Frankford Arsenal Bullet Feeder Review

Let’s Dive into Frankford Arsenal Bullet Feeder

The Frankford Arsenal Bullet Feeder promises to significantly boost the reloading efficiency of the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Progressive Press. For reloaders like myself, constantly seeking ways to streamline the process, this addition seemed like a potential game-changer. It aims to alleviate the tediousness of manually placing each bullet, promising consistent feeding and increased round output.

I’ve spent countless hours hand-placing bullets, so the promise of automation was enticing. My aging hands and increasingly demanding schedule were practically begging for a solution. The Frankford Arsenal Bullet Feeder, with its promise of compatibility and enhanced speed, presented itself as a viable solution.

Unboxing the Bullet Feeder revealed a well-packaged unit. Initial impressions were positive, noting the robust construction and seemingly simple design. It appears to be built with durable materials, hinting at long-term reliability.

Compared to fully integrated, high-end bullet feeding systems, the Frankford Arsenal option is significantly more affordable. While other bullet feeders offer broader caliber support without needing conversion kits, the price point made the Frankford Arsenal Bullet Feeder a more appealing starting point. For me, the cost-effectiveness outweighed the single-caliber limitation (initially).

My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The claims of increased efficiency were compelling. However, I also had some reservations about potential jamming issues and the learning curve associated with setting up the feeder correctly.

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Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal Bullet Feeder to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place at my home reloading bench. I was aiming to load .45 ACP rounds for an upcoming IPSC match. The conditions were ideal – a clean and organized workspace.

The Bullet Feeder definitely took some tweaking to get running smoothly. It required some experimentation with the speed settings to find the sweet spot for consistent feeding. Once dialed in, however, it notably reduced the time required per round.

Initially, I experienced a few instances of bullets tipping or misaligning. This required a manual intervention to correct. After an hour or so of tinkering, I managed to reduce the frequency of these occurrences considerably.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of consistent use, the Frankford Arsenal Bullet Feeder has proven to be a valuable addition to my reloading setup. It’s not perfect, but it’s a definite time-saver. The occasional hiccup still occurs, but far less frequently than during my initial setup.

The feeder itself shows minimal signs of wear and tear. The plastic components seem sturdy, and the motor runs smoothly even after prolonged use. I am careful to clean the feeder regularly to prevent powder buildup and maintain optimal performance.

Compared to my previous purely manual bullet seating process, the Bullet Feeder is significantly faster. It has noticeably increased my hourly output. While I’m not hitting the peak numbers claimed in some marketing materials, I am undoubtedly more efficient.

Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal Bullet Feeder

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Frankford Arsenal
• Projectile Caliber: .355 Caliber (with appropriate conversion kit, also supports .38 Super, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP)
• Quantity: 1
• Voltage: 110 volts
• Compatibility: Designed for the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Progressive Press.

The caliber specification highlights the modular nature of this system. It is essential to purchase the correct caliber conversion kit for the specific round you intend to load. The 110-volt requirement means it plugs directly into a standard US wall outlet.

Performance & Functionality

The Frankford Arsenal Bullet Feeder significantly speeds up the bullet seating process on a progressive press. The adjustable speed control allows for fine-tuning the feeding rate to match reloading pace. This helps in preventing jams and ensuring consistent bullet placement.

The main strength lies in its increased efficiency. The automated feeding drastically reduces the time spent manually placing bullets. Its weakness is its caliber-specific design. This requires purchasing separate conversion kits for different calibers.

Overall, it meets my expectations for a mid-range bullet feeder. It provides a tangible improvement in reloading speed. However, it’s not a perfect solution and requires some attention and fine-tuning.

Design & Ergonomics

The Bullet Feeder features a simple, functional design. It is constructed from durable plastic and metal components. The lightweight construction is easy to mount and adjust.

It requires some initial setup and adjustment, but the learning curve is relatively short. Once the feeder is calibrated properly, it operates smoothly. However, keeping the feeder clean is critical for consistent operation.

Durability & Maintenance

The Frankford Arsenal Bullet Feeder appears to be reasonably durable. Its longevity depends on proper use and regular maintenance. The plastic components are prone to wear and tear if subjected to excessive force or improper cleaning.

Maintenance involves regularly cleaning the bullet collator and feeder tube. This prevents powder residue buildup and ensures smooth operation. Disassembly and reassembly are straightforward, making maintenance relatively easy.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary accessories are the required Bullet Feed Caliber Conversion Kits. These kits are essential for using the feeder with different handgun calibers such as 9mm Luger, .38 Super, .40 S&W, and .45 ACP. These kits are sold separately.

There aren’t many customization options beyond the caliber conversion kits. While the feeder is designed specifically for the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Progressive Press, some users may find ways to adapt it to other presses. However, this is not officially supported.

Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal Bullet Feeder

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Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal Bullet Feeder?

Perfect for reloaders who own the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Progressive Press and want to increase their reloading speed for specific handgun calibers. Also great for those loading higher volumes, or those with hand or wrist issues.

This is not for reloaders who prefer single-stage presses or who frequently load a wide variety of calibers in small batches. Also not great for those unwilling to spend extra on caliber conversion kits.

A must-have accessory is the appropriate caliber conversion kit for the desired bullet size. A good quality media tumbler for cleaning bullets before feeding will also help improve performance.

Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal Bullet Feeder

The Frankford Arsenal Bullet Feeder provides a significant boost in efficiency for reloaders using the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Progressive Press. While it’s not a perfect solution, and requires the purchase of separate conversion kits for each caliber, the time saved is substantial. For the price, it’s a worthy investment for those looking to streamline their reloading process.

The value proposition is strong, especially considering the cost of competing high-end systems. The initial cost is offset by the increased productivity and reduced manual labor. This is a strong value for those who reload frequently.

I would personally recommend it to anyone who owns the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Progressive Press and reloads handgun ammunition in volume. It’s a valuable addition to any reloading bench. Take the plunge, speed up your reloading, and spend more time at the range!