Every reloader knows the bottleneck. You’ve got a mountain of once-fired brass, and the first step is always the same: popping out those spent primers. It’s a simple task, but it can be tedious on a press, tying up your main workstation. That’s where a dedicated hand deprimer tool shines, and the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series model has become a go-to for many. It promises to streamline that initial case prep phase, letting you work from anywhere with a bin for the brass and a cup for the primers.
This isn’t just a simple punch and anvil. The design is focused on solving specific pain points in the depriming process. We’re talking about ergonomics, universal compatibility, and clever spent primer management. I’ve put this tool through its paces on mixed brass piles to see if its innovative features translate to real-world efficiency on the reloading bench.
What is a Hand Deprimer Tool and How It Works
A hand deprimer is a manual, standalone device designed for one job: removing spent primers from cartridge cases. You place a case into the shell holder, squeeze the handle, and a decapping pin pushes the primer out into a collection system. It separates the brass depriming step from your reloading press, freeing it for other operations. This is especially useful for high-volume shooters who like to pre-process brass in batches or for those who want to inspect primer pockets closely before moving to the next stage.
The Frankford Arsenal Platinum uses what they call a patented Universal Collet System. Instead of interchangeable shell holders, a single, adjustable collet grips the case head. You insert the brass, and as you squeeze, the collet tightens around the case, providing the necessary case head support while the pin does its work. The handle is spring-loaded, so it returns automatically after each stroke. Honestly speaking, this auto-return feature is a small touch that significantly reduces hand fatigue over a long session.
Key Features of an Innovative Design
Looking beyond the basic function, several features set a modern hand deprimer apart. The Frankford Arsenal Platinum incorporates a few that directly address common frustrations.
The Universal Collet & Decapping Pin
The heart of the system is its ability to handle a wide range of calibers, from .20 cal up to .338 Lapua, without changing parts. This covers virtually all common pistol and rifle brass. The universal decapping pin is designed to work on both standard and military crimped primers, a crucial detail for anyone processing surplus brass. While many competitors focus on steel or aluminum construction, a point often overlooked is pin longevity. In my honest opinion, the use of a hardened steel pin here is good, but the industry is moving towards even more durable options like tungsten carbide decapping pins for extreme longevity, which is a potential future upgrade path for tools like this.
Ergonomics and the Assisted-Ejection Holder
The tool features a full-length, ergonomic grip. More importantly, it includes an assisted-ejection case holder. After depriming, the case is held loosely so you can easily tip it out, rather than having to pry it from a tight shell holder. This seems minor until you’ve deprimed a few hundred cases. The convenience is real.
Spent Primer Management
A messy bench is an unsafe bench. This tool solves the flying primer problem with a removable spent primer catcher tube. The spent primers are directed down through the tool and into this tube, which can be emptied as needed. This contained system for spent primer disposal keeps debris off your workspace and makes cleanup a snap. Its a fundamental feature that every good reloading deprimer should have.
Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Hand Deprimer: Specifications
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Compatibility | .20 cal to .338 Lapua (Pistol & Rifle) |
| Primer System | Universal Collet, no shell holders needed |
| Handle Action | Spring-loaded auto-return |
| Key Feature | Removable spent primer catch tube |
| Key Feature | Assisted-ejection case holder |
| Construction | Full-length ergonomic grip |
| Special Capability | Works on military crimped primers |
| Check current price on Amazon |
Step-by-Step Guide to Using the Tool Effectively & Safely
Using a hand deprimer is straightforward, but proper technique ensures safety and longevity. Heres how to use a hand deprimer tool safely and effectively.
- Setup: Ensure the spent primer catch tube is securely attached. Have two containers ready: one for deprimed brass, one for undeprimed brass.
- Insert Case: Place a case into the collet opening. No need to force it; the collet will center and grip it as you squeeze.
- Deprime: Squeeze the handle with a firm, smooth motion. You’ll feel a slight “pop” as the primer is ejected. The handle will return automatically when you release.
- Eject Case: Tip the tool slightly over your “finished” bin. The assisted-ejection holder will allow the deprimed case to fall out easily.
- Inspect: Get in the habit of glancing at the primer pocket. This is the perfect time to check for cracks, severe corrosion, or stubborn crimp remnants that might need a primer pocket reamer.
My honest take is that the simplicity is its greatest strength. Theres no setup, no die adjustment. You just start working. Always wear safety glasses during any reloading operation, including depriming. A shattered decapping pin or a piece of brass can send fragments flying, though the contained design of this tool minimizes that risk.
Hand Deprimer vs. Press-Mounted Decapper: The Real Trade-Off
The eternal debate: dedicated hand tool versus a universal decapping die in your press. Each has its place. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes
A hand deprimer excels in portability and workflow separation. You can sit at the couch and deprime while watching a show, keeping your reloading press free for sizing, seating, and crimping. Its also typically faster for batch processing since you’re not handling the press lever. The Frankford Arsenal model, with its spring return, makes a rapid rhythm easy to maintain.
A press-mounted decapping die, like those found in many coaxial reloading presses, integrates the step into your main sequence. This is efficient if you’re doing all your case prep in one continuous operation on a single machine. However, it ties up a station on your press and often lacks a clean spent primer disposal system compared to a dedicated tool’s catcher tube.
Honestly speaking, for the reloader who processes brass in large, separate batches, the hand deprimer is a productivity booster. For someone doing small batches of precision rifle brass where each case is meticulously handled through every step on the press, the universal die might suffice. The best practice, according to Honest Opinion, is to choose based on your volume and preferred workflow.
Top Picks and Integration into Your Reloading Process
The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series stands out for its thoughtful design. Its direct competitors would be tools from brands like RCBS or Lyman, which often use traditional shell-holder systems. The universal collet is this tool’s killer feature, eliminating the need for a separate holder for each caliber.
Thinking about modular designs for field repairs, this tool is simple enough that a broken pin (the most likely point of failure) could be replaced by the user if spare parts are available. Its durability comes from its solid construction and smart mechanics, not unnecessary complexity.
Where does it fit? This hand deprimer is the perfect first step in a case prep pipeline. After depriming, brass is ready for cleaning. Then, it can move to a station for trimming, chamfering, and pocket cleaning. For a streamlined setup, this tool pairs perfectly with a dedicated case prep center that handles the remaining steps. This separation of dutiesdeprime by hand, then power through the restis how high-volume reloaders stay efficient. Its a core case preparation tool that enables a smoother workflow.
Maintenance Tips for Longevity
To keep any reloading bench tool running smoothly, a little maintenance goes a long way.
- Clean the Collet: Periodically, wipe out the collet mechanism with a dry cloth to remove brass shavings and carbon dust. Avoid oil here, as it will attract more debris.
- Check the Pin: Inspect the decapping pin for bending or tip wear. A bent pin can misalign and damage case heads.
- Empty the Catcher: Don’t let the spent primer tube overfill. An overstuffed tube can cause primers to jam in the chute.
- General Wipe-down: A quick wipe of the tool body and handle keeps it clean and pleasant to use.
I honestly believe that the simplicity of this tool means there’s very little to go wrong. The spring is robust, and the mechanism is solid. Following these basic steps will ensure it lasts for tens of thousands of rounds. For more insights from a community of experienced reloaders, discussions on platforms like the reloading subreddit often contain valuable long-term user experiences with tools like this.
Final Assessment
The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Hand Deprimer Tool delivers on its promises of convenience, versatility, and clean operation. The universal collet system is genuinely innovative, removing the fuss of shell holders. The spring-return handle and assisted ejection reduce effort and speed up the process. The contained spent primer system is a benchmark feature that all modern deprimers should adopt.
Is it the perfect tool? For the vast majority of reloaders looking to efficiently decouple the depriming step from their press, yes. Its a well-designed, purpose-built primer removal tool that excels at its one job. While it sits firmly in the category of Hand Reloading Tools, its impact on your overall efficiency can be significant. My honest assessment is that it represents a smart investment for anyone processing more than a handful of brass at a time, effectively upgrading your entire reloading process integration. It turns a chore into a simple, almost effortless task.