What is the best shotgun reloader? in this post we look at the Best shotgun reloading kits, their features, and more.
While many gun lovers prefer using rifles or pistols, a large number of people still enjoy the shotgun. Shotguns are unique because, with the right equipment available, you can easily reload the shells at home.
Shotgun ammunition reloading refers to filling the empty shotshells back up with the elements that make them work such as primer, gunpowder, pellets, and wad.
It is difficult for a newbie to learn how to perform the shell reloading process, however, many users prefer to save money by purchasing preload shells by reloading at home.
For a newcomer, at least 20 rounds of shooting per month are required for them to be good at it. Purchasing almost 1000 shotshells is costly hence the need for reloading at home.
It involves an initial investment of purchasing a good quality reloading machine and shells. A shotgun shell is made up of five components; the hull, gunpowder, pellets, wad, and primer.
You can choose to use a progressive loader or a single-stage loader to load the shells with the birdshot, buckshot, or slugs. The two loaders use different mechanisms that determine the load rate.
The progressive loader can reload many shells at the same time but takes up more setting time while a single stage machine has a simple one-step setup but produces one shotgun shell at every pull of the handle.
Choosing the Best Shotgun Reloading Kits
In order to be able to load your shotgun comfortably, it is important to have the best press/reloader. There are a few factors to consider when looking for the Best shotgun reloading kits.
Type of the loader: you can choose whether to use the progressive or single-stage. If you are going to engage in a heavy shoot-out or competition, for example, a progressive loader would be a good option, unlike a casual shooter who would use a single stage loader.
Brand: there are a number of known companies that produce the best reloading kits. It is however good to always consider the authenticity before purchasing to avoid counterfeits.
Durability: the best shotgun reloading kits are made from heavy materials such as steel, aluminum, or other durable materials. They also include plastic parts that are also strong and durable.
Compatibility: the best shotgun reloading kits allow you to use 2 ¾ inch shells, 3-inch shells, and more.
Ease of use: the most important aspect of a reloader is its ease of use while still maintaining its power and functionality.
Feedback: if you are a newbie, it is important to consider the opinion of other shooters on the different kinds of reloading kits.it will help you as you learn faster as you have a point of reference.
Reloading speed: this is determined by the mechanism through which the reloader finishes shells. It will also depend on your skill level and experience.
Accuracy: the best reloading kit should be accurate for the production of the best-finished shells.
Skills: this refers to your experience as a shooter and also reloader handling skills. It determines the type of reloader to use, one that is easy to handle.
Best Shotgun Reloading Kits
| 1) LEE PRECISION II Shotshell Reloading Press 12 GA Load All (Multi)
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This reloading kit is made for those who love quality and is ideal for beginners. With this, you will be able to use most of the standard gauge options, including 12, 16, and 20. It comes out of the box as a 12 gauge option, and you can reload both standard sizes for shells.it is a bit slow but you can be sure to get an accurate shotshell each and every time. The hopper holds up to 5 pounds of shot which provides about 30 minutes of use before refill. This reloading press as one of the best Shotgun Reloading Kits comes with 16 powder bushings, 24 shot bushings, and a large number of accessories that include both a six and an eight-point crimp starter and loads 2 ¾ and 3-inch shells. Nothing else is required. Features
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2) Lee Precision Shotshell Reloading Press
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Lee Precision Shotshell Reloading Press comes with 24 shot and powder bushings and loads 2 ¾ and 3-inch shells. No special adaptor is required. It is a great single-stage shotshell reloader and comes out of the box specifically for a 16 gauge but you can use 12 gauge rounds with a special type of diet insert that you’ll have to purchase. There are 24 different shot and powder bushings though that are included to give you the ability to reload both standard length shells on the market. This reloading press gives a consistent, accurate, and efficient round every time you reload making it of great value. This Lee precision reloading press is constructed with heavy-duty and quality materials and offers a great option if you are looking for a single-stage press that is perfect for higher gauge rounds. Features
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3) MEC 600 Jr Mark V 12 Gauge Press
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The MEC 600 Jr Mark V is a high-quality redesigned version of the original 600 Jr. machine. MEC’s most popular model and the world’s top-selling shotshell reloader, the new MEC 600 Jr. It includes special features once only found on MEC’s more expensive models. It can load four to six boxes per hour and can be upgraded with the 285 CA primer feed that eliminates the need to handle each primer individually. The reloader is adjustable for 3″ shells and is available in 10, 12 16, 20, 28 gauge, and .410 bore. This MEC gauge press as one of the best shotgun reloading kits is designed with beginners in mind as it has a small learning curve and easy to operate. It comes already adjusted by the manufacturer so you’ll only need to make minor adjustments before you start. Features
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4) MEC Sizemaster 20 Gauge Press
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MEC Sizemaster 20 Gauge Press is specifically built for 2 ¾ inch shells but is easily adjustable for up to 3 inches. As one of the Best shotgun reloading kits, it is designed to give you great accuracy and longevity and comes with a power ring collet resize that returns the base to the specific specifications. It also features a primer feeder and a resizing station that handles both brass and steelheads and is able to do it for both high and low bases. The MEC Sizemaster 20 Gauge Press can handle most gauges of shotshells and is easy to set up and operate giving you value for your money. Features
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5) MEC 9000GN 12 Gauge Press
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MEC 9000GN 12 Gauge Press is one of the best progressive shotshell reloaders. It is designed for the 12gauge but can work with several different higher grade gauges including 16, 20, 28 as well as a .410 more. From the box, it is set to reload 2 ¾ inch shells but can be converted to reload shells up to 3 inches for more efficiency. It is specially designed for high-volume reloading and has a high speed. It comes with automatic indexing which ensures that you get quicker reloads. The shells are automatically ejected once the reloading process is completed. This reloader is made with additional accessories such as an adjustable-charge bar to make reloading easier. Auto-dex allows automatic indexing and shell ejection while factory-set speed provides uniform movement. Features
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6) Shotgun Shell Reloading Crimp Reloader Gun Equipment 12 gauge
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Shotgun Reloader Gun Equipment 12 gauge is a simple tool that is made of durable steel and aluminum making it efficient and reliable in usage. It can be easily installed on any horizontal surface and does not require electricity making it convenient for reloading shotgun cartridges under any conditions. It is easy to learn and operate. No need of using additional lubricants as the speed of shotgun cartridge spin is low. It is reasonably affordable compared to other manufacturers and produces a steadier result of shotgun shell crimp. The manually-spinning cartridge is more controllable for the best results and has a steadier crimp compared to reloading with a power tool. This machine can load more than 100,000 shotgun shells. The tool has a removable aluminum crimp starter that can easily be replaced with another one for added working life. Features
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7) Shotshell Reloading Crimp 12 gauge
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This reloader is a simple tool that is made of durable steel and aluminum and is reliable in usage. It is easy to install on any horizontal surface. It does not require electricity supply for usage making it convenient to reload shotgun cartridges under any conditions. It does not require much experience to use making it ideal for shooters at all experience levels. As the speed of shotgun cartridge spin is low, no additional lubricants are needed so you can immediately begin to use it after fixing it on the surface. Shotshell Reloading Crimp 12 gauge provides a steadier result of shotgun shell crimp and can load more than 100,000 shotgun shells. This tool uses a removable aluminum crimp starter that is easily replaceable for extra durability. Features
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FAQs
- What’s the best reloading kit for beginners?
Shotshell Reloading Crimp 12 gauge, MEC 600 Jr Mark V 12 Gauge Press, and Shotgun Shell Reloading Crimp Reloader Gun Equipment 12 gauge are just examples of some of the reloading tools that we have reviewed in this article that are easy to learn and use. They are highly suitable for a beginner.
- How many times can you reload a shotgun shell?
Well, paper hulls can be reloaded twice with target type reloads while plastic hulls can be reloaded as many times as five or six before they get both dirty and ragged looking.
- Is reloading ammo dangerous?
I’ll answer yes and no. Any type of tool or machine can be dangerous when mishandled. If you follow the rules, however, reloading ammunition will be absolutely safe. When handling the tool, it is advisable to wear eye protective equipment to protect your eyes from dangerous elements like lead, aluminum, or steel.
- Are Lee reloading kits any good?
Yes. They are reliable and durable not forgetting the affordability.
Conclusion
Reloading your own shotgun can be quite hectic as much as it is economical. The right reloading kit will however make the tiresome job easy and fast. Whether you are a heavy shooter or a newbie, We hope our list of the Best shotgun reloading kits will be helpful for your reloading.