Anyone running the Frankford Arsenal M press?

[ssteve]

I could use a new press and I have the opportunity to get the frankford co-axial press new for like $120 shipped. I know some tall micrometer seating dies have clearance issues but that shouldn't be an issue for the dies I am using. Wondering if anyone has any feedback on it?

 

[C.R. Adams]

be aware that you will have to replace all of your die rings with the die blocks utilized by the Frankford

 

[ssteve]

be aware that you will have to replace all of your die rings with the die blocks utilized by the Frankford

That's not an issue. i am only reloading for three calibers and the frankford rings are $9 a set

 

[IowaGeologist]

I like mine. Some of the powder coating has flaked off in non-contact points. The thing arrived with globs of grease on the plate and in the universal shell holder. I know why they did it, but still took a solid 20 minutes to get it functional for use.

You mentioned the micrometer issues, and while it’s an annoyance, there are workarounds like inserting it after the handle is already past the head and manually ejecting cases since the universal shell holder doesn’t get actuated.

Overall pretty happy with it. While I’ve never measured run out, I’m pretty sure it’s doing much better than my non-floating block RCBS.

 

[ssteve]

I like mine. Some of the powder coating has flaked off in non-contact points. The thing arrived with globs of grease on the plate and in the universal shell holder. I know why they did it, but still took a solid 20 minutes to get it functional for use.

You mentioned the micrometer issues, and while it’s an annoyance, there are workarounds like inserting it after the handle is already past the head and manually ejecting cases since the universal shell holder doesn’t get actuated.

Overall pretty happy with it. While I’ve never measured run out, I’m pretty sure it’s doing much better than my non-floating block RCBS.

Well the powder coating coming off is a lot more of a concern that runout to me. Neither really affect accuracy but I hate my stuff looking like crap.

 

[IowaGeologist]

Well the powder coating coming off is a lot more of a concern that runout to me. Neither really affect accuracy but I hate my stuff looking like crap.

One small spot on the back of the press, doesn’t appear to be growing and metal isn’t showing signs of oxidation. Possibly was just something I did to it without noticing, have not been seeing that as a problem for others. I wouldn’t let this be a deciding factor for you by any means.

 

[ssteve]

One small spot on the back of the press, doesn’t appear to be growing and metal isn’t showing signs of oxidation. Possibly was just something I did to it without noticing, have not been seeing that as a problem for others. I wouldn’t let this be a deciding factor for you by any means.

Just placed my order. For the price I think its worth a shot. Worst case I end up with a backup press or second unit I use for decapping or something.

 

[pewa12]

I have one and I am not happy with it at the moment.
Hornady 6mm ARC dies don't reach deep enough to push the shoulder back enough and my sizing mandrel hits in the back and refuse to align.
Probably will swap it for another press down the road.