Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media Review

The Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media: Final Thoughts from Me

Reloading ammunition is a meticulous process, and keeping brass clean is paramount for safety and accuracy. The Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media promises to be a cost-effective solution for removing dirt, grit, and powder residue from brass cases. This media is a crucial step for reloaders who want to ensure consistent performance and extend the life of their brass.

I’ve been using various media for years, from corn cob to stainless steel pins. I was looking for a more economical option that could still provide effective cleaning without the hassle and expense of wet tumbling. I was intrigued by the promise of walnut hull media offering a good balance between cleaning power and affordability.

Upon receiving the Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media, the first thing I noticed was the packaging – a cardboard box. The media itself appeared relatively fine, which raised some initial concerns about dust. Compared to other media I’ve used, such as Lyman’s, it seemed a bit less coarse. I chose the Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media primarily for its price point, hoping it could deliver comparable results to more expensive options.

My initial excitement was tempered by the somewhat dusty appearance, but I remained optimistic, hoping the media would perform well in my vibratory tumbler. I was eager to see if it could live up to its claims and become a staple in my reloading process.

Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media to the Test

First Use Experience

My first test of the Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media was with a batch of once-fired .223 Remington brass. These cases had been sitting in storage for a few months and were quite tarnished and dirty. I loaded them into my vibratory tumbler with the walnut media, running it for approximately three hours.

The tumbler was set up in my garage, which, unfortunately, is prone to dust. I was already concerned about the media’s dusty nature potentially exacerbating this issue. After the three-hour cycle, I was somewhat disappointed with the results. The brass was cleaner, but not as bright and polished as I had hoped for. The fine dust had also settled on the cases, requiring an extra step to wipe them down.

The dust issue was definitely noticeable; it coated the inside of the tumbler and the surrounding area. Also, the cleaning performance, while adequate, didn’t quite match the results I’ve achieved with other media.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of using the Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media on various calibers, including 9mm, .45 ACP, and .308 Winchester, my initial impressions remained consistent. The media does clean the brass, but it requires longer tumbling times compared to other options. It also produces a significant amount of dust, making proper ventilation essential.

I’ve noticed a moderate amount of wear and tear on the media itself. It seems to break down into even finer particles over time, increasing the dust issue. Maintenance involves periodically sifting out the larger debris, but the fine dust is difficult to remove completely.

Compared to my experiences with corn cob media and stainless steel pins, the Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media falls somewhere in the middle. It’s more effective than heavily used corn cob, but not as efficient or clean as stainless steel pins. While the price point is attractive, the extra effort and dustiness make it less appealing for high-volume reloading.

Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Frankford Arsenal is a well-known name in reloading supplies. They are known for offering affordable and reliable products.
• Fabric/Material: The media is made from ground walnut hulls. Walnut hulls are a relatively hard, yet gentle, abrasive material.
• Quantity: The product is sold as a single package. The package size is not specified in the product description, which is a notable omission.
• Cartridge: Described as Universal, meaning it can be used with various calibers of brass. This makes it a versatile option for reloaders who work with multiple cartridges.

These specifications are important because they dictate the media’s effectiveness and suitability for different reloading setups. The walnut hull material offers a balance between cleaning power and the risk of damaging brass, while the universal cartridge compatibility makes it a convenient option for reloaders with diverse needs. However, the lack of information about the package size can make it difficult for customers to determine the value proposition.

Performance & Functionality

The Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media effectively removes dirt, grit, and powder residue from brass cases. However, it requires longer tumbling times compared to more aggressive media. The fine dust generated during tumbling can be a nuisance.

It excels at basic cleaning, but struggles with heavily tarnished or corroded brass. Some reloaders may find the need to pre-treat heavily soiled cases. It meets basic expectations for cleaning brass, but doesn’t exceed them.

Design & Ergonomics

The media itself is simply ground walnut hulls, so there’s not much to discuss in terms of design. The fine particle size is what contributes to the dust issue and can make handling somewhat messy. The cardboard box packaging is functional but lacks the convenience of a resealable container for storage.

There’s no real learning curve involved; it’s straightforward to use. Simply pour it into your tumbler and add your brass. However, managing the dust requires some forethought and proper ventilation.

Durability & Maintenance

The Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media will last for several uses before needing to be replaced. How long it lasts depends on the volume of brass being cleaned and the level of contamination. Maintenance involves sifting out large debris and spent primers.

It is difficult to remove the fine dust that accumulates over time. Replacement is necessary when the media becomes too saturated with contaminants or breaks down into excessively fine particles.

Accessories and Customization Options

No accessories come with the Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media itself. There are no customization options available. You can pair it with brass polish additives.

It can be used in any standard vibratory tumbler. It is compatible with various brass cleaning solutions and additives. These additives can enhance its cleaning and polishing capabilities.

Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media

Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media?

The Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media is perfect for reloaders on a tight budget who are looking for a basic cleaning solution for their brass. It’s also a good option for those who reload a variety of calibers and want a single media that can handle them all. Casual reloaders who don’t mind longer tumbling times and are willing to manage the dust will also find it suitable.

Those who should skip this product include high-volume reloaders who need a more efficient cleaning solution. Also, reloaders who are sensitive to dust or have poor ventilation should consider alternative media options. Those seeking a mirror-like polish on their brass might also be disappointed.

A must-have accessory is a good dust mask or respirator to protect against inhaling the fine particles. A media separator is also helpful for quickly separating the cleaned brass from the media. Consider adding a brass polish additive to enhance the cleaning and polishing capabilities.

Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media

The Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media is a budget-friendly option for cleaning brass, but it comes with some trade-offs. While it effectively removes dirt and powder residue, it requires longer tumbling times and generates a significant amount of dust. The cardboard box packaging is also less convenient than a resealable container.

The price is justified for those who are primarily concerned with affordability. However, those who value efficiency and cleanliness may find other media options to be a better investment.

I would recommend this product to reloaders on a tight budget who are willing to manage the dust and don’t mind longer tumbling times. For others, there are better, albeit more expensive, alternatives available. Consider your priorities and reloading volume before making a decision. If you’re on a budget and can tolerate the downsides, the Frankford Arsenal Walnut Hull Media can get the job done.