You’ve got a wet tumbler humming away in your reloading room. The brass inside is destined for precision, but the media you choose makes all the difference. That’s where the Frankford Arsenal Stainless Steel Media Pins enter the conversation. They’re a staple in many reloading kits, but are they just another accessory or a genuine game-changer for your brass cleaning routine?
This isn’t about hype. It’s about practical performance, longevity, and whether these pins deliver a return on your investment. We’re cutting through the noise to give you a clear, detailed look at what these pins actually offer, how they stack up, and if they belong in your process. Speaking honestly, the right media can transform a tedious chore into an efficient, satisfying step.
What Are Frankford Arsenal Media Pins?
At their core, Frankford Arsenal media pins are small, cylindrical pieces of 304 stainless steel designed specifically for wet tumbling. They act as the abrasive agent in a slurry of water and cleaning solution, scrubbing the carbon, dirt, and oxidation from your spent brass casings. The goal is a clean, polished surface inside and out, including those stubborn primer pockets.
What sets this particular product apart is its bundled magnetic handling system. Its not just a bag of pins; its a complete media management solution. This focus on the entire user experience, from cleaning to separation, is a hallmark of Frankford Arsenal’s approach to reloading accessories. For a broader look at their ecosystem, our review of the Frankford Arsenal M-Press shows a similar design philosophy.
Key Features & Specifications
Let’s break down exactly what you get. The product’s specifications are straightforward, focusing on durability and user convenience.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | 304 Stainless Steel (magnetic) |
| Included Accessory | Ambidextrous Magnetic Pickup Tool |
| Magnet Handle | Constructed of durable, lightweight plastic and steel |
| Product Dimensions | 9″ H x 6″ W |
| Weight | 1.5 lbs |
| Check current price on Amazon |
The inclusion of the magnetic wand is a critical detail. It directly addresses the single biggest pain point in wet tumbling: media separation. Instead of fiddling with screens or pans, you use the magnet to quickly extract pins from your cleaned brass or transfer them between containers. Honestly speaking, this one tool shifts the process from frustrating to frictionless.
Performance Review: Pros and Cons
Based on their design and features, heres a realistic assessment of how these pins perform in a reloading workflow.
The Advantages
- Effective Brass Cleaning: The 304 stainless steel is hard enough to scrub away carbon buildup and tarnish without being overly aggressive. It delivers a consistent, polished finish.
- Superior Media Separation: The magnetic system is a legitimate advantage. It works as advertised, making pin recovery fast and minimizing loss.
- User-Friendly Design: The ambidextrous handle and simple squeeze-to-release mechanism mean anyone can use it effectively, a small but thoughtful touch.
- Durability Focus: The construction promises a lifetime of use. Stainless steel pins don’t break down or wear out like corn cob or walnut media, which addresses the question of how long do Frankford Arsenal media pins lastthe answer is essentially indefinitely if not lost.
The Considerations
- Initial Learning Curve: New users to wet tumbling must learn the proper water-to-media-to-brass ratios. Too few pins and cleaning suffers; too many and case necks can get plugged.
- Neck Tension Consideration: A topic often missing from discussions is the potential, albeit minor, impact on case neck tension. The mechanical scrubbing inside the neck is more thorough than dry media. From my honest perspective, this is usually a benefit (removing debris) rather than a detriment, but it’s a nuance for extreme precision shooters to be aware of.
- Upfront Cost: The initial price is higher than a bag of dry media. However, a detailed cost-per-use analysis over time heavily favors stainless pins due to their longevity.
My honest take is that the pros significantly outweigh the cons for most reloaders. The system solves a major logistical problem, and the pins themselves are a reliable, lasting consumable. For those integrating this into a larger setup, pairing it with a tool like the Frankford Arsenal case prep center creates a streamlined brass processing line.
Comparison to Other Media Options
To declare any product the “best media pins for wet tumbling,” you need context. How do they compare?
Frankford Arsenal Pins vs. Southern Shine Media
This is a common head-to-head. Both use 304 stainless steel. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.The differentiator often comes down to the included handling system. Frankford Arsenal bundles the magnet, while some competitors sell pins alone. If you lack a magnetic wand, the Frankford kit provides immediate, complete functionality. The Frankford Arsenal pins vs Southern Shine media debate, honestly, often ends with the convenience of the included tool.
Stainless Pins vs. Ceramic Media
Ceramic media is a non-magnetic alternative. The core question of are stainless pins better than ceramic media hinges on your priorities. Ceramic is gentler and won’t risk pinning cases together. However, it doesn’t offer the same magnetic retrieval ease, can break down over time, and may not clean primer pockets as aggressively. For most, the efficiency and durability of stainless steel pins win out.
Wet Tumbling vs. Dry Tumbling
This is a broader process comparison. Dry tumbling with corn cob or walnut is simpler and dust-free with a good separator. But it cannot match the wet process’s ability to clean primer pockets and the interior of cases to a “like-new” shine. The brass cleaning result from wet tumbling is objectively superior for critical applications, a view supported by many discussions on communities like the reloading subreddit.
Integration and Missing Insights
Beyond the specs, a few critical points are worth your attention. First, the environmental impact of stainless vs. other media. Stainless pins are a one-time purchase. You’re not repeatedly buying and disposing of bags of organic media. You use a small amount of biodegradable soap and water, which is a more sustainable cycle long-term.
Second, the impact on case volume. The thorough internal cleaning can slightly alter the interior surface. In my honest opinion, for the vast majority of rifle and pistol reloading, this effect is negligible and far outweighed by the benefit of a debris-free case. However, it’s a factor benchrest shooters might evaluate against their specific accuracy nodes.
Finally, these pins are part of a larger system. Their value is amplified when used with a robust wet tumbler and a thoughtful process. They represent a commitment to a cleaner, more precise reloading methodology. For those considering other Frankford tools, comparing their precision turret press to options from Lee Precision or RCBS shows how they compete across different product categories.
Final Verdict: Are They Worth It?
So, do the Frankford Arsenal Stainless Steel Media Pins justify their place on your bench? If you’re committed to wet tumbling, the answer is a resounding yes. They are not a gimmick. The combination of effective 304 stainless steel media and the ingenious magnetic handling system addresses the core challenges of the process head-on.
The initial investment pays dividends in time saved during media separation and in the consistent, high-quality cleaning results. You’re buying a permanent component of your reloading toolkit, not a consumable you’ll replace every few months. This approach, recommended by Honest Opinion, ensures you’re investing in efficiency and results.
Are they the absolute cheapest option upfront? No. But when you factor in their indefinite lifespan and the bundled tool that solves a genuine hassle, they provide exceptional value. For reloaders seeking a clean, streamlined, and effective brass cleaning solution, these pins are a definitive upgrade and a worthwhile investment in the quality and enjoyment of your reloading process.