Armanov has a full line of upgrades and accessories to optimize the Frankford Arsenal X-10 progressive press. We will take an in-depth look at each in this video!
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About the Frankford Arsenal X-10
The Frankford Arsenal X-10 packs a number of features and 10 stations into an affordable package.
I’ve seen deals on this press as low as $800!
From Frankford Arsenal:
Designed by reloaders for reloaders, the Frankford Arsenal X-10 is a 10-station automatic indexing reloading press purpose-build from the ground up to be the ultimate progressive reloading press. With a robust steel build, an array of ball bearings, and a specialized 10-station, gear-driven, rotating shell plate, it virtually eradicates issues like powder spillage and bullet tipping. The press accommodates rounds from 9mm to .308 in length and incorporates inventive features like dual de-capping stations to prevent primer drawback, in-line primer pocket swaging for both small and large primers, and compatibility with powder check and case trimming dies. Its case-actuated powder measure, with a positive reset, guarantees worry-free reloading, virtually eliminating the risk of squib loads.
When it’s time to switch calibers, the X-10’s intuitive design facilitates quick and hassle-free tool head and shell plate changes. The press goes above and beyond with the well-thought-out user-friendly touches like a roller handle, an integrated LED light in the tool head (a feature only found on Frankford Arsenal presses), and spring-loaded case locator buttons. These refinements paired without X-10 Bullet Collator and Caliber Conversion Kits (both sold separately) make for exceptionally smooth and effortless one-handed operation. Don’t miss out on the ultimate progressive reloading experience with the feature-packed, value-rich Frankford Arsenal X-10 Progressive Press.
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- 10 station design allows for maximum versatility with die setup configurations
- Included case feeder elevates productivity and significantly increases round output per hour
- Precision-engineered with integrated ball bearings, the X-10 guarantees smooth operation while minimizing powder spillage
- On-press primer pocket swaging allows for single-pass loading of military brass, an added convenience not found in most progressive presses
- Positive reset feature on powder measure provides a worry-free loading session and significantly reduces the risk of squib loads
- Illuminate your workspace with the integrated LED light in the tool head, a feature only found on Frankford Arsenal presses
To learn more about the evolution of the X-10 and to see the pistol bullet feeder in action, explore this story. We have also converted the press from pistol to rifle and set up a rifle bullet feeder.
Armanov Upgrades
Every progressive press can be customized and enhanced – this is part of what makes them so versatile and popular. Armanov offers a variety of accessories for a number of presses, including the Frankford Arsenal X-10. Watch the full video to see how each is installed!
Bearing Shellplate Clamp and IGUS Bearing Set
The Bearing Shellplate Clamp replaces the factory clamp with a more stable design (more contact surface area) CNC-machined from a billet of aluminum.
The enhanced clamp includes three IGUS glide rings of various thicknesses (0.8mm, 1.0mm, 1.2mm), each designed to reduce friction and make shell plate rotation more consistent.
The 3-D-printed IGUS iglide® material has high lubricity and the different sizes allow you to best stabilize your machine.
Shellplate Shim Kit and Case Feed Plungers
The Armanov shellplate shim kit allows you to precisely set the height of the X-10 shellplate.
Kyle Shields recently combined this kit with a shellplate clamp and metal casefeed plunger to prevent brass from skipping over the shellplate while loading 6mm Creedmoor.
These shims allowed the plunger height to align perfectly with the shellplate and enhanced rifle case feeding.
The shim installation process follows the same steps you would take to swap shellplates.
The aluminum case feed plunger is a stronger alternative to the plastic factory version with optimized geometry. Armanov offers three different plunger sizes as well as an inclusive set, each engraved with clear cartridge designations for easy identification.
The plunger is part of caliber conversion and is held in place by two screws.
Priming Station Spring
This small upgrade plays a major role in smooth and reliable priming, replacing the factory plastic case control tab.
Loosen the bolt, rotate the spring, and retighten to adjust tension.
This spring also makes it easy to remove and inspect cases during press operation without having to manually index the shellplate!
Combination Die Lock Ring and Toolhead Wrench
Having a tool that performs multiple operations always saves on storage space. The handle is angled for tightening and loosening hard-to-reach 1” lock ring nuts while its curved shape optimizes access to the 24mm toolhead bolt, even with dies mounted.
Our X-10 is one of the original models with the 21mm bolt head, so be sure to verify what size tool your machine requires.
Case Feed Mirror and Case Feed Stop
The case feed mirror allows the press operator to see inside the collator bowl to monitor stoppages and the case supply.
The mirror itself can be rotated for an optimal viewing angle and connects to a flexible arm.
Armanov also produces a case feed stop that shuts off the case feed completely.
This is especially helpful during press and die set-up.
It also has a magnet mount for convenient on-press storage.
Micrometer Bushing Upgrade and Dillon Powder Measure Adapter
Armanov’s micrometer bushing upgrade for the X-10 powder measure features a thicker O-ring that holds the dial more securely for more precise powder adjustments.
Remove the two set screws from the micrometer dial to free the stem and replace the factory O-ring.
I noticed a significant difference between the two O-rings – the Armanov upgrade offers much more friction to preserve micrometer settings!
If you prefer to use a Dillon powder measure with safety return rod, Armanov makes an adapter to facilitate use of this measure on the X-10.
(You will need the Dillon powder measure with appropriate bar, safety return rod, powder die, and appropriate funnel.)
Bullet Feeder Gen 2 and Flare/Expander Die
In this video, I’m continuing to load 6mm Creedmoor with StaBALL 6.5 and Berger 6mm 105-Grain Hybrid Target Bullets, just as Kyle Shields did while testing the X-10 rifle bullet feeder.
I also wanted to offer a preview of the all-new Armanov Bullet Feeder Gen 2, which includes a translucent housing, enhanced sensor, and caliber-specific bullet feeder die for uniform seating.
Armanov also offers the specially-designed flare and expander die on its own for pistol reloading.
With a 10-station press like the X-10, it doesn’t have to be combined with the powder measure!
Press Set-Up and Loading
Station one is case feed insertion, station two holds the decapper, and three is empty.
Stations four and five have FW Arms dynamic hold-down dies over the swaging and priming stations respectively.
The Armanov priming station spring allows me to remove a case for inspection at this step and easily replace it without manual indexing.
I removed the factory powder measure from station seven and replaced it with the Dillon powder measure and adapter in station six, leaving station seven free.
I installed an RCBS powder check die in station eight and an RCBS MatchMaster seating die in station nine.
A Dillon powder die in station 10 served as a hold-down. (Hold-down dies prevent the shellplate from rocking.)
Conclusion
I was impressed by all of the innovations Armanov created to improve the X-10 press, and am a fan of every single one of them.
Which is your favorite? Is there something else you would like to see?
Get the Gear
IGUS Bearing Set for FA-X-10 Shellplate Bearing Clamp
Aluminum Case Plunger (Pack of 3)
Toolhead and Die Wrench for X-10
Micrometer Bushing Upgrade for X-10 Powder Measure
Dillon Powder Measure Adapter for X-10
Bullet Feeder Die Assembly Only
Frankford Arsenal X-10 (Also available from Midsouth Shooters Supply)
Dillon Precision Powder Measure Assemblies at Midsouth Shooters Supply
RCBS 6mm Creedmoor MatchMaster Seating Die at Midsouth Shooters Supply
RCBS Powder Check Die at Midsouth Shooters Supply
Berger 6mm 105-Grain Hybrid Target Bullets at Creedmoor Sports and Midsouth Shooters Supply
Winchester StaBALL 6.5 from Hodgdon and Midsouth Shooters Supply
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Thanks,
Gavin Gear
