Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler Review

Let’s Dive into Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler

Reloading ammunition can be a tedious process, especially when it comes to filling primer tubes. Enter the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler, a device promising to automate and significantly speed up this crucial step. Manufactured by Frankford Arsenal, it boasts the ability to load 100 primers into a tube in seconds, all while being compatible with both large and small primers and most progressive presses. This caught my attention as a way to save valuable time and effort during my reloading sessions.

For years, I’ve been hand-filling primer tubes, a slow and monotonous task that often left my fingers sore. I was searching for an affordable and reliable solution to automate this process. I was hoping for a primer tube filler that wouldn’t break the bank but would still provide consistent and fast results.

Upon unboxing the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler, I was initially impressed with its compact design. The black plastic housing felt relatively sturdy. The included accessories – two universal tube adapters, a small primer tube, a large primer tube, and a primer tray – seemed well-organized. My initial thoughts were cautiously optimistic.

I considered the Dillon Precision Primer Tube Filler. It’s known for its reliability but comes at a significantly higher price point. The RCBS Primer Flip Tray was another option, but it still required manual labor. Ultimately, I chose the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler due to its balance of features and affordability.

Initially, I was excited about the potential time savings. However, I was also slightly skeptical given some mixed user reviews regarding its reliability with the tube adapters. I was eager to see if it would live up to its promise of a faster and more efficient reloading experience.

Real-World Testing: Putting Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler to the Test

First Use Experience

I first tested the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler in my reloading room, which is usually a controlled environment. I was loading .45 ACP rounds for an upcoming IDPA match. The room temperature was around 70 degrees Fahrenheit with normal humidity.

I tested both large and small primers. I wanted to see how the Vibra Prime performed under typical reloading conditions.

The initial setup was straightforward. I quickly realized, though, that the plastic adapters felt a bit flimsy. They didn’t seem to provide a super secure connection to my existing primer tubes. I did need a moment to get the vibration level dialed in, as too much would cause the primers to bounce out of the tray.

I encountered a few hiccups. Some primers would occasionally flip upside down or get stuck in the feeding mechanism. This resulted in some starts and stops. Overall, the first experience was a mixed bag. It was faster than hand-filling, but not as seamless as I had hoped.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks of use, the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler’s performance remained inconsistent. Sometimes it would load tubes quickly and efficiently. Other times, it would jam frequently.

The plastic housing showed no significant wear and tear. However, the tube adapters started to feel even more fragile. Cleaning the primer tray was easy, but removing the occasional stuck primer from the internal mechanism could be frustrating.

Compared to hand-filling, the Vibra Prime still offered a time-saving advantage, albeit with occasional frustrations. It did not outperform a manual method. It required significantly more attention.

Breaking Down the Features of Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler

Specifications

• The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler utilizes a unique motorized agitation mechanism. This is designed to load primers quickly.
• It is compatible with both large and small primers. This enhances its versatility.
• The filler includes two universal tube adapters. These supposedly ensure efficient transfers to any progressive press tube.
• It requires 2 AA batteries (not included). This makes it portable but reliant on battery power.
• The package includes the Vibra-Prime unit, two universal tube adapters, one small primer tube, one large primer tube, and one primer tray. These components provide a complete starting setup.
• The unit is black in color. This provides a sleek and functional appearance.

Performance & Functionality

The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler does speed up the primer loading process compared to manual methods, but with caveats. Its inconsistent feeding can be frustrating.

The main strength lies in its ability to load a large quantity of primers in a relatively short time when functioning correctly. However, its weakness is its tendency to jam or misfeed primers, which requires constant monitoring and intervention. It meets expectations for quick loading only when it works smoothly.

Design & Ergonomics

The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler is lightweight and compact. The design is simple and functional.

It’s relatively easy to use, but the learning curve involves mastering the correct vibration level and tube adapter alignment. The plastic construction feels somewhat cheap and may not withstand heavy use.

Durability & Maintenance

The durability of the Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler is questionable, especially with the plastic adapters. The unit is easy to clean with a dry cloth.

Repairing the unit may be difficult due to its internal complexity. I would estimate that the product should last one to two years with moderate use, assuming no major component failures.

Accessories and Customization Options

The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler comes with two universal tube adapters, a small primer tube, a large primer tube, and a primer tray. The included accessories are adequate for basic operation.

There are limited customization options available for this device. It’s designed to work with standard primer tubes and progressive presses. While it may be compatible with some aftermarket tubes, no specific customization options are officially supported by Frankford Arsenal.

Pros and Cons of Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler

Who Should Buy Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler?

The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler is perfect for reloaders on a budget. Those individuals want a quicker alternative to hand-filling primer tubes and who are willing to accept occasional frustrations.

People seeking a reliable and hassle-free primer loading experience should skip this product. They should opt for higher-end models with better build quality and more consistent performance.

Must-have accessories would include high-quality, more durable primer tubes. Also, rechargeable AA batteries would be a smart investment.

Conclusion on Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler

The Frankford Arsenal Reloading Tools Vibra Prime Tube Filler offers a budget-friendly solution. It makes primer loading faster than manual methods, but its inconsistent performance and fragile components are significant drawbacks.

The price is justifiable for those who understand its limitations and are willing to tinker with it. However, don’t expect a flawless, high-performance experience.

Personally, I would recommend it with reservations. If you have limited funds and patience, it might be worth a try. Otherwise, investing in a more reliable primer tube filler is a better long-term solution. Consider whether the time saved outweighs the potential for frustration.