Frankford Arsenal Precision Press Review: 8-Station Turret & Fit Check

You are hunting for an honest look at the Frankford Arsenal Precision turret press but finding mixed or vague takes. This page breaks down the specs, user experience, and whether it can handle large cartridges like the .45-70.

Who the Frankford Precision Press fits (and who should skip it)

This press suits shooters who reload for sport, hunting, or target practice and want to keep die settings between calibers. It is not a progressive machine; it is a turret. That means you index manually or with a lever, one station at a time. The other half of this decision is checking x-10 kit inclusion.

If you are looking for a machine that primes, charges, and seats in one cycle, skip this review. This is for those who value the accuracy of a single-stage press but want the convenience of pre-set dies.

Best for: Pistol cartridges, standard rifle calibers, and shooters who switch calibers frequently.

Skip if: You need to reload very large, long cases (like .45-70 or .50 BMG) where turret spacing might conflict with die length, or if you want a fully automated progressive workflow.

What stands out in the design and build

The defining feature is the thrust bearing design. It minimizes head flex, which is a common issue with turret presses. Less flex means more consistent headspace, which directly impacts accuracy and case life.

It uses standard 7/8-14 dies. This is huge for the reloading community. You do not need proprietary tools. Any die you already own for a lock-n-load or RCBS press works here.

A fully contained primer catcher is built into the base. This keeps your bench clean and prevents primer fragments from rolling under your gun or tools. It helps to understand reviewing arsenal calibration before going further.

• Standard Dies: No lock-in to a specific brand.
• Turret Head: 8 positions for separate dies.
• Primer Catch: Integrated and fully contained.

Can the Frankford Precision Press handle .45-70 and other large cartridges?

This is a frequent question. The short answer is: it depends on the die, not just the press.

The press body itself can withstand high pressure, but the turret spacing and shell holder height limit how long a die can be. If your .45-70 die is a standard 7/8-14 but is physically longer than the turret allows, it will not fit in the bottom station.

For .45-70, most shooters use a single-stage setup or a turret press with fewer stations. Since this press has 8 stations, you must measure your specific die stack. If the total height exceeds the internal clearance, you are stuck.

For standard .44-40 or .45 Colt, it works fine. For .45-70, you need to check your die manufacturer’s dimensions against the press clearance.

The drawbacks and common user complaints

Owner feedback highlights two main friction points. First, the lever action can feel slightly stiff compared to single-stage presses. This is normal for turret mechanisms, but if you have hand injuries, test it at a store first. We cover frankford arsenal m press in a guide of its own.

Second, changing the turret plate requires some fiddling. While tool-free, it is not instant. You have to align the star wheel carefully. If you switch plates often, this takes more time than you might expect.

Finally, it is a turret press. It does not have the speed of a progressive. If your goal is 100 rounds per minute, this tool will frustrate you. It is for quality and consistency, not raw speed.

Setup tips for getting consistent results

Start by setting your shell holder height for your longest cartridge. Do not adjust it for shorter cases; instead, use the die height for that. This prevents case separation issues.

When you switch calibers, lock the turret at station one. Adjust the primer pocket and case length on the first die, then index and adjust the next. Always check that the bullet seats flush with the case mouth before crimping.

Use a case gage to verify headspace. Turret presses can drift if not clamped tightly to your bench. Ensure the base is bolted or clamped securely to prevent movement that ruins your accuracy.

Alternatives worth a look

If the 8-station setup feels like overkill, or if you need more clearance for large cases, look at the Frankford Arsenal M-Press. It is a robust single-stage press that handles nearly any cartridge.

If you want speed over precision, a Dillon or Hornady progressive is the better path, but they require a much higher investment in tooling and space.

For the majority of shooters, the Precision turret press is the sweet spot. It gives you the accuracy of a single-stage tool with the workflow benefits of a turret.

The bottom line

Frequently asked questions