First Impressions of Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly
The Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly promises to be a simple yet crucial component for reloaders seeking consistent primer seating with their X-10 progressive press. Frankford Arsenal is a well-known name in the reloading world, so my initial expectation was a durable and reliable product. But with a price point hovering around $8, I wondered if this small part could deliver the performance I was seeking.
I’ve been reloading for over a decade, primarily focusing on rifle cartridges for precision shooting and hunting. One persistent issue I’ve encountered is inconsistent primer seating depth, especially when dealing with military crimped primer pockets. This inconsistency can lead to variations in ignition and, ultimately, affect accuracy. My goal was to find a more reliable swaging solution for my Frankford Arsenal X-10 progressive press, and the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly seemed like a potential solution.
The Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly arrived in a small, unassuming package. Upon opening, I found the individual primer pins neatly organized in a small plastic bag. My first impression was that they appeared well-machined and finished, surprisingly good for the low price. Compared to similar swaging solutions from RCBS or Dillon Precision (which tend to be more expensive, complete swaging kits), the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly looked like a cost-effective alternative.
I was cautiously optimistic. The low price raised a slight concern about longevity, but the initial quality seemed promising. I was eager to put the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly to the test and see if it could truly improve the consistency of my reloads.
Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly to the Test
First Use Experience
My initial testing ground for the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly was my reloading bench, where I was preparing .223 Remington rounds for an upcoming precision rifle match. I processed a batch of 100 cases with crimped primer pockets using the swaging pin assembly in my Frankford Arsenal X-10 progressive press. The initial experience was smooth.
The Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly appeared to remove the primer pocket crimps effectively, allowing for consistent primer seating. I was initially concerned about potential binding or excessive force required during the swaging process, but the pins worked surprisingly well. There were no immediate issues or surprises after my first use, and the press operation remained smooth.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and processing over 1000 cases using the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly, I was able to evaluate its durability and long-term reliability. The pins held up remarkably well, considering their small size and the force applied during swaging. I inspected them periodically for signs of wear or deformation, but they maintained their shape and function.
Minimal maintenance was required, beyond occasional cleaning with a dry cloth to remove any residue. Compared to using a manual primer pocket reamer (which can be tedious and inconsistent), the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly offered a faster and more consistent solution. I would rate its performance as slightly above what I initially expected, based on the price point.
Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly
Specifications
The Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly is designed specifically for use with the Frankford Arsenal X-10 progressive reloading press. It consists of 25 individual swage pins, designed to remove military crimps from primer pockets. These pins are black in color and suitable for large primers.
- Manufacturer: Frankford Arsenal
- Quantity: 25
- Additional Features: Large
- Color: Black
These specifications are vital because the pins need to be compatible with the press and robust enough to withstand repeated use. The fact that they are designed for large primers means they are intended for larger rifle and pistol calibers like .308 Winchester or .45 ACP.
Performance & Functionality
The primary function of the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly is to remove military crimps, ensuring consistent primer seating depth. The Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly achieved that reliably in my tests. Primer seating became much more consistent, leading to improved ignition consistency and potentially better accuracy.
The pins consistently remove the crimps without excessively widening the primer pocket. This creates a uniform surface for primer seating. One potential area for improvement could be offering different pin sizes to accommodate varying primer pocket diameters, but the existing size worked well for the majority of cases I processed.
Design & Ergonomics
The simple design of the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly contributes to its ease of use. The pins are easy to install and replace on the X-10 press. The black finish adds a touch of corrosion resistance.
The weight of the assembly is negligible, as the pins are small and lightweight. This doesn’t impact the overall ergonomics of the X-10 press.
Durability & Maintenance
The Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly is surprisingly durable. Even after processing thousands of cases, there was no visible wear or deformation. The simple design also contributes to its longevity, as there are no complex moving parts.
Maintenance involves simply wiping the pins clean after use. No special tools or procedures are required.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly doesn’t require additional accessories for its intended function. It is designed to work seamlessly with the Frankford Arsenal X-10 progressive press. There are no readily available customization options for the pin itself, but users can adjust the press settings to fine-tune the swaging process.
It’s worth noting that while not a direct accessory, using a quality chamfer/deburring tool on the case mouth after swaging can further improve primer seating consistency.
Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly
Pros
- Effective crimp removal: Consistently removes military crimps for reliable primer seating.
- Affordable: An economical solution compared to complete swaging kits.
- Durable: Holds up well to repeated use, showing minimal wear.
- Easy to use: Simple installation and operation with the X-10 press.
- Improves consistency: Leads to more consistent primer seating depth.
Cons
- May require occasional replacement, even though durable, the pins are small.
- Not adjustable for different primer pocket sizes, a one size fits most situations.
Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly?
The Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly is perfect for reloaders using the Frankford Arsenal X-10 progressive press, especially those who process a large volume of military surplus brass. It’s also ideal for reloaders seeking a cost-effective and reliable way to remove primer pocket crimps, improving the consistency of their reloads. The Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly is great for progressive press users who don’t want to use single-stage swaging tools.
This product might not be necessary for reloaders who primarily use commercial brass with uncrimped primer pockets or those who prefer using a dedicated single-stage swaging tool. People who reload small amounts of ammo may not see the value with the cost.
A must-have accessory for this product is a Frankford Arsenal X-10 progressive press! Having the correct primer size is also a must.
Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly
The Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly delivers on its promise of effectively removing primer pocket crimps and improving primer seating consistency. The Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly does so at an affordable price. Its durability and ease of use make it a valuable addition to any reloader’s bench.
The price is absolutely justified, considering the performance and convenience it offers. I would definitely recommend it to other reloaders using the Frankford Arsenal X-10 press. For anyone looking to improve the consistency and reliability of their reloads, the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Swage-Prime Pin Assembly is a worthwhile investment. Upgrade your X-10 today!