Two turret presses sit on the bench, each promising a smoother path to precision reloading. The Lee Precision 90045 Classic Turret is a legend, a workhorse known for its simplicity. The Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press is the newer contender, built with modern expectations of rigidity and speed. Choosing between them isn’t just about specs; it’s about matching a machine to your workflow, budget, and goals on the reloading bench.
This head-to-head cuts through the noise. We’re putting these presses under the microscope, focusing strictly on what they offer. From build quality to daily usability, we’ll help you decide which press earns a permanent spot in your shop. Speaking honestly, the right tool doesn’t just make ammoit makes the process enjoyable.
Head-to-Head Feature Breakdown
Let’s start with the core specifications. A side-by-side look reveals their fundamental design philosophies.
| Feature | Lee Precision 90045 Classic Turret | Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Core Design | Classic Turret Press | 8-Station Turret Press | |
| Key Highlight | Proven, straightforward reloading press | Precision cast steel construction for eliminating movement | |
| Caliber Swapping | N/A | Convenient and quick caliber conversion | |
| Die Compatibility | Accepts standard 7/8″-14 dies | Accepts standard dies (7/8″ x14) | |
| Check current price on Amazon | Check current price on Amazon |
The table shows a clear divergence. The Lee 90045 is presented as a fundamental toola reliable reloading press without extra frills. The Frankford Arsenal, however, emphasizes its robust “precision cast steel construction” designed to eliminate flex, directly targeting reloaders obsessed with consistency. Its mention of convenient caliber swapping hints at a user-friendly design for those who switch cartridges often.
Build Quality & Durability: Cast Iron vs. Cast Steel
This is where the presses truly separate. The Lee Classic Turret uses a cast iron frame, a material known for its mass and vibration-dampening qualities. It’s a classic choice that has served reloaders for decades. The Frankford Arsenal employs precision cast steel. From my honest perspective, steel generally offers higher tensile strength, which directly supports their claim of “eliminating all movement and flex for enhanced accuracy.”
This focus on rigidity is a major selling point. A press that flexes under ram force can introduce minute inconsistencies in your ammo reloading process. For precision reloading, especially with rifle cartridges, a rock-solid frame is non-negotiable. The Frankford’s design seems built from the ground up to address this. The Lee’s cast iron is no slouch, but it represents a different era of engineering priorities.
The Turret & Indexing Mechanism
The turret itself is the heart of the operation. The Lee uses a 4-hole turret with a classic auto-indexing system driven by the press’s stroke. It’s simple, mechanical, and effective. The Frankford Arsenal boasts an 8-station turret, offering double the capacity. This allows for more complex setupsyou could have a dedicated station for powder checking, bullet feeding, or crimping without sacrificing a core function.
Honestly speaking, an 8-station turret provides incredible flexibility for streamlined progressive-style workflows on a turret press. However, more stations can mean a larger footprint and potentially more weight to rotate. The Lee’s 4-station design is compact and perfectly adequate for the vast majority of pistol and rifle reloading tasks. It’s a matter of wanting maximum capability versus proven, efficient simplicity.
Performance & Usability in Real-World Reloading
How do these features translate to the bench? The usability differences are significant.
Workflow and Caliber Changes
The Frankford Arsenal’s highlighted feature is “convenient caliber swapping.” This suggests a system where the entire turret, or perhaps the shell plate, is easily removed and replaced. For a reloader who regularly cycles through 5-6 different calibers, this is a huge time-saver. My honest take is that this feature alone could justify the choice for someone with a diverse loading schedule.
The Lee system requires manually changing the turret, which involves loosening a retaining bolt. It’s a simple process, but not as quick. If you primarily load one or two calibers in bulk, this is a minor inconvenience. For a detailed look at another popular option in this category, our precision turret press comparison with Lyman offers more context.
Hand Feel and Mechanical Advantage
While not explicitly stated in the provided features, the press linkage is felt with every stroke. The Lee Classic Turret is renowned for its compound linkage, which provides excellent mechanical advantage and a smooth, consistent feel. This makes sizing brass and seating bullets noticeably easier, especially with larger rifle cases.
The Frankford Arsenal’s cast steel frame likely provides a very different, ultra-solid feel. The lack of flex means all your effort goes directly into the operation, not into bending the press. This can create a sense of direct, unyielding control that precision shooters crave. Noise and vibration are also factors; a heavier, stiffer press like the Frankford may transmit less harmonic vibration up the frame, resulting in a quieter operation.
Spent Primer Management & Accessories
A clean bench is a happy bench. Effective spent primer management is a critical, often overlooked detail. The Lee system uses a simple chute that directs primers into a catch tube or bottle. It’s effective and keeps debris contained.
The Frankford Arsenal’s design likely incorporates a similar system, but its enclosed cast steel construction might offer even better containment. Out-of-the-box value also includes any provided primer system tools or specific shell plates. It’s always wise to consult the manufacturer’s official source for the latest included accessories. both presses have strong aftermarket support. Companies like Inline Fabrication offer mounting kits, LED lighting, and ergonomic handle upgrades that can dramatically improve the experience on either press.
Price, Value, and Long-Term Investment
This is the decisive factor for many. The Lee Precision 90045 has long been the champion of best value turret press under $300. It delivers exceptional performance for its price point, making professional-grade handloading accessible. You’re paying for a no-frills, highly effective tool.
The Frankford Arsenal Precision Press positions itself as a premium product. Its cast steel construction and 8-station capacity command a higher price. You’re investing in modern engineering aimed at uncompromising accuracy and workflow efficiency. From my honest assessment, the Frankford isn’t just selling a press; it’s selling a perception of superior rigidity and future-proof capability.
Long-term value also hinges on durability and maintenance. The Lee’s simple design has a decades-long track record of minimal maintenance. The Frankford’s more complex turret indexing mechanism, while robust, may have different service needs over time. Considering total cost means looking at the press, extra turrets, and shell plates. A full setup for multiple calibers can add up on either system.
Final Verdict: Who Should Buy Which Press?
So, which is better Lee 90045 or Frankford Arsenal turret press? The answer depends entirely on you.
Choose the Lee Precision 90045 Classic Turret if:
- You prioritize proven value and simplicity above all else.
- You’re a beginner seeking a reliable, easy-to-learn press. (This makes it a strong candidate in the Lee vs Frankford Arsenal turret press for beginners debate).
- You primarily load one to three calibers and don’t mind slower caliber changes.
- You appreciate a classic, mechanical feel with excellent leverage.
- Your budget is tight, but you refuse to compromise on reloading quality.
Choose the Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press if:
- You demand maximum frame rigidity and believe zero flex is critical for precision reloading.
- You want an 8-station turret for advanced, semi-progressive workflows.
- You switch calibers frequently and value a quick-change system.
- You’re willing to invest more upfront for modern features and perceived durability.
- Your bench space can accommodate a potentially larger press footprint.
For those interested in Frankford’s innovative approach in other designs, their frankford coaxial press explores a different take on precision.
Both are capable tools that will produce excellent ammunition. The Lee is the wise, economical choice that gets the job done with legendary reliability. The Frankford Arsenal is the modern specialist, engineered to satisfy the most detail-oriented reloader. In my honest opinion, I believe the durability comparison Lee Classic Turret vs Frankford Arsenal leans on philosophy: the Lee is time-tested, the Frankford is overbuilt by design.
Your Honest Opinion on what matters mostsheer value or technical superioritywill guide you to the right press. Remember, the best press is the one you’ll use consistently to safely feed your passion. Always cross-reference load data with an authority guide and prioritize safety above all. Now, get out there and make some rounds.