What is the Best Reloading Kit for a Beginner? Read on to discover the Best Reloading Starter Kits.
A reloading press kit is a great way to get started if you want to get into reloading but don’t know where to start or what equipment you require.
Reloading your own ammo gives the reloader a deeper and more intimate understanding of how bullets and ammo operate. Reloading is also a fun activity that is enjoyed by many people across the globe.
While some people see reloading as a relaxing hobby, a reloader can get into it to purely minimize the cost of buying ammo every other time.
With there being so many advantages of loading your own ammo, choosing the best reloading kit can be challenging especially if you are new to it. This is a result of the market offering multiple reloading starter kits. To guide you in your decision-making, we have a review of the best reloading starter kits so let’s take a look.
Best Reloading Starter Kits-Our Top Picks
1) RCBS 9354 RC Supreme Master Kit
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The rock chucker supreme press is considered the best choice for reloading beginners as it provides them with everything they require to get started. This press kit has been lengthened to allow the simple loading of longer cartridge designs. As one of the best Reloading Starter Kits, 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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2) 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 making it suitable for those new to 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. It features an EZject system that 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. Definitely one of the best Reloading Starter Kits. Features
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3) LEE PRECISION Classic Turret Press Kit
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The set of dies and the kits itself is everything a reloading beginner requires to kick start the reloading process. Its classic turret press is quick and convenient when loading handgun cartridges thanks to its loading speed of at least 250 rounds per hour. This kit comes with a pro-auto drum powder measure and riser which are suitable for all handguns and small rifle cartridges. An automatic change turret makes changing of calibers effortless while an included large and small safety primer makes on-press priming very simple. This press kit is Crafted from heavy-duty quality materials featuring a strong steel linkage which guarantees the reloader of ultimate strength and durability. Features
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4) Lyman T-Mag Master Reloading Kit
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This reloading press kit features state of the art digital scale which guarantees accurate ammo production. It compares in price to other starter kits and its sturdy construction with quality materials enhances durability. It comes with everything a beginner requires in terms of tools and learning materials. It has a great design for a powder handling system to enhance cleanliness and a cartridge case multi-tool that enables you to customize your brass casing even further. It is also simple to use and operate since all you are required to add are the dies and shell holder to get started. It is faster than a single-stage press and very user-friendly. Features
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5) LEE PRECISION Anniversary Challenger Kit II
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LEE PRECISION Anniversary Challenger Kit II is among the most convenient reloading press out there as it contains all award-winning turret press features. It has a reputation as a budget-friendly reloading kit that doesn’t sacrifice accuracy or performance. 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 learn how to reload and later on get your reloading skills to the next level thanks to how easy it is to operate and its speedy reloading strength. Features
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6) RCBS 9356 RC Supreme Master Kit
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This RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme Press as one of the best Reloading Starter Kits is a high-quality reloading kit featuring a sturdy and durable cast iron construction that 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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Factors to Consider when Choosing the Best Reloading Starter Kits
It is your first time buying a reloading kit and you expect that the kit that you choose will work and suit your reloading needs. To help you make the right decision, it is important to put into consideration the following factors to get the best Reloading Starter Kits.
Price-As a complete newbie to reloading, chances are that you are searching for a reloading kit that is affordable. However, it is always recommended that you should find a reloading kit that’s of high quality and has all the components that you require.
Don’t settle for a low-quality reloading kit that will end up bringing you a lot of trouble, just because its price tag is low.
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.
The volume of production-It is really important that you evaluate how much ammunition you plan on producing against how much experience you have as a reloader. This will help you have an easy reloading time as a reloading beginner, you will start with small ammo production and later on progress to large production as you gain experience.
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.
Quality-Just like buying any other item, its quality will always come first and precision 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.
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.
FAQs
- How much does it cost to start reloading?
This will depend on the type of reloading press kit and powder scale that you will be using. You can begin with a lot less when you start reloading with press kits such as Lee and spend more if you use a high-end progressive press.
- Can you reload your brass?
Yes, brass cases can be reloaded several times without wear other than the case of neck lengthening.
- 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.
Reloading Starter Kits Advantages
- Easy to use and operate.
- 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.
- Sturdy and quality construction which guarantees durability
Beginner Reloading Tips
Conclusion
One of the best ways in which you can customize your handgun or rifle built is by reloading your own ammunition. Any reloading beginner requires an excellent kit to kick start their reloading journey.
Some reloading presses are easy to use while some are relatively complex. For a beginner, it’s recommended to go for a single-stage press.
In this review, we have outlined the best reloading starter kits and it’s our hope that as you start on your reloading journey, you will have a quality press kit to walk the journey with you.
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