First Impressions of the Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media
The quest for consistently clean, reloadable brass is a never-ending journey for any serious reloader. That’s why the Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media immediately caught my attention. Tired of inconsistent cleaning and excessive dust from other media, I sought a solution that offered effective polishing without the mess, something the Frankford Arsenal brand promised.
My reloading bench has seen its share of media types, from crushed walnut to even DIY concoctions. However, the promise of Frankford Arsenal’s pre-treated corn cob – designed for both cleaning and polishing – held a unique appeal. I wanted brass that looked as good as it performed, and I was hoping this product would deliver just that. It felt like I was buying into a promise of efficiency and cleanliness in my reloading process.
Upon receiving the Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media, my first impression was positive. The packaging was sturdy and the media itself looked uniform and clean. Unlike some cheaper alternatives, there was minimal dust right out of the bag, a promising sign.
Compared to walnut media, which I’ve primarily used for its aggressive cleaning action, the Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media felt less abrasive. I previously used untreated corn cob media that I felt needed additional polish, so the fact that this media came pre-treated with Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish made this media stand out.
Ultimately, I was cautiously optimistic. I hoped the Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media would provide a balance of effective cleaning and excellent polishing, reducing the steps required to prepare my brass for reloading. If it lived up to its claims, it would be a game-changer for my reloading process.
Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media took place after a range session where I put about 500 rounds of 9mm through my pistol. This produced a significant quantity of dirty brass, the perfect challenge for the media. I loaded the brass into my vibratory tumbler, ensuring a generous amount of the media covered the cases.
I let the tumbler run for three hours, checking the progress periodically. Even after the first hour, I noticed a significant improvement in the brass’s appearance. There wasn’t any dust. The cases were notably cleaner and had a subtle shine, which was a good start.
The Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media proved easy to use. I just loaded the tumbler and walked away. I was pleasantly surprised by the relatively low level of dust produced during the tumbling process.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media continues to impress. The media has proven durable, showing only minimal breakdown even after multiple cycles. It still cleans efficiently.
I have now run hundreds of cases through my tumbler using this media, and the cleaning performance remains consistent. There are no signs of excessive wear or crumbling of the media. A quick shake of the media in a sifter removes larger debris.
Maintenance is simple: periodically sifting out the larger debris keeps it performing optimally. Compared to my previous experiences with other brands of corn cob media, the Frankford Arsenal product holds up much better. It retains its polishing capabilities longer and produces significantly less dust.
Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media
Specifications
The Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media is designed to remove dirt, grit, and powder residue from brass cases before reloading. Frankford Arsenal claims it’s usable repeatedly, but requires periodic replacement for optimum performance.
- The media is pre-treated with Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish, designed to bring brass up to a beautiful shine.
- The packaging does not specify the exact weight, however, user reviews state it ranges from 14 to 15 pounds.
- It is important to replace the media after continued use to maintain consistent cleaning and polishing performance.
These specifications are critical because they directly impact the effectiveness and longevity of the media. The pre-treatment with brass polish saves time and effort, while the media’s durability determines its overall value. Replacing the media is essential for maintaining the quality of the brass.
Performance & Functionality
The Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media performs admirably in its intended role. Brass comes out cleaner, and is noticeably shinier, than when using untreated media.
The media’s strength lies in its ability to polish brass to a near-factory shine. One weakness is carbon removal. I would not rely on this media alone to remove heavy carbon buildup from heavily soiled cases. Overall, it meets and even exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media is straightforward. It’s a simple, effective solution that doesn’t require any complicated setup or operation.
The media itself is lightweight and easy to handle. It’s not messy, so you can easily load and unload your tumbler. There are no sharp edges or potentially irritating components.
Durability & Maintenance
The Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media demonstrates good durability. This media is good for several batches before replacement is needed.
Maintaining the media is also easy. Simply sift out the larger debris and spent primer particles after each use. Store the media in a dry, airtight container to prevent moisture absorption.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media doesn’t come with any accessories in the traditional sense. Its primary function is to be used in conjunction with a vibratory tumbler.
While no customization is possible, adding a small amount of brass polish to the media can further enhance its polishing capabilities, although Frankford Arsenal already pre-treats it with their polish. The media works well with other Frankford Arsenal reloading equipment, such as their vibratory tumblers.
Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media
Pros
- Excellent Polishing Action: Leaves brass with a brilliant shine, making it look like new.
- Dust-Free Operation: Produces minimal dust compared to other media, keeping your workspace cleaner.
- Pre-Treated with Brass Polish: Saves time and effort by combining cleaning and polishing in one step.
- Reusable: Can be used for multiple cycles before needing replacement, increasing its cost-effectiveness.
- Easy to Use: Simple to load and unload from a vibratory tumbler, with minimal cleanup required.
Cons
- Carbon Removal: Not the best option for removing heavy carbon buildup from heavily soiled cases.
- Inconsistent Weight: User reviews report receiving slightly less than the advertised weight in some cases.
Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media?
The Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media is perfect for reloaders who prioritize clean, shiny brass and want a convenient, dust-free solution. It is ideal for those who reload frequently and want to streamline their brass preparation process.
This product may not be the best choice for reloaders dealing with heavily tarnished or carbon-fouled brass. If you only need to remove heavy tarnish or carbon, consider starting with a more aggressive cleaning media. A vibratory tumbler is an absolute must-have to use this media effectively.
Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media
The Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media is a solid product that delivers on its promises. It offers excellent polishing capabilities, dust-free operation, and ease of use, making it a valuable addition to any reloader’s toolkit.
At a price of $15.99, the value proposition is strong, especially considering the time saved by the pre-treated polish. It is more expensive than untreated media, but the results justify the cost.
I would definitely recommend the Frankford Arsenal Corn Cob Media to any reloader seeking a convenient and effective way to clean and polish their brass. If you want shiny, reloadable brass with minimal effort, give this product a try. Get yours today and experience the difference!