Frankford Arsenal X-10 .40 Smith & Wesson Bullet Feed Conversion Kit Review

First Thoughts on the Frankford Arsenal X-10 .40 Smith & Wesson Bullet Feed Conversion Kit

As a seasoned reloading enthusiast, I’ve always been on the lookout for ways to streamline my process and maximize efficiency. The Frankford Arsenal X-10 .40 Smith & Wesson Bullet Feed Conversion Kit promised to do just that, piquing my interest with its claim of seamless integration and increased reloading speed. I’ve spent countless hours hand-placing bullets, and the thought of automating that step with this kit was incredibly appealing.

I was specifically seeking a solution to speed up my .40 S&W reloading for IDPA practice. Hand-placing bullets was becoming a bottleneck, especially when trying to prepare for matches. My initial unboxing experience was positive. The kit components appeared well-made and thoughtfully designed. The individual parts felt solid, with the collator plate having a reassuring heft, and the micrometer seating die exhibiting fine machining.

I considered several other bullet feeding systems from brands like Dillon and Hornady. However, I ultimately chose the Frankford Arsenal kit because of its advertised compatibility with the X-10 press, its seemingly straightforward installation process, and its price point. I was hopeful that this kit would provide a good balance of performance and value.

My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The components looked promising, but I was slightly apprehensive about the complexity of integrating a bullet feeder into my existing setup. I was eager to see if the Frankford Arsenal X-10 .40 Smith & Wesson Bullet Feed Conversion Kit could live up to the hype and truly speed up my reloading process.

Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal X-10 .40 Smith & Wesson Bullet Feed Conversion Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

My initial testing took place in my reloading room, which is a climate-controlled space in my garage. I set up the Frankford Arsenal X-10 .40 Smith & Wesson Bullet Feed Conversion Kit following the provided instructions, which I found to be mostly clear, although a few steps required careful attention to detail. The entire process took me about an hour. I ran a few hundred rounds to get a feel for the system.

The system performed admirably overall, though I experienced a few minor hiccups. I noticed the collator occasionally misfeeding, requiring me to manually adjust the bullet orientation. The frequency of these misfeeds diminished as I fine-tuned the collator speed.

The primary issue that arose during the initial use was related to bullet seating depth consistency. The micrometer seating die required several adjustments before achieving the desired consistency. Ultimately, this was solvable with a few minutes of attention.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and thousands of rounds, the Frankford Arsenal X-10 .40 Smith & Wesson Bullet Feed Conversion Kit has proven to be a significant time-saver. The initial minor issues have been ironed out with proper adjustments and a little bit of experience using the system. The bullet feed rate is now consistently high.

The kit exhibits acceptable durability. No components have broken or shown significant wear and tear. I religiously clean the bullet collator plate and the shuttle assembly after each reloading session to prevent powder buildup.

Maintenance is straightforward. A quick wipe down with a dry cloth and occasional lubrication of moving parts is all that’s required. Compared to hand-placing bullets, the Frankford Arsenal system has drastically reduced my reloading time. It’s been a game-changer in terms of efficiency.

Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal X-10 .40 Smith & Wesson Bullet Feed Conversion Kit

Specifications

The Frankford Arsenal X-10 .40 Smith & Wesson Bullet Feed Conversion Kit is specifically designed for reloading .40 Smith & Wesson cartridges. It includes a caliber-specific bullet collator plate, a bullet feed and shuttle assembly, and a micrometer adjustable seating die. The kit is designed for seamless integration with the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Progressive Reloading Press.

The bullet feed system is engineered to feed and seat bullets in the same station. This is to reduce the overall number of stations needed on the X-10 press. The integration into the tool head streamlines the reloading process. The micrometer seating die allows for precise adjustments to bullet seating depth.

• Caliber: .40 Smith & Wesson.
• Compatibility: Frankford Arsenal X-10 Progressive Reloading Press.
• Components: Caliber-specific bullet collator plate, bullet feed and shuttle assembly, micrometer adjustable seating die.
• Function: Feeds and seats bullets in the same station.

These specifications are crucial because they directly impact the system’s accuracy, reliability, and efficiency. The caliber-specific design ensures proper bullet alignment and feeding. The micrometer seating die allows for precise control over seating depth, contributing to consistent cartridge performance.

Performance & Functionality

The Frankford Arsenal X-10 .40 Smith & Wesson Bullet Feed Conversion Kit performs its intended function admirably. Once properly adjusted, it significantly increases reloading speed compared to manual bullet placement. Bullet seating depth consistency is achievable with careful micrometer adjustments.

The system’s primary strength lies in its ability to automate the bullet feeding process. This dramatically reduces operator fatigue and increases overall reloading efficiency. One potential weakness is the occasional bullet misfeed. However, with proper collator adjustment, it’s usually minimized.

Overall, it meets and, in some ways, exceeds expectations. It delivers on its promise of increased reloading speed and consistent bullet seating.

Design & Ergonomics

The Frankford Arsenal X-10 .40 Smith & Wesson Bullet Feed Conversion Kit boasts a robust build quality, employing durable materials. The components feel solid and well-engineered. The collator plate and shuttle assembly are made of quality materials designed to withstand repetitive use.

The system is reasonably user-friendly, although some initial setup and adjustment are required. The instructions are generally clear, but some experience with reloading equipment is beneficial. The micrometer seating die is intuitive to use, allowing for fine-tuning of bullet seating depth.

Durability & Maintenance

The Frankford Arsenal X-10 .40 Smith & Wesson Bullet Feed Conversion Kit appears to be built to last. After weeks of use, there are no signs of significant wear and tear. Proper maintenance is key to ensuring longevity.

Maintenance involves regular cleaning of the collator plate and shuttle assembly to prevent powder buildup. Occasional lubrication of moving parts is also recommended. The system is relatively easy to maintain and repair. Replacement parts are readily available from Frankford Arsenal.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Frankford Arsenal X-10 .40 Smith & Wesson Bullet Feed Conversion Kit includes the necessary components for bullet feeding. The kit does not come with additional accessories. It integrates directly with the Frankford Arsenal X-10 press, offering limited customization options beyond fine-tuning adjustments.

The kit is designed to work specifically with .40 S&W bullets of standard dimensions and weights. Aftermarket collator plates for other calibers are available separately.

Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal X-10 .40 Smith & Wesson Bullet Feed Conversion Kit

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Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal X-10 .40 Smith & Wesson Bullet Feed Conversion Kit?

The Frankford Arsenal X-10 .40 Smith & Wesson Bullet Feed Conversion Kit is perfect for reloaders who frequently load .40 S&W cartridges in high volumes. It’s ideally suited for competitive shooters, law enforcement professionals, and anyone who wants to streamline their reloading process. Anyone looking to produce high volumes of ammunition in a short amount of time will benefit significantly from this upgrade.

This product may not be suitable for casual reloaders who only load a few rounds occasionally. The cost and complexity of the system may not be justified for low-volume reloading. Those who prefer a completely hands-on approach to reloading might also find the automation aspect less appealing.

A must-have accessory is a bullet sorting system or tumbler to ensure clean, uniform bullets for optimal feeding. A well-lit reloading bench is also crucial for monitoring the feeding process and making necessary adjustments.

Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal X-10 .40 Smith & Wesson Bullet Feed Conversion Kit

The Frankford Arsenal X-10 .40 Smith & Wesson Bullet Feed Conversion Kit is a worthwhile investment for reloaders seeking to increase their efficiency and reduce fatigue. While there’s a slight learning curve and occasional misfeeds, the benefits of automated bullet feeding far outweigh the drawbacks. It delivers on its promise of increased speed and consistent bullet seating.

The price of $152.49 is justified for the time and effort saved. The durable construction and ease of maintenance add to the value proposition. I would personally recommend it to any serious .40 S&W reloader looking to upgrade their X-10 progressive press.

Take the leap and experience the convenience of automated bullet feeding. Streamline your reloading process today!

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