Every reloader knows the moment of truth comes after the tumble. You’ve spent hours at the reloading press, meticulously working through each stage of brass prep. Now, your wet tumbling is complete, and you’re left with a slurry of water, cleaning solution, stainless steel pins, and hopefully, gleaming brass. Separating this mess efficiently is the final, critical step before drying and reloading. A clumsy process here can undo all your careful work, leaving media stuck in cases or wasting precious time. This is where a dedicated tool like the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Media Separator earns its keep on your reloading workflow.
Frankford Arsenal has built a reputation for producing robust, user-focused reloading accessories. Their media separator, often simply called the mesh strainer, is designed to tackle the messy job of media separation head-on. It promises a complete, ambidextrous system that works for both wet and dry processes. But does it live up to the hype and truly streamline your case cleaning routine? Let’s get our hands dirty and find out.
What is the Frankford Arsenal Mesh Media Strainer?
At its core, the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Wet/Dry Media Separator is a three-part system engineered for one job: cleanly and quickly separating tumbling media from your brass. Its not just a bucket with holes; it’s an integrated station. The kit includes a large outer bucket, a perforated sifter that nests inside, and a fine stainless steel mesh strainer that fits on top. Two removable handles attach to the sifter, allowing you to agitate the contents. The entire setup is designed for the realities of a reloading benchit’s meant to contain messes, withstand heavy use, and fit seamlessly into your post-tumbling process. For those building out their case cleaning station, this is a foundational component.
Key Features and Design Benefits
The separator’s value becomes clear when you examine its construction and thoughtful details. This isn’t a flimsy piece of plastic; it’s built for the long haul with features that directly address common reloader frustrations.
Robust Construction and Smart Design
The outer bucket is substantial, serving as a spill-proof tub that captures all the water, pins, or dry media. This is a huge upgrade over trying to separate media over a sink or another container. The sifter body is made from durable plastic with a corrosion-resistant perforated design. Honestly speaking, the star of the show is the rugged rubber latch. This simple component is geniusit firmly secures the sifter lid during vigorous shaking, preventing catastrophic spills of media and brass. I’ve used separators without a solid latch, and the constant fear of the lid popping open is real. This latch eliminates that worry entirely.
Dual-Stage Separation and Versatility
The two-stage separation process is where efficiency is gained. First, the perforated sifter lets the bulk of the media and fluid drain through while retaining the brass. Then, the fine mesh top strainer catches any stray pins or small media that might cling to the brass as you lift the sifter out. This ensures virtually no media is left behind in your cases, which is critical for safety and preventing damage to your reloading press dies. The system is explicitly marketed as ideal for both wet or dry cleaning processes, making it a versatile buy whether you use stainless pins, corn cob, or walnut media.
Ergonomics and Compatibility
Frankford Arsenal didn’t overlook the human element. The inclusion of two sifting handles makes the unit truly ambidextrous. You can use your dominant hand to shake without awkwardness. the entire system is engineered to fits 5-gallon buckets. This is a major compatibility win. You can easily dump the captured wastewater and media from the outer tub directly into a standard bucket for disposal. It nests neatly with other common reloading accessories, saving space. From my honest perspective, these practical touchesthe handles, the latch, the standard bucket sizeshow that the designers actually talked to reloaders.
| Feature | Specification / Benefit |
|---|---|
| System Components | Outer bucket, perforated sifter with lid, mesh media strainer, two handles |
| Primary Function | Separates wet or dry tumbling media from cleaned brass cases |
| Key Design Feature | Rugged rubber latch secures sifter lid during agitation |
| Separation Stages | 1. Perforated sifter drains media/fluid. 2. Mesh top catches stray media. |
| Ergonomics | Ambidextrous design with two removable sifting handles |
| Compatibility | Spill-proof outer tub captures all waste; fits standard 5-gallon buckets |
| Construction | Durable, corrosion-resistant materials built for repeated use |
| Check current price on Amazon |
How to Use It in Your Reloading Process
Integrating the Frankford Arsenal media separator into your routine is straightforward. If you’re wondering how to use Frankford Arsenal media strainer, the process is intuitive. After your wet tumbling cycle is complete, simply pour the entire contents of your tumbler drum into the separator’s sifter basket, which is locked inside the outer tub. Secure the lid with the rubber latch. Attach a handle and agitate the sifter vigorously for 30-60 seconds. The quick-draining perforations allow water and stainless steel pins to fall into the tub below.
Once the majority of fluid has drained, unlatch and remove the sifter lid. You’ll see your brass, now free of most media. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.Place the fine mesh strainer on top of the sifter. Invert the entire sifter over your brass drying rack or a towel. A few final taps will dislodge any remaining pins, which will be caught by the mesh. Your brass is now ready for drying. The wastewater and media remain contained in the outer tub for easy disposal. This method, recommended by , ensures a clean, efficient transition from cleaning to the next stage of preparation.
Addressing Common Questions and Compatibility
A frequent question in forums like Reddit’s reloading community is about compatibility. This separator works flawlessly with any wet tumbler, not just Frankford Arsenal models. Whether you use a rotary tumbler from another brand or a homemade setup, the process is the same. Another point of discussion is the mesh micron size. While Frankford Arsenal doesn’t advertise the exact micron specification, the mesh is fine enough to reliably capture standard .047″ stainless steel pins, which is what most reloaders use. My honest assessment is that the mesh density is perfectly suited for its job, though users of extremely fine ceramic media might want to test it first.
Performance and User Feedback
In practical use, this separator is a workhorse. The quick-draining design significantly speeds up the post-tumble process compared to makeshift methods like colanders or single-stage drain baskets. The secure latch provides immense peace of mindyou can shake with confidence. Over the long term, the corrosion-resistant materials hold up well to repeated exposure to water and cleaning agents. I haven’t observed any cracking or degradation of the plastic components, even after years of use. Speaking honestly, the only wear point to monitor is the rubber latch, but it’s robust and should last for thousands of cycles.
Frankford Arsenal Strainer vs. Competitors
Naturally, reloaders compare tools. A common search is for Frankford Arsenal strainer vs RCBS or similar comparisons. The Frankford Arsenal system often wins on value and completeness. It provides the outer containment tub and the fine mesh top as part of a single kit, whereas some competitors sell these as separate items. When evaluating the best media separator for wet tumbling, the integrated, spill-proof design and ambidextrous handles give the Frankford Arsenal a strong edge in daily usability. It’s a focused accessory that does its job exceptionally well without unnecessary complexity. For a deeper look at how Frankford Arsenal’s philosophy translates to their presses, our review of the Frankford Arsenal M-Press offers great insight.
User Reviews and Long-Term Impressions
Across user reviews and industry discussions, such as those on the Cast Boolits forum, the consensus is positive. Users praise its durability and time-saving nature. The most common compliment is how it eliminates the mess and hassle of media separation. A few users have noted that for very large batches (think several thousand pieces of .223 brass), you may need to work in batches, but the separator handles standard tumbler loads (like those from a 7-liter tumbler) with ease. To be completely honest, it’s one of those accessories that, once you use it, you’ll wonder how you managed without it.
Where to Buy and Final Verdict
The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Media Separator is widely available at major online retailers specializing in shooting sports and reloading equipment. It’s consistently priced as a mid-range accessory, offering a fantastic balance of cost and capability. When you consider that it replaces a clumsy, multi-step process with a single, efficient tool, the value proposition is clear.
So, is it the right reloading accessory for you? If you’re serious about wet tumbling or even efficient dry media separation, the answer is a resounding yes. It directly addresses the pain points of the case cleaning phase with intelligent design. The robust build, secure latch, ambidextrous handles, and complete system approach make it a standout. It seamlessly integrates with other case preparation tools like a case prep center or universal case trimmer, creating a streamlined workflow from dirty range brass to ready-to-load brass.
My honest take is that this isn’t just another bucket. It’s a well-engineered solution that saves time, reduces mess, and protects your investment in clean brass. For the reloader looking to optimize their bench, the Frankford Arsenal Media Separator is an upgrade that pays for itself in convenience and reliability. It earns a permanent spot as an essential piece of cleaning & maintenance equipment.