Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Primer Pocket Swager Review

Behind the Box: Testing the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager

Reloading ammunition is a meticulous process, and dealing with military crimped primer pockets can be a real pain. The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager promises to alleviate this frustration with its ergonomic design and quick-change swage pin. I was excited to get my hands on this tool, hoping it would streamline my reloading process and save me valuable time at the bench.

For years, I’d been using a combination of reaming tools and hand-held swagers to remove primer crimps. These methods are time-consuming and can be inconsistent, often leading to uneven primer seating. I needed a faster, more consistent solution for processing large quantities of military brass, pushing me toward Frankford Arsenal’s swager.

Unboxing the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager revealed a well-packaged tool, the die-cast aluminum construction felt solid, and the adjustable handle provided a sense of customization. Compared to my old hand-held swager, this upright design looked much more efficient. I also considered the RCBS Primer Pocket Swager Combo 2 and the Dillon Precision Super Swage 600, but opted for the Frankford Arsenal due to its attractive price point and the promise of an ergonomic, bench-mounted design.

My initial impression was cautiously optimistic; the build quality seemed decent for the price, but I was eager to see how it would perform under the stress of swaging hundreds of crimped primer pockets. Would it live up to the hype, or would it be another reloading gadget destined for the back of the drawer? Only real-world testing would tell.

Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager to the Test

First Use Experience

My first use of the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager was during a marathon reloading session in my garage, where I tackled a pile of 5.56 NATO brass I’d collected from various range trips. The garage was well-lit, but the ambient temperature was a chilly 45 degrees Fahrenheit.

The ergonomic design of the swager made the process much more comfortable compared to my old hand-held tool. The adjustable handle allowed me to find a comfortable position, and the swing-out access for inserting brass was surprisingly efficient. I did have to make a few adjustments to the brass positioning to ensure the swaging pin was perfectly centered, but once dialed in, the process was smooth. After a few dozen cases, I found my rhythm and the process sped up considerably.

I encountered a minor issue with the small primer pocket case holder; a few cases seemed to stick slightly after swaging. However, a quick adjustment to the case holder depth resolved this problem. Overall, the first-time use was positive, and I was impressed with the speed and consistency compared to my previous methods.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several months of use, processing thousands of rounds of 5.56 and .308 brass, the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager has held up reasonably well. There are some minor signs of wear on the die-cast aluminum body, particularly around the handle pivot point.

The finish has started to wear off in high-friction areas, but the tool still functions as intended. I’ve made sure to keep the swaging pin and case holders clean and lightly lubricated to prevent any sticking or binding. Maintenance is relatively simple: a quick wipe down with a clean cloth and occasional lubrication is all that’s needed. While I haven’t experienced a catastrophic failure like some other users reported, I can see that the die-cast aluminum might be a weak point in the long run.

Compared to my previous experiences with hand-held swagers, the Frankford Arsenal tool is a significant improvement in terms of speed and ergonomics. However, it doesn’t quite match the robustness of higher-end swagers like the Dillon. For the price, though, it’s a solid performer that has significantly sped up my reloading process.

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

Specifications

• Manufacturer: Frankford Arsenal.
• Quantity: 1.
• Included Accessories: Mounting Wings, 1 Small Case Holder, 1 Large Case Holder.
• Condition: New.
• Design: Ergonomic.
• Package Type: Box.
• Color: Silver.
• Adjustability: Adjustable.
• The Frankford Arsenal Primer Pocket Swager features an ergonomic upright design, intended to reduce fatigue during high-volume reloading sessions. The adjustability is crucial for accommodating slight variations in brass dimensions and ensuring consistent swaging.

Performance & Functionality

The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager performs its primary function of removing military crimps effectively, and the quick-change swage pin makes switching between large and small primer pockets straightforward. While not perfect, it’s a marked improvement over manually reaming each primer pocket.

The biggest strength is its speed and ease of use; once set up, it significantly reduces the time required to process crimped brass. A potential weakness is the overall durability; the die-cast aluminum construction may not withstand the rigors of extremely high-volume reloading in the long term. Ultimately, the swager meets my expectations for a mid-range tool, offering a good balance of performance and price.

Design & Ergonomics

The die-cast aluminum construction provides a decent balance between weight and strength, making it stable enough for bench mounting without being overly heavy. The ergonomic upright design and adjustable handle contribute significantly to user comfort during extended reloading sessions.

There’s a slight learning curve to properly adjusting the brass positioning for consistent swaging, but once mastered, the process becomes intuitive. The auto-eject case pin holder is a nice touch that speeds up the loading and unloading process.

Durability & Maintenance

The long-term durability remains a concern due to the die-cast aluminum construction, and consistent lubrication and cleaning are essential to prevent premature wear and tear. Repairing the tool might be challenging if a major component fails, as replacement parts may not be readily available.

With proper care, the swager should last for several years of moderate to high-volume reloading. However, those who process tens of thousands of rounds annually may want to consider a more robust, albeit more expensive, option.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager comes with mounting wings for bench mounting and both small and large case holders. The case holders are specific to the tool, limiting customization options.

There are no readily available aftermarket accessories or modifications for this particular swager, and its compatibility with accessories from other brands is limited. However, the included accessories are sufficient for its intended purpose of swaging primer pockets.

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?

The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager is perfect for reloaders who process a moderate amount of military crimped brass and want a faster, more ergonomic solution than hand-held tools. It’s also a good choice for those on a budget who don’t want to invest in a higher-end swaging system.

Those who process extremely high volumes of brass or require maximum durability should consider a more robust swager, such as the Dillon Precision Super Swage 600. If only processing a small number of cases, a hand-held reamer might suffice. The only must-have accessory would be a sturdy reloading bench to mount the swager.

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

The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Platinum Series – Primer Pocket Swager offers a compelling balance of performance, ergonomics, and affordability. While the die-cast aluminum construction raises some concerns about long-term durability, the tool performs its primary function effectively and significantly speeds up the primer pocket swaging process.

The price is justified for the convenience and time savings it provides. I would personally recommend it to reloaders who process a moderate amount of military brass and are looking for a mid-range swaging solution. If you’re tired of manually reaming primer pockets, the Frankford Arsenal Primer Pocket Swager is definitely worth considering. Upgrade your reloading bench and reclaim your time – you won’t regret it!