Frankford Arsenal M-Press Review: Hands-On Testing

You are switching between three or four calibers on the bench and tired of re-zeroing dies every time you grab a new brass stack. This page breaks down if the M-Press preset block system actually saves time or just adds complexity to your setup.

Who it is for (and who should skip it)

The M-Press is built for the shooter who reloads multiple calibers in short, focused sessions rather than mass-producing a single round. If you work with 9mm, .380, or small-AR-style pistol calibers, the preset die blocks remove the friction of re-zeroing your sizing and seating dies.

You set the dies once, lock them in the aluminum block, and store them in the included case. When you need that caliber again, the press is ready in seconds. The other half of this decision is checking x-10 kit inclusion.

Skip this press if you regularly reload large, heavy rifle magnums like .50 BMG or .338 Lapua Magnum. The aluminum frame is engineered for pistol and small rifle forces, not the extreme stresses of long-action heavy calibers.

It is also not the right tool if you want to bolt a heavy, permanent cast-iron press to a sturdy table for years of use.

The M-Press is a mobile, lightweight unit that relies on friction and a bolt hole rather than massive weight to stay in place.

What stands out in the preset block design

The core value of this press is its modular approach. Instead of a fixed die block that forces you to leave your dies installed, the M-Press uses removable aluminum blocks that slide into the head.

This means you can have a 9mm sizing die set and a .40 S&W seating die stored side-by-side in their own cases, no swapping parts on the press itself.

The coaxial alignment ensures the die stays perfectly in line with the shell holder as the ram moves, which helps maintain consistent case neck tension.

The press itself is remarkably small, measuring roughly 20 inches in length and weighing about 21 pounds according to current specifications. This makes it easy to move between a home bench and a range table or a friend’s shop. The floating shell-holder plate helps center the case before the die closes on it, reducing the chance of a misaligned headstamp that can scratch the face of the case.

The drawbacks to know before buying

The most common complaint among owners is the lack of an integrated primer ejector system. On heavier cast-iron presses, you can tap the press and let spent primers drop into a designated bin or holder.

The M-Press requires you to manually manage ejected primers, which can lead to a mess on the bench if you do not clear them between stages. This is a minor inconvenience for some, but a significant one for those who prioritize a clean workspace.

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Additionally, the press is sold as a platform. It comes with die blocks and a storage case, but you must purchase your own dies, shell holder, and any specific accessories for your calibers.

This means the initial setup cost is higher than a basic press that includes a starter die set.

The aluminum construction also means it will not hold up to the heavy resizing demands of the largest rifle cases over a long period, making it a specialist tool rather than a general-purpose workhorse.

Setup and use tips for best results

Getting the most out of the M-Press starts with the first setup. When you install a die into a block, adjust it precisely for your brass, then lock it down with the Allen set screw.

Do not make small adjustments after the die is locked, as this can loosen the mechanism and ruin the alignment. Treat the block as a sealed unit until you need to change the die.

For the press mounting, use the included bolt hole to secure it to your bench. Because it is light, a simple clamp or the provided bolt is often enough, but ensure the bench surface is rigid to prevent any movement during the stroke.

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Alternatives worth a look

If you need more raw power for large rifle calibers, a traditional single-stage press from a major brand will outperform the M-Press.

For those who want the quick-change convenience of the M-Press but also need to handle heavy loads, a high-end progressive press is a better investment, though it requires a much larger bench footprint.

If you are just starting out and do not yet have a collection of calibers to organize, a basic single-stage press is a more cost-effective starting point.

For those who want to move into multi-station reloading to increase throughput, the Dillon RL550C or similar progressive presses are the next logical step. They trade the simplicity of the M-Press for speed and the ability to process multiple cases simultaneously.

The bottom line

Frequently asked questions