Let’s Dive into Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish
Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish is a product designed to restore the luster and shine to dull, tarnished brass casings, a vital step for reloaders seeking consistent and reliable ammunition. This polish, manufactured by Frankford Arsenal, promises to remove residue and oxidation effectively, leaving brass looking like new. I’ve been reloading for over a decade, and maintaining my brass is paramount for accuracy and extending the life of my reloading components.
My primary issue was the tediousness of hand-polishing large quantities of brass after tumbling. The old methods were time-consuming, and I needed a solution to streamline my brass preparation process.
Upon receiving the Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish, I was immediately impressed by the simple, no-nonsense packaging. The liquid has a mild, citrus scent, a welcome change from the harsh chemical odors of some competing products. The consistency appeared slightly thicker than water, which I hoped would translate to better adhesion to the brass during tumbling.
I’ve previously used Hornady One Shot Brass Polish and Dillon Case Polish. I chose the Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish based on its reported ammonia-free formula and the positive user reviews mentioning its fast-acting nature. This appealed to my desire for both effective cleaning and a more user-friendly experience.
My first impression was one of cautious optimism. The citrus fragrance and the promise of a faster cleaning process intrigued me, though I remained skeptical until I saw the results for myself.
Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish to the Test
First Use Experience
I tested the Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish in my RCBS vibratory tumbler with approximately 500 pieces of mixed 9mm and .223 brass. I used crushed walnut media as the base, adding the recommended amount of polish directly to the media. The tumbler ran for about two hours.
The results were immediately noticeable. The brass came out significantly cleaner and brighter than with my previous polishing method. There was minimal dust or residue left on the casings, and the citrus scent lingered pleasantly.
The ease of use was also a major selling point; I didn’t need to pre-treat the brass or spend excessive time monitoring the tumbling process. It was a simple pour-and-go solution.
My only initial concern was the potential for the liquid to clump the media, but this didn’t happen as long as I followed the instructions and used the correct amount.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks of consistent use, the Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish has proven to be a reliable and effective tool in my reloading process. The brass maintains its shine for an extended period, and I’ve noticed less frequent fouling in my firearms. The polish has also helped to remove stubborn carbon buildup, reducing the need for manual scrubbing.
There have been no signs of wear and tear on the tumbler or any adverse effects on the brass itself. The polish hasn’t caused any discoloration or etching, indicating that it’s safe for long-term use.
Maintenance is straightforward; I simply replace the tumbling media as needed and occasionally wipe down the inside of the tumbler. The Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish hasn’t left any sticky or difficult-to-remove residue.
Compared to my previous experiences with other brass polishes, the Frankford Arsenal offering has outperformed them in terms of speed, ease of use, and the overall quality of the finish. It’s become an indispensable part of my reloading setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish
Specifications
The Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish is available in 4, 8, and 32-ounce bottles. It’s formulated to remove tarnish, oxidation, and residue from brass casings. This polish is ammonia-free and features a citrus fragrance.
The quantity affects how much brass can be polished per bottle and the overall cost-effectiveness. The ammonia-free formulation is important because ammonia can weaken brass over time. The citrus fragrance makes the reloading process more pleasant.
Performance & Functionality
The Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish excels at quickly and effectively cleaning brass casings, leaving them with a brilliant shine. It removes carbon fouling and oxidation effectively, contributing to more consistent reloads. Its strengths lie in its speed, ease of use, and gentle formulation.
The only slight weakness is that heavily tarnished brass might require a second tumbling cycle for optimal results. Despite that, it consistently meets my expectations for cleaning and polishing brass.
Design & Ergonomics
The liquid polish has a user-friendly consistency that spreads evenly over tumbling media. The citrus fragrance is a significant improvement over traditional, harsh-smelling polishes.
There is minimal learning curve. The instructions are clear, and the application process is simple, making it accessible for both novice and experienced reloaders.
Durability & Maintenance
A single bottle of Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish lasts for numerous reloading sessions, depending on the quantity of brass being processed. The polish itself doesn’t require any special maintenance or storage conditions.
It’s easy to clean up any spills or residue with a damp cloth. This ease of maintenance contributes to its overall appeal.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish doesn’t require any specific accessories. It is compatible with most vibratory tumblers and tumbling media.
You can use it with walnut shell media or corn cob media, depending on your preference for cleaning and polishing aggressiveness. The polish is also compatible with various case cleaning solutions, enhancing its versatility.
Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish
Pros
- The ammonia-free formula ensures the longevity of your brass casings. It prevents weakening and potential cracking over repeated reloading cycles.
- It works quickly. The polishing action is rapid, significantly reducing the time spent cleaning brass.
- The citrus fragrance provides a pleasant and less irritating experience compared to harsh chemical smells. This makes the reloading process more enjoyable and less of a chore.
- Easy to use. The simple application process makes it accessible to reloaders of all skill levels.
- Effective at removing tarnish and residue, resulting in clean and shiny brass. This ensures proper chambering and reduces the risk of malfunctions.
Cons
- Heavily tarnished brass may require a second tumbling cycle to achieve optimal results. This can add extra time to the cleaning process.
- The polish needs to be shaken very well to achieve the correct dilution, as described in the user feedback.
Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish?
Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish is perfect for reloaders who prioritize the longevity and performance of their brass casings. It is also ideal for those who want a fast, easy, and pleasant cleaning experience.
If you are simply looking to clean brass for aesthetic purposes only and don’t reload, you might find cheaper alternatives suitable. Those with a sensitivity to citrus scents might also want to explore other options.
A must-have accessory is a good quality vibratory tumbler. Also recommended is a set of measuring tools for precise liquid dilutions of the Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish to brass media.
Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish
Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish is an exceptional product that delivers on its promises. It quickly and effectively cleans brass, leaving it shiny and ready for reloading. The ammonia-free formula and citrus fragrance are significant advantages, making it a user-friendly and safe choice.
The price of $27.99 is justified by the product’s performance and the long-term benefits it offers. It will help extend the life of your brass.
I wholeheartedly recommend Frankford Arsenal Brass Polish to any reloader looking to improve their brass preparation process. Invest in a bottle today and experience the difference for yourself!