Looking for the Best 308 Reloading Press? Read on as we comprehensively look at the best, their features, and factors to consider when choosing one.
Buying ammunition can turn out to be very expensive especially if you spend a decent amount of time at the gun range. However, with a little investment in reloading equipment, you can cut your ammunition bill and find a new hobby as well. Reloaded ammunition not only saves you money but they are also better than commercial ammunition.
.308 rifle is a great caliber for hunting animals and is highly effective even at long ranges. This great rifle requires great ammunition to work effectively.
The first step to using this great rifle is acquiring reloading equipment. To help you make the right decision, we have reviewed different reloading press kits that are ideal for reloading .308 ammunition for you to decide on which one is best for you.
Best 308 Reloading Press
1) Redding Reloading T-7 Turret Press Kit
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Redding Reloading T-7 Turret Press Kit has a cast iron construction and turret support second to none. The kit features a powerful compound linkage with over 3.8 of ram travel. It’s built with precision. Features
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2) RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit
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The precision of this stage press continues to rank at the top in the market compared with its counterparts thanks to its sturdy construction and easy operation. It is crafted with heavy-duty iron which makes it sturdy guarantying years of continuous use. Its o-frame construction design makes it extremely easy to operate making it ideal for those with no prior experience. In addition, the priming system incorporated in this item is also easy to use. The handle of this tool is made from solid steel and features a ball-type grip which enhances strength abilities and easy handling. This tool is not only suitable for those new to reloading but is also great for experienced target shooters making it one of the best 308 Reloading Press. Features
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3) RCBS 9356 RC Supreme Master Kit
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This is a high-quality reloading kit featuring a sturdy and durable cast iron construction which guarantees great strength and versatility as well. It has an o-frame construction design which makes it extremely easy to operate making it ideal for those with no prior experience. Its large loading window enables it to accommodate longer cartridges and this makes reloading more efficient. Its handle is made of solid steel and it has a comfortable ball-type handle grip which ensures that you hold it securely. This is a reloading kit that can be upgraded to a progressive loader with the addition of a piggyback 4. It is specially made for heavy-duty reloading, case forming, and bullet swaging. It’s also the ideal hunting reloading press. Features
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4) RCBS 9354 RC Supreme Master Kit
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This press kit as one of the best 308 reloading press has been lengthened to allow simple loading of longer cartridge designs. It is an ideal tool for reloading beginners and experts alike as it comes featuring everything you require to successfully start reloading. It features a sturdy and robust construction designed to stand the test of time. For your convenience, a hand priming tool and M500 mechanical scale are included. These are important accessories that will help you operate the tool with minimal strain. Also included in the kit is a hex key set, caseload block, Uniflow powder measure, debut tool, and powder funnel all at no extra cost. It is an easy-to-use press kit thanks to its ambidextrous handle, outstanding sturdiness, and versatility. Features
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5) LEE PRECISION Anniversary Challenger Kit II
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LEE PRECISION Anniversary Challenger Kit II is one of the most convenient reloading presses. As one of the best 308 Reloading Press, it comes with all award-winning turret press features. Crafted from heavy-duty quality materials featuring a strong steel linkage you are guaranteed ultimate strength and durability. A sensitive Lee Safety Scale guarantees accurate ammo production while the Safety prime feed system ensures automatic loading. This reloading kit also features a power funnel to fill the case and a chamfer tool that chamfers the inside and the outside of the case mouth. This kit will help you get your reloading skills up to the next level thanks to how easy it is to operate and its speedy reloading strength. Features
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6) Hornady 095100 Lock-N-Load Auto-Progressive Reloading Press
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For many decades, this Hornady reloading press kit continues to be one of the best reloading presses you will find on the market. This is an auto-progressive reloading press that quickly switches dies and loading other calibers. Its rugged performance makes it stand out among ordinary reloading presses. As one of the best 308 Reloading Press, this kit features a fast change lock-n-load bushing system and automatic indexing, priming, and ejection all of which ensure that every pull of the handle gives you accurately loaded rounds. An EZject system ejects completed rounds automatically without jamming while the ingenious case retainer spring enables the reloader to quickly and easily remove or insert a case while reloading. A case-activated powder droplet out powder when a case is present. This ensures that your reloading process stays safe and neat always. It also features a quick tool change technology that allows you to switch between rifle and pistol dies. Features
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7) Hornady Lock N Load Classic Reloading Press Kit
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Hornady brand is one of the leading ammunition and handloading components manufacturers across the globe and the Hornady Lock N-Load Classic is no exemption. This is a heavy-duty press kit whose design is easy to use and operate. This makes it suitable for those new in reloading. It swaps out dies in seconds no matter the number of cartridges used making it capable of producing up to 500 rounds per hour. An EZject system ejects completed rounds automatically without jamming making it highly efficient and effective as well. This reloading press kit also features an activated power drop which only lets out powder when a case is present. This ensures that the reloading process is safe and neat all the time. It is constructed with high strength alloy frame which offers the rigidity and stability required for precision reloading and you are guaranteed that will never break. Additionally, the frame’s unique angle gives the reloader better visibility and simple access to the cartridge on the press. Features
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Related:7 Best Scopes for 1000 Yards 308
Criteria for Choosing Best 308 Reloading Press
When looking for the best 308 Reloading Press kits to suit your needs to full capacity, it is important to look at some of these factors which will enlighten you and help you make the best decision.
The volume of production-It is essential to evaluate how much ammunition you plan on producing against how much experience you have as a reloader. A progressive press has the ability to produce thousands of rounds per hour. The downside of these is that they are the most expensive presses on the market, and if you intend on shooting only once a week, they are somewhat impractical. The ideal option for the average shooters, reloading beginners, or intermediate reloaders is the turret press. Turret press reloading press kits are capable of producing around 100-500 rounds per hour with less practice time.
Reloading Speed-A progressive press reloading kit is best for experienced reloaders while for most beginners, a single-stage press kit is going to be adequate to handle what they require. Single-stage press kits are also the cheapest presses which is an added advantage for reloading beginners. A turret press kit on the other hand will allow you to load rounds much quicker compared with the single-stage press.
Press capability-Take time to check on the press capability of your reloading press kits in terms of output per hour rate and select the one that fits your reloading goals. Certain presses are capable of loading both handguns and rifles while some can only load one of the two. Look for a reloading press kit that is capable of loading the type of weapon or weapons that you own.
Priming solution-You should not forget to also consider prime and priming solutions when buying a reloading press kit. The prime or priming solution can be purchased separately if it doesn’t come with the press.
Nevertheless, it is recommended to purchase a reloading press kit that comes with a prime or priming solution.
Quality and Brand-Just like buying any other item, its quality will always come first and .308 reloading presses are no exemption. There are many good press kits out there in the market, and deciding to go with the highest quality kit available might not be the best option for you. Not everyone needs to load high quantities of match grade .50bmg ammo, therefore there is the probability that you may be able to make do with a kit that is affordable and simple to use. However, ensure that you don’t go for a cheap one that won’t be able to function as required. Ensure that you get a press kit featuring heavy-duty construction to enhance durability and offer you value for your money.
FAQs
- Other than the obvious components of brass, primers, powder, projectile and die set what else should one consider in .308 reloading kits?
In order of need, a digital caliper, primer pocket reaper, case trimmer, extra loading blocks, cartridge boxes, and a powder trickler are the important components that the reloading kit should contain.
- Which kind of press should I get?
This depends on your reloading speed. If you need to reload more than 250 rounds weekly, a progressive press is ideal for you. If you plan on reloading fewer rounds, depending on your budget as well as your experience, turret press seems legit. They are capable of completing several rounds, however, they are a little bit expensive compared with the single press.
- Can I use the same primer with all rounds?
It is dangerous to mix primers. Each and every round has its special primer. If you change rounds, you should check the manual on specific primer details for that specific round.
308 Reloading Press Advantages
- Saves on cost. Purchasing ready-made bullets are quite expensive and with a reloading press kit, depending on the caliber that you are using, you will definitely save more especially since you can re-use your brass.
- Customized bullets. Reloading your own ammo enables you to customize your ingredients depending on how you want it to perform and work well with your gun.
- Reloading your own ammo enables you to get control over your rifle.
308 Reloading Video Guide
Conclusion
The .308 rifle cartridge is one of the most popular cartridges which is popularly used in hunting, sporting, and military use. With so many reasons as to why you should choose this cartridge requires a quality reloading kit that will help you make ammunition of your own.
If you are looking for the best 308 Reloading kits, it is our hope that this review helps you find what you are looking for.