Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Power Expansion Kit Review

Let’s Dive into Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Power Expansion Kit

The Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Power Expansion Kit is a set of tools designed to make case preparation for reloading ammunition faster and more consistent. From Frankford Arsenal, a trusted name in reloading equipment, this kit promises to streamline primer pocket uniforming and crimp removal, two crucial steps for achieving optimal accuracy and reliability. As someone with over a decade of experience in reloading, I was eager to see if this kit could live up to the hype and improve my workflow.

I’ve been manually prepping cases for years, and while I appreciate the control, it’s undeniably time-consuming. I was hoping this kit would offer a faster, more efficient method without sacrificing precision. My initial impression upon unboxing was positive; the tools felt substantial and well-made, suggesting durability.

I’ve used similar hand-operated chamfer and deburring tools, as well as primer pocket cleaning tools, but I was intrigued by the powered aspect of this kit. I chose the Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Power Expansion Kit over standalone manual tools for the promise of speed and uniformity. The fact that it integrates with the Frankford Arsenal Case Trim & Prep Center was also a selling point.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The kit appeared well-constructed, but the proof would be in the performance. Would these tools hold up to extended use, and would they truly make the case prepping process easier and more consistent?

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Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Power Expansion Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Power Expansion Kit in my reloading room, prepping .223 Remington cases for a batch of match-grade ammunition. I used the kit with my Frankford Arsenal Case Trim & Prep Center, powering the tools as intended. The uniforming and crimp removal processes were significantly faster than doing them manually.

The kit performed well in dry conditions. The tools cut cleanly and smoothly, with minimal chatter. The primer pocket uniformers required a bit of finesse to avoid over-cutting, but once I got the hang of it, the process was straightforward. There were no surprises during the first use; the tools did exactly what they were designed to do.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, prepping thousands of cases in various calibers (9mm, .45 ACP, .308 Winchester), the Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Power Expansion Kit has proven to be a reliable and time-saving addition to my reloading bench. The hardened high-speed steel (HSS) construction has held up well. There are no signs of significant wear and tear.

Maintenance is simple; a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after each use is all that’s needed. The kit has definitely outperformed my previous all-manual methods. The uniformity of the primer pockets is noticeably better, leading to more consistent ignition and improved accuracy.

Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Power Expansion Kit

Specifications

The Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Power Expansion Kit includes the following:

• Large Primer Pocket Uniformer/Cleaner: Used to square up and clean large primer pockets for consistent primer seating.
• Small Primer Pocket Uniformer/Cleaner: Designed to perform the same function as the large primer pocket tool, but for small primer pockets.
• Large Primer Pocket Crimp Remover: Removes military crimps from large primer pockets, allowing primers to seat properly.
• Small Primer Pocket Crimp Remover: Performs crimp removal for small primer pockets.
• Standard 8-32 Threads: Allows the tools to be used with the Frankford Arsenal Case Trim & Prep Center’s auxiliary shafts, or with any tool handle that accepts 8-32 threads.

These specifications are important because they directly impact the quality of the ammunition you reload. Uniform primer pockets ensure consistent ignition, leading to better accuracy and reduced velocity variations. Crimp removal is essential for reloading military surplus brass, preventing primer seating issues and potential misfires.

Performance & Functionality

The Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Power Expansion Kit excels at its primary function: preparing primer pockets for reloading. The uniformers ensure consistent pocket depth, while the crimp removers effectively eliminate military crimps. The tools are easy to use, although some practice is required to achieve optimal results.

The main strength is the speed and consistency they bring to the case prep process. The weakness is the potential for over-cutting if you’re not careful, especially with the uniformers. It definitely meets my expectations; it significantly speeds up case prep and improves consistency.

Design & Ergonomics

The Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Power Expansion Kit tools are made of hardened high-speed steel (HSS) and have a grey finish. The tools are well-balanced and comfortable to use, whether powered by the Frankford Arsenal Case Trim & Prep Center or used manually with a handle.

The kit is user-friendly. There is a slight learning curve to avoid over-cutting with the uniformers, but the process is generally intuitive.

Durability & Maintenance

Given the HSS construction, the Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Power Expansion Kit should last for many years with proper care. As mentioned earlier, maintenance is minimal. Simply wipe the tools clean after each use and store them in a dry place.

Accessories and Customization Options

The kit itself doesn’t have any additional accessories. It’s designed to work seamlessly with the Frankford Arsenal Case Trim & Prep Center. The standard 8-32 threads allow the tools to be used with a variety of handles, giving users some customization options. The most valuable customization is the ability to use the tools either manually or with powered assistance, depending on the user’s preference and the task at hand.

Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Power Expansion Kit