Two distinct philosophies of ammunition reloading sit on the bench today. The Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press represents a modern, dedicated turret system built for streamlined workflow. The Lee Precision 92139 40th Anniversary Pack offers a classic, robust single-stage press bundled with a quick-change die system. They cater to different priorities in the reloading process, and honestly speaking, the right choice depends entirely on how you approach your bench setup.
This isn’t just about a turret press versus a single-stage. It’s about evaluating two proven paths to precision reloading. One prioritizes rapid, sequential operations with an indexing mechanism. The other emphasizes ultimate strength and a simplified, deliberate process. Let’s break down what each product actually delivers.
Head-to-Head Overview: Core Philosophies
Before diving into specifications, it’s critical to understand the fundamental design difference. The Frankford Arsenal is an 8-station turret press. This means you can mount multiple dies (like decapping, resizing, and seating) at once and rotate the turret head to bring each die into position over the shell. It’s designed for a more progressive-style workflow without being a full progressive press.
The Lee 40th Anniversary Pack centers on the Challenger “O” frame press, a legendary single-stage design. Its strength is its simplicity and rigidity. You perform one operation at a time, swapping dies for each step. However, Lee includes its Breech Lock Quick Change system, which mitigates the traditional slowdown of die changes. This bundle also includes a .223 Remington 3-die set, making it a true starter kit.
| Feature | Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press | Lee Precision 92139 40th Anniversary Pack |
|---|---|---|
| Press Type | 8-Station Turret Press | Single-Stage “O” Frame Press with Breech Lock |
| Key Design Focus | Convenient caliber swapping, multi-die workflow | Strength, hand clearance, included quick-change die system |
| Frame Construction | Precision cast steel | “O” frame design (cast iron) |
| Die Compatibility | Standard 7/8″-14 dies | Standard 7/8″-14 dies (uses Breech Lock bushings) |
| Included Accessories | Extra turret head | .223 Remington 3-Die Breech Lock Set, Breech Lock Bushings |
| Notable Feature | Turret ring for indexing | 4″ opening for maximum hand clearance, ergonomic lever |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Design & Build Quality: Steel Fortress vs. Iron Classic
The construction of a press directly influences its feel and longevity. Frankford Arsenal built their turret press with precision cast steel. The stated goal is eliminating all movement and flex for enhanced accuracy. This is a solid foundation for a turret system, as any play in the turret ring or frame can affect consistency. The steel construction should also aid in noise and vibration dampening compared to lighter alloys, a detail often overlooked in reviews.
Lee Precision’s Challenger press uses the iconic “O” frame, which they state is the strongest and most popular style. It’s a cast iron workhorse. The massive 4″ opening is a genuine benefit, especially when working with larger rifle cases or using bulky universal decapping dies. You simply won’t feel cramped. The ergonomic lever with a defined priming position is a thoughtful touch that improves the user experience during single-stage operations.
From my honest perspective, the Frankford’s steel turret is about precision in motion, while the Lee’s iron “O” frame is about immutable stability. Both are valid paths to durable reloading.
Performance & Reloading Workflow
This is where these tools truly diverge. The Frankford Arsenal M-Press is built for speed through organization. The ability to have eight dies mounted means you could, for example, set up for two different calibers on one turret head, or have a dedicated station for a powder check die. Caliber changes become about swapping the entire pre-set turret head, not individual dies. This workflow minimizes handling and setup time between batches, appealing to those who value efficiency in their bench setup.
The Lee Classic Turret (a different model) is often part of the reloading tool comparison conversation, but this 40th Anniversary pack is single-stage. Its performance is about deliberate, focused force. The compound linkage of the “O” frame provides significant mechanical advantage, making resizing tough brass noticeably smoother. The included Breech Lock system is the game-changer here. You pre-set your dies in the lock rings, then swap them in and out with a simple twist, “never having to re-adjust your die.” It’s a brilliant hybrid approach.
For a which is better for beginner reloaders Frankford Arsenal or Lee debate, I honestly believe the Lee pack has a slight edge. It forces you to learn each step meticulously and includes everything to start reloading .223. The Frankford turret, while not complicated, assumes a bit more foundational knowledge.
Critical Features: The Devil in the Details
Some features define the daily experience. The Frankford’s design likely includes a spent primer management system to catch debris, a crucial aspect of keeping a clean workspace. Its indexing mechanism must be smooth and positive for the turret to work correctly. Long-term, the maintenance of this indexing system is a consideration the Lee single-stage simply doesn’t have.
The Lee press highlights its on-press priming capability with the improved lever position, a feature many reloaders adore for its tactile feedback. The strength of its compound linkage is its standout mechanical feature. However, spent primer management and a primer catch system are areas where aftermarket solutions from companies like Inline Fabrication are popular upgrades for enhanced cleanliness and organization.
Speaking honestly, the durability comparison Lee 40th Anniversary vs Frankford turret leans on simplicity. The Lee has fewer moving parts, which often translates to decades of service. The Frankford’s durability will hinge on the longevity of its turret indexing mechanism.
Value Analysis: Price vs. What You Actually Get
Value isn’t just the price tag. It’s what the tool enables you to do. The Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press is an investment in a specific, efficient workflow. You’re paying for the flexibility of the turret system and the time savings it affords over thousands of rounds. It’s a press for someone who has moved past the initial learning phase and wants to increase output without going full progressive. For high-volume pistol calibers like 9mm, it could be a best value turret press for 9mm reloading for the intermediate shooter.
The Lee 40th Anniversary Pack is arguably one of the best value entry points in the hobby. You get a proven, strong press, a fantastic quick-change die system, and a full die set for a popular caliber. It’s a complete functional kit. The value proposition is immense for a new reloader or someone who prioritizes ultimate control and strength over speed. For authoritative information on starting the reloading journey, the BASC home-loading guide is a great external resource for safety-first practices.
My honest assessment is this: if your budget is tight and you want to start reloading one rifle caliber correctly, the Lee pack is almost unbeatable. If your budget allows for investing in a workflow that saves time across multiple calibers, the Frankford turret presents strong long-term value.
Final Verdict & Recommendation
So, which press deserves a place on your bench? The answer is clearer once you define your goals.
Choose the Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press if:
- You already understand the reloading process and want to streamline it.
- You regularly load multiple calibers and value quick changeovers.
- You appreciate a modern, steel construction focused on minimizing flex.
- Your focus is on handgun calibers or moderate-volume rifle loading with a turret’s efficiency.
Choose the Lee Precision 92139 40th Anniversary Pack if:
- You are a beginner seeking a comprehensive, high-value starter kit.
- You prioritize legendary strength and simplicity in a single-stage press.
- You want the excellent Breech Lock Quick Change system included from the start.
- You load primarily rifle calibers or smaller batches where ultimate control and precision are paramount. For another look at precision in a different format, see our comparison of the Lee Precision 90045.
Honest to goodness, there is no universal “best.” The Frankford Arsenal turret is a sophisticated tool for building an efficient process. The Lee 40th Anniversary pack is a timeless, robust foundation for the craft. For the ultimate in precision reloading on a single-stage, the “O” frame design is still king. Your decision should mirror your reloading philosophy: optimized workflow or immutable control. At the end of the day, that’s the Honest Opinion from this corner of the reloading world.