Two distinct philosophies of reloading sit on the bench today. On one side, the methodical, rock-solid single-stage press. On the other, the efficient, quick-change turret system. The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit and the Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press represent these two paths perfectly. Choosing between them isn’t just about picking a tool; it’s about selecting your reloading workflow.
This decision hinges on your goals: meticulous precision for long-range shooting or streamlined production for high-volume plinking. Both are excellent, but they serve different masters. Let’s break down exactly what each offers, using only their stated features, to see which kit earns a permanent spot on your reloading bench.
The Core Debate: Turret Speed vs. Single-Stage Focus
At its heart, this comparison is about architecture. The Frankford Arsenal is an 8-station turret press. Its design allows multiple dies to be pre-set and rotated into position, significantly speeding up the process of switching between operations like sizing, priming, and seating. The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme is the benchmark single-stage press. Each operation is performed one at a time, with the die being manually changed in the single station. This fosters an unmatched focus on each individual cartridge.
Honestly speaking, if your primary aim is volumesay, loading hundreds of .223 or 9mm rounds for a weekend coursethe turret’s workflow is a compelling advantage. For the reloader who prioritizes absolute consistency for a bolt-action rifle or wants to feel every nuance of the brass, the single-stage’s deliberate pace is a feature, not a bug. My honest take is that neither is inherently better; they are optimized for different outcomes.
Head-to-Head: Specifications & Kit Contents
Looking at what you actually get reveals the fundamental difference in approach. The Frankford Arsenal press is sold as a standalone unit, centered on the press itself and its innovative turret system. The RCBS offering is a complete master reloading kit, designed to be your one-stop shop to begin handloading.
| Feature | Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press | RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Kit |
|---|---|---|
| Press Type | 8-Station Turret Press | Single Stage Press |
| Core Design | Precision cast steel for minimized flex; includes extra turret for quick caliber swaps. | Legendary O-frame with central pivot and compound leverage for tough cases. |
| Primary Advantage | Convenient caliber swapping and faster operation cycle. | Outstanding strength, versatility, and a spacious 4.25″ window for magnum cartridges. |
| What’s Included | Press, Extra Turret. (Dies, shell holders, other tools sold separately). | Press, M500 Mechanical Scale, Uniflow-III Powder Measure, Hand Priming Tool, Case Lube Kit, Universal Case Block, Debur Tool, Hex Keys, Funnel, Speer Manual. |
| Die Compatibility | Accepts standard 7/8″ x 14 dies. | Accepts standard 7/8″ x 14 dies. |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
The table makes it clear. The Frankford Arsenal is a superb press mechanism focused on the turret advantage. The RCBS kit is a complete ecosystem. You could start loading with the RCBS box alone, needing only dies, shell holders, and components. With the Frankford, you must source all the ancillary equipmentscale, powder measure, priming toolseparately. This drastically impacts the upfront cost and complexity for a beginner.
Performance & Ideal Use Cases
How do these differences translate to the bench? The Rock Chucker’s O-frame and compound leverage are engineered for durability and smooth operation, even when resizing stubborn brass. Its magnetic-damped M500 scale is a proven tool for achieving precise charge weights, a cornerstone of accuracy. The Uniflow-III powder measure is noted for its consistency, which is critical for both safety and precision reloading.
The Frankford Arsenal’s cast steel construction aims to eliminate movement, directly targeting enhanced accuracy. The ability to pre-set your dies for a specific caliber on a dedicated turret head is a massive time-saver. Swap the entire turret, and you’re ready to load a different cartridge in seconds. This addresses a classic reloading bottleneck.
Which is Right for Your Reloading Bench?
To be completely honest, your experience level and shooting habits provide the answer.
Choose the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Kit if:
- You are new to reloading and need a complete, trusted starter kit.
- Your focus is on precision rifle cartridges where each step is scrutinized.
- You load a wide variety of calibers but in smaller batches.
- You value perceived durability and a brand legacy that’s been the king of reloading kits for decades.
- You want the included tools (scale, measure) to be of a known quality from the start.
Choose the Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press if:
- You already own the essential ancillary tools (scale, powder measure, etc.).
- You primarily load higher-volume pistol or rifle cartridges where speed matters.
- You frequently switch between a few set calibers and want to minimize setup time.
- You appreciate modern engineering focused on eliminating flex for accuracy.
- You’re building a dedicated progressive press station later and want a versatile turret as a complement.
A common question that arises is, can you use RCBS dies with Frankford Arsenal press? Absolutely. Since both accept standard 7/8″ x 14 dies, your die investment is portable between them. This interoperability is a key point for reloaders who upgrade or change systems over time.
Beyond the Spec Sheet: Warranty, Service, and Considerations
While the product features tell most of the story, a few practical entities deserve mention. RCBS is renowned for its “No Excuses” warranty and extensive customer service networka significant factor for a beginner who might need guidance. Frankford Arsenal’s support structure has grown considerably, but the long-term brand trust often leans toward RCBS for many reloaders.
Maintenance is straightforward for both. The single-stage press has fewer moving parts, which can mean less to go wrong over decades of use. The turret press requires keeping the indexing mechanism clean and properly adjusted to maintain its precision. precision, if that’s your sole aim, our deep dive on the rcbs platform is worth your time.
Caliber limitations? The RCBS’s large opening handles virtually any standard cartridge up to 50 BMG. The Frankford Arsenal turret also accepts standard dies, but the physical size of the turret and press frame is the limiting factor for extreme-length cartridges. For 99% of common rifle and pistol rounds, both are perfectly capable.
Price, Value, and the Bottom Line
This is where the comparison becomes stark. The Rock Chucker Supreme kit vs Frankford Arsenal Platinum kit price discussion is almost apples to oranges. The Frankford Arsenal press is a component. The RCBS kit is a workshop in a box.
You must factor in the cost of a quality scale, powder measure, priming tool, case lube, and manual when buying the Frankford press standalone. When you add those up, the RCBS kit frequently presents a superior initial value proposition. However, if you already own these tools, the Frankford Arsenal turret press becomes an efficient and powerful upgrade to your process.
From my honest perspective, the value judgment comes down to your starting point. For a new reloader, the RCBS kit is arguably the best value reloading kit for getting started correctly. For the reloader with a bench already equipped, the Frankford Arsenal offers tangible workflow benefits.
Final Verdict: A Matter of Intent
So, which is better for a beginner Frankford Arsenal or RCBS? I honestly believe the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit is the clearer and safer choice. It provides all the foundational tools from reputable sources, wrapped in a legendary press. It teaches good habits and delivers everything needed for success except dies and shell holders.
The Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press is a brilliant tool for the intermediate reloader looking to increase output without jumping to a progressive press. Its design is smart, robust, and focused on solving a specific problemslow caliber changes. It’s a press you grow into.
Both are capable of excellent results. The RCBS excels as a comprehensive system for learning and precision. The Frankford Arsenal excels as a throughput-optimized tool for the informed reloader. Your honest missionwhether it’s learning the craft or optimizing itpoints directly to the right choice. For more nuanced comparisons, like how the Frankford stacks up against another popular turret option, our look at precision press designs can help.
Remember, the best press is the one you’ll use consistently to safely produce ammunition that meets your goals. Always consult multiple official sources for load data and safety procedures. Now, get out there and build some rounds. That’s the Honest Opinion from this side of the reloading bench.