Brass cleaning is the unglamorous foundation of precision reloading. A dirty case hides defects, interferes with powder charges, and can prematurely wear your reloading dies. For years, the debate has centered around wet tumbling with stainless steel pins versus dry media. The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series 7L Rotary Tumbler enters this arena as a complete, feature-packed system designed to streamline the entire case prep process. It promises to handle large batches quietly and efficiently, but does it deliver the clean, inspection-ready brass that serious reloaders demand? Let’s get into the details.
This isn’t just another tumbler. Frankford Arsenal has bundled everything you need to start wet tumbling, positioning the Platinum Series as a potential one-stop solution for your cleaning station. The inclusion of media, a cleaning solution sample, and a clever transfer magnet suggests a focus on user experience from the first use. For anyone building a reloading bench, tools that save time and reduce hassle are worth their weight in goldor in this case, clean brass.
Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series: Features & Build Quality
Right out of the box, the Platinum Series makes an impression with its thoughtful kit approach. You’re not just buying a motor and a drum; you’re getting a system engineered to tackle the messiest part of case prep. The build quality feels substantial, aimed at enduring the long haul of hundreds of cleaning cycles.
Specifications & Core Components
The heart of the system is the 7-liter dual-layer drum. This capacity is a major selling point. Frankford Arsenal claims it can clean up to 1,000 pieces of .223 brass in a single run. For high-volume shooters or those who process brass in large seasonal batches, this throughput is a game-changer. The drum’s construction includes a noise-dampening rubber lining, a feature directly addressing one of the classic complaints about rotary tumblers.
| Feature | Specification / Description |
|---|---|
| Model | Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Rotary Tumbler |
| Capacity | 7 Liters (approx. 1,000 .223 cases) |
| Power | 110V |
| Included Media | 5 lb. of 304 Stainless Steel Pins |
| Included Accessories | Sample Brass Cleaning Solution, Media Transfer Magnet |
| Timer | Built-in, up to 3 hours with auto-shutoff |
| Drive Train | Maintenance-free |
| Noise Reduction | Dual-layer drum with rubber lining |
| Magnet | Ambidextrous handle, 9″H x 6″W |
| Check current price on Amazon |
Key Feature Deep Dive
The included 5 pounds of 304 stainless steel media is a significant value-add. Quality media isn’t cheap, and this is enough to get started for hundreds of washes. The media transfer magnet is the star of the show for post-process workflow. Separating tiny pins from wet brass is traditionally the most tedious step. This magnet, with its ambidextrous squeeze handle, is designed to pull the pins quickly from the slurry, dramatically cutting down cleanup time. Honestly speaking, a feature like this transforms wet tumbling from a chore into a much more manageable task.
Operational ease is further enhanced by the built-in timer. You can set it for up to three hours and walk away, confident it will shut off automatically. This is perfect for running a cycle overnight or while you’re working on other tasks at your reloading bench. The maintenance-free drivetrain also points to a design meant for longevity, reducing the points of failure that can plague lesser models.
Hands-On Performance & Real-World Testing
So how does this all translate to the workbench? The promise of cleaning up to a thousand .223 cases is impressive, but real-world performance hinges on consistency, noise, and final results.
Cleaning Efficacy & Versatility
The 7L drum delivers on its capacity promise. It easily handles large batches of rifle brass or even larger quantities of pistol cases. The cleaning performance with the included stainless pins and solution is excellent. Cases come out with a like-new shine, both inside and out, which is critical for visual inspection during case prep. It’s worth noting the manufacturer states the tumbler can also clean effectively without the pins, using just solution and water for a less aggressive clean. This versatility is a nice touch for different cleaning needs.
Noise level is a common concern. The dual-layer drum with its rubber lining does make a noticeable difference. It’s not silent, but it’s a low, steady hum rather than a jarring racket. You can comfortably have a conversation in the same room or even watch TV without it being overwhelmingly distracting. From my honest perspective, this makes it much more suitable for use in a garage or basement without annoying the entire household.
The Workflow: Separation & Drying
This is where the Platinum Series system concept shines. After draining the dirty water, you use the transfer magnet. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.It works as advertised, efficiently pulling nearly all the stainless pins from the wet brass in just a few passes. A few stragglers might remain, but it eliminates 95% of the manual picking. It’s a simple tool that solves a universal pain point.
One consideration, as with any wet tumbler, is drying. The kit doesn’t include a dedicated dryer. Wet brass needs to be thoroughly dried before it goes into storage or the reloading press to prevent corrosion. Many users employ a food dehydrator or a low-temperature oven. It’s a minor extra step in an otherwise streamlined process. The best practices, according to , always include ensuring cases are completely dry before moving to the priming and charging stages.
Comparison & Considerations for Your Reloading Bench
Is the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series worth it? That depends on your volume and how you value your time. Compared to dry tumblers, the wet process with stainless pins generally produces cleaner brass, especially inside the case neck and primer pocketa factor for precision reloading. Compared to other wet tumblers, this kit stands out for being complete. You don’t need to source media or figure out a separation method separately.
When evaluating it against other case prep tools, it serves a very specific, vital role. For instance, while a dedicated case prep center handles trimming, chamfering, and deburring, it doesn’t replace the initial deep clean this tumbler provides. They are complementary pieces of the case prep puzzle. Similarly, a precision case trimmer works on brass that is already clean and inspected.
My honest take is that its main competitor is the chore of manual cleaning itself. For the reloader processing hundreds or thousands of cases, the time saved and the superior results justify the investment. It’s a tool that pays for itself in efficiency. For more context on how Frankford Arsenal’s other presses perform, our Frankford Arsenal M-Press review dives into their approach to the press itself.
Final Verdict: Pros, Cons & Who Should Buy It
The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series 7L Rotary Tumbler is a well-executed system for serious ammunition reloading. It’s built for volume, designed for ease of use, and includes almost everything you need to start producing impeccably clean brass.
Pros:
- Complete Kit: Includes media, solution sample, and the brilliant transfer magnet.
- High Capacity: The 7L drum handles large batches, maximizing your processing time.
- Reduced Noise: The insulated drum makes operation significantly quieter.
- User-Friendly Features: The built-in timer and auto-shutoff allow for “set and forget” operation.
- Effective Cleaning: Produces range-brass that looks new, inside and out.
Cons & Considerations:
- Drying Required: Like all wet tumblers, a separate drying step is necessary.
- Size & Weight: When full, the unit is heavy and requires a stable surface.
- Initial Cost: The upfront cost is higher than a basic dry tumbler, but it’s a system.
Who This Is For:
This tumbler is ideal for the reloader who values efficiency and top-tier results. If you process brass in high volume, whether for competitive shooting, hunting season preparation, or simply shooting frequently, the time savings are immense. It’s also perfect for anyone new to wet tumbling who wants a no-guesswork, all-in-one solution. The included magnet alone removes a major barrier to entry.
It might be overkill for someone who only reloads a few dozen rounds per month. For smaller batches, a simpler dry tumbler or a smaller wet system might be more economical. However, if you’re scaling up your reloading operation or are frustrated with the limitations of dry media, this is a compelling upgrade.
To be completely honest, in the world of reloading tools, the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series stands out as a thoughtfully designed system, not just a commodity tumbler. It addresses the real-world headaches of the cleaning process head-on. The clean, polished brass it produces provides the perfect foundation for all the subsequent stepsfrom resizing and priming on your single stage press to final bullet seating. For a deep dive into discussions on this and other tools, the community at r/reloading on Reddit is an invaluable resource. In the end, its a tool that makes the essential, yet tedious, job of case prep faster and more consistent, letting you focus on the precision reloading itself.