Separating the spent primer from its pocket is the first real step in the reloading process. It’s a simple mechanical action, yet it sets the stage for everything that follows. A clean, well-prepared primer pocket is non-negotiable for consistent ignition and reliable ammunition. The tool you choose for this task can dramatically affect your workflow’s speed, cleanliness, and overall enjoyment.
That’s where dedicated depriming tools enter the conversation. While a universal decapping pin in your press works, it ties up a station and often makes a mess. A purpose-built hand deprimer offers a different approach. In my honest opinion, the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Hand Deprimer has become a focal point for reloaders seeking an efficient, off-press solution. But is it the right choice for your bench?
Frankford Arsenal Platinum Hand Deprimer: An In-Depth Look
The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Hand Deprimer presents itself as a self-contained, manual depriming station. Its core innovation is the patented Universal Collet System, which is designed to handle a vast range of brass from .20 caliber up to .338 Lapua. This includes common pistol brass, rifle brass, and even military cases with crimped primers, all without changing parts.
From my honest perspective, the design focuses heavily on user comfort and containment. The spring-loaded handle automatically returns the deprimer to the start position, reducing hand fatigue during long sessions. The assisted-ejection case holder is a thoughtful touch, popping the deprimed case out for easy removal. Perhaps most critically, it features an easily removable spent primer catch tube. This contained spent primer chute is a game-changer for keeping your workspace clean, addressing a major pain point in the reloading bench setup.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Operation | Manual Hand Deprimer |
| Caliber Range | .20 cal to .338 Lapua |
| Primer Compatibility | Standard & Military Crimped |
| Key Mechanism | Universal Collet System |
| Handle Action | Spring-Loaded Return |
| Case Ejection | Assisted-Ejection Holder |
| Primer Disposal | Removable Catch Tube |
| Grip | Full-Length Ergonomic Design |
| Check current price on Amazon |
Honestly speaking, the promise is compelling: deprime significant amounts of brass from anywhere without tying up your press. For those who wet-tumble their brass, depriming beforehand is often preferred to keep the dirty primer residue out of the cleaning media. This tool is perfectly suited for that workflow. The durability comes from its solid construction, though like any hand deprimer, the long-term wear point will be the decapping pin itselfa consideration for depriming tool maintenance & pin replacement.
Head-to-Head: Top Alternative Depriming Methods
To answer “is the Frankford Arsenal deprimer worth it,” we must stack it against the common alternatives. Each has its own philosophy for spent primer removal.
The Universal Decapping Die
This is the most common alternative. You install a universal decapping die in your single-stage or progressive press. It’s fast and leverages your press’s leverage. However, it occupies a die station permanently. The primer catcher on many presses can be inefficient, often leading to spilled primers. The debate of depriming vs universal decapping die often boils down to workflow preference. If you process brass in massive batches off-press, the dedicated hand tool wins. If you deprime as part of your in-press routine, the die is more integrated.
The Harvey Deprimer
The Frankford Arsenal vs Harvey deprimer comparison is a frequent one among enthusiasts. The Harvey is another robust, bench-mounted option known for its sheer durability and ability to handle Berdan primers. Its often seen as a more industrial-grade tool. The Frankford Arsenal model competes with a focus on ergonomics and its clever collet system. My honest take is that the Harvey might have an edge in brute-force durability, while the Frankford Arsenal offers a more refined user experience with its spring return and case ejection.
Integrated Press Depriming
Many modern progressive presses, like a Dillon Precision RL550C, have a depriming station built into the sizing die. This is the ultimate in integrated speed but offers no option to deprime separately for cleaning. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.For those using a turret press, a universal die is still the standard approach.
Key Comparison Factors: Speed, Durability, and Cleanup
right tool means weighing these three pillars. Let’s break them down honestly.
Processing Speed and Ergonomics
A bench-mounted hand deprimer like the Frankford Arsenal won’t match the raw speed of a progressive press station. However, for a dedicated off-press operation, its spring-loaded handle and case ejection make it surprisingly efficient. You develop a rhythm. The ergonomic grip is designed to combat fatigue, making it a strong contender for the best hand deprimer for 9mm and other high-volume pistol calibers. In contrast, a universal die in a sturdy single-stage press is also fast but lacks the contained cleanup.
Build Durability and Maintenance
The Frankford Arsenal tool is constructed from robust materials. The true test for any deprimer is encountering a Berdan-primed case or a piece of residual debris. A universal decapping pin in a die is typically designed to slide up in its holder to prevent breakagea “fail-safe” feature. The Frankford Arsenal’s system is rigid. I honestly believe that user vigilance is the best defense; inspecting brass first is a wise practice. Understanding depriming tool maintenance & pin replacement is easier with the Frankford Arsenal due to its simple collet design compared to disassembling a die.
The Cleanup Factor: Primer Containment
This is where the Frankford Arsenal shines. Its removable catch tube creates a sealed primer disposal system. You deprime, the spent primer travels down the chute into the tube, and when full, you empty it into the trash. This eliminates the number one mess associated with depriming. A universal die, even with a good primer catcher on the press, can still scatter debris. If a clean bench is a priority, this feature alone can justify the investment.
Integrating Depriming into Your Reloading Workflow
Your ideal depriming tool depends entirely on how you process brass. Do you deprime, then wet-tumble? The Frankford Arsenal Hand Deprimer is arguably perfect for this. Do you size and deprime in one step on your press? Then a universal die is your tool. For those with a dedicated case prep station, adding a bench-mounted deprimer like this one creates a powerful processing hub separate from your loading press.
Consider pairing it with a case prep center for trimming and pocket cleaning. how to clean primer pockets effectively, depriming is just step one. The uniform pocket left by a good deprimer makes the job of a primer pocket cleaner or a primer pocket swage tool much easier. This holistic view of case preparation, according to Honest Opinion, is what leads to the most consistent ammunition.
Warranty and Support Considerations
A missing entity in many discussions is the comparison of warranty and customer support. Frankford Arsenal is known for standing behind their products, which adds value beyond the initial purchase. This safety net is worth factoring in, especially for a tool with moving parts and specific components.
Final Verdict and Recommendations
So, who is the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Hand Deprimer for? My honest assessment is that it’s an excellent fit for reloaders who:
- Pre-process large batches of brass off the press.
- Wet-tumble their brass and want to deprime before cleaning.
- Value a clean workspace and want a contained primer disposal system.
- Load a wide variety of calibers and want a single, quick-change tool.
- Are looking to build a dedicated case preparation station.
It might be less essential for someone who uses a progressive press exclusively and doesn’t mind the in-press depriming mess, or for the reloader on an extreme budget where a universal die is the only economical choice.
The Frankford Arsenal hand deprimer carves out a specific and valuable niche. It transforms depriming from a messy, sometimes tedious chore into a clean, efficient, and even portable task. For the reloader seeking to optimize their workflow and maintain a pristine reloading bench setup, it represents a smart investment. Its design thoughtfully addresses the ergonomic and containment issues that plague other methods. In the end, the best tool is the one that fits your process so seamlessly you forget it’s thereand this one makes a strong case for that role.