your brass. The Frankford Arsenal system minimizes the other hassles of wet tumbling, making the method itself more accessible. I honestly believe for a reloader serious about case preparation, wet tumbling is the superior long-term choice, and this machine lowers the barrier to entry.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy It & Is It Worth It?
So, is the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler worth it? The answer depends entirely on your reloading volume and standards.
Who It’s For:
This is the ideal best Frankford Arsenal tumbler model for beginners to wet tumbling and a perfect workhorse for intermediate-to-advanced reloaders who process medium-to-large batches. If you value impeccably clean brass, want to minimize manual labor with the magnet system, and appreciate the convenience of a complete kit, this tumbler is an outstanding fit. It pairs perfectly with other workflow tools like a Frankford Arsenal case prep center for a streamlined bench.
Who Might Look Elsewhere:
If you only reload a few dozen rounds per month, the capacity and process might be overkill. A small vibratory tumbler could suffice. Similarly, those on an extremely tight budget might seek a bare-bones rotary drum and source media separately, though they’ll miss the integrated design benefits.
Frankford Arsenal Tumbler Pros and Cons
To be completely honest, no tool is perfect. Here’s a balanced look.
Pros:
- Complete kit ready to use (tumbler, media, magnet, cleaner sample).
- Large 7-liter capacity boosts productivity.
- Excellent media magnet system is a huge time-saver.
- Quiet operation and a reliable automatic timer.
- Produces superior, deeply clean brass.
Cons:
- Higher initial investment than basic dry tumblers.
- The wet tumbling process requires a drying step post-cleaning.
- The unit itself has a substantial footprint on the bench.
The warranty details and customer service experience for Frankford Arsenal are generally positive, backed by a reputable company in the shooting sports industry. For ongoing discussions and user experiences, the community on r/reloading and specialized forums are invaluable resources.
My honest assessment is that the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Tumbler absolutely justifies its price for the right reloader. It transforms the reloading brass cleaner step from a tedious chore into an efficient, set-and-forget part of your workflow. The quality of clean it delivers protects your dies and contributes to more consistent ammunition. If your volume and commitment warrant moving to wet tumbling, this package removes the guesswork and provides a robust, effective system that will serve you well for thousands of rounds. It’s a strategic investment that pays dividends in the quality of your reloads and the enjoyment of your process.