Two names dominate the conversation for the aspiring reloader: Frankford Arsenal and Lee Precision. Their turret presses represent distinct philosophies in the shooting sports equipment world. One promises robust, dedicated performance, while the other offers a complete, American-made starting kit. The choice between them isn’t just about a tool; it’s about your entry point into the craft.
This head-to-head comparison cuts through the noise. We’re placing the Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press directly against the Lee Precision Classic Turret Press Kit. We’ll examine their build, features, and the real-world value they bring to your reloading bench. Speaking honestly, the right press can transform your reloading experience from a chore into a precise, rewarding part of the shooting hobby.
Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press: An In-Depth Look
Frankford Arsenal positions its Precision Turret Press as a dedicated, no-frills workhorse. The core promise is rigidity and simplicity. Its design focuses on eliminating variables that can affect precision reloading.
Build and Core Design
The press is built with precision cast steel construction. This isn’t just marketing speak. The goal is to eliminate all movement and flex during the reloading cycle, which directly contributes to enhanced accuracy for both pistol calibers and rifle calibers. A solid frame means consistent ram force application on every stroke, a critical factor for uniform primer seating and case resizing.
It features an 8-station turret head and includes an extra turret in the box. This setup is the essence of its convenience. You can pre-set your reloading dies for two different caliberslike swapping between .223 Rem and 9mmand change over in seconds. The system accepts standard 7/8″ x 14 dies, giving you immense flexibility in component choice.
User Experience and Considerations
From my honest perspective, this press is about out-of-the-box readiness for the specific task of reloading. You provide the dies, shell plate, and expertise. Its operation is straightforward, with a manual auto-indexing mechanism that advances the turret with each pull of the handle. Spent primer management is handled through a chute, keeping your workspace clean.
Potential considerations? It’s a component, not a kit. You’ll need to source a priming system, powder measure, and case lube separately. Some users in various Frankford Arsenal turret press problems discussions online have mentioned a break-in period for the indexing mechanism to smooth out. Regular maintenancea drop of oil on the pivot pointsis recommended to ensure long-term smooth operation.
Lee Precision Classic Turret Press Kit: An In-Depth Look
Lee Precision takes a fundamentally different approach. The Classic Turret Press is famously sold as a near-complete starter kit. The company states, “This kit and a set of Lee dies is everything you need to begin reloading.” That’s a powerful value proposition for a newcomer.
The Complete Kit Philosophy
This is a “Made in USA” kit designed to lower the barrier to entry. The standout inclusion is the Pro Auto-Drum powder measure and riser. Lee notes it’s perfect for all handgun and small rifle cartridges, covering the vast majority of popular calibers for beginners. This integration means you can start charging cases immediately without additional purchases.
The press itself uses a compound linkage system, providing increased leverage and making the pull smoother, especially during resizing operations. Its auto-indexing is automatic and positive, driven by the ram’s movement. One crucial note details: the Bench Plate system shown in many photos is sold separately, so factor in mounting hardware.
Getting Started and Long-Term Use
Honestly speaking, for someone asking which turret press is better for a beginner, the Lee kit is incredibly compelling. It bundles the core tools. The learning curve involves setting up the included components rather than shopping for them. The priming system is built into the press frame, and spent primer management is directed into a capture tube.
My honest take is that its design prioritizes accessibility and process integration. The turret has four stations, which is sufficient for the standard reloading steps (deprime/size, prime/expand, charge, seat/crimp). Noise and vibration are generally well-managed due to its robust cast construction and linkage design. For a deeper dive into Lee’s ecosystem, you can review their official source for manuals and support.
Side-by-Side Comparison: Features, Pros & Cons
Seeing these presses side-by-side clarifies their different missions. The table below breaks down the specifics based on their actual, stated features.
| Feature | Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press | Lee Precision Classic Turret Press Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Core Offering | 8-Station Turret Press with Extra Turret | Complete Reloading Starter Kit |
| Key Included Feature | Precision cast steel construction for no flex | Pro Auto-Drum powder measure & riser included |
| Turret System | 8-station, manual auto-indexing | 4-station, automatic auto-indexing |
| Die Compatibility | Accepts standard 7/8″ x 14 dies | Accepts standard 7/8″ x 14 dies |
| Caliber Focus | Designed for quick caliber swapping | Kit suited for handgun & small rifle cartridges |
| Build Origin | Not specified in provided features | Made in USA |
| Mounting Note | Requires standard bench mounting | Bench Plate in promotional photos sold separately |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
Head-to-Head Analysis
For the Beginner: The Lee kit is the clear turnkey solution. You get a functioning reloading system in one box. The Frankford press requires you to assemble components from various brands like RCBS or Lyman, which can be overwhelming.
For Precision and Flexibility: The Frankford’s 8-station steel frame offers potential for more complex reloading routines. An extra turret is a significant advantage for high-volume shooters who switch calibers frequently. The debate on Frankford Arsenal vs Lee Turret press accuracy often centers on this rigidity.
Value and Cost: You must look beyond the initial price tag. The Lee’s included powder measure represents a substantial value add. To match the Frankford’s capability, you’d invest in additional accessories. This makes the question is the Lee Classic Turret worth the extra money somewhat misleadingits “kit” price is often very competitive against a press-only alternative.
Final Verdict & Recommendation: Which One Should You Buy?
between these two excellent presses comes down to your profile as a reloader. There is no single best turret press for everyone, only the best one for you.
Choose the Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press if:
- You already own reloading accessories (powder measure, primer tool) and need a robust press.
- You reload multiple calibers and value ultra-fast turret swapping with the 8-station design.
- Maximum frame rigidity and minimizing flex is your top priority for precision rifle calibers.
- You prefer to hand-select each component of your setup from different manufacturers.
Choose the Lee Precision Classic Turret Press Kit if:
- You are starting from zero and want a single-box solution to begin reloading for beginners.
- Your primary focus is handgun calibers like 9mm or .45 ACP, and small rifle rounds like .223 Rem.
- You value the convenience of an integrated, automatic powder dispensing system.
- The “Made in USA” designation and Lee’s extensive instructional support are important to you.
My honest assessment is this: the Lee kit is arguably the most efficient starting point in the market. It gets you producing safe, consistent ammunition with minimal upfront research and sourcing. The Frankford Arsenal press is a superb upgrade path or a choice for the reloader who knows exactly what they want from their bench. It’s a precision instrument for building a custom process.
For further research on reloading fundamentals, consult the authority guide from Hornady or the comprehensive hub at RCBS. Always cross-reference data from multiple authority guide sources for safety.
In my honest opinion, I believe your first press should match your confidence level. The Lee holds your hand through the initial setup, building confidence. The Frankford expects you to bring that confidence to the bench from day one. Both are capable of producing excellent ammunition. Your journey depends on which path to precision you find more appealing. And for more no-nonsense gear breakdowns from our team, that’s the consistent Honest Opinion you can expect.