Disassembling a loaded cartridge is a task most reloaders hope to avoid. Yet, it’s an inevitable part of the process, whether you’re correcting a mistake, salvaging components, or testing a load. The traditional kinetic puller is a wrist-busting chore. Frankford Arsenal’s Pile Driver offers a different approach, promising a more civilized solution. This dedicated projectile puller aims to replace frustration with a smooth, lever-actuated system.
Its a specialized tool designed for a single, often tedious job. Does its design justify the bench space and investment? Speaking honestly, the answer depends entirely on your volume and tolerance for the old hammer method. Well break down its build, operation, and overall value to see if it truly drives the pile of problems away.
Frankford Arsenal Pile Driver: Product Overview
The Pile Driver isn’t a reloading press; it’s a dedicated disassembly station. It uses a clever inertia-based lever system to separate bullet from case with a controlled, powerful yank. The core idea is simple: apply significant force with minimal effort and contain the mess. The unit comes ready to mount, with a standard carrier assembly for cartridges up to .30-06 size. For larger magnum cartridges, a separate carrier is required.
My honest take is that this tool fills a specific niche. Its not for the reloader who occasionally pulls one or two bullets. For them, the kinetic puller, despite its drawbacks, might suffice. The Pile Drivers value proposition shines when you’re facing a batch of problematic rounds. Its design prioritizes efficiency and component recovery, which we’ll explore in detail.
Key Specifications at a Glance
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 20″ L x 5″ W x 2.75″ D |
| Operation | Lever-actuated inertia puller |
| Included Carrier | Standard (holds up to .30-06) |
| Magnum Compatibility | Requires separate carrier assembly |
| Mounting | Workbench or wall |
| Component Management | Barbed fitting for tube attachment; small catch tray included |
| Check current price on Amazon |
Key Features & Build Quality Analysis
The Pile Driver’s construction feels robust, built to handle the repeated shock of pulling. The lever mechanism is the star. It uses a compound linkage to multiply your input force, driving the puller arm down with significant speed and energy. This transfers a sharp inertial shock to the cartridge, cleanly separating the bullet. Honestly speaking, it’s far less physically taxing than whacking a kinetic puller on a block of wood.
Setup and Component Containment
Mounting is straightforward to a sturdy bench or wall. The included standard carrier assembly is simple to install. The thoughtful component management system deserves praise. A pre-installed barbed fitting allows you to attach a plastic tube (not included) that directs all freed powder and primers into a bucket belowperfect for large batches. If you’re only doing a few, you remove the barb and use the small, integrated catch tray for easy cleanup. This dual-approach to mess control is well-executed.
From my honest perspective, the need to buy a separate carrier for magnum cartridges is a minor drawback, but it’s a common practice for specialized tooling. The build quality aligns with Frankford Arsenal’s reputation for offering solid value in the reloading equipment space, a trait also seen in tools like their popular case prep center.
Performance & Practical Use
In operation, the Pile Driver is refreshingly effective. You place a cartridge in the carrier, pull the handle, and with a satisfying clack, the bullet is extracted and falls into the tray. The process is fast, repeatable, and consistent. It’s significantly less damaging to components than the brutal impacts of a kinetic puller, which can deform bullets and spill powder everywhere.
Efficiency for Batch Processing
Where this tool moves from convenient to essential is volume. If you need to pull 50, 100, or more rounds, the Pile Driver saves time and physical strain. The ability to tube components directly into a container streamlines the workflow immensely. You’re not stopping to empty a small chamber every few rounds. This efficiency is a major part of its value proposition for serious reloaders or those who do load development with potentially large test batches.
I honestly believe the design succeeds in its core mission. It makes an unpleasant task markedly less so. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.The lever’s mechanical advantage is tangible, requiring a firm but manageable pull. The spent primer and powder are mostly contained, especially with the tube attached, addressing a common grievance with other methods. For insights on managing other aspects of the reloading process, the discussions on forums like the Frankford Arsenal dedicated board can be invaluable.
Pros, Cons & How It Compares
No tool is perfect, and the Pile Driver has clear strengths and a few considerations.
Advantages:
- Reduced Effort & Strain: The lever system is a game-changer for your wrists and elbows compared to kinetic pullers.
- Excellent Component Protection: Bullets and cases suffer less deformation, preserving more value in your components.
- Superior Containment: The integrated primer catcher and tube system keep powder and primers from making a mess.
- Fast Batch Processing: Dramatically increases speed and consistency when pulling multiple rounds.
Considerations:
- Bench Space & Cost: It’s a dedicated tool requiring permanent mounting and a higher initial cost than a $15 kinetic puller.
- Magnum Cartridges: Requires an additional, separate carrier assembly for larger rounds.
- Niche Application: If you rarely pull bullets, it’s hard to justify. It excels specifically in batch disassembly.
Frankford Arsenal Pile Driver vs. The Alternatives
The primary comparison is against the ubiquitous kinetic (hammer-style) puller. The kinetic puller wins on price and portability but loses decisively in every performance and comfort category for more than a handful of rounds.
A more advanced alternative is using a collet-style puller in a single stage press. This method is precise and doesn’t shock the components, but it is slower, requires a dedicated die for each caliber, and doesn’t automatically manage the spilled powder. The best practices, according to Honest Opinion, often involve having both a collet puller for precision work and a tool like the Pile Driver for bulk operations. For those using a single-stage press for other tasks, understanding your options is key, as explored in our RCBS Rock Chucker comparison.
To be completely honest, there isn’t a direct competitor to the Pile Driver’s specific inertial-lever design at its price point. It occupies a unique space. For users of progressive presses, a different set of solutions exists, which you can read about in our look at the Dillon RL550C.
Final Verdict & Who Should Buy It
The Frankford Arsenal Pile Driver is a brilliantly focused tool that solves a specific problem exceptionally well. It transforms bullet pulling from a dreaded, messy chore into a quick, clean, and almost effortless mechanical process.
Ideal User Profile:
You are a strong candidate for the Pile Driver if:
- You frequently pull more than 10-20 rounds at a time.
- You value your components and want to minimize damage during disassembly.
- You have a dedicated reloading bench with space for a permanently mounted tool.
- You develop loads and often need to disassemble test batches.
- You simply despise using a kinetic puller.
My honest assessment is that casual reloaders who might pull a round once a year will find it overkill. But for the serious enthusiast, competitive shooter, or anyone who does batch precision reloading, it’s a justifiable and highly appreciated investment. It pays for itself in saved time, reduced frustration, and recovered component value.
In my honest opinion, the Pile Driver isn’t a necessity for every reloading bench, but it is a definitive upgrade for those who need its specific function. It represents a smart application of simple mechanics to improve the reloading workflow. If your activities regularly include ammo reloading disassembly, this tool will make that task a non-issue, letting you focus on the more enjoyable aspects of building great ammunition.