Which reloading press should I get? in this review, we look at the Best Progressive Reloading Press on the market, their features, and more.
What is a progressive reloading press? This is the first question in our quest to understand progressive reloading.
Progressive Reloading Presses are used to build cartridges from the ground up using a combination of primer, bullets, gun powder, and casings to make ammunition.
The best reloading presses are user-friendly and use different mechanisms to work. A progressive reloading press will produce a complete round for every cycle of the lever, this is achieved by the use of a shell plate that effectively holds multiple cases simultaneously. The ram is raised by pushing down on the lever.
Cycling the ram makes the shell plate turn (index). Each shell is ready for the next cycle while the last round is kicked into a completed round bin or chute.
Progressive presses are either automatic or manual, Automatic ones have auto-indexing while the manual ones require manual indexing
Best Progressive Reloading Press- Our Top Picks
Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto-Progressive Reloading Press
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Hornady lock-n-load AP is an automatic press with 5-stations, it is user-friendly and has an innovative quick tool change technology. With the Hornady system, you will be able to switch and check dies, measure powder, seat bullet, or crimp the dies without changing the whole die head. You can change one or all the dies with just one quick twist. As one of the best progressive reloading presses, this lock-n-load AP is complete, it has a full-size lock-n-load powder measure for all reloading from pistols to Magnum rifle cartridges. It also has a case-activated powder drop, a cartridge catcher, and extra lock-n-load bushings. This progressive reloading kit is not only smooth and precise but fast. With a single pull of the handle, there is a feel of a great difference between a normal ordinary kit and this high-performance reloading machine. The kit has great and smooth responsiveness and the rugged construction makes it one of the best reloading kits. The Power-Pac Linkage System on this kit is very effective in multiplying and accelerating the leverage to the handle. Precision in very loaded round is enhanced by automatic indexing, priming, and ejection. Features
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Lee Precision Load Master 45 Reloading Pistol Kit
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The Lee Precision Load Master Reloading Kit has a 1 3/4 inch diameter ram and a stroke clearance that is bigger to accommodate even larger magnum rifle cases. This reloading equipment can either be used as an automatic indexing progressive press or as a single-stage press. It has 5 stations that accept most of the reloading dies. With these reloading kit dies are held by a detachable turret for easy removal and reinsertion without adjusting. Features
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Dillon Precision 4 Stage Manually Indexed Progressive Reloading Machine
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This Dillon Precision 4 Stage Manually Indexed Progressive Reloading Machine is known to be versatile and can accommodate cartridges from 32 ACP up to 338 Lapua, 416 Rigby, and 460 Weatherby. The design of the machine makes it very effective, the threaded upper link arm pivot pins have a grease groove around the pin to connect with the lube hole at the end of the pin. You no longer have to drop the main shaft to access the link arm pins. The link arm pins in this new design make it fast and easy to maintain the machine. This model has a reinforcement frame which makes it one of the strongest reloading kits. Features
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Lyman Reloading Press T-Mag Turret Press
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Lyman Reloading Press T-Mag Turret Press is known as America’s favorite high-speed turret press. You get unmatched versatility, power, and precision. The Hi-Tech iron frame has state of the art silver hammertone powder coat finish which enhances durability. The Turret Retention System is very effective in smooth indexing and maintaining rock-solid turret support. The handle makes indexing easy while the six-station turret headloads 6 dies at one time. The turret’s head easily detaches to change calibers while still retaining a precise set-up. The handle also serves as a turret-removing wrench. The flat machined base mounts easily to wood or a metal bench. Features
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Benefits of Progressive Reloading Presses
- Ease of Use– progressive reloading presses have user-friendly designs, the bushing systems are easy to change while the ejection of cartridges is easier.
- Auto/ Manual Indexing– we review both automatic and manual indexing presses, this gives the users a choice of their preference
- Ram– the rams in progressive reloading kits are big enough to accommodate even bigger rifles
- Durable construction– which offers versatility, power, and precision
- Easy mounting -on wood and metal benches for both left and right-handed users
- Cost-Effective– getting a reloading kit is one of the best ways to save on bullets, progressive kits help you make your own cartridges, choosing primers, powders, and bullets affordably.
- Use older Ammo– with a reloading press kit, you don’t have to throw away older ammo, this makes reloading kits great investments as it helps you save a lot of money used in the purchase of ammo.
Choosing the Best Progressive Reloading Press
Brand- Choosing the best and a known brand is a gamechanger if you are looking for the best progressive reloading press. Known Brands have a known reputation for quality, warranty, and customer satisfaction. You are making a great investment and you don’t want a reloading kit that will disappoint you. The best quality presses are from the best brands such as Hornady, Dillon, Lee Precision and Lyman.
Ejection system-Choosing the best progressive press needs some Ejection System consideration if you want to produce quality ammunition. The eject system should be able to release finished cartridges with ease.
Weight-Reloading kits should be heavy and sturdy for stability. Check for a weight that you can handle
Caliber Changing System- A progressive reloading kit’s efficiency is significantly determined by the caliber changing system. The most effective ones have in-built caliber changing systems. Caliber changing systems have high reloading rates. When choosing a kit make sure to get one with a mechanism with easy cartridge release.
Speed-Reading speed is measured in terms of rounds per hour, progressive kits are known to be much faster than single kits. A progressive one will do 400 to 800 rounds which is great. If you are a heavy shooter progressive reloading kits are the best for you
Stations – the number of stations is very important when you are choosing a reloading kit. Progressive kits have between 4 and 6 stations, this number makes the kit very effective, and productive and can perform several functions at the same time. Each station has its own function from resizing, powder dropping, and powder assessment.
Gun Powder Mechanism– the mechanism should have anti-spilling safeguards and should provide the needed and right gunpowder amount for every cartridge.
Durability– the construction of a reloading kit will determine how long the kit will serve you. High-quality materials such as steel and aluminum are used to make stable and solid reloading kits.
Conclusion
The Best Progressive Reloading Press is able to load rifles and pistols, have durable and stable construction, and are compatible with most dies. It’s also able to solidly mount on different benches.