Frankford Arsenal 2lb Stainless Steel Media Review

Let Me Walk You Through the Frankford Arsenal 2lb Stainless Steel Media

As someone who spends a significant amount of time in workshops and around reloading benches, I’m always on the lookout for consumables that genuinely enhance efficiency and output. My initial encounter with the Frankford Arsenal 2lb Stainless Steel Media came about when I was upgrading my brass cleaning setup. I’d been using traditional media, and while it served its purpose, I was noticing diminished results, particularly with stubborn tarnish and residue inside cases and primer pockets. The promise of superior cleaning performance with this particular media immediately caught my attention.

My previous experience with rotary tumblers pointed towards the fact that the media itself plays a crucial role, not just the tumbler or the cleaning solution. I’d considered other brands, but Frankford Arsenal has a solid reputation in the reloading accessory space, making their offering a compelling choice. Holding the container for the first time, I felt a sense of quiet confidence; the weight was substantial, and the material felt robust. This wasn’t just another bag of tumbling media; it felt like a component designed for a specific, high-performance outcome.

First Use Experience

My first real test of this media was on a batch of .223 brass that had seen better days. I loaded my Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite with the specified amount of stainless steel media, added my preferred brass cleaning solution and water, and let it run. The initial impression was one of quiet efficiency; the tumbler hummed along, and the stainless steel pins seemed to be actively working within the brass. I ran the tumbler for about 4 hours, which is typically my standard for moderately dirty brass.

After the tumbling cycle, I poured the contents into my sorting tray. The results were immediately apparent. The brass wasn’t just clean; it was gleaming, inside and out. The primer pockets, notoriously difficult to clean with standard media, were spotless. There was a noticeable reduction in tarnish, and the cases had a uniformly bright finish that I hadn’t achieved before. This media truly lived up to its promise of superior cleaning.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over the past few months, this 2lb container of media has become an indispensable part of my brass reloading process. I’ve run hundreds, if not thousands, of cases through it – from pistol calibers like 9mm and .45 ACP to rifle cartridges such as .308 and .223. The media has held up exceptionally well, with no noticeable degradation in its cleaning power. I haven’t encountered any issues with the pins sticking together or becoming clogged, even after extended runs with heavily soiled brass.

Maintenance has been surprisingly simple. After each batch, I typically rinse the media thoroughly to remove any residue from the cleaning solution and debris. I then spread it out on a drying tray for a few hours before returning it to its container. The 304 stainless steel construction means I don’t worry about rust, which was a recurring headache with some older media types I’ve used. Compared to other media I’ve tried, these stainless steel pins demonstrate superior longevity and consistent performance, making them a worthwhile investment for any serious reloader.

Specifications

The Frankford Arsenal 2lb Stainless Steel Media comes packed in a convenient 2-pound container, which is the perfect amount for the Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite. The core material is high-quality 304 Stainless Steel, a critical factor in its durability and effectiveness. This specific grade of stainless steel is known for its resistance to corrosion and its strength, which are essential attributes for media used in a tumbling environment.

The small, pin-like shape of the media is specifically designed to reach into tight spaces. These pins effectively penetrate inside of cases and into primer pockets, a key advantage over larger, more rounded media that can struggle to access these areas. The steel construction ensures they are robust enough to withstand the constant abrasion and tumbling action without breaking down prematurely. This makes the media reusable for a very long time, offering excellent value.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of this media is to clean brass, and it excels at this task. When paired with a suitable liquid cleaning solution, the stainless steel pins create a dynamic scrubbing action within the rotary tumbler. This action effectively removes carbon fouling, tarnish, and even some minor surface oxidation that other media types often leave behind. The unmatched cleaning performance it delivers is particularly evident on the interior surfaces of brass casings and within the intricate details of primer pockets.

Its strength lies in its ability to reach and agitate these hard-to-access areas. The consistent quality of the 304 stainless steel means each pin performs its cleaning duty reliably, batch after batch. While it might seem like a simple component, its design and material composition are crucial to achieving that exceptionally clean brass finish that’s so desirable for reloading.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Frankford Arsenal 2lb Stainless Steel Media is deceptively simple yet highly effective. The pins are small enough to tumble freely within casings without causing damage, yet substantial enough to provide the necessary abrasive action. Their stainless steel construction gives them a substantial feel, and they are uniformly shaped, which contributes to consistent cleaning across all pieces of brass.

From a user perspective, the media is easy to handle. The 2lb package is manageable, and pouring it into the tumbler is straightforward. There’s no awkwardness or special technique required, which is exactly what you want from a consumable item like this. The steel color is natural for the material, and there are no unnecessary coatings or treatments that could potentially interfere with the reloading process.

Durability & Maintenance

Durability is where this media truly shines. Being made of 304 Stainless Steel, it is inherently resistant to rust and corrosion. This means that with proper rinsing and drying, the media can be reused countless times. I have not noticed any significant wear, deformation, or loss of cleaning efficacy even after extensive use.

Maintenance is minimal, primarily involving rinsing the media to remove debris and cleaning solution residue after each tumbling session. Allowing it to air dry before storage prevents any potential for moisture to cause issues. Given its robust construction, the Frankford Arsenal 2lb Stainless Steel Media is built to last, offering a long service life and significantly reducing the frequency of needing to purchase replacements compared to less durable media options.

Accessories and Customization Options

The primary accessory for this media is, of course, the rotary tumbler itself, particularly the Rotary Tumbler Lite. The product description specifically mentions that the 2lb quantity is the perfect amount to use with the Rotary Tumbler Lite, highlighting their synergistic design. Beyond the tumbler, there aren’t really “accessories” in the traditional sense for the media itself. However, its purpose is intrinsically linked to reloading processes, meaning it often works in conjunction with cases, cleaning solutions, and reloading presses.

The media itself isn’t customizable, but its effectiveness can be optimized by selecting the right cleaning solution and water ratio for the specific type and condition of brass being tumbled. Frankford Arsenal also offers other reloading components, so users can build a complete, integrated brass cleaning and reloading system from their product line.

Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal 2lb Stainless Steel Media

Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal 2lb Stainless Steel Media?

This stainless steel media is an absolute must-have for reloaders who utilize rotary tumblers, especially those using the Frankford Arsenal Rotary Tumbler Lite. If you’re serious about achieving a high level of cleanliness and shine on your brass, particularly for precision rifle cartridges where case consistency is paramount, this product is for you. It’s ideal for those who appreciate efficient processes and want to invest in a consumable that offers long-term performance and value.

Individuals who should probably skip this product are those who use vibratory tumblers, as this media is designed specifically for the wet tumbling action of a rotary system. Also, if you’re on an extremely tight budget and only reload very occasionally for plinking, a less expensive media might suffice, though you will sacrifice some cleaning quality. For those looking to optimize their brass preparation, I highly recommend pairing this media with a quality brass cleaning solution designed for rotary tumblers.

Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal 2lb Stainless Steel Media

The Frankford Arsenal 2lb Stainless Steel Media is, in my experience, a standout product for anyone serious about brass cleaning in a rotary tumbler. It delivers on its promise of superior cleaning, reaching into every nook and cranny of spent casings and leaving them looking factory-new. The 304 stainless steel construction ensures remarkable durability and reusability, making the initial investment a sensible one for long-term reloading endeavors.

While the upfront cost might be higher than some alternatives, the performance, longevity, and efficiency gains more than justify the price. I would wholeheartedly recommend this media to any reloader looking to elevate the quality of their brass preparation. It’s a small component that makes a significant difference, ensuring your cases are as clean and consistent as possible for accurate and reliable reloads.