TESTED: Frankford Arsenal Precision Single-Stage Press

Looking for a new single-stage? In this video, we will test the new Precision Press from Frankford Arsenal!

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About the Precision Single-Stage Press

The press itself is cast iron and extremely rigid.

The thick ram is compatible with standard ⅞” x 14 dies and accommodates up to 338 Lapua. It also takes standard shellholders.

Besides the smooth feel of the press, three things immediately stood out to me: the fully-contained primer catch system, integrated light, and push-to-release shellholder. The primer catch system can hold up to 1,000 primers!

The push-to-release system is designed to prevent shellholders from popping out. In traditional systems, the spring holding the shell holder loosens over time and can lead to misalignment.

The light is pre-installed, so be careful not to pull out the cord during set-up.

LED Light Cable is Attached and Is Not User-Serviceable

Also included are a wall plug, instructions and mounting template, and a 5mm hex key.

The primer catch and press handle are in the box, but do not come installed.

From Frankford Arsenal:

The Frankford Arsenal Precision Single Stage Press is designed and built with extreme precision in mind. Heavy-duty solid steel constructed frame and linkages offer smooth motion with zero flex for precise case sizing and bullet seating. The primer catch system is fully contained to eliminate spent primers and debris from spilling out for clean, clutter-free benchtops and floors. A large frame opening with integrated LED lights illuminating the work area allows for easy case insertion and bullet placement. The stainless-steel ram uses standard shell holders and features an anti-rotation retainer design to keep shell holders from spinning during use. Compatible with most 7/8×14 dies the press can load up to .338 Lapua length cartridges. Get the Frankford Arsenal Precision Single Stage Press and start making better ammunition.

Features

- Heavy duty iron frame and linkages for smooth operation with no flex
- Compatible with standard 7/8×14 dies
- Anti-rotation shell holder uses standard shell holders
- Spill free fully contained primer catch keeps benchtops and floors clean
- Integrated LED lights illuminate the work area

This press is manufactured in China, but is designed and checked for quality in the USA.

Set-Up

Gavin used the included mounting template to craft a custom mounting plate for use with the Ultimate Reloader Bench System.

Kyle Mounting the Precision Single-Stage Press

I mounted the press, ran the light cable through the back, and easily connected the press handle using the included tool and socket head cap screws.

Integrated LED Light Cable Notch at Rear of Press

I slid a shell holder into the press and it quickly locked into place, but retained its ability to spin.

I did notice it took a little effort to install the shell holder, but it may wear in over time. Pushing the appropriate button releases the shell holder.

Loading

One of the first things I noticed about this press was just how smooth and quiet it is.

It is very easy to manipulate and has a very solid feel. Compared to the F1 press, the Precision Single-Stage is a beast. (The bench actually moved more than the press during operation!) I started out by decapping all of the fired large rifle primer 308 Peterson brass I had on hand.

The Precision press primer catch caught every single primer as well as associated debris, keeping my workspace clean. The sound of each primer falling was incredibly satisfying – especially as it gave me confidence I wouldn’t have to scrounge around to find any. I decided to decap the brass separately rather than simultaneously resize so that I could anneal the cases.

One great thing about Peterson Cartridge is that they supply Aztec codes for the Annealing Made Perfect AMP Mark II annealer for each lot of brass. This means you don’t have to sacrifice any casings!

My lot of 308 brass requires a Aztec coded 153 and number 11 pilot on the AMP Mark II.

I am confident this value is the same for the AMP Mark II DB as well.

Once I had annealed all of the cases, I swapped the decapping for a Dillon Precision 308 steel sizing die with Frankford Arsenal lock ring.

The shellholder had a bit more spring than usual, so I took the die down a little further when I contacted the shellholder. I employed classic imperial sizing wax to lubricate each case before sizing using the Dillon die and seating with the Perfect Seat Hand Primer.

I decided to load 39.0 grains of Varget under Sierra’s new 200-grain MatchKing X bullet, using the new Intellidropper 2.0 to dispense the charges.

This powder dispenser adjusts to the powder flow, slowing down as it reaches the desired charge weight and speeding back up if necessary. Once I had all the cases charged in the loading block, I installed the Frankford Arsenal Universal Bullet Seating Die.

This was my first time using this die, but Gavin covered it in a video some time ago.

It has an integrated window for the bullet, but I prefer the traditional method of placing it myself.

Conclusion

Decapping, sizing, and seating on the FA Precision Single-Stage press were all incredibly smooth. The integrated light made it easy to see what I was working on and the primer catch kept all the spent primers and waste contained!

Frankford Arsenal also produces a Precision Turret Press!

If you are looking for an all-in-one kit to get started reloading, be sure to check out Frankford Arsenal’s essentials kit. We used this to load 6mm Creedmoor.