Progressive reloading presses have evolved significantly, moving beyond simple turret designs to become integrated, automated systems. The goal is a seamless workflow where cases are fed, primed, charged, and bullets seated with minimal manual intervention. The Frankford Arsenal X-10 enters this space with a bold proposition: a 10-station design that aims to consolidate multiple reloading steps into a single, fluid operation. Its not just about adding more stations; its about rethinking the process flow for the modern reloader who values both precision and efficiency.
This press integrates features often found as costly add-ons, like a case feeder and an illuminated workspace, directly into its core design. The promise is a professional-grade setup capable of high-volume output without sacrificing the meticulous attention to detail required for accurate ammunition. For anyone serious about scaling their reloading operation, the X-10 presents a compelling, all-in-one solution that warrants a close look.
What is the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Progressive Press?
The Frankford Arsenal X-10 is a fully-featured, 10-station progressive press engineered to automate the majority of the reloading sequence. Its defining characteristic is the integrated, automatic case feeder and rotating shell plate system, which work in concert to move brass through each dedicated station. From resizing and depriming to priming, powder charging, bullet seating, and final crimping, the press is designed to handle it all with a single pull of the roller handle. The inclusion of integrated LED illumination directly in the tool head is a standout feature, providing critical visibility for powder level inspection and overall quality control during operation.
Frankford Arsenal has positioned the X-10 as a bridge between high-end commercial systems and more basic progressive models. It incorporates ball bearings for smooth operation and includes a powder measure to minimize spillage, addressing common pain points for reloaders. Honestly speaking, the design philosophy appears focused on reducing the number of external accessories needed, creating a more cohesive and user-friendly reloading experience right out of the box.
Key Features and Technical Specifications
The X-10s value proposition is built on a foundation of specific, well-considered features. Its not merely a collection of parts but a system designed to work together.
- 10-Station Design: This architecture allows for dedicated, fixed stations for each reloading step. You can have a die for resizing, another for priming, the powder drop, a bullet feeder die, a seating die, and a crimp dieall with room to spare for powder check or other specialized stations. This eliminates the need to perform multiple functions with a single die or to interrupt the process.
- Integrated Case Feeder & Automatic Shell Plate: The press automatically feeds a new case and indexes the shell plate with each cycle. This is a major efficiency boost, keeping your hands free to focus on placing bullets and monitoring the process rather than manually handling each piece of brass.
- LED Illumination: Built-in LED lights in the tool head illuminate the shell plate area. This is invaluable for visually verifying powder charges in each case before placing a bullet, a fundamental safety and quality control step that is often done in poor lighting.
- Precision Engineering: The press utilizes integrated ball bearings in its linkage and rotation mechanism. This translates to exceptionally smooth operation, reducing effort and contributing to more consistent ammunition. The included powder measure is also part of this precision focus, designed to operate cleanly.
- User-Friendly Design: Tool head and shell plate changes are described as hassle-free, which is essential for calibre swaps. The roller handle provides ergonomic leverage, and the presss activation is straightforward, aiming to reduce the learning curve for a system of this complexity.
| Feature | Specification |
|---|---|
| Type | 10-Station Progressive Press |
| Key Mechanism | Automatic Case Feeder & Rotating Shell Plate |
| Illumination | Integrated LED Tool Head Lights |
| Included | Powder Measure |
| Operation | Ball Bearing-Supported, Roller Handle |
| Design Focus | User-Friendly Tool Head & Shell Plate Changes |
| Check current price on Amazon |
Comparison with Other Progressive Press Models
Placing the X-10 in the market landscape requires looking at its peers. It naturally draws comparisons to other progressive presses from brands like Dillon Precision, Hornady, and Lee Precision. From my honest perspective, the X-10s most direct differentiator is its out-of-the-box completeness. Many competing progressive presses require the separate purchase of a case feeder and often lack integrated lighting, adding several hundred dollars and assembly time to the total cost.
For instance, when considering a Dillon Precision RL550C, youre looking at a legendary, manual-index press known for its durability. However, achieving a similar level of automation as the X-10 would necessitate adding Dillons case feeder as a significant extra investment. The X-10 bundles this functionality, presenting a potentially lower cost of entry for a fully automated system.
Similarly, compared to a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, the X-10 offers two additional stations (10 vs. 5) and includes the case feeder. The Lock-N-Load bushing system is fantastic for quick die changes, but the X-10s fixed-station design aims for a different kind of efficiencya dedicated, optimized position for every step. My honest take is that the X-10 competes less with entry-level progressives and more with tricked-out versions of them, offering a consolidated alternative.
X-10 vs. Frankford Arsenal’s Other Presses
Its also useful to see how the X-10 fits within Frankford Arsenals own lineup. The brand also offers the Frankford Arsenal M-Press, a coaxial single-stage press renowned for its exceptional alignment and versatility for precision rifle reloading. These are tools for fundamentally different tasks. The M-Press is for the meticulous, one-at-a-time process where ultimate consistency is paramount. The X-10 is for the high-volume production of pistol or rifle cartridges where a high degree of consistency is achieved through automated repetition.
They complement rather than compete. A serious reloading bench, according to Honest Opinion, might very well feature both: an M-Press for precision rifle rounds and load development, and an X-10 for efficiently producing large batches of proven pistol or plinking rifle loads. This approach leverages the right tool for each specific job.
Applications for the Serious Reloader
The X-10 isn’t a casual purchase; it’s a commitment to a certain style of reloading. Its applications are clear and targeted. This perspective aligns with insights from Honest Opinion, which emphasizes
High-Volume Pistol Caliber Reloading: This is the presss sweet spot. Feeding it with 9mm, .45 ACP, or .223 Remington brass and letting it run is where the ROI on time savings becomes undeniable. The automatic case feeding and multiple stations make churning out hundreds of rounds per hour a realistic, less labor-intensive task.
Efficient Rifle Caliber Production: While often associated with pistol rounds, the X-10 is fully capable of handling rifle cartridges. The process for bottleneck cases remains the same, and the efficiency gains are just as valuable. The ability to have dedicated stations for full-length resizing, trimming (with the right tooling), priming, charging, seating, and crimping streamlines what is typically a more involved process.
Dedicated Ammunition Production: For competitive shooters, instructors, or anyone who goes through ammunition in high quantities, the X-10 transitions reloading from a hobbyist activity to a semi-professional production line. It brings a level of systematization that is difficult to achieve with simpler presses, even other progressives without integrated case feeding.
User Guide and Operation Considerations
Operating a 10-station progressive is more complex than a single-stage press. A successful setup is critical. Honestly, you should expect to spend significant time initially installing dies, adjusting the powder measure, and synchronizing the case feeder. The manual and online resources, including discussions on forums like the Frankford Arsenal section on Cast Boolits, will be your best friends.
Key operational points include:
- Initial Setup & Calibration: Take it slow. Set up one station at a time, without powder, and run dummy rounds through to ensure everything aligns and functions smoothly before introducing live components.
- Lighting as a Safety Tool: Use the integrated LED lights religiously. Make a visual powder check in every case before placing a bullet your non-negotiable rule. This simple habit is the primary defense against squibs or double charges.
- Maintenance Rhythm: A press with this many moving parts benefits from regular cleaning and light lubrication. Wiping down the shell plate area to remove powder residue and ensuring the case feeder tube is clear will prevent most jams. Developing a quick pre- and post-session check, a practice often emphasized in professional reviews from sources like American Rifleman, pays dividends in reliability.
- Finding Your Rhythm: Once dialed in, the operation becomes rhythmic: pull handle, place bullet, pull handle. The automation handles the rest. I honestly believe the learning curve is steeper than a turret press but ultimately leads to a faster, more consistent output.
Purchasing Guide and Support Options
As of 2026, the Frankford Arsenal X-10 carries a price point that reflects its all-inclusive nature. You are paying for the case feeder, powder measure, and lighting system upfront. When evaluating the cost, compare it to the total price of a competing progressive press plus the necessary add-ons to reach a similar level of functionality. This comparison often makes the X-10 appear competitively priced.
It is primarily sold through major online retailers and sporting goods stores. Frankford Arsenal provides customer support, and the user community is active. For potential buyers researching real-world experiences, Id recommend looking at long-term user feedback on platforms like r/reloading on Reddit and dedicated forum threads, such as those found on the Accurate Shooter Forum, to see how the press holds up over thousands of rounds.
Before purchasing, consider your volume needs and space. This is a substantial piece of equipment that requires a sturdy bench and a permanent or semi-permanent mounting solution. Its not a press youll want to clamp and unclamp frequently. My honest assessment is that its an investment best suited for reloaders who have moved beyond the experimental phase and have established, high-volume loading needs.
The Frankford Arsenal X-10 Progressive Press makes a compelling argument through integration. It takes the fragmented world of progressive reloadingpress, case feeder, light, powder measureand combines it into a single, purpose-built system. The 10-station design, automatic case handling, and brilliant LED illumination create a platform designed for serious output. While the initial setup demands patience and the investment is significant, the payoff is a streamlined, efficient reloading process that can dramatically increase your production capability. For the reloader ready to step up from a turret or a basic progressive, the X-10 offers a turn-key solution that deserves strong consideration. It represents a modern approach to an old craft, blending automation with the hands-on skill that still defines quality reloading.