Frankford Arsenal has carved out a solid reputation for offering capable reloading equipment that balances performance with value. Their lineup presents two distinct philosophies: the efficient, multi-station workflow of a turret press and the robust, single-stage focus of a coaxial design. For anyone building or upgrading their reloading bench, the choice between the Precision Turret Press and the M-Press is a significant one.
This decision impacts your reloading speed, the precision of your ammunition reloading, and your overall enjoyment at the bench. Honestly speaking, there’s no universal “best” press; the right tool depends entirely on your goals, caliber, and volume. Let’s break down these two contenders to see which one aligns with your needs.
Frankford Arsenal’s Press Lineup: Two Paths Forward
Before diving into the specifics, it’s helpful to understand the core design difference. The Precision Turret Press is built around a rotating 5-station turret, allowing multiple dies to remain set up for a single caliber. The M-Press, described as a coaxial reloading press, utilizes a single-stage design with a unique floating shell-holder system for enhanced alignment. Both are serious pieces of reloading equipment, but they approach the task from different angles.
Head-to-Head Feature Breakdown
Heres a direct look at how these presses stack up based on their core specifications and construction.
| Feature | Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press | Frankford Arsenal M-Press |
|---|---|---|
| Core Design | 8-Station Turret Press | Coaxial Single Stage Press |
| Key Mechanism | Rotating turret head | Floating shell-holder plate, 2 parallel guide rods |
| Construction | Precision cast steel | Heavy-duty, robust die-cast |
| Die Compatibility | Standard 7/8″ x 14 dies | Standard 7/8″-14 dies (via quick-change blocks) |
| Notable Features | Convenient caliber swapping, extra turret included | Integral spent primer catcher, adjustable handle |
| Dimensions & Weight | Not specified in core data | 20″ L x 9″ W x 6.5″ D, 21 lbs |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Construction & Durability
Both presses emphasize solid construction. The Precision Turret uses precision cast steel to eliminate movement and flex, which is critical for consistent ammunition reloading. The M-Press counters with a heavy-duty, robust die-cast body and dual guide rods for stability. From my honest perspective, the Turret’s cast steel might have a slight edge in perceived rigidity for high-volume use, but the M-Press’s design is clearly built to last. It’s a tie on durability, with both exceeding typical beginner expectations.
Ergonomics & Usability
This is where philosophies diverge. The Turret Press shines with its quick-caliber swapping. You can pre-set dies for a specific load and rotate the head to complete each step. Its a semi-progressive workflow that saves time. The M-Press focuses on a smooth, aligned single-stage operation. Its ergonomic handle and floating shell holder aim to make each pull consistent and reduce case strain. The M-Press also includes a built-in spent primer management system, a clean and appreciated feature. Honestly speaking, if you hate fumbling with spent primers, the M-Press has a clear, practical advantage.
Performance & Use Case Analysis
Reloading Speed & Workflow
For pure output speed on pistol calibers like 9mm or .45 ACP, the Turret Press is the winner. The ability to rotate through sizing, priming, charging, and seating without changing dies is a massive time-saver. It’s the logical choice for reloaders who need efficiency for practice ammo. The M-Press, being a true single-stage, requires handling each case multiple times. Its slower but encourages a more deliberate, controlled pace.
Precision & Accuracy Potential
For the ultimate in precision rifle ammunition, the controlled environment of a single-stage press is often preferred. The M-Presss coaxial design and guided floating shell holder promote exceptional die alignment, which can translate to more consistent neck tension and bullet seatingkey factors for accuracy. While the Turret Press is built for precision with its rigid cast steel frame, the rotating head introduces a variable that benchrest shooters might avoid. My honest take is that for most hunters and tactical shooters, both are capable; for extreme long-range competitors, the M-Press’s single-stage nature might be the safer bet.
Target Audience: Who is Each Press For?
- Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press Ideal For: Reloaders who value a balance of speed and precision, especially for pistol and mid-volume rifle calibers. It’s excellent for those who load multiple calibers and appreciate quick changeovers. It’s a strong contender in any best press for beginners discussion due to its forgiving workflow.
- Frankford Arsenal M-Press Ideal For: The meticulous reloader focused on rifle accuracy, the beginner who wants to learn each step deliberately, or anyone who prioritizes robust construction and clever features like the spent primer system. If you’re asking is the M-Press good for beginners, the answer is yes, particularly if your primary interest is precision rifle.
Pros, Cons & User Considerations
Precision Turret Press
Pros: Faster workflow for pistol calibers, excellent caliber swap system, includes an extra turret, very rigid construction.
Cons: True single-stage purists may question its ultimate precision potential, primer catch system details are less highlighted than on the M-Press.
M-Press
Pros: Excellent spent primer management, robust coaxial design, smooth operation with the floating shell holder, simpler to master for single-stage loading.
Cons: Slower for volume loading, requires purchasing additional quick-change die blocks for multi-caliber use (though one is included).
A key area often overlooked is warranty and long-term support. Frankford Arsenal generally offers solid warranties, but it’s always wise to check the specific terms for each press at the time of purchase. while both accept standard dies, consulting a official source for load data and ensuring your specific caliber is well-supported by the press design is a critical step. Maintenance is straightforward for bothkeeping the ram and linkage lightly oiled and cleaning the primer catch system regularly will ensure years of service.
Final Verdict & Buying Recommendation
So, which Frankford Arsenal press is better? It comes down to your dominant use case.
Choose the Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press if: You reload a mix of pistol and rifle calibers, value a faster workflow for creating practice ammunition, and want a versatile press that grows with you. It’s a fantastic all-rounder. You can find a deeper look at this model in our dedicated frankford Arsenal M-Press review for further comparison.
Choose the Frankford Arsenal M-Press if: Your primary focus is precision rifle reloading, you appreciate ingenious design features like the integrated spent primer management, and you prefer the methodical, controlled pace of a single-stage press. Its a tool that feels purpose-built for accuracy.
I honestly believe you can’t make a bad choice here. Both represent significant value in their respective categories. Frankford Arsenal has delivered two presses that punch above their weight class, challenging more established brands like RCBS and Lee Precision. For a deeper dive into the world of reloading, resources like the authority guide from Lyman or the authority guide on safety are invaluable.
My final, honest assessment is this: match the tool to the task. Your reloading bench deserves the right foundation. And for more gear insights and unbiased takes, the team at Honest Opinion is always here to help.