Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager Review

My Real Take on the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager

Reloading, for me, has always been a craft that demands precision, patience, and the right tools. After more than a decade spent wrestling with brass in every conceivable environment – from dusty workshop benches to remote field operations – I’ve developed a keen eye for what works and what doesn’t. The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager found its way to my bench during a period of intense frustration with military-crimped brass, specifically for .223/5.56 NATO cases. My usual reaming methods were slow and inconsistent, leading me to seek a more efficient solution. I’d previously used other Frankford Arsenal gear with mixed but generally positive results, so this swager seemed like a promising, albeit budget-friendly, contender against pricier alternatives. Upon unboxing, the initial impression was one of robust utility; the die-cast aluminum construction felt solid, and the included case holders suggested a thoughtful design aimed at simplifying the often-tedious swaging process. My immediate hope was for a tool that could streamline my workflow without demanding a significant investment.

First Use Experience

My initial dive with the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager was on my main reloading bench, a space that’s seen its fair share of grit and grease. The task at hand was a batch of once-fired military brass that had stubbornly resisted my usual primer pocket reaming, leaving me with a collection of unprimed, frustratingly crimped cases. I opted for the C-clamp mounting option for immediate use, finding it surprisingly secure on my heavy workbench. Aligning the brass and operating the handle felt relatively intuitive, and the quick-change pin system for small and large primer pockets was indeed a time-saver. My first hundred or so cases were processed with a sense of growing relief; the tool effectively broke through the crimp with a satisfying mechanical action. There was a slight learning curve in getting the brass perfectly centered initially, but the adjustable positioning feature quickly corrected any minor misalignments.

Extended Use & Reliability

Over several months and processing what must be thousands of primer pockets, the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager has proven itself to be a workhorse, albeit one with a critical vulnerability. The die-cast aluminum construction, while initially seeming robust, eventually showed its limitations. It was after processing roughly 10,000 cases, primarily 5.56 NATO, that I noticed a slight increase in the effort required for hand-priming some cases. This suggested a subtle deformation or wear within the tool’s core mechanism. The most significant issue, however, came when a specific stress point on the main body of the swager failed after repeated cycles. This wasn’t a gradual decline but a sudden, mechanical failure. Fortunately, Frankford Arsenal’s customer service was remarkably responsive. They shipped a replacement unit with commendable speed and no hassle, and I noted that the new unit appeared to have undergone some design revisions, specifically in the area that had failed on the original. While the failure was annoying, the exceptional customer support significantly softened the blow.

Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager

Specifications

The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager is constructed from die-cast aluminum, giving it a sturdy yet manageable weight for bench mounting. It features an ergonomic upright design that positions the primary lever comfortably within reach, reducing strain during extended use. A key specification is its quick-change swage pin system, allowing for effortless switching between small and large primer pocket sizes, a crucial detail for reloaders working with various calibers. The swager includes both a large case holder and a small case holder, ensuring proper fit and alignment for different brass dimensions. It offers adjustable brass positioning to guarantee the swaging pin is perfectly centered, which is vital for preventing damage to the case head. Finally, the design incorporates an auto-eject case pin holder, streamlining the loading and unloading process for increased efficiency.

Performance & Functionality

In its core function of removing military crimps, this swager performs admirably. It effectively pushes aside the crimped brass material, creating a clean, re-sizeable primer pocket. The auto-eject case pin holder is a genuinely useful feature, making the repetitive task of loading and unloading brass much smoother than with manual ejection systems. For anyone regularly processing crimped military brass, this tool drastically cuts down on the time and effort compared to methods like reaming. However, as noted in my extended use, the aluminum construction is a potential weak point under significant stress, which can affect long-term durability for high-volume reloaders.

Design & Ergonomics

The ergonomic upright design is a significant win for user comfort. The adjustable-position handle allows for customization to individual user height and preference, which is a thoughtful touch often overlooked in reloading tools. The die-cast aluminum construction provides a solid feel during operation, and the overall aesthetic is functional and no-nonsense, fitting well on a utilitarian reloading bench. The quick-change swage pin mechanism is simple and robust, requiring only a few seconds to swap the necessary pin. While the tool is primarily metal, the exposed lever and handle are smooth, offering no particular grip enhancement, which could be a minor issue for those with very dry hands.

Durability & Maintenance

As highlighted by user feedback and my own experience, the primary concern with this tool lies in its durability under heavy load. The die-cast aluminum construction, while providing a good initial feel, appears to be the limiting factor for extreme longevity, particularly in the stressed areas of the mechanism. For moderate reloaders, it will likely last a considerable time, but for those processing thousands of cases regularly, a failure point is a real possibility. Maintenance is straightforward; keeping the swaging pin and case holders clean of debris is essential for smooth operation. No special lubrication is typically required, but a light application of grease on moving parts could potentially mitigate wear over time.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager comes with the essential large case holder and a small case holder, which cover the vast majority of common pistol and rifle brass. It also includes mounting wings, facilitating a secure benchtop setup. While the tool itself is not highly customizable in terms of materials or core components beyond the swage pins, its compatibility with standard reloading bench setups (via C-clamp or permanent mounting) is excellent. The inclusion of both case holders in the package is a significant value add, meaning no immediate additional purchases are necessary to begin swaging common calibers.

Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager

Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager?

This swager is an excellent choice for the intermediate to advanced reloader who regularly processes military-crimped brass, particularly for common calibers like .223/5.56 NATO. If you’re tired of slow reaming or are looking for a more efficient way to prepare your brass for priming, this tool offers a significant workflow improvement. It’s ideal for those who value ease of use and a streamlined process and don’t necessarily require a bulletproof, industrial-grade tool for astronomical volumes. Home reloaders working through hundreds or a few thousand cases per year will likely find it to be a reliable and time-saving addition to their bench.

Those who should consider alternatives are high-volume reloaders processing tens of thousands of cases annually, or individuals who absolutely need a tool that is impervious to failure under extreme, prolonged stress. If you’re preparing brass for competitive shooting where absolute consistency and zero chance of tool failure are paramount, you might want to invest in a more robust, though considerably more expensive, alternative like a dedicated progressive press-based swaging die or a premium single-stage swaging tool. For anyone sensitive to tool failures or preferring robust, all-steel construction for longevity, this model might be a point of concern.

Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager

The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager strikes a compelling balance between functionality, ease of use, and affordability. Its ergonomic design and intuitive operation significantly enhance the reloading experience, making the tedious task of removing primer crimps a far less daunting endeavor. The inclusion of both small and large case holders right out of the box adds considerable value, allowing immediate use with a wide range of brass. While the die-cast aluminum construction does present a potential durability concern for extremely high-volume reloaders, the exceptional customer service demonstrated by Frankford Arsenal in replacing faulty units is a significant mitigating factor. For the average to moderately active reloader, this tool offers a robust solution that speeds up brass preparation considerably. Given its price point, the performance and convenience it delivers are impressive. I would recommend this swager to reloaders looking for an efficient and cost-effective way to tackle crimped primer pockets, with the caveat that extremely heavy use might warrant considering more heavy-duty options down the line.