Frankford Arsenal M-Press vs RCBS Partner: Hands-On Review

Stepping into the world of handloading can feel like a monumental decision. Your first single stage press is the cornerstone of your entire reloading bench, a tool you’ll build your process around for years. Two names consistently pop up for the beginner reloader: the Frankford Arsenal M-Press and the RCBS Partner. They sit at a similar price point but approach the task from different angles. Honestly speaking, the right choice isn’t about which is universally “better,” but which one aligns with your specific reloading journey and long-term expectations.

This comparison cuts through the marketing to focus on what these presses actually offer. We’ll pit their specs, materials, and real-world applications against each other. My honest assessment is that one prioritizes innovative convenience, while the other champions proven, no-frills reliability. Let’s see which philosophy wins out for your needs.

Head-to-Head: Frankford Arsenal M-Press vs RCBS Partner

Before diving into the nuances, a side-by-side look at the core specifications sets the stage. This table outlines the fundamental differences in their design and intended use.

Build Quality & Material Analysis: Heft vs Heritage

The physical construction of these presses tells a clear story. The Frankford Arsenal M-Press employs a heavy-duty, die-cast build tipping the scales at 21 pounds. This mass, combined with its two parallel guide rods, is engineered to minimize press frame flex during operation, especially during tougher tasks like resizing rifle brass. It feels substantial on the bench.

Conversely, the RCBS Partner uses a sturdy aluminum frame to achieve a compact, lightweight profile. This isn’t a compromise so much as a design choice for its role. The classic O-frame design is a proven architecture, though inherently different from the M-Press’s guided, coaxial-like approach. From my honest perspective, the Partner’s aluminum construction is plenty durable for its intended uselow-volume, pistol, and small rifle cartridges. However, the question of long-term wear parts availability is more straightforward with RCBS, a brand with decades of market presence.

Honest to goodness, if your projects involve frequent, heavy resizing of .308 or .30-06 cases, the M-Press’s rigid frame is a tangible advantage. For the beginner reloader starting with 9mm or .223, the Partner’s aluminum frame is a non-issue and makes the press easier to handle and mount.

Performance & Usability for Different Calibers

How do these design philosophies translate to actual loading? The M-Press’s “integral floating shell-holder plate” and guided design aim for smooth, consistent alignment. This can be beneficial for maintaining precision, particularly when switching between calibers using the included quick-change blocks. You can, for instance, have a block set up for Frankford M-Press vs RCBS Partner for 9mm and another for .308, swapping them in seconds.

The RCBS Partner operates on a more traditional principle. You thread your die directly into the press’s single station. It’s simple, direct, and eliminates any potential variables from additional hardware. Speaking honestly, its operation is utterly straightforward, which is a virtue for a first press. A common question is, can you reload rifle cartridges on the Partner press? The answer is yes, it’s capable. However, the lighter frame means you’ll feel more of the resizing force, and using a good case lube becomes non-negotiable for bottlenecked rifle cases.

Both handle the core process of seating primers, but primer management differs. The M-Press includes a dedicated spent primer chute that directs debris neatly into a tube or containera notably clean feature. The Partner uses a standard catch cup that hangs under the primer arm, which works fine but can be messier to empty.

Ergonomics and the Reloading Process

Usability extends beyond the press itself. The M-Press, at 20 inches long, requires a bit more bench real estate. Its handle throw and clearance are generous, suited to its robust feel. The Partner, being compact, is ideal for a small bench or portable setup. Its shorter handle stroke can feel quicker for high-volume pistol loading.

Neither press features a compound linkage, meaning the mechanical advantage is standard for a single-stage of this type. The effort required correlates directly with the cartridge and operation. Resizing tough brass on the Partner will simply require more muscle. This is where following your reloading manual instructions for proper lubrication is critical, regardless of your press choice.

Value Proposition & Target User Profile

This is where the decision crystallizes. The Frankford Arsenal M-Press often presents a higher perceived value due to its included accessoriesthe quick-change die blocks and integrated spent primer system. It’s for the reloader who values modern convenience, appreciates a very rigid frame, and doesn’t mind a larger footprint. It’s a strong contender for anyone asking which is the best budget reloading press that still feels like a serious tool.

The RCBS Partner is the essence of simplicity and brand trust. Its value is in its legendary reliability and the backing of a no-questions-asked lifetime warranty. Its the definitive answer for the minimalist, the space-constrained, or the beginner who wants to learn on a classic, no-distraction tool. If you want my honest opinion, for someone asking which is better for a first press Frankford Arsenal or RCBS, the Partner is the less intimidating, straight-to-the-point option. You learn the fundamentals on it without any extra systems.

It’s worth checking other single stage press comparison articles, like our look at another popular option in the precision reloading space, to see the full landscape.

Addressing the Unspoken Details

Competitors often miss a few practical details. First, torque values for die locking rings. Whether using the M-Press’s blocks or threading directly into the Partner, a consistent, modest torque (often 10-15 in/lbs) is key for repeatable results. Don’t crank them down with a wrench.

Second, while the durability of aluminum frame on M-Press isn’t a stated concern (it’s die-cast, not aluminum), the Partner’s aluminum frame is a known quantity. It’s durable enough for generations of casual reloaders. The real durability differentiator is the warranty. RCBS’s promise is legendary in the industry, while Frankford Arsenal’s policy should be reviewed at time of purchase.

For further technical data and tutorials, always refer to the manufacturer’s official source or the comprehensive authority guide from RCBS.

Final Verdict & Recommendation

So, which press earns a spot on your bench? The Frankford Arsenal M-Press wins on innovative features and rock-solid stability. It’s the better choice if you dislike mess, plan to switch calibers frequently, and want a press that feels unyielding. It’s a modern take on the single stage press that bundles thoughtful accessories. For a deeper dive into its standalone performance, our dedicated frankford review offers more insight.

The RCBS Partner Press wins on simplicity, proven track record, and unparalleled warranty support. It’s the definitive tool for learning the craft without fuss, for those with tight spaces, or for reloaders who value heritage and long-term peace of mind above novel features.

I honestly believe there is no wrong choice here, only a right choice for you. If your priority is a feature-rich, stable platform that handles like a heavier press, choose the M-Press. If your priority is to start reloading with the simplest, most trusted tool backed by the best warranty in the business, choose the RCBS Partner. Both will produce excellent ammunition when used with care and a good reloading manual. At the end of the day, that’s the Honest Opinion from the bench.