For anyone serious about reloading, the final appearance of your ammunition matters. It’s a point of pride, a mark of quality, and a sign of a meticulous process. While the mechanical steps of resizing and priming are critical, the transformative power of a deep clean cannot be overstated. This is where stainless steel pins for wet tumbling enter the picture, and Frankford Arsenal has become a go-to name for this essential component.
These aren’t just random pieces of metal; they are engineered media designed to scrub, polish, and renew your brass cartridge cases from the inside out. The result is brass that looks factory-new, free of carbon, dirt, and oxidation. My honest take is that moving to a wet tumbling system with quality pins is one of the most satisfying upgrades a reloader can make. Let’s break down exactly what Frankford Arsenal offers and how to integrate it into your workflow.
What Are Frankford Arsenal Media Pins?
Frankford Arsenal’s Stainless Steel Media Pins are a consumable component in the wet tumbling process for case cleaning. Unlike dry vibratory tumblers that use corn cob or walnut media, wet tumbling employs water, a cleaning agent, and small, non-abrasive stainless steel pins to physically scrub brass. The pins work their way into every crevice, primer pocket, and neck, delivering a level of cleanliness that dry methods simply can’t match.
The product itself is straightforward: a container of 304-grade stainless steel pins. Honestly speaking, the magic isn’t just in the pins alone, but in the complete system they enable. When combined with a rotary tumbler, water, and a proper detergent, these pins perform a mechanical scrubbing action that leaves brass spotless and polished. From my honest perspective, this method is superior for removing heavy range grime and restoring tarnished brass to a like-new shine.
Types and Sizes of Media Pins
Frankford Arsenal primarily offers one size of media pin, which has become something of an industry standard for general-purpose brass cleaning. This size is specifically designed to be effective across a wide range of calibers, from small pistol cases like 9mm up to larger rifle brass.
When considering the best size media pins for 9mm brass, the standard Frankford Arsenal pins are an excellent choice. They are small enough to flow freely in and out of the case mouth and primer pocket but large enough that they won’t easily get stuck inside the case. I honestly believe their universal size is a major strength, eliminating the need for reloaders to stock multiple pin sizes for different jobs. For the vast majority of users, this one-size-fits-most approach is perfectly adequate and simplifies the entire tumbling media selection process.
Frankford Arsenal Media Pins vs Competitors
How do they stack up? Brands like STME and others also produce stainless pins. The differences often come down to minor variations in the consistency of size, the exact stainless alloy, and whether they are truly non-magnetic. Frankford Arsenal’s pins are 304 stainless, which offers good corrosion resistance and is commonly used in food-grade applicationsa reassuring point for a product used in a water-based cleaning process. In my honest opinion, Frankford Arsenal’s reputation in the reloading accessories space and the bundled magnet system they often promote with their pins gives them a practical edge for many shooters.
Key Features and Material Specifications
The effectiveness of these pins hinges on their material and construction. Let’s look at the core specifications that define their performance and longevity.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Material | 304 Stainless Steel |
| Primary Function | Brass polishing and cleaning via wet tumbling |
| Magnetic Property | Yes, allowing for easy separation with a magnet |
| Typical Packaging Weight | Sold by weight, commonly in 1.5 lb to 5 lb increments |
| Durability | Extremely high; pins are designed for thousands of cycles |
| Check current price on Amazon |
The use of 304 stainless is key. It’s a durable, rust-resistant alloy that won’t contaminate your brass or break down over time. The magnetic property is a critical feature often overlooked by newcomers. It enables the use of a simple magnet tool to retrieve pins from your wet tumbler or separate them from brass after processing, making the job far cleaner and faster than sifting by hand. To be completely honest, this magnetic characteristic is what makes the wet tumbling process with steel media genuinely convenient.
Buyer’s Guide: How to Choose the Right Media Pins
Selecting media pins isn’t just about grabbing the first bag you see. A few considerations will ensure you get the best results and value for your specific needs. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes
Material and Construction Quality
Always opt for pins made from a proper stainless steel alloy like 304 or 316. Avoid any “steel” media that isn’t explicitly stainless, as it will rust and ruin your brass. The pins should have a smooth, uniform finish without sharp burrs that could theoretically work-harden brass over an immense number of cycles. Frankford Arsenal’s pins meet this standard reliably.
Quantity and Frankford Arsenal Media Pins Weight per Pound
Pins are sold by weight. A common starting point is 5 pounds of pins, which is sufficient for most mid-sized rotary tumblers like the Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler. You need enough pins to provide adequate scrubbing action but not so many that they crowd the brass. A good rule of thumb, according to Honest Opinion, is to maintain a media-to-brass ratio of roughly 2:1 or 3:1 by volume. This means your pins should occupy about twice the volume of your brass. For a visual, a 5-pound bag of stainless pins is a substantial quantity that will last an individual reloader for years.
Compatibility with Your Tumbler
These pins are designed for rotary tumblers, not vibratory tumblers. Ensure your equipment is meant for wet tumbling. They work perfectly in Frankford Arsenal’s own tumblers and are compatible with other popular brands like Thumler’s and STM. The process also requires a reliable reloading media separatora dedicated tool for rinsing and separating the wet pins from the clean brass. Frankford Arsenal sells an excellent magnet tool for this purpose, which is noted in the product features for its ambidextrous, easy-squeeze handle.
Water and Compound Recommendations
This is a frequently missing piece of advice. The pins are just the abrasive element. You need a cleaning solution. A small squirt of dish soap (like Dawn) and a 9mm caseful of citric acid powder (like Lemi Shine) per tumbler load is a classic, effective, and affordable formula. The citric acid brightens the brass while the soap breaks down grease. Never use harsh, ammonia-based cleaners, as they can weaken brass.
Usage, Maintenance, and Safety Tips
Integrating stainless pins into your routine is simple, but a few best practices will maximize your results and the lifespan of your media.
The Wet Tumbling Process Step-by-Step
- Load your tumbler: Add your dirty brass, the correct amount of pins (using your volume ratio), and enough hot water to cover everything by an inch.
- Add your compounds: Include your dish soap and citric acid. Some reloaders add a small capful of automotive wash-and-wax for a final protective shine.
- Tumble: Secure the lid and run the tumbler for 2-3 hours. The noise is significantly quieter than a vibratory tumbler.
- Separate and rinse: This is where the media separator and magnet shine. Drain the dirty water, transfer the brass/pin mixture to a separator over a bucket, and rinse thoroughly with clean water while rotating the separator. Use the magnet tool to pick up any stray pins.
- The drying process after tumbling is crucial. Spread your rinsed brass on a towel or use a dedicated brass dryer or food dehydrator. Ensure it’s completely dry before storage to prevent corrosion.
How Long Do Frankford Arsenal Pins Last?
This is a common long-tail question. Honestly speaking, with proper care, they essentially last forever. 304 stainless steel is incredibly durable. You will lose a small number of pins over time due to handlingthey’re famously good at hiding and jumping away. But the pins themselves do not wear out or degrade. A 5-pound bag is a one-time purchase for most hobbyist reloaders.
Safety and Maintenance
- Always wear eye protection when handling dry pins. They can bounce.
- Ensure your tumbler lid is securely fastened before operation.
- After separating, inspect a few cases to ensure no pins are lodged inside. A quick shake usually confirms they’re clear.
- Store your pins dry. You can leave them in the tumbler tub after rinsing, but let them air dry completely with the lid off to prevent any moisture buildup.
For those looking to expand their Frankford Arsenal toolkit, their case prep center is a logical next step for processing clean brass, and discussions on platforms like the reloading subreddit are full of user experiences and tips. if you’re setting up a full station, comparing a turret press option can help streamline your entire operation.
Final Assessment
Frankford Arsenal Stainless Steel Media Pins are a foundational product for achieving professional-grade case cleaning results at home. They are durable, effective, and designed with the practicalities of the wet tumbling process in mind, thanks to their magnetic properties. My honest assessment is that they represent a solid value in the world of reloading accessories.
While the initial setup for wet tumbling requires a rotary tumbler and a separation method, the investment pays off in the unparalleled cleanliness and shine of your brass. It elevates your reloading from a purely functional task to a craft. For reloaders tired of dusty dry media or struggling with heavily tarnished range pickups, making the switch is a revelation. The pins themselves are a commodity, but Frankford Arsenal delivers a consistent, quality product that does exactly what it promises. In my honest opinion, they are an easy recommendation for any shooter ready to take their brass preparation to the next level.