Reloading equipment for 5.56. Best 5.56 Reloading Kits.
As a gun enthusiast, reloading your ammunition is a very cost-saving activity you can undertake. This also applies if you are a hunter or an outdoorsman who loves target shooting.
You should own a reloading kit that will give you the best ammo reloading experience. Having your own reloading kit also allows you to load your rounds for whichever caliber you need hence giving you a better understanding of how ammo and bullets work.
Different types of reloading kits work differently depending on the type of equipment you have. Each of them is designed with different characteristics and processes for reloading ammo.
Every reloading kit features the basic essential parts that are the lever, which is used to press the bullet into the casing to complete the round, the shell holder for holding the shell or casing in place so you can easily fill and press it onto the bullet and die, which sizes the neck of the casing to the specific caliber being reloaded.
Other features are a turret ring, powder measure, case feeder, priming system, among others
Types of Reloading Equipment
There are three main types of reloading kits, which you need to know of if you wish to be reloading your own ammo. These reloading kits may slightly vary depending on the size and brand, but the concepts remain the same.
- Single-stage press– this is the most basic type and only loads one bullet at a time with one die size. The single-stage press is ideal for people who are new to reloading because it is very easy to operate. It also involves few components hence does not require a lot of attention.
- Turret press– Turret presses are almost similar to a single stage. The two presses have similar components however, the turret press has an addition of a turning turret ring. This ring can hold multiple die sizes and allows you to switch between them quickly.
- Progressive reloading press– it is the most advanced press of the three. The progressive kits allow for multiple attachments like the case feeder and powder measure. Although this press requires a longer set-up time and more components to keep track of, it has the advantage of quickly producing multiple rounds.
Best Reloading Equipment for 5.56
1) Lee Breech Lock Challenger Kit
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2) RCBS Explorer Reloading Kits-9288
This is one of the best 5.56 reloading kits, RCBS reloading kit is a great kit for someone who is starting in the art of handloading. As reloading is an exact process with tight tolerances, this reloading kit provides the precision required for the activity to be done correctly. Features
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3) Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Deluxe Reloading Kit 085010
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Deluxe Classic Reloading Kit is designed to provide you with everything you’ll need when reloading your used or spent bullet casings. This reloading kit is made using highly durable materials and construction, offering you years and years of quality reloading performance. It is affordable and easy to use. The reloading kit features Lock-N-Load technology that allows you to switch dies to a new caliber and begin reloading again in seconds. The CNC machined die and ram openings create near-perfect alignment of the ram and die, so cases are lined up properly with the dies at all times, resulting in greater accuracy. The strong, rigid frame also offers the stability required for precision reloading. Definitely one of the best Reloading Equipment for 5.56. Features
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4) Hornady 3-in-1 Lock-N-Load Ammo Plant Reloading Press
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5) RCBS Turret Reloading Presses 88901
For over 60 years, RCBS has been the leading producer of high-quality gun reloading supplies, hand loading equipment, and precision shooting products. This selection of reloading presses is unbeaten and covers virtually every type of gun reloader supplies and tools that a hand loader could want. It features scales, primer, trays, cleaning brushes, lubricant, priming tools, dies and shell holders, bullet pullers, and basically anything else a veteran shooter needs to quickly, safely, and cleanly reload a round of ammunition. It is ideal for enthusiasts and high-volume shooters, professional gun instructors, gunsmiths, and any weapon lover. Features
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6) Lee 90304 Classic Turret Press Kit Steel
This Lee Classic Turret Reloading Equipment for 5.56 is fast and convenient. It loads handgun cartridges with excess rates of 250 rounds per hour possible. The kit includes the Auto-Drum powder measure and riser which is perfect for all handgun and rifle cartridges. The press kit is completed by the case conditioning tools to prepare your brass for loading. It includes Cutter, Lock Stud, Chamfer Tool, small and large Primer Pocket Cleaner, and a tube of Lee case sizing lube. Features
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7) Lee Precision Load Master Reloading Kit for 223 Remington Rifle 90922
The Lee Load-Master Progressive Press 223 Remington Rifle Cartridge Reloading Kit 90922 has been developed to suit any reloader. The Press reloads both rifle and handgun cartridges and has a large, 1-3/4″ diameter ram with a stroke clearance that is big enough for even the largest magnum rifle cases. This Lee Loadmaster Reloading Press can either be used as an automatic indexing progressive press or as a single-stage press. It has five stations that accept the most popular reloading dies. The dies are held by a detachable turret that allows them to be removed and reinserted without adjusting. Features
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8) Redding Reloading T-7 Turret Press Kit
The Redding Reloading T-7 Turret Press features a seven-station turret head, cast iron construction, and powerful compound linkage. It also has rear casting that supports a rock-solid turret for precise alignment. The T-7 features a one-inch diameter ram and accepts 7/8 inch to fourteen inches threaded dies, including the longer Competition dies. Definitely one of the best Reloading Equipment for 5.56. You may purchase additional interchangeable turret heads. Features
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9) Lee 90936 LoadMaster 9MM Reloading Pistol Kit
The Lee 90936 LoadMaster 9MM Reloading Pistol Kit features a large 1 ¾ inch diameter ram with a stroke clearance big enough for even the largest magnum rifle cases. It can be used as an automatic indexing progressive press or as a single-stage press, and its five stations accept most popular reloading dies. With this kit, dies are held by a detachable turret that allows them to be removed and reinserted without adjusting. Features
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Related
FAQs
- Is it worth reloading 556?
It is not so worth reloading 223/556 on a single press unless you are reloading for precision. This is because it takes a lot of time. However, it is more reasonable with a progressive press.
- Is reloading ammo dangerous?
Yes. Mishandling of firearms or ammo can be dangerous, including when reloading. If you follow the manufacturer’s instructions, however, reloading ammunition is not so dangerous.
- Why is 556 ammo so expensive?
223/5.56×45 is brass and uses an all copper jacket resulting in higher quality/more expensive ammo. Therefore, 7.62×39 and .223 of the same quality will be of the same price. This is because most surplus and newly manufactured ammo is steel case which is less expensive to make.
- Does 5.56 have stopping power?
An AR round of .556 or .223 has less stopping power compared to many other regularly used hunting rifles. Many handgun rounds are larger and more deadly.
Conclusion
Reloading your own ammo has a couple of advantages. From saving you costs to giving you a better understanding of your weapon, having a good quality reloading kit should be a plan for any shooting lover. The products we have featured in this review are very reasonably priced and well equipped for your every reloading need.