Stepping into the world of handloading can feel like a monumental decision. You’re not just buying a tool; you’re investing in a new skill set and a fundamental shift in your shooting practice. Two names consistently pop up for those starting this journey: the Lee Precision 90045 and the Frankford Arsenal F-1 Essentials Kit. One is a classic, bare-bones press, while the other promises a comprehensive workstation. Honestly speaking, the right choice depends entirely on your approach, budget, and bench goals.
This isn’t about declaring one the undisputed champion. It’s about matching the right tool to the right shooter. We’re going to break down exactly what each product offers, who it’s designed for, and where the real value lies. My honest assessment is that both have earned their reputations for good reason, but they cater to distinctly different entry points into precision reloading.
Head-to-Head Comparison: Lee 90045 vs Frankford Arsenal F-1
At first glance, this comparison seems lopsided. We’re looking at a standalone single stage press versus a complete reloading kit. To be completely honest, that’s the core of the decision. The Lee 90045, often called the Challenger, is a focused tool. The Frankford Arsenal F-1 Essentials is a system designed to get you from components to completed rounds with (almost) everything in one box.
Let’s lay out the fundamental differences in a clear table. This is what each manufacturer provides and includes.
| Feature | Lee Precision 90045 | Frankford Arsenal F-1 Essentials Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Core Product | Single Stage Reloading Press | Complete Reloading Kit with F-1 Press |
| Key Inclusions | Press only | F-1 Press, Benchtop Powder Measure, Hand Primer, Digital Calipers, DS-750 Powder Scale, Powder Trickler, Aluminum Funnel Kit, Universal Tray |
| Primary Design Goal | Durable, affordable press mechanism | Streamlined, out-of-the-box ready workflow |
| User Experience | Requires sourcing all other components (dies, scale, etc.) separately | Aims to make the process “simpler, enjoyable” with integrated tools |
| Philosophy | Modular, build-as-you-go reloading bench setup | Comprehensive solution to “eliminate the need to upgrade obsolete products over time” |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Key Features and Specifications Breakdown
Diving deeper, the Lee 90045 is a testament to focused engineering. It’s a single stage press designed to perform the fundamental actionssizing, depriming, seatingwith reliability. There’s a reason it’s a staple. You buy it, bolt it down, and it becomes the heart of a system you curate yourself. You’ll need to purchase reloading dies, a scale, a priming tool, and all the other peripherals. This path offers ultimate flexibility but requires more initial research and purchasing decisions.
The Frankford Arsenal kit flips that script. The F-1 press is at the center, but it’s surrounded by tools intended to work together. The included benchtop powder measure, digital scale, and hand primer are meant to create a cohesive workflow “from resizing, depriming, and bullet seating.” They’ve clearly thought about the entire process. The adjustable seating system on the press is a noted feature for achieving consistent bullet depth, a key aspect of precision reloading.
Covering What Others Miss: Support and Longevity
Many reloading press review articles skip over long-term ownership factors. From my honest perspective, two critical entities are warranty/service and accessory compatibility. Lee Precision is famous for its lifetime “No-BS” warranty, a massive point of confidence. Frankford Arsenal, backed by a larger parent company, also offers solid support, but their specific warranty terms should be checked. This matters for reloading equipment that sees regular use.
consider the upgrade path. The Lee press, with its standard mounting pattern, is compatible with a vast universe of aftermarket accessories from companies like Inline Fabrication for ergonomic upgrades. The F-1 press, while robust, may have a more limited aftermarket ecosystem currently. Thinking about how you might want to customize your reloading bench setup in a few years is a smart move today.
Target User: Who is Each Kit Best For?
This is where the decision crystallizes. Your experience level and budget directly point you toward one of these options.
The Lee Precision 90045 Challenger Press is ideal for:
- The tinkerer who enjoys researching and selecting each component.
- The budget-conscious shooter who wants to spread costs over time.
- Someone who may already own a scale or other tools from other hobbies.
- The reloader who values maximum long-term bench flexibility.
The Frankford Arsenal F-1 Essentials Kit is ideal for:
- The shooter who wants a true, beginner-friendly all-in-one solution.
- Anyone who values convenience and a minimized initial research phase.
- Those with a slightly higher entry budget who want to start loading quickly.
- Reloaders who appreciate a matched set of tools designed to work in unison.
If you’re searching for the best reloading press for beginners in terms of reducing friction, the Frankford Arsenal kit has a strong argument. You can literally unbox it, mount the press, and have almost every core tool needed to follow a reloading manual. The Lee path is more for the beginner who sees the journey of building their bench as part of the hobby itself. Speaking honestly, both are valid and rewarding approaches.
Value Analysis: Price vs What You Get
Value for money isn’t just about the lowest price tag. It’s about what you receive for your investment and how it aligns with your goals.
The Lee 90045 wins on absolute lowest cost of entry. You can own a highly respected press for a modest sum. However, the true total cost begins once you add a quality scale, calipers, priming tool, powder measure, and case prep tools. When tallied up, your final investment may approach or even exceed the cost of a complete kit. The value here is in customization and potential component qualityyou can choose a premium scale from RCBS or a specific type of hand primer you prefer.
The Frankford Arsenal kit’s value is in comprehensiveness. You pay one price for a coordinated system. The inclusion of digital calipers and a powder scale alone represents significant value, as these are essential, costly items to buy separately. The promise is that these are “more premium tools” meant to last, preventing immediate upgrades. For a direct reloading kit comparison, the F-1 offers a more predictable total startup cost. It answers questions like “Frankford Arsenal F-1 kit accessories included” very clearly.
Workflow and Process Considerations
How do they actually feel to use? The Lee press is known for its solid leverage and smooth operation. It’s a workhorse. Building a workflow around it means your process is uniquely yours, which can be a point of pride. You might pair it with a dedicated case prep center later for efficiency.
The Frankford kit aims to create a fluid, enjoyable workflow right away. Having the powder measure, scale, and trickler from the same brand can reduce procedural hiccups. The hand primer allows for sensitive priming off the press, a method many prefer for consistency. Its a system designed to build confidence for new reloaders If you’re wondering about a “Lee vs Frankford Arsenal reloading kit for 9mm,” the F-1 kit gets you producing rounds faster from day one, while the Lee path requires assembling your own “kit” piece by piece.
Final Verdict and Recommendation
So, “which is better Lee 90045 or Frankford Arsenal F-1?” My honest take is that there is no universal better, only a better for you.
Choose the Lee Precision 90045 Reloading Press if: You are patient, budget-sensitive, and relish the idea of hand-picking every component on your bench. You view your press as a permanent foundation to which you’ll add quality tools over years. You want ultimate control and aren’t afraid of a steeper initial learning curve involving more separate purchases. The “Lee Precision 90045 press durability review” history speaks for itselfit’s a proven platform.
Choose the Frankford Arsenal F-1 Essentials Reloading Kit if: Your priority is a fast, convenient, and integrated start. You want to open one box and have the core tools to begin learning the reloading process immediately with minimal extra shopping. You value a cohesive, modern set of tools and are willing to pay a premium upfront for that convenience and time savings. It represents the most straightforward path for a novice to get started safely and effectively.
Both are capable of producing excellent, safe ammunition. The Lee offers a traditional, build-your-own adventure. The Frankford Arsenal provides a modern, streamlined onboarding experience. For those interested in other modern press designs, our review of Frankford’s coaxial option offers another perspective. I honestly believe your personality as a shooter and hobbyist will guide you to the right choice. Remember, the best setup is the one you’ll use consistently and safely. Always consult multiple authority guides and manuals before beginning. And for more direct, no-nonsense breakdowns on gear like this, the team at Honest Opinion is always digging into the details.