Separating wet, soapy brass from a tangle of stainless steel pins is a messy chore every reloader faces. Its the least glamorous part of the process, often involving makeshift colanders and a lot of spilled water. The right tool doesn’t just save time; it keeps your reloading bench clean and your sanity intact. Thats where a dedicated media separator becomes non-negotiable for efficient brass processing.
The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Wet/Dry Media Separator aims to be that solution. It promises a complete, ambidextrous setup designed to handle both wet tumbling and dry media separation with minimal fuss. But does it deliver on making this tedious step truly quick and easy? Speaking honestly, after examining its construction and features, I believe it addresses the core frustration head-on. Let’s break down whether this is the separator your ammunition reloading routine needs.
What is the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Media Separator?
This isn’t just a sifter basket. Frankford Arsenal has packaged a full system: a primary capture bucket, a perforated sifter with a secure latch, and dual handles. The design philosophy is clearcontain the mess and separate the media in one fluid motion. Its built for the reloader who values a streamlined workflow, especially after a session with a rotary tumbler full of stainless steel pins and cleaning solution. For those wondering where to buy Frankford Arsenal Quick-N-EZ Case Separator, this Platinum Series model is its direct successor and widely available.
Honestly speaking, the market has several options, from simple rotary cages to more complex setups. This unit sits in a pragmatic middle ground. It doesn’t require electricity or complex assembly, focusing instead on durable, simple mechanics. Its claim to fame is versatility, purporting to work flawlessly whether you’re dealing with wet, soapy media or traditional dry corn cob. In my honest opinion, that dual-purpose design is its biggest potential selling point for reloaders who might switch between cleaning methods.
Key Features and Benefits: A Hands-Off Look
Based on its specified features, the separator is built around a few core principles. Let’s assess what it actually offers.
Complete, Spill-Proof System
The inclusion of a “spill proof tub” is a major plus. This fully captures water, dry media, and stainless steel pins during the media separation process. No more drips on the floor or lost pins down the drain. The rotating drum action is manual, driven by you via the handles, giving you complete control over the speed and duration of separation.
Durability and Secure Operation
A rugged rubber latch is highlighted, designed to keep the sifter closed even under heavy loads of brass and media. This is critical. A failed latch during mid-spin is a catastrophic mess everyone wants to avoid. The construction suggests it’s built to withstand the repeated, wet/dry cycles of a busy reloading operation.
Ambidextrous and Ergonomic Design
Including two sifting handles isn’t just about left or right-handed use. Its about balance and reducing fatigue. You can switch hands or use a two-handed motion for larger batches, making the physical act of separation less of a strain. This thoughtful touch is often overlooked in reloading supplies.
Versatility for Any Cleaning Method
Marketed as ideal for both wet tumbling and dry processes, this one tool can serve multiple roles in your brass processing pipeline. You won’t need a separate separator if you decide to switch from stainless steel media to walnut shells.
| Feature | Specification / Benefit |
|---|---|
| System Type | Complete bucket, sifter, and handle setup |
| Primary Function | Media separation for wet or dry cleaning processes |
| Key Design | Perforated sifter retains brass, allows media to fall through |
| Containment | Spill-proof tub captures all water and media |
| Durability Feature | Rugged rubber latch for secure closure under load |
| Usability | Ambidextrous design with two sifting handles |
| Compatibility | Designed for use with various media types |
| Check current price on Amazon |
How to Use the Frankford Arsenal Separator: A Step-by-Step Guide
Using this tool is straightforward, which is the point. Heres how a typical wet tumbling separator session would flow, integrating it into your broader case prep center workflow.
- Transfer from Tumbler: After your brass is finished in the rotary tumbler, carefully pour the entire contents (brass, pins, water) into the inner perforated sifter basket, which is sitting inside the outer capture bucket.
- Secure the Latch: Ensure the rugged rubber latch is fully engaged. This step is cruciala quick tug test here saves a huge cleanup later.
- Begin Separation: Grab the handles and start rotating the inner basket. The centrifugal force and the perforations will drive the water and stainless steel pins out through the holes and into the outer bucket. The cleaned brass cases remain inside.
- Rinse (Optional): You can lift the inner sifter, pour out the dirty water from the outer bucket, add clean water to the bucket, and give the brass a few more spins for a rinse cycle.
- Remove Brass: Unlatch the sifter and pour your now-separated, clean brass onto a drying mat. Pour the captured media and water from the outer bucket back into your tumbler for storage or disposal.
My honest take is that the simplicity is its genius. There are no motors to burn out, no timers to set. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.Its a manual process, but an efficient one that physically contains the entire operation. For maintenance, simply rinse all components with clean water and let them air dry. Storing it is easy, as the sifter nests inside the bucket. Regarding compatibility, it works generically with any tumbler model; you’re just pouring from one container to another. However, it pairs seamlessly with Frankford Arsenal’s own rotary tumblers for a unified system look and feel.
Pricing, Availability & Where to Buy
As of 2026, the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series separator maintains a very accessible price point, typically found just under fifty dollars. This positions it as a cost-effective, dedicated tool versus trying to MacGyver a solution. When searching for the best price for Frankford Arsenal media separator, major online retailers like Amazon, MidwayUSA, and Brownells are your best bets. They consistently stock it and offer competitive shipping.
Availability is generally excellent. Its a staple item in the reloading accessories category. Frankford Arsenal products are widely distributed, and this separator is no exception. From my honest perspective, the value proposition is strong. For less than the cost of a few boxes of premium ammunition, you eliminate a significant bottleneck and mess in your ammunition reloading process. The time and frustration saved easily justify the investment. Always check for package deals, as its sometimes bundled with tumbler media or other tumbling and cleaning supplies.
User Reviews & How It Stacks Up Against Alternatives
The consensus among users is overwhelmingly positive. The most praised aspects are its sturdiness and its effectiveness at containing the wet mess. The rubber latch receives specific commendation for reliability. Some users note that for very large batches (think 1000+ pieces of 9mm), the process is still manual and can be a bit of an arm workout, but it’s far superior to any non-dedicated method.
A common question is about the Frankford Arsenal separator vs. RCBS separator. The RCBS version is also a rotary cage style but often comes at a higher price point. The core function is identical. The Frankford Arsenal model competes which some find to be a more thoughtful out-of-the-box solution. Its a classic value-versus-premium-brand decision.
Other alternatives include simple pan sifters or homemade setups. These lack the containment, almost guaranteeing a mess with wet media. The dedicated stainless steel media separator like this one is in a different league. For a deeper dive into how Frankford Arsenal tools compare within their own ecosystem, our review of the Frankford Arsenal M-Press shows their commitment to user-focused design.
Warranty and Customer Service
An area often missing from discussions is post-purchase support. Frankford Arsenal typically backs its products with a limited warranty, though the specific duration can vary. Their customer service has a reputation for being responsive, which is reassuring. Its wise to register your product. This level of support is something you generally dont get with a homemade colander solution, a point worth considering for a tool that sees regular use.
Final Verdict: Is It the Right Separator for You?
If youre into wet tumbling with stainless steel pins, this separator is practically mandatory. It solves the single messiest part of the process with elegant simplicity. The spill-proof containment alone is a game-changer for keeping your garage or reloading room clean. For dry media users, its equally effective, though the need for total containment is slightly less critical.
I honestly believe its biggest competition is your own patience for making a mess. If youre tired of water and pins everywhere, this tool ends that problem instantly. Its not motorized, so you provide the power, but the mechanical advantage and design make it effortless compared to alternatives.
When building an efficient reloading bench, every tool should either save you time, improve consistency, or reduce hassle. The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Media Separator checks the last two boxes emphatically. Its a well-designed, durable piece of kit that does one job perfectly. The best practices for a streamlined operation, according to , often involve investing in these single-purpose tools that eliminate friction points. For the price, its one of the most impactful upgrades you can make to your case prep center and overall brass processing workflow. Your future self, who isnt mopping up soapy water or hunting for stray pins, will thank you.
For more insights from the reloading community, discussions on tools like this are frequent on forums like the r/reloading subreddit.