Two presses sit at the entry point for countless reloaders. On one side, the modern Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press promises quick caliber swaps. On the other, the RCBS Partner Press represents a classic, compact single stage design. Both aim for the same market but take fundamentally different paths to get there. The choice between them shapes your entire reloading setup from day one.
This isn’t just about picking a tool. It’s about choosing a workflow. A turret press like the Frankford Arsenal offers a taste of semi-progressive speed, while a single stage like the RCBS Partner emphasizes foundational precision. Honestly speaking, your first press often dictates your reloading habits for years. Let’s break down where each one excels and where you might feel the pinch.
Head-to-Head: Frankford Arsenal M-Press vs. RCBS Partner Press
The core difference is right in the name: turret vs. single stage. This dictates everything from operation to footprint. The Frankford Arsenal uses an indexing turret that rotates eight stations, while the RCBS Partner is a straightforward O-frame single stage press. My honest assessment is that this single distinction creates the largest divergence in their intended use.
| Feature | Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press | RCBS Partner Press |
|---|---|---|
| Press Type | Indexing Turret (8-Station) | Single Stage |
| Frame Construction | Precision Cast Steel | Sturdy Aluminum |
| Key Design Focus | Convenient Caliber Swapping, Eliminating Flex | Compact, Lightweight, Space-Saving |
| Ideal User | Reloaders wanting faster workflow for multiple calibers | Beginners or those with limited space focused on precision |
| Die Compatibility | Accepts Standard 7/8″ x 14 Dies | Accepts Standard 7/8″ x 14 Dies |
| Warranty | Frankford Arsenal Warranty | RCBS Limited Lifetime Warranty |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Price Analysis & Overall Value Proposition
You typically pay a premium for a turret system, and that holds true here. The Frankford Arsenal M-Press commands a higher initial price point. The RCBS Partner, as a basic single stage, is often positioned as one of the best budget press options available. However, the value proposition extends beyond the sticker price.
The Frankford includes an extra turret head. This is huge for workflow. You can dedicate one turret to a specific caliber, pre-loading all your dies. Swapping calibers becomes a 30-second task of switching the entire turret. The Partner requires you to unscrew and re-screw each individual die for every caliber change. For someone reloading for multiple rifle or pistol calibers, the turret’s time savings quickly justify its cost. Speaking honestly, if your budget is ultra-tight and you plan to load one caliber slowly, the Partner’s value is clear. If you foresee expanding, the Frankford’s design pays dividends.
Ease of Use & Beginner-Friendliness
Both presses are marketed for beginners, but they teach different lessons. The RCBS Partner is the quintessential reloading for beginners press. Its operation is simple and linear: one handle pull, one operation. This forces you to focus on each step of the reloading processsizing, priming, charging, seatingindividually. It builds foundational habits and is excellent for low-volume, precision reloading.
The Frankford Arsenal turret is also beginner-friendly but introduces a more complex mechanical system. The indexing turret must rotate cleanly between stations. While it still completes one operation per handle pull, having multiple dies ready to go feels more advanced. Its forgiving for caliber changes but requires indexing mechanism. From my honest perspective, a true novice might learn the fundamentals slightly better on a single stage, but a quick learner will appreciate the Frankford’s efficiency from the start.
Missing from many reloading press reviews is the space consideration. The Partner wins here for tiny benches. The Frankford, with its rotating turret, needs more lateral clearance.
Build Quality, Materials & Long-Term Durability
Here the materials tell a story. The Frankford Arsenal uses a precision cast steel construction. The stated goal is eliminating all movement and flex for enhanced accuracy. A rigid frame is critical for consistent ammunition, especially on a turret where leverage can be a factor. It’s a solid, heavy-duty feeling unit.
The RCBS Partner employs a durable aluminum frame. This keeps it extremely lightweight and contributes to its compact nature. Aluminum is plenty strong for the forces exerted in a single stage press, especially for standard rifle and pistol calibers. RCBS backs this build with their famous limited lifetime warranty, a massive point of confidence. Frankford Arsenal offers a warranty, but the specific terms and reputation for customer service are points to research against RCBS’s legendary support.
Honest to goodness, both are built well for their design purposes. The steel Frankford feels like it could handle a lifetime of use, while the aluminum Partner’s longevity is backed by RCBS’s guarantee. It’s a tie with different strengths.
Speed, Workflow & Caliber Compatibility
This is the heart of the turret vs single stage debate. The Frankford Arsenal’s workflow is significantly faster for producing finished rounds. You place a case in the shell holder and cycle the handle. The turret indexes, bringing the next die into position over the same case. You don’t handle the case again until a finished round is ejected. It’s a streamlined process.
The RCBS Partner requires you to process all cases through one die, then all cases through the next die, in batches. This “batch processing” is slower but offers immense control. You can inspect every case at every stage. For precision rifle shooters, this methodical approach is often preferred.
Both accept standard 7/8″ x 14 reloading dies, so caliber compatibility is vast. The nuance is in the swap. Changing calibers on the Partner means changing the shell holder and at least one die. On the Frankford, you can have a pre-set turret for each caliber, making the swap almost instantaneous. This makes the Frankford Arsenal turret press accuracy review often focus on its consistency across high-volume sessions.
For aftermarket support, companies like Inline Fabrication make mounts and accessories that can fit various presses, enhancing ergonomics. Always check specific compatibility.
Warranty, Support & The
Warranty is a major differentiator. RCBS’s limited lifetime warranty is a gold standard in the industry. It’s a promise of support that spans decades. Frankford Arsenal provides a warranty, but the scope and duration are different. For a long-term investment, this matters.
Customer service experience is another entity often overlooked. RCBS has a long-established reputation for helpful support. Frankford Arsenal, as part of a larger conglomerate, has a more modern but sometimes mixed record. Researching common RCBS Partner press problems and solutions often leads to official RCBS resources or vibrant community forums.
Available aftermarket accessories are slim for both, as they are entry-level presses. Your main additions will be standard reloading dies, shell holders, and possibly a universal primer catcher. The Frankford’s extra turret head is its own best accessory.
Final Recommendation: Who Should Choose Which?
So, which is better for a beginner, Frankford Arsenal or RCBS? It depends entirely on your personality and goals.
Choose the RCBS Partner Press if:
- Your budget is the primary constraint.
- You have extremely limited bench space.
- You value simple, foundational learning above all.
- You primarily load one or two calibers and prioritize precision over volume.
- The reassurance of a lifetime warranty is critical.
Choose the Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press if:
- You can invest more upfront for long-term workflow efficiency.
- You plan to load three or more calibers regularly.
- You want a faster transition from brass to finished ammo.
- You appreciate the flexibility of pre-set turret heads.
- The rigid cast steel construction inspires confidence for your reloading setup.
I honestly believe there’s no universal “best” here. The RCBS Partner is a timeless, reliable entry point. It’s the press you keep forever for small jobs even if you upgrade. The Frankford Arsenal M-Press is a modern gateway drug to faster reloading. Its for the shooter who knows they’ll want efficiency sooner rather than later.
For further reading on precision-focused tools, our comparison of another popular turret option offers more context. You can also read our dedicated frankford press review for deeper insights into their product line. Always consult reloading manuals from sources like Hornady or the RCBS hub for authoritative load data.
My honest take is that you should buy for the reloader you’ll become in two years, not just the one you are today. Both presses are capable, but they enable different futures on the bench. The right choice is the one that aligns with your shooting volume, caliber variety, and patience for process. That’s the Honest Opinion from this side of the loading block.