Let’s Dive into Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer
Reloading ammunition is a craft, a science, and sometimes, a downright messy endeavor. After meticulously cleaning your brass, the last thing you want is to wait days for it to air dry, or risk water spots ruining your shiny, prepped cases. The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer promises a faster, more efficient solution, and as someone who’s processed tens of thousands of rounds over the past decade, I was eager to see if it lived up to the hype. Frankford Arsenal claims this dryer can handle up to 1000 pieces of .223 rifle brass or 2000 pieces of 9mm pistol brass, drying them inside and out in under an hour.
My reloading process had always involved a combination of wet tumbling followed by painstakingly arranging brass on towels or trays to air dry, a process often taking a day or two, especially during humid months. I needed a way to drastically cut down on drying time while maintaining the pristine finish of my brass. I’d considered building a DIY dryer, but frankly, time is money, and the convenience of a ready-made solution was too appealing.
Upon unboxing, I was initially impressed with the Brass Dryer’s compact footprint and the five included drying trays. The unit felt surprisingly lightweight, constructed primarily of plastic, which raised a slight concern about long-term durability. Compared to dedicated food dehydrators I’ve used, the plastic felt less robust, but the design seemed practical, with vented trays and a top-mounted fan. I chose this dryer over competitors because of the Frankford Arsenal name and the promised capacity.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The design seemed functional, though not overly premium. I was excited to finally say goodbye to the tedious process of air-drying brass and hopeful that this would streamline my reloading workflow.
Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer to the Test
First Use Experience
I first tested the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer after cleaning a batch of mixed 9mm, .45 ACP, and .223 brass in my wet tumbler. I sorted the calibers onto separate trays and set the dryer to its maximum temperature (approximately 160°F, though there is no temperature control) in my garage. The air temperature that day was about 75F with low humidity. The unit was simple to use; just plug it in, and it starts running; there is no on/off switch.
Within 45 minutes, the 9mm and .45 ACP brass were completely dry and ready for processing. The .223 brass, being longer, took closer to an hour. The forced air convection heating definitely minimized water spots, a common issue with air drying. There were no major issues, though the noise from the fan was a bit louder than I expected.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of consistent use, the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer has become an indispensable part of my reloading setup. It has significantly reduced my brass processing time, allowing me to reload more efficiently. Durability-wise, the plastic construction has held up reasonably well, although I am careful not to overload the trays.
Cleaning the unit is simple; a quick wipe down with a damp cloth is usually all it takes. Comparing it to my previous air-drying method, the Brass Dryer is a clear winner. It dries brass faster, more consistently, and leaves a cleaner finish. I can now prep brass on a Saturday and load rounds on Sunday, something that was impossible before.
Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer
Specifications
- The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer is designed for drying brass casings after wet cleaning processes. It is intended to reduce drying time and minimize water spots.
- It boasts a high capacity, capable of drying up to 1000 pieces of .223 rifle brass or 2000 pieces of 9mm pistol brass. This large capacity is perfect for reloaders who process large quantities of brass at a time.
- The dryer features a 500 Watt heating system for quick and consistent heating. The powerful heater ensures rapid drying of brass cases.
- The unit includes five separate and removable trays, allowing for simultaneous drying of different calibers. Separate trays prevent mixing calibers and streamline the sorting process.
- The dryer utilizes forced air convection heating to minimize watermarks. This ensures a clean, spot-free finish on the brass.
- The fan is top-mounted to prevent moisture accumulation. This design enhances the unit’s longevity.
- The unit’s trays have fine grated bottoms and retaining ribs to keep brass separated. This promotes even airflow and prevents cases from sticking together.
- The Manufacturer is Frankford Arsenal. This name is well known for high-quality reloading products.
Performance & Functionality
The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer performs its primary function, drying brass, exceptionally well. It significantly reduces drying time compared to air drying and minimizes water spots. The unit is reliable and consistently dries brass evenly.
A significant strength is its capacity; I can easily dry a large batch of brass in a single session. The absence of a temperature control and on/off switch are minor drawbacks. However, the overall performance exceeds expectations, making reloading more efficient.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable for the price point, though the plastic construction feels somewhat lightweight. The design is practical, with vented trays and a top-mounted fan. The unit is easy to move and store due to its compact size.
The dryer is user-friendly with no learning curve; simply plug it in, and it starts. An on/off switch and temperature control would enhance the user experience, but are not deal breakers.
Durability & Maintenance
The long-term durability of the plastic components is my main concern. However, with careful use and proper storage, the Brass Dryer should last for several years. Maintenance is simple; just wipe down the trays and the interior of the unit as needed.
There are no user-serviceable parts, but the straightforward design minimizes potential failure points. So far, the dryer has proven reliable and easy to maintain.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer does not come with any additional accessories beyond the five drying trays. There are no customization options available. However, it is compatible with any standard electrical outlet.
Some users might appreciate a fine mesh tray for drying stainless steel media, but this is not included. Given the dryer’s specific function, the lack of accessories or customization options is not a significant drawback.
Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer
Pros
- Significantly reduces brass drying time.
- Large capacity accommodates large batches of brass.
- Minimizes water spots on brass.
- Easy to use, with no learning curve.
- Compact design for easy storage.
Cons
- Plastic construction may not be highly durable.
- Lacks an on/off switch.
- No temperature control.
Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer?
The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer is perfect for reloaders who wet tumble their brass and want to significantly reduce drying time. It’s also ideal for those who reload in humid climates or want to minimize water spots on their brass. High-volume reloaders will appreciate its large capacity.
This product might not be necessary for reloaders who only process small batches of brass or who prefer to air dry their cases. Someone looking for a product with precise temperature control should seek other options. A must-have modification would be a timer to plug the unit into.
Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer
The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer is a valuable addition to any reloader’s setup, especially those who wet tumble their brass. It dramatically reduces drying time, minimizes water spots, and simplifies the reloading process. While the plastic construction and lack of an on/off switch are minor drawbacks, the dryer’s performance and capacity outweigh these concerns.
The price is justified by the time and effort it saves, making reloading more efficient and enjoyable. I would definitely recommend this product to any reloader looking to streamline their brass processing workflow. Say goodbye to endless air drying and hello to faster, cleaner reloading with the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer!