Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer Review

Is the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer Worth It? Let’s Find Out

For years, the tedious task of drying perfectly cleaned brass cases after a wet tumbling or ultrasonic cleaning session was a bottleneck. Laying them out on towels, waiting for hours, or risking water spots – it was a necessary evil. That is until the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer entered my workshop. This dedicated appliance promises to efficiently and thoroughly dry spent casings, bringing a new level of convenience to brass preparation. My personal journey with this brass dryer began out of sheer frustration with the slow and unpredictable results of conventional drying methods, especially when facing large batches of newly deprimed rifle and pistol brass.

Upon unboxing, my initial impression was one of practical utility. The unit feels solid, with a durable plastic housing that doesn’t scream “premium,” but certainly conveys a sense of robust functionality. It’s designed with a clear purpose: to dry brass. I’d briefly considered DIY solutions or using modified food dehydrators, but the specialized design and targeted features of this model ultimately swayed me. It offered a promise of consistency that those alternatives couldn’t easily match. My immediate feeling was one of anticipation, a quiet confidence that this might just solve a persistent reloading challenge.

Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer to the Test

First Use Experience

My first real test of this brass dryer was in my dedicated reloading room, a space where temperature and humidity are relatively controlled, but where efficiency is paramount. I’d just finished a large batch of 9mm and .223 brass using a rotary tumbler and a rinse cycle. The instructions were simple: plug it in, load the trays, and set the temperature. No complex setup or calibration was needed; the unit was intuitive right out of the box.

The dryer performed admirably from the first cycle. I loaded up two of the five removable trays with 9mm brass and two with .223 brass, ensuring no mixing between calibers. Within about an hour and a half at the recommended 160°F setting, the brass emerged completely dry, both inside and out, and crucially, free of any water spots or mineral residue. A pleasant surprise was how evenly the heat circulated, reaching into the primer pockets and flash holes effectively. The only minor quirk was the absence of an on/off switch; the unit powers on as soon as it’s plugged in, which I noted for future use.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of consistent use, often multiple times a week, the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer has proven to be a reliable workhorse. It handles anywhere from a few hundred rounds of pistol brass to over a thousand pieces of .223 rifle brass per cycle without complaint. I’ve found that even with heavy usage, the plastic housing shows no signs of stress or cracking, and the heating element maintains a consistent temperature.

Maintenance is straightforward – a quick wipe-down of the trays and interior with a damp cloth after use is sufficient. The fine mesh bottoms of the trays do a good job of preventing smaller brass pieces from falling through, but occasionally, a tiny piece of debris might accumulate, easily brushed away. Compared to my previous methods of laying brass out or using a modified kitchen appliance, this dryer offers significantly faster drying times and, more importantly, a more uniform and spot-free finish on the brass. The forced convection heating is a distinct advantage over passive drying, especially in cooler or more humid environments where air-drying would be impractical.

Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer

Specifications

The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer is designed with the reloader in mind, boasting a series of specifications aimed at maximizing efficiency and capacity. It features five removable trays, each with fine grated bottoms and retaining ribs to keep brass organized and separated by caliber. This capacity is substantial, stated to handle up to 1000 pieces of .223 rifle brass or 2000 pieces of 9mm pistol brass in a single drying cycle.

The unit is powered by a robust 500 Watt heating system that quickly heats air to temperatures that facilitate rapid drying. This is coupled with a forced air convection heating mechanism, designed to distribute warm air evenly across all trays, ensuring thorough drying both inside and out. A key design element is the top-mounted fan, which is strategically placed to prevent moisture from accumulating in the circuitry, thereby enhancing the longevity and safety of the unit. The dryer operates efficiently, capable of drying brass cases in under an hour, a significant time saver for high-volume reloaders.

Performance & Functionality

The primary function of the Frankford Arsenal brass dryer is to remove all moisture from cleaned brass cases, and it excels at this task. The forced air convection heating is the star of the show here. It circulates air at temperatures up to 160°F, which is hot enough to evaporate water quickly without being so hot as to affect the brass’s temper or cause discoloration, a problem I’ve encountered with oven drying in the past. This consistent and even heat distribution means no more searching for rogue damp spots or dealing with those frustrating watermarks that can mar otherwise perfect brass.

The ability to dry multiple calibers simultaneously in separate trays is a massive functional advantage. It eliminates the risk of mixing brass from different firearm platforms, a crucial step in avoiding errors during the reloading process. In terms of performance, it consistently delivers dry, clean brass that looks almost factory-new, especially when paired with a good wet tumbler. The only slight drawback in terms of functionality is the aforementioned lack of an independent on/off switch, which requires the user to manage power via a wall outlet or an external timer.

Design & Ergonomics

In terms of design, the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer prioritizes functionality over aesthetics. The housing is constructed from a durable, somewhat utilitarian plastic that feels built to withstand the rigors of a reloading bench. The overall footprint is compact enough not to consume excessive workbench space.

Ergonomically, the removable trays are a major plus. They slide in and out smoothly, and the retaining ribs help keep the brass from rolling around too much when handling. The grated bottoms are also well-designed, allowing for maximum airflow. While the plastic construction isn’t exactly luxurious, it does contribute to the unit’s lighter weight, making it easier to move around if necessary. The simplicity of the design – essentially a heated box with a fan and trays – makes it incredibly user-friendly. There’s no complex interface, just plug it in and let it do its job.

Durability & Maintenance

Based on my experience and the apparent build quality, this dryer is designed for longevity in a typical reloading environment. The 500 Watt heating unit seems robust, and the top-mounted fan placement is a smart choice that protects the electrical components from potential moisture ingress. After months of use, there are no visible signs of degradation, such as warped plastic or failing fan performance.

Maintenance is refreshingly simple. A light cleaning of the trays and the interior of the unit after each use is usually sufficient. The five removable trays can be washed more thoroughly if needed, and they air dry quickly. There aren’t any complex parts to worry about or delicate mechanisms that require special care. It’s a straightforward piece of equipment that, with minimal attention, should provide years of reliable service for anyone who regularly wet tumbles their brass.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Frankford Arsenal brass dryer comes as a self-contained unit with its primary components being the five removable trays. These trays are the key to its functionality, allowing for separation of different calibers and maximizing surface area for drying. There are no other significant accessories included in the package.

Customization options are minimal, which aligns with its straightforward design. The unit itself isn’t designed for modifications. However, users can indirectly enhance its utility by incorporating an external timer. This is particularly useful given the absence of an automatic shut-off switch. A timer allows for precise control over drying cycles, ensuring the brass is perfectly dry without the risk of over-drying or excessive energy consumption if you forget to unplug it. This simple addition can significantly improve the user experience.

Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer

Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer?

This brass dryer is an ideal solution for any dedicated reloader who frequently wet tumbles their brass. It’s particularly well-suited for individuals who process large volumes of spent casings, such as competitive shooters, those who reload for multiple firearms, or anyone looking to significantly speed up their brass preparation process. If you’ve experienced the frustration of water spots, slow drying times, or the risk of corrosion after wet cleaning, this unit will be a welcome addition to your reloading bench.

Those who might want to skip this product are individuals who only reload a handful of rounds occasionally or who primarily use dry tumbling methods. If you have a consistently warm, dry climate and plenty of space to lay brass out, a dedicated dryer might be overkill. For best results, I highly recommend pairing this dryer with a quality wet tumbler and considering an external timer to manage its power cycles efficiently.

Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer

The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series Brass Dryer is a highly effective and practical tool that directly addresses a common pain point for many reloaders. Its high capacity, efficient forced air convection heating, and the clever design of its five removable trays make it a standout performer for drying wet-cleaned brass. While the absence of an on/off switch is a minor inconvenience that can be easily mitigated with a timer, it doesn’t detract from the unit’s core functionality.

For its price point, the value proposition is strong. It delivers consistent, spotless results that significantly reduce brass preparation time. I wholeheartedly recommend this dryer to any serious reloader who wants to streamline their process and ensure their brass is perfectly dry and ready for reloading after wet cleaning. It’s a smart investment that pays dividends in saved time and improved results.