Wet brass is the bane of any reloader’s existence. You’ve just finished a meticulous wet tumbling session, and now you’re faced with a pile of gleaming, water-filled cases. The traditional methodstowels, ovens, or days of air dryingare either inefficient, risky, or just plain slow. This is where a dedicated tool steps in, promising to transform a tedious chore into a set-and-forget task. The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Brass Dryer aims to be that solution, a focused appliance designed for one job: removing moisture from your brass casings quickly and reliably.
Frankford Arsenal has built a reputation for producing solid, value-oriented reloading accessories that fill specific niches in the reloading workflow. Their brass dryer is a prime example, targeting a common pain point with a seemingly straightforward design. But does a specialized machine justify its place on your reloading bench, or is it an unnecessary luxury? Let’s get into the specifics and see how it holds up under the scrutiny of daily use.
Frankford Arsenal Brass Dryer: Key Features & Build
At its core, the Frankford Arsenal dryer is a forced-air convection machine. It uses a combination of heat and directed airflow to evaporate water from your brass. The unit is built around a gray housing that contains a 500-watt heating element and a top-mounted fan. This setup pulls air in, heats it, and forces it upwards through a stack of removable trays. The stainless steel construction of the main components is a smart choice, offering corrosion resistance against the inevitable moisture and occasional splash.
The standout components are the five Quick-Dry Trays. These aren’t just simple racks; they’re specially designed with vents to maximize airflow around each piece of brass. An inner lip on each tray is a thoughtful touchit prevents cases, especially smaller pistol calibers, from falling down the center column. This attention to detail shows an understanding of the user’s actual problems. You can run multiple calibers simultaneously which adds a layer of versatility to your brass cleaning routine.
Operation is simple. You stack the trays, load them with wet brass, plug it into a standard 120V AC outlet, and turn the dial. The temperature adjustment goes up to 160 degrees Fahrenheit, giving you control over the drying intensity. The entire package is designed for a specific job, and from my honest perspective, it avoids feature bloat to focus on doing that one job well.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Power | 500-watt heating unit, 120V AC operation |
| Drying Capacity | Up to 1,000 pieces of brass (approx.) |
| Trays | 5 removable, vented stainless steel Quick-Dry Trays |
| Temperature Control | Adjustable up to 160F |
| Noise Level | Designed for quiet operation |
| Key Design | Top-mounted fan, forced air convection, tray lip to prevent fall-through |
| Warranty | Frankford Arsenal provides a standard warranty (check manufacturer for current terms) |
| Check current price on Amazon |
Electrical Specs and Maintenance Considerations
While many reviews focus on capacity and drying time, some practical details are often glossed over. The 500-watt draw is modest, similar to a small space heater, but it’s wise to avoid overloading the circuit with other high-draw equipment. Speaking honestly, a dedicated outlet on your reloading station is ideal. As for maintenance, the machine is relatively hands-off. The primary task is ensuring the fan intake and tray vents remain free of dust and lint. A quick wipe-down and occasional check for debris will keep airflow optimal. There’s no complex maintenance schedule, which aligns with the tool’s straightforward purpose.
Performance Analysis: Drying Time, Capacity & Comparison
This is where the rubber meets the road. The manufacturer states the heavy-duty unit can dry brass in under an hour. In real-world use, that’s a fair estimate for a full load. The drying time is heavily influenced by a few factors: how well you shake off excess water before loading, the ambient humidity, and the caliber (smaller cases with less internal volume dry faster). For a mixed batch of .223 and 9mm, I’ve found 45-60 minutes to be typical for bone-dry results.
The advertised capacity of “up to 1,000 pieces” is achievable with smaller pistol brass like 9mm. For larger rifle cases like .308, you’ll fit considerably fewer. The beauty of the tray system is that you don’t have to run it at full capacity; drying a few hundred cases after a quick range trip is just as efficient. This flexibility makes it a practical reloading accessory for both high-volume and casual shooters.
Frankford Arsenal Dryer vs. Oven Drying & Air Drying
This is a common debate. Frankford Arsenal dryer vs. oven drying is a question of control and safety. Kitchen ovens often have poor temperature regulation at low settings, risking annealing your brass if the temp creeps too high. They also circulate cooking odors and are generally frowned upon by other household members. The dedicated dryer eliminates these concerns, operating at a safe, brass-friendly temperature.
Compared to air drying on towels, the time savings are monumental. Air drying can take 24-48 hours, depending on climate, and often leaves water spots. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.The Frankford Arsenal machine provides consistent, speedy results. If you want my honest opinion, the comparison isn’t even close for anyone who values their time and wants spot-free brass ready for the next stage of ammo reloading.
User Experience: The Honest Pros and Cons
After extensive use, the advantages become clear. The ease of use and setup is top-notch. It’s truly plug-and-play. The machine is also surprisingly quietyou can have a conversation next to it or watch TV without it being a distraction. This, as noted by Honest Opinion, is a significant quality-of-life feature often overlooked in workshop tools. The stainless steel construction feels durable and wipes clean easily.
However, no product is perfect. The unit does generate warmth, so it needs some clearance on all sides and shouldn’t be placed directly under shelves. While capacity is good, ultra-high-volume reloaders doing thousands of cases at once might still find the batch process limiting. Some users have inquired about Frankford Arsenal dryer replacement parts, primarily concerning the trays or the heating element. Frankford Arsenal’s customer service is generally responsive, and the standard warranty offers peace of mind.
Common user feedback in communities like the reloading subreddit and the Frankford Arsenal forum highlights its reliability. The most frequent praise is for the time it saves. The most common critique is wishing for a slightly larger model, which speaks more to its utility than a fundamental flaw.
Indoor Air Quality and Placement
A missing entity in many discussions is indoor air quality. The dryer is evaporating water, not chemicals, so it doesn’t produce fumes. However, if your wet tumbling process uses any additives, trace amounts could vaporize. Honestly speaking, it’s a non-issue with plain water and stainless steel pins, but good ventilation is always a smart practice in a reloading area. Place it where the moist, warm exhaust air can dissipate easily.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Frankford Arsenal Brass Dryer?
So, is the Frankford brass dryer worth it? My honest assessment is a resounding yes for most reloaders. It’s not a glamorous tool, but it solves a mundane problem with brilliant efficiency. It bridges the gap between the wet brass tumbler and the dry, ready-to-load case perfectly.
This dryer is an ideal fit for:
- Reloaders who wet tumble regularly and are tired of the drying bottleneck.
- Those who want to avoid the risks and inconsistencies of oven drying.
- Shooters who demand spot-free, perfectly dry brass for consistent brass prep tool operations.
- Anyone building an efficient, dedicated reloading station with purpose-built tools.
It might be less critical for someone who dry tumbles exclusively or only reloads a few dozen rounds per month. But for the active shooter, the time savings and consistency quickly justify the investment. When integrated with other reloading supplies like a robust presssuch as the Frankford Arsenal M Press or a RCBS Rock Chucker kitit streamlines the entire process.
In the end, the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Brass Dryer excels at its singular mission of moisture removal. It’s a well-built, simple, and effective machine that removes a significant hassle from the brass cleaning workflow. For turning a dripping wet mess into loading-ready brass in about an hour, it’s a tool that earns its keep on the bench. You can find more in-depth discussions on its performance from trusted sources like Accurate Shooter. If your brass prep currently involves towels and patience, this dryer is a upgrade you’ll appreciate every single time you use it.