Frankford M Press for Bench Reloading: Setup & Features
By Amis Thains Updated 5 min read
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On this page (8 sections)
- The differences at a glance
- Build and frame: which one feels stiffer on the bench?
- Accuracy and linkage: does the compound linkage change your loads?
- Speed and workflow: turret heads and primer handling
- Value and bench setup: where the M press earns its keep
- Which should you buy?
- The bottom line
- Frequently asked questions
You want to mount a single-stage press on your bench and load precise rounds without fighting the tool. This page breaks down the Frankford M press for bench reloading: how it stands up, what the linkage does, and where it wins or loses against the RCBS Rock Chucker.
In short: The Frankford M press uses a classic O-frame and standard linkage, making it a rigid, no-frills choice for precision handgun and rifle loads. It pairs well with the Frankford Precision Turret head if you want quick cal changes, and its compact frame fits small benches. It is not as heavy as a Rock Chucker, but it offers great value for a serious home bench.
Quick picks
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Lets you run multiple calibers on one press without resetting dies.
Static-free body and micrometer help you dial in repeatable charges on the bench.
The differences at a glance
The Frankford M press and the RCBS Rock Chucker are both single-stage O-frame presses. They differ mainly in weight, linkage, and the ecosystem of heads you can add. The other half of this decision is legacy of rcbs reloading tools.
| Feature | Frankford M Press | RCBS Rock Chucker |
|---|---|---|
| Frame type | O-frame cast iron | O-frame cast iron |
| Linkage | Standard | Compound |
| Weight | Lighter, more compact | Heavier, bench bolt-down |
| Head options | Precision Turret, Auto-Primer | Standard, Turret, Auto-Primer |
| Best for | Small benches, multiple calibers | High-volume, precision rifle |
Pro tip: Bolt either press down to a sturdy bench. A loose press shifts alignment and makes every die set less accurate.
Build and frame: which one feels stiffer on the bench?
Both presses use cast iron O-frames, so neither will flex under normal resizing loads. The Rock Chucker is noticeably heavier, which means less bounce when you punch a stubborn case.
The Frankford M frame is compact and light enough to move between benches or store easily. If your bench is small or you reload in a garage, that footprint matters.
Winner: Rock Chucker for sheer mass and stability. Frankford M wins if you need a press that fits a tight space or you plan to add a turret head later.
Pro tip: Check the maker's current spec sheet for exact weight before you commit to a bench that only supports lighter loads.
Accuracy and linkage: does the compound linkage change your loads?
RCBS’s compound linkage multiplies the force at the ram, so resizing a stubborn .308 case feels easier and smoother. The Frankford M uses standard linkage, which is plenty for most handgun and rifle work but requires a bit more effort on stiff cases. Before you buy anything, it is worth looking at rcbs rebel press.
Neither linkage affects the concentricity of your die as long as the tool head is square. If you are chasing sub-0.1 MOA, die quality and bench rigidity matter more than the linkage type.
Winner: Rock Chucker for high-volume rifle work where you resize hundreds of cases a session. Frankford M holds up fine for moderate volume and precision pistol loads.
Safety first: Never exceed published load data. Linkage smoothness does not mean you can push pressures higher than the powder and bullet makers list.
Speed and workflow: turret heads and primer handling
The Frankford M press accepts the Frankford Precision Turret head, which gives you eight stations for dies, shell holders, and primers. Switching from .45 ACP to .380 to 9mm takes seconds without touching the ram.
Both presses can take an auto-primer head for fast handgun loading. The Frankford’s compact footprint makes the turret a natural fit if you run two or three pistol calibers weekly.
Winner: Frankford M for cal-hopping shooters who want one press and one turret to cover their whole handgun load list. We go through getting redding press mobile setup big boss 2 right step by step in its own article.
Adds eight quick-swap die stations so you can run several calibers without resetting the press each time.
- Compatible with standard 7/8"x14 dies and shell holders, this press handles everything
- This 8-station turret head lets you switch calibers and dies without loosing settings
Value and bench setup: where the M press earns its keep
The Frankford M press costs less than the Rock Chucker and leaves more of your budget for dies and a powder measure. That matters on day one: a press you can afford to build out beats a heavier frame sitting idle.
Pair it with the Frankford Bench Top Powder Measure and you have a compact, static-free station that fits the same small bench. The measure’s 10-100 grain range and micrometer keep your charges repeatable without a separate digital scale.
Winner: Frankford M for overall bench value when you factor in the press, turret, and powder measure as one ecosystem.
Static-free funnel and built-in micrometer let you set and repeat charges from 10 to 100 grains without a scale.
- 20" L x 3" W x 8.5" D
- Patent pending funnel shape and a static free aluminum body improve powder flow and
Which should you buy?
- Small-bench handgun loader running multiple calibers: Frankford M press with the Precision Turret head.
- Rifle loader reloading 200+ cases a session: Rock Chucker Supreme for the compound linkage and heaviest frame.
- Beginner on a tight budget: Frankford M press plus the Bench Top Powder Measure; it covers the bench without stretching for extra hardware.
- Competitive benchrest shooter: Either press works; choose based on which frame fits your bench. Pair it with a high-end powder measure and a stable vise.
A 360-degree swivel vise keeps the press square and lets you reposition cases and dies without twisting the frame.
- ✔【360-Degree swiveling 】capability of our bench vise allows for optimal positioning of
- ✔【Integrated leveling knob】 allows for +/- 3° of side-to-side micro adjustment
The bottom line
For most bench reloaders who run two or three calibers and want a compact, expandable setup, the Frankford M press with the Precision Turret head is the best value. If you reload high-volume rifle cases and want the heaviest frame, the Rock Chucker still wins on mass. Start with the press you can bolt to your bench today and add the powder measure that fits your charge range.
- Compatible with standard 7/8"x14 dies and shell holders, this press handles everything
- This 8-station turret head lets you switch calibers and dies without loosing settings
Frequently asked questions
How many different single-stage reloading presses does RCBS make?
RCBS makes several single-stage platforms, including the Rock Chucker Supreme, the Rebel, and the Xpress. Each supports standard and turret heads. The Frankford M press is a third-party alternative with its own turret and auto-primer heads.
Can I use the Frankford M press with RCBS dies?
Yes. The M press uses standard 7/8-inch 14-thread dies and shell holders, so any RCBS, Hornady, or Lyman die set fits. The turret head also accepts standard 7/8-inch dies. For the detail, see our notes on best rcbs press comparison.
Is the Frankford M press good for precision rifle loads?
It is a solid O-frame single-stage press, so it can load precision rifle rounds. If you need the smoothest stroke on high-volume rifle brass, the Rock Chucker’s compound linkage and heavier frame give a slight edge. The M press works fine for moderate-volume rifle loads.
What is the best powder measure to pair with the Frankford M press?
The Frankford Bench Top Powder Measure is designed for the M platform and handles 10 to 100 grains with a built-in micrometer. If you load outside that range, check a separate powder measure’s spec sheet for the correct cup size.
How do I bolt the Frankford M press to a bench?
Use the two mounting holes at the base of the frame with washers and 8-32 or similar hardware. Tighten the bolts evenly and check that the ram moves freely. A loose bolt will shift your die alignment and cause inconsistent resizing.