The single-stage press market has a new contender that’s turning heads. Frankford Arsenal’s M-Press enters a space long dominated by established names, promising a unique blend of innovation and practicality. This isn’t just another O-frame press; it’s a deliberate challenge to the status quo, aiming to solve specific pain points for reloaders who value precision and a clean workspace.
At its core, the M-Press is a co-axial design built around a clever die block system. The entire premise is about repeatability and organization. Instead of threading dies directly into the press, you set them once in dedicated aluminum blocks. These blocks then slide into the press head, locked with a simple set screw. Honestly speaking, this approach addresses a common frustration: losing your perfect die settings. The included stackable storage case means your configured dies are protected and ready for your next session, a thoughtful touch that adds real value to the reloading workflow.
Frankford Arsenal M-Press: Detailed Feature Breakdown
Let’s get specific about what you’re actually getting. The M-Press is compact, measuring 6″ L x 4.75″ W x 1.75″ D and weighing just half a pound. This lightweight, portable profile is a key part of its identity. It’s not trying to be a massive, cast-iron bench anchor. My honest take is that this positions it perfectly for reloaders with limited space or those who prefer a dedicated, portable setup for specific tasks like bullet swaging or decapping.
The aluminum construction speaks to a design philosophy focused on precision machining and reducing mass. The heart of the system is the die block. You adjust your diefor sizing, seating, or crimpingwithin its block using the standard 7/8″-14 threads. Once set, an Allen set screw secures it firmly. This block then interfaces with the press. The primer catch system and overall spent primer management are integrated into this sleek design, aiming to keep debris contained, a feature often highlighted in user discussions on forums like r/reloading.
| Feature | Specification / Description |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 6″ L x 4.75″ W x 1.75″ D |
| Weight | 0.5 lbs |
| Primary Construction | Aluminum |
| Core Innovation | Interchangeable Die Block System |
| Die Locking | Allen Set Screw |
| Included Accessories | 3x Die Blocks, Stackable Storage Case |
| Thread Standard | 7/8″-14 |
| Check current price on Amazon |
The value proposition is clear: buy once, configure multiple die sets. Need to switch from .308 Winchester to 9mm? Simply swap the pre-configured block. This eliminates the tedious process of screwing dies in and out and re-establishing your settings. For reloaders who work with several calibers regularly, the time savings and guaranteed consistency are significant. From my honest perspective, this system is the M-Press’s killer feature, especially when paired with other organized tools like a Frankford Arsenal case prep center.
Addressing the Practicalities: Service, Parts, and Maintenance
A press is a long-term investment, so considering support is crucial. Frankford Arsenal, as part of the Battenfeld Technologies family, has a growing reputation in the reloading space. Their customer service channels are established, but it’s wise to understand the ecosystem. Replacement parts like specific linkage components or rams may require contacting the manufacturer directly, as they aren’t typically shelf items at local stores like some legacy brands.
Maintenance on the M-Press is straightforward, which is a plus. The aluminum construction and compound leverage linkage benefit from periodic lubrication with a quality gun oil or light grease on pivot points. A key maintenance schedule, according to Honest Opinion, involves checking the tightness of the main pivot bolts and the die block set screw after the first hundred rounds and periodically thereafter. This ensures the famous reloading press smoothness is maintained. Keeping the primer disposal path clear of residue is also a simple but important habit.
Head-to-Head Competitor Comparisons
No review exists in a vacuum. To understand the M-Press, we must place it beside its direct rivals. The most common question we see is: is the Frankford Arsenal M-Press better than the RCBS Rock Chucker? That’s the wrong question. It’s about which tool is better for your specific needs.
M-Press vs. RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme
The Rock Chucker is the archetypal single-stage press. It’s a heavyweight champion made of cast iron, offering immense rigidity and a legendary primer arm and disposal system. Its compound leverage is phenomenal for tough sizing operations. The M-Press, in contrast, is the agile precision technician. It won’t have the same brute-force feel, but its co-axial design and die block system offer superior alignment consistency and workflow speed for caliber switching. You’re choosing between ultimate ruggedness and innovative, repeatable convenience. For a deeper dive into this classic, see our RCBS Rock Chucker analysis.
M-Press vs. Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic
This is a fascinating coaxial press comparison. Both presses utilize a floating, self-aligning shellholder system. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.The Hornady uses its patented bushing system for quick die changes, which is very effective. The M-Press’s block system is a different take on the same problempermanent die setting versus a quick-twist bushing. The Hornady is a larger, more traditional bench-mounted press, while the M-Press retains its compact form. The choice here often comes down to whether you prefer the bushing ecosystem or the “set-and-forget” block approach.
M-Press vs. Lee Precision Reloader Press
Lee dominates the best budget single stage reloading press category. Their presses, like the Breech Lock Challenger, offer incredible reloading press value. The comparison here is about philosophy. Lee presses are fantastic, cost-effective tools for getting the job done. The M-Press introduces a higher level of systemized organization and precision machining at a higher price point. It’s less about raw function and more about refining the experience. For those considering the Lee ecosystem, our Lee Breech Lock comparison provides more context.
Performance Analysis: Where Each Press Excels
Breaking down performance requires looking at specific metrics. Reloading press smoothness is subjective but critical. The M-Press, with its precise machining and linkage, offers a very smooth stroke, though the aluminum frame can transmit a different feel than cast iron under heavy loads. Frame flex is minimal for its size and design purpose, but it’s not a 50-pound iron behemoth. Honestly speaking, for its intended useprecision rifle loading, handgun rounds, and dedicated tasksits stiffness is more than adequate.
The spent primer disposal system is efficient, channeling spent primers cleanly out of the press. This is a huge upgrade over presses that drop them loosely onto your bench. The leverage is sufficient for all standard reloading duties, including full-length sizing of bottleneck rifle brass. Where it might not be the ideal choice is for massive, industrial-volume case forming or swaging large bullets, where the absolute lack of frame flex in a heavy press is a benefit.
I honestly believe its performance shines in a organized, multi-caliber workflow. The ability to have a block for your .223 sizing die, another for your 6.5 Creedmoor seating die, and a third for your 9mm carbide die transforms a loading session from a setup chore into a streamlined process. This makes it a strong candidate for the best single stage press for the reloader who values time and consistency as much as the final product.
Buyer’s Guide: Right Press for Your Needs
Your perfect press depends entirely on your habits, budget, and goals. Heres a straightforward guide to help you decide.
Choose the Frankford Arsenal M-Press if:
- You reload multiple calibers and hate constantly adjusting dies.
- Bench space is at a premium, or you want a portable/secondary press.
- You value a clean, organized workspace with contained spent primers.
- Your focus is on precision rifle or handgun loading where die-setting repeatability is paramount.
- You appreciate innovative design that solves a specific, common problem.
Consider an Alternative (RCBS, Hornady, Lee) if:
- Your budget is the primary constraint (look to Lee).
- You primarily work one caliber and don’t switch often.
- You perform extreme case forming or need the absolute strongest frame possible.
- You prefer the tactile heft and proven, traditional design of a cast-iron press.
- You are already invested in a specific quick-change system like Hornady’s Lock-N-Load bushings.
When evaluating reloading press value, consider the total system cost. The M-Press often comes with multiple blocks, but you may want to buy more. Factor that in. Similarly, a press like the Lee Challenger Kit includes many accessories. My honest assessment is that the M-Press delivers exceptional value for the reloader whose needs align with its core strengths, even if its initial price point is higher than an entry-level press.
Frankford Arsenal M-Press Problems and Solutions
No product is perfect. Common points of discussion in user communities involve the set screw needing a firm tightening to prevent any micro-movement and ensuring the press is securely mounted to handle the leverage. Some users initially find the handle throw different from traditional presses. The solution is always proper setup: a solid bench-mounted press installation and following the instructions for locking the die block. These are not design flaws but learning curves associated with a novel system. For broader discussions on Frankford Arsenal products, industry resources like the Accurate Shooter bulletin often provide valuable insights.
The Frankford Arsenal M-Press isn’t trying to be everything to everyone. It’s a specialized tool that excels at bringing order, repeatability, and efficiency to the single-stage reloading process. For the reloader who is tired of the constant die-adjustment dance and values a clean, organized bench, it represents a brilliant evolution in press design. It may not have the decades of heritage of a Rock Chucker, but it offers a compelling, modern answer to very real reloading frustrations. In the end, the best press is the one that gets you loading more, with less hassle and more consistency. For a certain type of shooter, the M-Press hits that target dead center.