Having a reloading press kit is an ideal way to get started if you want to get into reloading but don’t know where to start or what equipment you require.
Most well-known and the best reloading press kits normally have everything you require to start loading, apart from the dies and consumable components such as cases, primer bullets, and powder.
While the equipment included in the reloading press kit may not be the best quality or the most accurate stuff available, it will be more than enough to get you started and help you gain valuable experience in reloading.
Reloading your own ammunition can be very helpful, especially if you want to join the medium-range and long-range competitions.
Let’s look at the best reloading press kits on the market
LEE PRECISION Anniversary Challenger Kit II
This LEE PRECISION Anniversary Challenger Kit II is one of the best reloading press kits on the market. This kit is known for its Breech Lock Quick Change Bushing which makes it fast to change dies, this saves time and eliminates the guesswork for consistency in reloading.
Features
- The O-frame press is very strong and has an opening angled at 30° to offer maximum hand clearance
- Compound leverage for full-length sizing
- Breech Lock Quick Change Bushing
- Built-in and easy-to-empty primer catcher
- Complete powder-handling system
- Precise Perfect Powder Measure.
- Case preparation tools: primer pocket cleaner, cutter and lock stud for case trimming, inside/outside case mouth chamber tool and a premium sizing lube tube.
Hornady 095100 Lock-N-Load
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The Hornady 095100 Lock-N-Load is an Auto-progressive reloading press that is able to switch dies and load calibers fast. This five-station press is innovative and user-friendly.The system is used for the following
- switching dies
- Measuring powder
- Checking dies, bullet seaters or crimp dies
Features
- Auto-progressive reloading press
- Automatic indexing system
- Case-activated powder drop
- 5-station bushing system to change from 223 to 45 in 5 minutes or less
- Universal case retainer spring
- Large-capacity hopper
- EZject system
- Quick-change metering inserts
- Built-in priming system
RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme Press
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This RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme press has a frame that provides a full four inches of the ram-bearing surface, this strongly supports the one-inch diameter main ram. The handle is made of steel and has a comfortable ball-type handle grip.
Features
- Durable and Sturdy Construction
- Ambidextrous
- O-Frame Design
- Large Loading Window
- Master Your Reloading
- Strong and versatile
- Ideal for the beginners and pros
- Upgradable to a progressive loader
RCBS Summit Single Stage Reloading Press
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This RCBS Summit Single Stage Reloading Press is a single stage press cast iron kit and used as one of the best Hunting reloading presses. This press works on top of a bench, the case doesn’t move while the reloading die comes down to the case.
Stability is enhanced by the steel linkage and cast iron frame which also give this press the ruggedness needed by reloaders. The design which is ambidextrous allows unprecedented access to your cases and easy and quick change of dies.
Features
- High quality
- Full frontal access
- Best Hunting press
- Works with bushings for 1-inch die bodies
- Bench-top operation
- Ambidextrous handle
- Massive 2-inch diameter ram
Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Reloading Press Kits
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The Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Reloading Press Kits are very effective as they not only Lock-N-Load bushings but also let you switch from one die to another in seconds. The kit offers the easiest and fastest die setup on the market.
Features
- Positive Priming System (PPS)
- Shellholders 1,2,5,16,35
- Powder Measure Stand
- Decorative Tin Sign
- Lock-N-Load Straight OAL Gauge
- Digital Scale
- Lock-N-Load Quick Change Bushing System
- Pistol Rotor & Metering Assembly
- Universal Reloading Bloc
- Primer Catcher
- Reloading Handbook
- Kinetic Bullet Puller
- Handheld Priming Tool
- Power-Pac Linkage and Solid Steel Arms
- Strong Angled Frame
LEE PRECISION 90180 Breech Lock, Hand Press Kit
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This LEE PRECISION 90180 Breech Lock, Hand Press Kit offers convenience and quality. The kit allows reloaders to quickly change dies without dies readjustment.
Features
- This is a full-size handheld reloading press
- Lightweight
- Affordable
- Kit Includes: – Hand Press, Powder Funnel -,Resizing Lube, and Ram Prime Unit
- Single Stage Hand Held
- Aluminum Frame
- C-Frame Design
- Bottom Center Handle Location
LEE PRECISION Classic Turret Press (Red)
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The LEE PRECISION Classic Turret Press (Red) features all the benefits of the award-winning Turret Press. The kit has a long stroke for automatic index loading for rifles longer than 3 inches, the rigid cast iron frame offers support to the ram and provides over 12 square inches of area.
Features
- Adequate Clearance for the Lee Safety Prime.
- Solid Steel Linkage
- Largest Ram is Drilled
- Heavy Duty Construction
Factors to Consider when Selecting the Best Reloading Press Kits
Getting the best reloading press kit might be more difficult than you thought, especially if you don’t have any past experience with reloading your own cartridges. We have listed some of the important factors you need to look out for in a reloading press kit, so you can be able to make an informed decision when you finally decide to buy one.
- Cost
Different types of reloading press kits come at different prices. If you are an enthusiastic shooter who spends a lot of time at the range, purchasing a reloading press kit that is capable of reloading many bullets each hour might be worth it. However, if you don’t shoot that frequent, and you are also not into shooting competitions, it’s not worth buying a reloading press kit. Reloading ammunition is a time-consuming activity that requires a person to invest a lot of money to get started.
You should consider how much time you are willing to spend reloading bullets before you purchase a reloading press kit as well as for how long you plan on using it. If you plan on refilling thousands of bullets in years to come, purchasing a reloading press kit might be a worthy investment. By doing so, you will have the budget to purchase other necessary tools for other maintenance such as gun safes.
- Quality
The other thing you need to consider when selecting a reloading press kit is its quality. 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 a likelihood that you may be able to make do with a kit that is affordable and simple to use.
The three main brands popularly to manufacture quality reloading press kit are RCBS, Dillion, and Lee. Dillion press kit is the most expensive and best quality reloading press kit. Lee manufactures excellent entry-level equipment, at an entry-level cost. On the other hand, RCBS is a good middle-of-the-road press kit as they are the high-quality manufacturer. If you are looking for a step-up press kit, you might want to consider Dillion and RCBS reloading press kits. However, if you are a beginner, Lee reloading press kit is a good brand to look at.
- Reloading Speed
The other thing to consider when selecting your reloading press kit should be your reloading speed. Are you a casual shooter who only requires to load a few rounds for your monthly range tip? Or are you a high volume competition shooter who requires over a thousand rounds in a month to keep in practice? The type of shooter you are will influence what type of press you get into your reloading kit.
For most beginners, a single-stage press kit is going to be adequate to handle what they require. Relying on your methods and how extensive your case prep is, it may take several hours to load 100 rounds on a single stage press.
For those new to the art of reloading, this is a good thing. It makes you slow down and focus on every single step, ensuring that one is able to understand the process as well as a quality finished product. Single-stage press kits are also the cheapest presses which are 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. It requires a similar amount of pulls per loaded round as the single-stage, however, it doesn’t require one to constantly change the dies and shell casing.
It is also ideal for beginners as it still requires them to focus on the individual aspects of the reloading process. If you happen to be an experienced reloader who is looking to increase their output, a turret press is an ideal option for you.
A progressive press reloading kit is best for the experienced reloaders or for those people who really require to produce a high round count. Progressive press kits are much more complicated and have more moving parts.
In addition to this, they require the user to focus on multiple operations happening simultaneously.it is because of these reasons that progressive press reloading kits are recommended for experienced reloaders.
- Volume of production
It is also 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 in 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.
- 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 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.
- Included accessories
The other thing to consider when purchasing your reloading press kit is the included accessories. Different kits come with varying extra handy tools to make your job much simpler. The type of powder scale, powder measures, feeders, primer feeders, case prep tools, mounting hardware among others are some of the examples of things that vary greatly from one kit to the other. You are supposed to match your needs to a number of accessories included in the kit.
Best Reloading Press Kits FAQs
- 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.
- How will I know which components to use with each press?
There must be a manual in each and every reloading press kit that you purchase. The manual provides you with specific items you will require for reloading. It also provides you with a guide on the safety measures you have to take. If by any chance you misplace the manual, you can always find them on the internet.
- Is it cheaper to buy a complete reloading press kit?
In most cases, purchasing a complete reloading press kit is the best option because you will be able to get most, if not all of the tools and accessories you require to get started immediately. The tools and accessories are better and affordable when purchased together in a single kit.
- Why are reloading dies not included in most of the presses?
The majority of reloading press products do not include dies in their packages. The main reason behind this is that most reloading presses operate with different calibers while dies are designed for specific machines. If you purchase a certain reloading press, you should also purchase a set of dies for the calibers you want to load.
- Why is it essential to always lube the case?
It is important to always lube the case because the lube makes it possible for the case you are working on to settle in the die and form evenly. If you fail to lube the rifle case properly, it might get stuck with the die.
Advantages of the Best Reloading Press Kits
- Saves on cost.
Purchasing ready-made bullets are quite expensive. 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. You are also able to select the powder, primer and the bullet to make them all within your budget while still ensuring that you get the best quality.
- 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. Some reloaders even have better performance with their ammo compared to the factory-made bullets. Reloading your own ammo also gives you the sense of pride especially if you are able to put together a quality bullet that has complete accuracy whenever you use them.
- Sensitive scale.
Most reloading press kits come with a very sensitive scale, therefore you can be certain that all your rounds will have the same consistency. Once set up, a die plate can be stored with all dies adjusted and a powder measure attached.
- You are able to get control over your rifle.
If you want to get control over your rifle as well as ammo, the best possible way to do this is to get yourself the best reloading press kit. For instance, few long-range rifle shooters give an arbitrary shape of the meplat. This is how they get better consistency and perform the best.
Disadvantages
- Expensive
You might save a lot of money manufacturing your own ammunition, however when you start, you won’t feel the difference. This is because most reloading presses are expensive. Single-stage press kits are however not expensive because you only require a few rounds.
- You need to be dedicated and patient.
Reloading requires a lot of patience, time and concentration. You require time to learn how to do it and time to use it. Each casing has its own primer and you are required to know exactly how to use the reloading press kit. It takes a while before you learn how to use one
Using a reloading press kit requires you take extra caution before doing anything because reloading is risky. Always ensure that you have enough knowledge before you begin reloading.
Conclusion
Using a reloading press kit will minimize your shooting expenses. Always pay attention at any given time when refilling to guarantee that every bullet produced will behave just as it should.
Shooting a bad bullet can cause permanent damage to your firearm and it can even endanger your life. Depending on the amount of ammo you intend to produce, budget, and expertise level you will be able to find the best reloading press kit that suits your needs.