Will a Frankford Arsenal Press Do .45-70? The Straight Answer
By Amis Thains Published 5 min read
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On this page (6 sections)
You are trying to reload .45-70 Government and wondering if your Frankford Arsenal press will stretch to that case length. This page tells you exactly which models take it, which ones cap out, and what to check before you buy.
In short: The Frankford Arsenal M Press and the F1 single stage press can handle .45-70 because their shell holders and die clearance accommodate the long case. The X10 and other compact turret designs often have lower shell holders that may prevent the full-length .45-70 case from seating properly. Always check the specific shell holder height and die space for your model before buying tools.
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The M Press offers the capacity and stability needed for long .45-70 cases in single stage reloading.
Why .45-70 Is a Test of Press Capacity
The .45-70 Government is one of the longest common rifle and handgun cartridges. Its case length exceeds 2.2 inches, which puts significant pressure on the lower shell holder and die space of any reloading press. This extra length is the main reason compact presses struggle with it. There is more on best case tumbler for reloading in a separate guide.
Most modern compact presses are designed for standard rifle and pistol cartridges like the 30-06 or 9mm. The .45-70 often requires more vertical clearance between the die face and the plate than these standard rounds do. You need space for the case to sit fully in the holder without interfering with the mechanism.
If the case does not sit fully in the shell holder, the dies cannot align correctly with the case rim and headspace. This can lead to crimping issues, resizing problems, or failure to prime the case. It is a physical constraint, not just a die compatibility issue.
The thick case body of the .45-70 also requires more robust dies. The M Press’s heavy-duty design helps absorb the extra force needed to resize these large-diameter cases smoothly.
Pro tip: Measure the distance from the bottom of the shell holder to the die face. This is the critical dimension for ensuring the case fits.
The M Press is one of the few Frankford models with the vertical clearance and heavy-duty build needed for long .45-70 cases.
- 20" L x 9" W x 6. 5" D and weighs 21 lbs
- Integral floating shell-holder plate
Which Frankford Arsenal Models Fit .45-70
The Frankford Arsenal M Press is the primary model that reliably handles .45-70. It is a heavy, single-stage press with a large die block and sufficient clearance for long cases. Many shooters prefer it for big bores because of its stability.
The F1 single stage press also generally works, but you should verify your specific build or die block configuration. It is lighter than the M Press but still offers enough space for most .45-70 setups, especially if using a standard shell holder. For the detail, see our notes on frankford arsenal dryers.
The X10 Turret Press and similar compact turrets are the trouble zone. These presses use lower shell holders to accommodate the turret mechanism. The .45-70 case may physically block the turret from rotating or prevent the dies from seating fully. This makes it a poor choice for this cartridge.
If you are considering the Rebel Press or other turret options, be aware that turret presses generally sacrifice the extra height needed for long cases to keep the overall footprint small.
Safety first: Never force a long case into a compact press shell holder. This can damage the press mechanism or cause a die misalignment.
How Die Sets and Shell Holders Affect Fit
The press is only half the equation. The die set must also be designed for the .45-70. A standard rifle die set may not have the correct bushing or neck sizing for the .45-70’s thick necks and unique shoulder angle.
You need a full-length resizing die that matches the .45-70 chamber. Many shooters use Redding or RCBS die sets specifically stamped for .45-70 Government. These dies have the correct body length to reach the headspace of the case and ensure consistent resizing.
The shell holder must have a rim opening large enough for the .45-70 case rim. Most universal shell holders work, but you must ensure the case sits flush and does not lever against the holder. A slightly loose fit can lead to case head separation over time. For the detail, see our notes on seating .260 remington.
When choosing a die set, look for one that includes a full-length resizing die with a decapping feature. This is essential for removing fired primers without needing a separate depriming tool.
Pro tip: Check that the die body is long enough to reach the case head. Short dies will not size the shoulder correctly.
Redding die sets offer the precision and correct body length needed for the .45-70's unique case geometry.
- Full Length Sizer Die (with decapping unit)
- Expander Die for Pistol Sets and Neck Sizing Die for Rifle Sets
Common Mistakes When Pushing Long Cases
One common mistake is assuming that if the case looks like it fits, it is safe to reload. You must test fit the assembled press, die, and case before crimping or resizing. A visual check is not enough; you need to ensure the dies move freely.
Myth: All single-stage presses handle long cases.
Fact: Compact single-stage presses (like the F1) have limits. Check the manufacturer’s clearance specs for your specific model. The height of the die block relative to the shell holder matters more than the brand.
Myth: You can just lower the shell holder plate.
Fact: The shell holder is integral to the press structure in many models. You cannot simply “adjust” it down without risking structural integrity or voiding warranties.
Another mistake is using a powder measure that is not calibrated for large volumes. The .45-70 uses significant powder, and an inaccurate measure can lead to dangerous overloads. Always verify your load data with published manuals.
The bottom line
If you want to reload .45-70 with a Frankford Arsenal press, the M Press is the safest choice due to its open clearance and heavy-duty build. The F1 may work but requires careful verification of your specific setup. Avoid the X10 turret for this cartridge. Your next step is to measure your current press's shell holder clearance or buy the M Press if you are starting from scratch.
- 20" L x 9" W x 6. 5" D and weighs 21 lbs
- Integral floating shell-holder plate
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a universal shell holder for .45-70?
Yes, most universal shell holders accommodate the .45-70 rim. However, you must verify that the holder’s depth allows the case to sit flush against the die. If the case rim is higher than the holder’s base, it will not align correctly and can cause resizing issues.
Does the Frankford X10 press work for .45-70?
Generally, no. The X10 is a compact turret press with limited vertical clearance. The .45-70 case is too long to fit under the die assembly without hitting the turret mechanism. Stick to single-stage presses like the M Press for this cartridge.
What die set should I use for .45-70?
Use a die set specifically manufactured for .45-70 Government. Redding and RCBS both make dedicated sets. Do not use a generic rifle set unless it is explicitly labeled as .45-70 compatible. The shoulder and neck dimensions are unique to this cartridge.