Frankford Arsenal has carved out a significant niche in the reloading world, offering gear that balances performance with accessibility. Their lineup of presses, particularly the M-Press and the Platinum Series progressive models, represents a compelling middle ground between budget-friendly starters and high-end professional rigs. For anyone building or upgrading their reloading bench, understanding what these tools offer is the first step toward making a smart investment.
This guide isn’t about pushing one product. It’s about dissecting the features, construction, and real-world application of Frankford Arsenal’s core press offerings. We’ll compare them to market stalwarts, analyze their value, and help you decide if they’re the right fit for your ammunition reloading journey. My honest take is that their strength lies in thoughtful design at a competitive price point, but the right choice always depends on your specific goals.
Frankford Arsenal Press Models: A Detailed Breakdown
Frankford Arsenal’s press portfolio is built around two primary concepts: the innovative coaxial single stage press and the feature-rich progressive press. Each serves a distinct purpose, and choosing between them fundamentally shapes your reloading workflow.
The M-Press: A Modern Take on the Single Stage
The Frankford Arsenal M-Press stands out immediately. It’s not your grandfather’s single-stage press. Its coaxial designwhere the ram and die align perfectly on a central axisis a game-changer for precision. The integral floating shell-holder plate automatically centers the case under the die, which, honestly speaking, eliminates a major source of runout and inconsistency found in traditional presses.
Weighing in at 21 lbs with a heavy-duty, robust die-cast construction, it feels solidly mounted. The two parallel guide rods ensure the ram moves without any lateral play, contributing directly to reliable, consistent ammunition. A key feature often overlooked is the integrated spent primer management system. The primer catcher channels spent primers cleanly away from your workspace, a small but massively appreciated detail for bench cleanliness.
Its dimensions (20″ L x 9″ W x 6.5″ D) make it manageable for most benches, and the included quick-change die blocks that fit standard 7/8″-14 dies add to its versatility. From my honest perspective, the M-Press is ideal for precision rifle shooters, beginners who want to learn fundamentals correctly, and anyone who does a lot of batch processing like depriming or bullet seating. It’s a press that makes every step deliberate and accurate.
| Feature | Specification / Description |
|---|---|
| Type | Coaxial Single Stage Press |
| Weight | 21 lbs |
| Dimensions | 20″ L x 9″ W x 6.5″ D |
| Key Design | Integral floating shell-holder plate, 2 parallel guide rods |
| Construction | Heavy-duty die-cast |
| Primer System | Spent primer catcher included |
| Die Compatibility | Quick-change blocks for standard 7/8″-14 dies |
| Check current price on Amazon |
The Platinum Series: Progressive Power
For high-volume reloaders, Frankford Arsenal’s Platinum Series progressive presses are the main attraction. These are full-featured machines designed to pump out large quantities of handgun or rifle cartridges efficiently. They typically feature a robust compound linkage system that significantly reduces the effort required for sizing and priming operations, especially with rifle brass.
A proper reloading press comparison in the progressive space must consider the priming system, index mechanism, and shell plate design. The Platinum Series presses often include auto-indexing, a stationary priming system for reliability, and tool-less shell plate changes. If you want my honest opinion, the appeal here is taking the manual, step-by-step process of a single-stage and automating it into a smooth, continuous operation. It’s about volume without completely sacrificing the ability to monitor each station.
Key Features and Technology Analysis
Beyond the basic model categories, it’s the specific engineering choices that define the user experience. Frankford Arsenal incorporates several features that address common pain points for reloaders.
The compound linkage on their progressives isn’t just marketing. It provides genuine mechanical advantage. This means smoother operation and less fatigue during long reloading sessions, particularly when resizing tough brass. It’s a feature you’ll appreciate more with every hundred rounds processed.
Their focus on spent primer management is noteworthy. A messy bench is an annoying bench. they solve a perennial nuisance. This attention to the less-glamorous details of the reloading process, a perspective championed by , shows a design philosophy that considers the entire user experience, not just the core function.
Noise and vibration are two in many competitor reviews. A press’s solidity directly affects these factors. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes.The 21-lb mass of the M-Press and the rigid construction of the Platinum Series models dampen vibration, resulting in a quieter, more stable feel. This isn’t just about comfort; reduced vibration can contribute to more consistent measurements and operations, especially when using digital scales on the same bench.
Competitor Comparison and Market Position
So, where does Frankford Arsenal sit in the broader market? They operate in a competitive space between value leaders like Lee Precision and established premium brands like RCBS and Hornady.
A common comparison is the Frankford Arsenal M-Press vs Lee Classic Cast. Both are heavy, single-stage presses. The Lee is a legendary workhorse known for its brute strength and value. The M-Press, however, brings modern coaxial alignment and integrated spent primer handling to the table. It’s often a debate of classic, proven design versus innovative, user-friendly features. For a deeper dive on that specific matchup, our M-Press vs Classic Cast analysis breaks it down further.
Against the RCBS Rock Chucker, another single-stage benchmark, the comparison revolves around precision pedigree versus modern convenience. RCBS has decades of trust, while Frankford Arsenal offers compelling features at a similar or slightly lower price point. I honestly believe the choice here comes down to whether you prioritize traditional, time-tested design or value-added features like the coaxial system.
In the progressive arena, the Frankford Arsenal progressive press review 2026 landscape sees them competing with Hornady’s Lock-N-Load and Dillon’s RL series. The Platinum Series often undercuts these brands on price while including a comprehensive reloading kit with many necessary accessories. The trade-off sometimes involves a slightly less refined finish or a smaller community of aftermarket support compared to Dillon’s massive ecosystem. However, for the price, the feature set is robust.
Buyer’s Guide: Who Should Buy a Frankford Arsenal Press?
Cutting through the specs, which press is right for you? This isn’t about “best” but the best for you.
Ideal User Profiles
- The Precision-Oriented Reloader: If your goal is sub-MOA ammunition for bolt-action rifles, the M-Press and its coaxial alignment are arguably the best choice in Frankford’s lineup. It forces focus and eliminates variables.
- The Volume Handgun Shooter: A shooter burning through hundreds of 9mm or .45 ACP rounds monthly needs a progressive. The Platinum Series is built for this. The compound linkage makes sizing straight-walled cases effortless, and the auto-indexing speeds up production dramatically.
- The Reloading Beginner: Is Frankford Arsenal press good for beginners? Absolutely, but with a caveat. The M-Press is fantastic for learning. It makes the fundamentals visible and teachable. Starting on a progressive can mask errors and create bad habits. My honest assessment is that a beginner will become a better, more knowledgeable reloader
- The Value-Conscious Upgrader: Someone moving from a basic press who wants more features without a four-figure investment. Frankford Arsenal fills this gap perfectly, offering advancements like better primer management and linkage systems without the top-tier price tag.
Setup, Maintenance, and Compatibility
Setting up any press requires a solid bench. The weight of these units demands a sturdy mounting surfacea wobbly bench will undermine any press’s precision. Detailed maintenance requirements are straightforward: periodic cleaning of the primer system, a drop of oil on the linkage pivots, and ensuring guide rods are free of debris. They are not complicated machines.
Compatibility with aftermarket accessories is strong. They use standard 7/8″-14 dies, so your existing die sets will work. Shell plates and other consumables are readily available. While the ecosystem isn’t as vast as Dillon’s, the essential support and accessories are easy to find, answering a key question of where to buy Frankford Arsenal reloading press parts.
Final Recommendations and Verdict
Frankford Arsenal has successfully positioned itself as a brand that offers thoughtful innovation at a fair price. You’re not just paying for a name; you’re paying for specific engineering solutions to common reloading annoyances.
For the precision rifle shooter or the dedicated beginner, the M-Press is a top-tier contender. Its coaxial design offers a tangible benefit in ammunition consistency. Speaking honestly, it’s one of the most significant single-stage innovations in recent years. For a dedicated review of its performance, our M-Press coaxial review provides extensive hands-on insights.
For the high-volume pistol or carbine shooter, the Platinum Series progressives represent outstanding value. They include features often sold as extras by competitors, letting you start reloading in volume with a lower initial investment. When stacked against a Lee Precision Pro 4000 or a Hornady Lock-N-Load, the decision often comes down to preferred priming systems and specific feature preferences.
No press is an island. Your success also depends on quality components like reloading dies and a good scale. But as the heart of your operation, a Frankford Arsenal press provides a reliable, well-designed foundation. They prove you don’t need to spend a fortune to get excellent performance and smart features on your reloading bench. For ongoing discussions and user experiences, communities like r/reloading on Reddit are invaluable resources. In my honest opinion, whether you choose the innovative M-Press or a capable Platinum Series progressive, you’re making a choice that balances cost, capability, and clever design.