The Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish in Action: First Look
Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish promises to restore fired brass to its original luster, a crucial step for reloaders aiming for consistent performance and extending the life of their brass. As someone who’s reloaded thousands of rounds over the past decade, I’ve seen my fair share of lackluster brass polishes, and the promise of a fast-acting, ammonia-free formula with a pleasant citrus scent immediately piqued my interest. Was this the holy grail of brass cleaning, or just another fleeting product doomed to gather dust on my workbench?
My reloading journey started years ago, born out of necessity and a desire for greater control over my ammunition. One of the biggest challenges was consistently cleaning brass, which is crucial for smooth feeding and accurate loads. I’ve wrestled with everything from vibratory tumblers and walnut media to ultrasonic cleaners, all with varying degrees of success.
Opening the bottle of Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish for the first time, the citrus scent was a welcome change from the harsh chemical odors common in other polishes. The liquid had a slightly creamy consistency. It was different than the watery solutions I’d used before.
Compared to other brass polishes I’ve used – some from Hornady and Dillon Precision – the Frankford Arsenal product stood out due to its ammonia-free formulation. I’ve grown wary of ammonia-based products, concerned about their long-term effects on the brass and my health. That’s why I picked this over others. My initial excitement was tempered with cautious optimism, hoping this product would live up to the claims and streamline my reloading process.
Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish to the Test
First Use Experience
My first test of the Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish was with a batch of .223 Remington brass that had been fired at an outdoor range. The brass was heavily tarnished and coated with carbon residue. I decided to test it both in my vibratory tumbler using crushed walnut media, and with a manual polishing cloth.
In the tumbler, I added the recommended amount of polish to the media and ran it for about three hours. For the manual test, I applied a small amount of polish to a microfiber cloth and buffed a few cases. The results were immediately noticeable. The tumbler-cleaned brass emerged with a significant shine, while the hand-polished cases looked practically new. The ease of use was impressive; no complicated procedures or lengthy soak times were required. There were no issues or surprises after the first use.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of using Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish on various calibers (.223, 9mm, .45 ACP), I can confidently say it holds up remarkably well. The brass retains its shine even after being stored for extended periods.
Durability-wise, the polish itself seems to last a long time. I’ve processed several thousand cases with a single bottle and still have plenty left. I see no signs of wear and tear on my equipment attributable to the polish, and cleaning the tumbler is straightforward. The polish outperforms many previous experiences, saving me both time and effort while delivering consistently shiny brass.
Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish
Specifications
- The Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish is available in 4, 8, and 32 oz bottles. This caters to reloaders of all levels.
- It is manufactured by Frankford Arsenal, a reputable name in reloading supplies.
- The product is specifically designed as a Brass Polish. This means it’s optimized for cleaning and polishing brass casings.
- The formula is Ammonia Free, which is a major plus for safety and brass longevity.
- It boasts a pleasant Citrus Fragrance, making the cleaning process more enjoyable.
These specifications matter because they directly impact the safety, effectiveness, and overall experience of using the product. The ammonia-free formula reduces the risk of damaging the brass, while the citrus fragrance makes the cleaning process less unpleasant. The multiple size options cater to different needs, from the occasional reloader to the high-volume enthusiast.
Performance & Functionality
The Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish excels at its primary job: cleaning and polishing brass. It effectively removes tarnish, carbon buildup, and other contaminants, leaving the brass looking like new.
The main strength is its fast-acting formula. It significantly reduces the time needed to clean brass in a tumbler or by hand. The directions are clear and concise. They’re easy to follow.
While the polish works well in a vibratory tumbler, some users may find that hand-polishing provides the best results for heavily tarnished brass. However, this is generally true of any brass polish. The product meets and exceeds my expectations.
Design & Ergonomics
The liquid is easy to pour and doesn’t create excessive mess. The bottle is sturdy. Its design is functional and serves its purpose adequately.
There is no real learning curve associated with using Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish. Simply follow the directions on the bottle.
Durability & Maintenance
The polish itself has a long shelf life. It does not seem to degrade or lose its effectiveness over time.
Cleaning the tumbler after use is simple. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish doesn’t come with any specific accessories, as it is a standalone product. However, it is fully compatible with various vibratory tumblers, ultrasonic cleaners, and polishing cloths.
You can customize the cleaning process by adjusting the amount of polish used and the duration of the cleaning cycle. There are no accessories.
Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish
Pros
- Fast-acting formula significantly reduces cleaning time.
- Ammonia-free composition promotes safety and extends brass life.
- Pleasant citrus fragrance makes the cleaning process more enjoyable.
- Effective at removing tarnish and carbon buildup, restoring brass to like-new condition.
- Versatile; can be used in vibratory tumblers or for hand-polishing.
Cons
- Heavily tarnished brass may require multiple cleaning cycles or hand-polishing for best results.
- Some users have reported that the polishing compound can separate and require vigorous shaking to re-dissolve.
Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish?
The Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish is perfect for reloaders of all levels. It’s great for the beginner or the seasoned veteran who values efficiency and quality.
Hunters, competitive shooters, and anyone who reloads their ammunition will find this product invaluable. It helps to ensure reliable and accurate loads.
If you’re solely focused on bulk ammunition production and don’t prioritize the appearance of your brass, you might skip this product. Otherwise it is a must-have.
Must-have accessories or modifications would include a vibratory tumbler or high-quality microfiber cloths for hand-polishing.
Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish
In summary, the Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish is a highly effective and user-friendly product that delivers on its promises. It cleans and polishes brass quickly and efficiently. It leaves it looking like new without the harsh chemical odors of many competing products.
The price of $27.99 (for some sizes) is justified by the product’s performance, longevity, and the benefits of an ammonia-free formula.
I would personally recommend Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish to any reloader looking for a reliable and efficient way to clean their brass. Give it a try and experience the difference for yourself. You will not be disappointed!