You’re staring at your bench, wondering if a progressive press is the right move. The promise of speed is alluring, but the price tags on many models can be a serious deterrent. This is the exact crossroads where the Frankford Arsenal M-Press enters the conversation. Its positioned as a budget-friendly entry point, but does it deliver enough quality and functionality to be a smart buy? Honestly speaking, thats the core question every reloader needs answered before pulling the trigger.
The value proposition is clear from the start. For a fraction of the cost of many progressive setups, you get a complete coaxial reloading press with a clever storage system. But a low price means nothing if the tool can’t perform. This review will break down the M-Press based on its actual features, its real-world application, and how it stacks up against the competition. My honest assessment is that it carves out a very specific, useful niche.
Frankford Arsenal M-Press: Key Features Breakdown
Let’s get specific about what you’re actually getting. The M-Press isn’t a massive, bench-dominating piece of iron. Its compact, aluminum build is a defining characteristic. Measuring 6″ L x 4.75″ W x 1.75″ D and weighing just half a pound, this is a press built for portability and space efficiency. The aluminum construction speaks to a design focused on reducing weight without sacrificing the rigidity needed for precise reloading operations.
The standout feature, in my honest opinion, is the integrated die management system. Its more than just a press; it’s an organized workflow solution. You get three extra die blocks alongside the press. The genius is in the Allen set screw on each blockit locks your die settings in place permanently. Once youve dialed in your perfect seating depth or crimp, you tighten the screw and that setting is saved. You can then pop the die and block out of the press and store it securely in the included stackable case.
This system solves a classic reloader headache: constantly readjusting dies when switching calibers. For someone who loads multiple rifle and pistol cartridges, this feature alone can justify the cost. It turns the M-Press from a simple tool into a time-saving system. The storage case holds all three dies with their blocks installed, keeping your bench organized and your settings intact. From my honest perspective, this thoughtful accessory package is where the M-Press truly shines and adds tangible value.
| Feature | Specification / Detail |
|---|---|
| Dimensions & Weight | 6″ L x 4.75″ W x 1.75″ D; 0.5 lbs |
| Construction | Aluminum |
| Core Innovation | Coaxial press with die block system |
| Die Locking Mechanism | Allen set screw per die block |
| Included Accessories | 3 extra die blocks, stackable storage case |
| Primary Use Case | Precision reloading, multi-caliber setups, portable operations |
| Check current price on Amazon |
Performance & Real-World Use Case
So, what’s it like to actually use the M-Press? Its crucial to set the right expectations. This is not a high-volume, progressive press like a Dillon 550C or a Lee Loadmaster. You won’t be churning out hundreds of rounds per hour. Instead, its strength lies in precision and convenience for the methodical reloader. The coaxial designwhere the shell plate (or in this case, the die) remains perfectly aligned throughout the strokeis excellent for achieving consistent bullet seating and minimizing runout.
The lightweight aluminum build has pros and cons. The pro is obvious: you can mount this almost anywhere, take it to the range, or store it easily. The con, honestly speaking, is that it won’t have the sheer mass and dampening effect of a cast-iron single-stage press like the RCBS Rock Chucker. You might notice more vibration during sizing operations, especially with larger rifle cases. Its not a deal-breaker, but it’s a tangible difference a seasoned reloader will feel.
Where it excels is in dedicated, repeatable tasks. Imagine using it as a permanent universal decapping station, or a dedicated bullet seating press. With the die blocks, you could have one block set for .308 Winchester seating, another for 6.5 Creedmoor sizing, and a third for 9mm crimping. Swap them in and out in seconds with zero re-adjustment. This approach, recommended by , ensures absolute consistency and is a fantastic way to streamline a batch reloading process. For beginners asking “is the Frankford Arsenal M-Press good for beginners?“, the answer is nuanced. It’s superb for learning the fundamentals of die adjustment and appreciating precision, but it won’t teach the sequential station workflow of a true progressive.
Addressing the Unspoken Details: Warranty, Noise, and Compatibility
Many reviews gloss over critical supporting factors. Frankford Arsenal typically backs its products with a solid warranty, which is a significant point of confidence for a budget-friendly tool. Always verify the current terms, but their support reputation is generally positive. Regarding noise and vibration, the aluminum frame transmits more operational sound than a heavier press. Mounting it securely to a solid, heavy bench is the best mitigation strategy.
Compatibility with aftermarket accessories is straightforward. It uses standard 7/8″-14 threaded dies, so your existing die sets will work perfectly. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.The press’s compact frame does limit the physical space around the die, so exceptionally large or complex die lock rings might require consideration. However, for the vast majority of standard dies, it’s a non-issue. I honestly believe these practical considerationswarranty, mounting, and compatibilityare just as important as the feature list when assessing long-term reloading equipment value.
Competitor Comparison: Where the M-Press Fits
You can’t evaluate value in a vacuum. The reloading press market is crowded with options. The M-Press occupies a unique hybrid space. It’s not a traditional single-stage, nor a turret, nor a progressive. Let’s place it in context.
Versus a Classic Single-Stage: Compared to a workhorse like the Lee Precision Challenger or the RCBS Partner, the M-Press trades brute-force mass for precision alignment and its revolutionary die-saving system. For precision rifle shooters, the coaxial advantage is real. For someone who just needs to resize a bucket of brass, a heavier single-stage might be faster and more comfortable.
The Turret Press Alternative: A Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret or Lee Classic Turret offers a different kind of conveniencemultiple dies pre-set on a rotating head. This is a closer competitor in spirit. The turret is faster for completing a single cartridge from start to finish. The M-Press, however, with its multiple dedicated blocks, might be faster for batch processing (e.g., sizing 100 cases, then priming 100 cases, then seating 100 bullets).
The Progressive Press Question: This is the big one. When wondering if a progressive press is worth it, you’re usually looking at models like the Lee Precision Pro 4000 or the legendary Dillon Precision RL550C. These are true volume machines with automatic indexing and often a primer system. The M-Press is not a direct competitor. It’s for the shooter who values precision and flexibility over raw output speed. The M-Press vs Lee Loadmaster debate is really about philosophy: dedicated precision stations vs. automated sequential production.
My honest take is that the M-Press avoids direct competition It doesn’t try to beat the single-stage on price or the progressive on speed. It wins on clever, thoughtful design for a specific user. For deeper community insights and user experiences, forums like the r/reloading subreddit or specialized boards are invaluable resources.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy the Frankford Arsenal M-Press?
So, is the Frankford Arsenal M-Press worth it? The answer is a resounding “yes,” but only for a clearly defined set of reloaders. To be completely honest, it’s not a universal solution. It’s a specialist.
You should seriously consider the M-Press if:
- You are a precision rifle shooter who values low runout and consistent seating above all else.
- You reload multiple calibers and are tired of constantly readjusting dies.
- You have limited bench space and need a compact, portable press solution.
- You want a dedicated station for a specific, repeatable task (like decapping or bullet seating).
- You’re seeking the best budget progressive reloading press alternative that prioritizes precision over automation.
You might want to look elsewhere if:
- Your primary goal is high-volume ammunition production for pistol or plinking rifle rounds.
- You prefer the heft and feel of a traditional cast-iron single-stage press.
- You want an integrated, automated primer system.
- You are a complete beginner who wants to learn on a system that mimics a full progressive workflow.
The value proposition of the Frankford Arsenal M-Press is undeniable. For a very modest investment, you get a precision coaxial press and a die management system that genuinely improves organization and consistency. It solves a real problem for multi-caliber reloaders. While it may not have the brand legacy of RCBS or the volume prowess of Dillon, it brings innovative, practical thinking to the bench. Speaking honestly, that’s a win in any reloader’s book. It proves that smart design often trumps pure brute force, making it one of the most interesting and useful tools to hit the reloading on a budget market in years.