Frankford Arsenal M-Press Review: Is It Worth It?

You want a single-stage press that handles stubborn rifle cases without flexing or dropping primers everywhere. This review cuts through the marketing to tell you if the M-Press’s coaxial design and build actually deliver that precision and value.

Who it is for (and who should skip it)

The M-Press is a single-stage tool designed for reloaders who value precision in rifle calibers. Its coaxial action ensures the die and case stay in perfect alignment from start to finish, which matters when chasing tight groups or loading match-grade ammunition. The other half of this decision is checking x-10 kit inclusion.

If you are strictly loading high-volume pistol rounds, this is the wrong tool. A progressive press is faster for high capacity, and the M-Press will feel slow by comparison. It is ideal for target shooters and hunters who need consistent neck sizing and bullet seating.

Think of it as a precision instrument rather than a factory line. You trade speed for concentricity. If your reloading routine involves large batches of .223 or 9mm, you will likely prefer the throughput of a turret or progressive system.

But if you are hand-loading .240 Win Mag or .308 Win for competitive shooting, the M-Press keeps your brass straight and your bench clean.

What stands out in the M-Press design

The headline feature is the coaxial linkage. Unlike traditional O-frame presses where the shell holder moves up and down against a stationary die, the M-Press moves both in line. This reduces lateral flex and helps maintain concentricity, which is the main benefit of this class of press.

• Integrated Primer Catcher: Spent primers drop into a tube instead of scattering on your bench. It saves you from cleaning up tiny, dirty discs every hour, and the tube is easy to empty without stopping your workflow.
• Quick-Change Die Blocks: You swap the entire die block rather than threading individual dies in and out of the press head. This speeds up caliber changes significantly and reduces the risk of stripping die threads.
• Compound Linkage: The mechanical advantage makes it easier to size stubborn cases, reducing arm fatigue during long sessions with thick-necked rifle brass.

At 21 lbs, the die-cast body is heavy enough to dampen vibration and keep the press stable on your bench. It is not a tool you need to clamp down with zip ties; its mass anchors it well.

The two parallel guide rods visible on the side are a key part of this stability, ensuring the moving head doesn’t drift out of line. Loaders in this spot often ask about frankford arsenal quick-n-ez review as well.

The drawbacks you should know

No press is perfect, and the M-Press has trade-offs. The coaxial mechanism is more complex than a simple O-frame, meaning there are more moving parts to understand if something goes wrong. Troubleshooting can be less intuitive than on a standard press. We go through frankford arsenal m-press testing step by step in its own article.

Some owners report initial stickiness in the linkage, which wears in after the first few dozen strokes. It is not a defect, but a learning curve. If you are used to the brute force simplicity of a Rock Chucker, the M-Press feels different initially. The stroke requires smooth, even pressure rather than a jerky yank.

It is also not the cheapest option. Budget presses like Lee offer basic functionality for less, but they lack the integrated primer management and alignment consistency of the M-Press. You pay a premium for that convenience and precision.

Additionally, the die block system is proprietary. While it uses standard 7/8″-14 dies, you cannot just drop in any die block; you need ones designed for the M-Press quick-change interface. Check compatibility before buying a second block.

Setup and use tips for best results

Start by securing the press to your bench. Even at 21 lbs, using a C-clamp or the included base plate ensures zero movement during the downstroke. Any wobble will negate the alignment benefits of the coaxial design. There is more on testing the frankford x-10 in a separate guide.

1. Lubricate the Guide Rods: Apply a light coat of quality grease to the parallel guide rods. This prevents the initial stickiness and ensures smooth operation over time. Do not over-grease; excess oil can attract dust and clog the mechanism.
2. Check Alignment: Before loading, ensure the die block is seated correctly in the quick-change mechanism. A loose block can introduce runout, defeating the purpose of the press. Listen for the click that confirms the block is locked.
3. Empty the Primer Tube Regularly: Do not let it overfill. A full tube can back up into the mechanism and stop the stroke. Clear it out at every station change or after 20-30 rounds.

When switching calibers, change the die block first, then set your dies. The floating shell holder self-centers the case, so you do not need to manually align it as carefully as on a traditional press. However, you must still verify your die settings (sizing, seating, crimp) with calipers for each new caliber.

Alternatives worth a look

If the M-Press feels like overkill or you are on a tight budget, consider these options.

Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic: This is a solid O-frame press. It uses a bushing system for quick changes, which is different from the M-Press block system. It is generally less expensive and has a huge aftermarket for dies.

It lacks the integrated coaxial alignment, so you rely more on your setup and dies for concentricity. It is a great ‘workhorse’ for beginners.

Lee Precision Elite Z: If you are interested in coaxial but want a lower entry price, the Elite Z is the classic example. It pioneered the concept, and many reloaders find it sufficient for their needs.

It is lighter and lacks some of the premium finishing of the M-Press, but it performs the core task well. The manual primer catcher is a smaller cup, so you need to empty it more often. We go through arsenal precision press step by step in its own article.

The bottom line

Frequently asked questions