Here are the top reasons why you might want to reload your own ammo:

Save Money

Single Stage Press

A single stage press is so named because it only has one die. This means that you will need to switch it out at least twice, for resizing and for bullet seating, as well as for priming the cases (assuming you don’t opt to do so by hand).

Turret Press

A turret press utilizes multiple dies, in contrast to the single stage press. This means that you will not need to swap out each die by yourself, which means that you will save a lot of money.

If your goal is to reload a large amount of ammo in a short amount of time, then the turret press is undoubtedly superior to the single stage press.

Progressive Press

Last but not least is the progressive press, which also has multiple die stations and multiple places for you to set your brass cases.

If you are unsure what’s the best type for you, take a look at our reloading press reviews.

1. Prep The Case

The first thing you need to do when you reload is prep the case.

Each time you fire a bullet out of a shell casing, the resulting explosion causes the brass casing to expand a little bit inside the gun chamber before it is ejected. In other words, a spent shell casing is slightly larger than it originally was. It will also be a lot dirtier as well.

What you will need to do in order to prep the case is both clean it and shrink it. And yes, you can do both.

Start by using a brass tumbler to clean out the cases. This has a lead contamination risk, and the brass tumbler is also very loud, so this should be done outside rather than indoors.

You will also need to bring the brass back to its original specifications. Otherwise, it is not going to feed reliably into your firearm(s) and could be unsafe to shoot.

Start by popping out the primer in the casing after you have cleaned it. This is called depriming the primer. This can also usually be done by simply using a reloading press, so don’t worry about that.

Next, you are going to need to use a reamer to resize the casing. How you do this is dependent largely on the type of casing you have.

There are two different kinds of shell casings:

• Straight Wall
• Bottleneck

You should be able to easily visualize what a casing looks like based on those above definitions, if you don’t already know.

Regardless of whether you are using a straight wall or a bottleneck caliber, you will need to run it through a resizing die, which will bring the casing back to its original specifications, in addition to reforming dents and issues with case mouth.

You can run into issues depending on whether you have a straight wall or bottleneck cartridge. Long story short, straight wall shell casings are incredibly easy to resize, most of the time.

The issue is with bottleneck cartridges, or casings that are much narrower towards the bullet and have a “shoulder.” Basically, the shoulder is something you also have to worry about when resizing the casing because you have to resize both the wider and narrower parts of the bullet.

It can still be done, but if you end up cutting off any material from the casing, that casing will probably not be suitable for shooting anymore.

In other words, there is simply more room for error when reloading bottleneck casings over straight wall casings, but both can still easily be done (and are done often).

2. Priming

The next part of the reloading process is known as priming. This step is simple: you can use a hand tool that can fit your primer, or you can use a die on the reloading press as well.

Now it’s time to really get into the fun part.

3. Add Gunpowder

Only once the primer has been fully seated into resized shell casings can you add gunpowder (technically it’s smokeless powder).

How much gunpowder you load into your casing is dependent on the caliber. Take note that you can load different loads of gunpowder into the same caliber. For example, it’s very common for 9 mm Luger rounds to have anywhere from 115 to 147 grains of gunpowder in them.

4. Seat The Bullet

All that’s left is to seat the bullet. You’ll need to add a bullet into a die in your reloading press and then press it into the case.

Take note that if the bullet is too wide, you will need to flare the top of the casing.

Conclusion

The post Simple Guide to Reloading Ammo (Beginner 101) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

First of all, let’s get this question out of the way: is reloading your own ammunition truly necessary if you are a gun owner?

The short and simple answer is this: no, it is not. If anything, reloading ammo is merely a hobby. It is not at all a necessity, but it could save you some money in the long run.

What Are the Main Factors that You Need to Consider with Reloading Ammo?

The main factors that you will need to consider with reloading ammo include, but are by no means limited to, the following:

• Cost savings
• Cost of reloading equipment and supplies
• Learning how to reload ammunition
• The time needed to reload ammo
• The caliber of ammunition you want or need to reload

Ultimately, the cost of reloading ammo needs to be compared to the cost of buying new ammunition if you want to determine if it’s financially viable for you. And the cost of reloading ammunition is determined by primers, powder, bullets, and brass cases.

Speaking of costs…

What Are the Main Costs Incurred with Reloading Ammo?

Many people want to get into reloading their own ammunition because they believe it will be cheaper than simply buying ammunition.

But this is only partially true because costs vary according to different factors. For example, cost depends on the caliber that you want to reload and how much you actually will be reloading.

Reloading ammunition has a large up-front cost that you will have to contend with, and it can really only be profitable for you over the long run if you really commit to it. Otherwise, reloading ammunition will really just be something fun to do.

Here are the main costs of reloading ammo that you will incur up front:

• Complete Reloading Kit: $300
• Reloading Press: $500 to $1,000
• Primers x100: $35
• Bullets x1000: $100
• Brass Casings: $30 to $50
• Powder: $25

1 – Saving Money (Over The Long Term)

The first advantage to reloading ammunition, and one of the biggest reasons why people get into it, is to save money. But again, this is something that can only happen over the long term, because you are going to incur a lot of up-front costs in the short term.

That being said, the only ammunition right now that is actually dirt cheap to buy is .22 LR. Other kinds of ammunition, such as 9 mm, .357 Magnum, .45 ACP, .223 Remington, or .308 Winchester, require a fair investment to buy.

How much money can you expect to save over the long term with reloading?

While it depends on the person and also on the caliber and circumstances, let’s consider it this way: right now, the typical box of 50 .357 Magnum rounds would cost you around $30. In contrast to this, reloading 50 .357 Magnum rounds would likely cost you less than 10 bucks.

That’s a significant cost savings margin right there, and it would be even greater if you’re going to be doing a lot of shooting (such as on a daily basis).

2 – You Get Greater Control Over Bullet Quality And Ballistics

Another big reason why people get into reloading ammunition is because they have direct control over the ballistics and quality of their ammunition, as they can load them to their exact specifications.

This won’t matter that much to people who just like to casually shoot on the range, but those who want to do more precise shooting over long ranges or who care very much about their ammunition ballistics will definitely want to either:

1. Use a brand and type of ammunition that they trust
2. Reload their own ammunition

To put things simply, if you want ammunition that you can fire directly to your exact specifications, reloading your ammo could very well be the way to go.

3 – It’s A Fun Process

Last but not least, reloading is honestly a fun process, as you get to play around and experiment with gunpowder, bullets, shell casings, and fancy equipment.

Honestly, this is probably the real reason why people reload: they simply enjoy it! And to be honest, if you try reloading and find that you don’t enjoy the process at all, you’re probably not going to do it. But if you do enjoy the process of reloading, then it can be something fun for you to do as a neat side hobby.

What Are the Three Biggest Disadvantages to Reloading Ammunition?

Reloading ammunition may have a lot of advantages, but it also has a lot of disadvantages as well.

Reloading ammunition may have a lot of advantages, but it also has a lot of disadvantages as well.

1 – It’s Not Cheaper Over The Short Term

As we covered previously in this article, you can expect to pay up-front costs of at least $1,000 or so in order to get started reloading ammunition. You may even need to spend more than that over the long term, but admittedly those costs will be offset by money saved by not buying your own ammunition.

Reloading ammo only saves you money if you do it over the long term. If you get into ammo reloading for the short term only to find out that you don’t particularly enjoy the process, you’re going to lose money up front.

2 – It Takes Time (And Patience)

Here is something else that you need to know about reloading: it is a very time-consuming process and requires a lot of patience and diligence, not to mention concentration.

You will need to set aside time each week to dedicate to the process of reloading your own ammunition.

3 – It’s Inherently Risky

Last but not least, reloading is inherently risky for the simple reason that you’re dealing with gunpowder. You need to ensure that you take all of the proper precautions and are fully knowledgeable on the subject before proceeding. Seeking hands-on experience with someone who reloads regularly would be wise.

Conclusion

In conclusion, reloading will be a good option for you if you enjoy the process and really want to save money over the long term.

If the time investment isn’t worth the monetary savings, and if you don’t enjoy the process of reloading, then reloading your own ammunition may not be the best option for you.

The best advice that can be given to you is this: if you aren’t sure if reloading is right for you but want to try it, try to find someone who reloads regularly (preferably a close friend or family member) and ask them to provide you with some training and hands-on experience.

If you find that you enjoy the process, then investing in your own reloading equipment should make a lot of sense.

The post Should You Reload Ammo? Pros, Cons & When It Makes Sense appeared first on Outdoor Empire.

Moreover, D.I.Y ammo far exceeds its mass-produced counterpart in almost every way. For example, you can increase your overall accuracy, cut your ammunition costs in half, and increase reliability.

Many components go into handloading, but one of the most important and most expensive items you will purchase is a reloading machine. With the thousands of varieties on the market, it is important to know what is best and, more importantly, what is best for you.

Here are some of the top reloading presses for every skill level.

DISCLOSURE: As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Links in this article are affiliate links. If you click on a link we may earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.

The 10 Best Reloading Presses Reviewed

Here is a list of the best reloading presses:

1. Best Progressive Presses #1: Hornady Lock N’ Load
2. Best Progressive Presses #2: Lee Precision Load Master 45
3. Best Progressive Presses #3: Dillon Precision 16940 XL 650 223
4. Best Turret Presses #1: Lee Precision Classic Turret Press
5. Best Turret Presses #2: RCBS Turret Press
6. Best Turret Presses #3: Lyman T-Mag Turret Press
7. Best Single Stage Presses #1: RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme
8. Best Single Stage Presses #2: Redding Big Boss 2
9. Best Single Stage Presses #3: Forster Co-Ax
10. Best Reloading Kit For Beginners #1: RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master

Category	Best Progressive	Best Turret	Best Single Stage Press
Product	Hornady Lock N’ Load	Lee Precision Classic Turret Press	RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme
Pros	High quality Middle-of-the-road price Clean powder drop Quick-change die system	Good finish on projectiles Easy to set up Made of durable, high-quality materials 2-year quality warranty	O-frame press Priming on the press Produces outstanding benchrest accuracy
Cons	Prone to jamming Best for experienced users	Wooden lever prone to cracking or breaking	Inefficient, quick-change die feature More expensive than most single stage presses
Price	Check Price	Check Price	Check Price

1. Best Progressive Presses #1

Hornady Lock N’ Load

$584.63

Pros:

• High quality
• Middle-of-the-road price
• Clean powder drop
• Quick-change die system

Cons:

• Prone to jamming
• Best for experienced users

View on Amazon View at Optics Planet

08/16/2023 04:25 am GMT

Compare prices at: Sportsman’s Warehouse, Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Brownells

The Hornady Lock N’ Load is a heavy-duty, easy-to-use progressive press that will greatly increase your efficiency with every reload.

It provides you with a five-station, auto-indexing feature as well as the EZject System from Hornady, which ensures each cartridge is ejected upon completion. After the initial adjustment, you could produce up to 600 rounds per hour!

Additionally, the case-activated powder drop will not release powder until there is a case attached to the holder. The feature that really streamlines the process though is its quick-change system that simplifies the process of changing out dies with a single twist.

FEATURES: auto indexing, EZject System, Lock N’ Load bushing design, quick-change system, optional accessories, large multi-round hopper, case-activated powder drop, universal bullet case retainer spring; dimensions: 20 x 14 x 11 inches; weight: 29 pounds

This product is the perfect fit for those who have outgrown their single stage press but aren’t ready to empty their pocketbook on an upgrade.

This should provide you with a simple transition that works for multiple calibers and can provide you the confidence that you are still buying a quality device.

2. Best Progressive Presses #2

Lee Precision Load Master 45

$443.18

Pros:

• Less expensive
• Top-of-the-line features
• Ability to transition
• Lightweight frame

Cons:

• Prone to jamming
• Can have issues with seating primers
• Slight problems with powder measure

View on Amazon View at Optics Planet

08/16/2023 04:45 am GMT

Compare prices at: Brownells

The Lee Precision Load Master is one of the highest-quality progressive presses that you can get at an affordable price. The low price, however, does not mean you will be sacrificing features.

After a little patience and practice, you could be producing up to 400 rounds per hour with the five progressive stations, allowing you to perform up to five functions at once.

You can easily change from caliber to caliber using the removable turret head, and the powder measure system will help to ensure a clean workspace with little waste.

This press is also compatible with a wide range of die sizes, so you won’t feel constrained.

FEATURES: Quick-change tool head, cast aluminum body, both automatic and manual indexes, five stations, removable turret head, powder measure system; dimensions: 19 x 11 x 10 inches; weight: 6.61 pounds

If you are new to reloading, or if it is your first stage of upgrading to a more efficient system, the Lee Precision Load Master is a perfect fit. Not only is it the cheapest progressive press for the quality, but the manual and automatic indexes also allow you to move from beginner to skilled without the added cost.

3. Best Progressive Presses #3

Dillon Precision 16940 XL 650 223

Pros:

• Sturdy, reliable structure
• Sigh efficiency
• Gigh efficiency
• Automatic powder measurer

Cons:

• Expensive
• Motor for case feeder not included

View on Amazon

Leading the pack in progressive presses is the Dillon Precision 650XL. The sheer number of accessories and component feeders could make up their own category.

This is probably why the 650XL is the most popular choice to automate, potentially producing thousands of rounds per hour. The design is made to load common rifle and handgun cartridges.

Of course, with a product of this caliber, it’s easy to see why the quality, warranty, and customer service far exceed its counterparts.

FEATURES: quick-change tool heads, automatic indexing, five-station loader, mechanically indexed shell plate, mechanically inserted cases, manually fed bullets

This product is for remanufactured ammunition aficionados. In fact, many professionals who sell their rebuilt bullets turn to the Dillon Precision XL.

You will expect to drop more than $600.00 on this industry-leading reloading equipment, but you’ll be able to produce 800 to over a 1,000 rounds per hour with aftermarket accessories and proper practice.

4. Best Turret Presses #1

Lee Precision Classic Turret Press

$7.00

Pros:

• Good finish on projectiles
• Easy to set up
• Made of durable, high-quality materials
• 2-year quality warranty

Cons:

• Wooden lever prone to cracking or breaking

View on Amazon View at Optics Planet

08/16/2023 04:49 am GMT

Compare prices at: Brownells

The Lee Precision Classic Turret is an award-winning press with all of the basic necessities for any intermediate reloader. An easy change turret plate allows for an uncomplicated switch between calibers, and the four stations help with reloading various die sets.

A large clearance area facilitates work on some of the largest rifle cases, and its durable cast iron design gives it the capability to work under pressure while reloading batches of shell casings.

You will feel comfortable with this purchase after reading its outstanding reviews and knowing that you are covered under a two-year quality warranty.

FEATURES: four-station loader, auto-indexing, primer arms, cast iron frame, high clearance, solid steel linkage, long hardwood grip lever

The Lee Precision Turret press is a great option for both novices and intermediates alike. While you won’t be producing mass quantities of ammunition as seen in the progressive presses, you will be producing a high-quality product that you can gear to your needs.

5. Best Turret Presses #2

RCBS Turret Press

$337.99

Pros:

• Ambidextrous handle
• Quick-change tool head
• Cast iron frame

Cons:

• No auto-indexing feature
• Maximum production of 50-200 rounds per hour
• Initial set up can be complicated

View on Amazon View at Optics Planet

08/16/2023 05:50 am GMT

Compare prices at: Bass Pro Shops, Cabela’s, Brownells

The RCBS Turret is the perfect reloading press for the intermediate hand loader. You will be able to set up multiple die combinations using the six-station turret head and can work on three different stages in the reloading process: priming, depriming, and sizing.

It’s cast iron design gives you the durability you need for high-volume production, and a quick-change tool head will make you efficient while switching between calibers.

The cost also fits the product, being cheaper than a progressive press but a little more expensive than single stage models.

FEATURES: six-station loader, ambidextrous handle, cast iron frame, quick-change tool head, can be operated in progressive or single stage mode; dimensions: 16.5 x 5.5 x 6 inches; weight: 19.44 pounds

The RCBS Turret Press is a great match for the reloading hobbyist with some experience in the field. This press will produce enough ammunition to keep the average shooter satisfied between trips to the range. And at a fair price, you know you are getting a press with longevity.

6. Best Turret Presses #3

Lyman T-Mag Turret Press

Pros:

• Rustproof iron frame
• Works on all standard size dies
• Works for both pistol and rifle cartridges

Cons:

• Dies are not included
• Manual priming
• Thin, plastic catcher tray

View on Amazon View at Brownells

This sturdy, middle-of-the-road turret press from Lyman will up production for a marginal cost. The iron frame with rustproof finish will ensure the longevity of your investment, and the six-station turret head will allow for an easy switch between dies.

Lyman is a lightweight, top-of-the-line brand that lets you easily transform your kitchen table into a workshop.

FEATURES: six-station turret head, ambidextrous handle, multipurpose turret handle, iron frame, rustproof finish, primer catcher, priming arm; dimensions: 6.2 x 9.2 x 16.8 inches; weight: 8.82 pounds

This is the perfect option for intermediate reloaders that are looking for something lightweight, easy to use, and simple to maintain.

Once you get the hang of it, you should be able to produce 200-300 rounds per hour of high-quality, accurate ammunition to up your handgun and rifle game.

7. Best Single Stage Presses #1

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme

$189.99

Pros:

• O-frame press
• Priming on the press
• Produces outstanding benchrest accuracy

Cons:

• Inefficient, quick-change die feature
• More expensive than most single stage presses

View on Amazon View at Optics Planet

08/16/2023 06:05 am GMT

Compare prices at: Cabela’s, Bass Pro Shops

In the simplified world of single stage presses, the RCBS Rock Chucker reigns supreme. This O-frame reloading press will give you outstanding benchrest accuracy at a minimal price.

It’s cast iron body will won’t deteriorate, and at only 20 pounds, you can make any space your workspace. Unlike other single stage presses, the RCBS has easy priming on the press feature and the ability to accommodate longer rifle cartridges. You may also use this press for reforming brass for wildcat rounds.

FEATURES: O-frame, cast iron design, quick-change die, lengthened body, priming on the press, ambidextrous handle; dimensions: 20 x 15 x 10 inches; weight: 20.2 pounds

While the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme is marketed as a beginner press, its simplistic design and sturdy frame are great for even the most experienced long-range shooter.

This is due to the necessary attention to detail that must go into making every bullet. You will need to hand measure and assemble each component, significantly increasing your accuracy and reliability (with little practice).

8. Best Single Stage Presses #2

Redding Big Boss 2

$262.99

Pros:

• 3.8-inch ram stroke
• Cast iron frame
• Visibility offset

Cons:

• No quick-change die system
• Mostly for large cartridges or magnum rifle loads

View on Amazon View at Optics Planet

08/16/2023 06:15 am GMT

Compare prices at: Brownells

While similar to the RCBS, the Redding Big Boss 2 single stage press has a few features that set it apart from the pack. This solid cast iron O-frame press is offset by 36 degrees, which increases visibility when working with cartridges of all sizes.

The usable ram stroke of 3.8 inches is among the longest in any single stage press. These features help tremendously when you consider this press was made specifically for larger cartridges or loading magnum rifle loads.

FEATURES: 3.8-inch ram stroke, O-frame, cast iron design, 36-degree offset, fitted bushing for different die sizes; dimensions: 15 x 7 x 7 inches; weight: 16 pounds

The Redding Big Boss 2 is great for beginner to professional rifle shooters. As many of the single stage presses, it will greatly increase the accuracy and reliability of your ammunition and is specifically tailored to long-range gunsmiths.

While it may be more expensive than some single stage presses, it is easily affordable when you think of the price for the quality.

9. Best Single Stage Presses #3

Forster Co-Ax

$374.13

Pros:

• 3x mechanical advantage
• Floating guide rods
• Snap in/snap out quick-change die system

Cons:

• High price
• Not a standard frame

View on Amazon View at Optics Planet

08/16/2023 06:22 am GMT

The Forster Co-Ax single stage press doesn’t fit the standard—in a good way. This press fits neither the O- or C-frame design, giving it the ability to provide you with three times the mechanical advantage of any other single press.

It’s included snap in/snap out quick-change die system and floating guide rods ensure that you will be producing superb ammunition with little to no physical effort.

Also, this product features a unique top priming device that perfectly seats primers to factory specifications, meaning no flipping or tipping.

FEATURES: steel and cast-iron frame, floating guide rods, 3x mechanical advantage, quick-change die system

If you lack the strength or dexterity to manually operate most single stage presses, or just don’t want the unnecessary wrist strain of operating a press, Forster thought of you.

This somewhat expensive press gives you three times the mechanical advantage and can allow you the simplicity of resizing using the force of a single finger. You can have all of the high-quality features of most single presses without the added work.

10. Best Reloading Kit For Beginners #1

RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit

$499.99

Pros:

• Lifetime warranty
• Easy installation
• High-quality, long lasting material

Cons:

• Does not include a mounting plate
• Does not include reloading dies or shell holders

View on Amazon View at Optics Planet

08/16/2023 06:41 am GMT

Compare prices at: Brownells, Palmetto State Armory

If you are new to reloading and want to get almost everything you need in one purchase, consider the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme reloading kit.

This kit is considered the primary foundation of reloading operations throughout the world. It will unlock the mysteries of reloading with its reloading guide and have you up and running within an afternoon.

Plus, you will have the advantage of having an RCBS product with a large potential for add-ons and accessories to make the reloading process specific to your needs.

FEATURES: RCBS Rock Chucker press, 505 reloading scale, uniflow powder measure, hand-priming tool, case loading block, deburring tool and hex key, case lube kit, 2 ounce bottle of case lube, case lube pad, two case neck brushes (.22 and .30 calibers), powder funnels, spear reloading manual

Considered the best option for the reloading beginner, this kit will give you virtually everything you need to start reloading in one afternoon.

Don’t go through the hassle of trying to buy each item individually just to realize you are missing an important piece. It is important to keep things simple, especially when starting out.

Related: What’s the Cheapest Shotgun Gauge to Shoot

Types Of Reloading Presses Explained!

There are three primary types of reloading presses that you should know: progressive reloading presses, turret presses, and single stage presses.

Progressive Reloading Press

The progressive reloading press is designed to create a new reloaded round for each cycle of the lever.

The progressive reloading press accomplishes this by utilizing what is called a shell plate, which can hold multiple cases at once.

When you push down on the lever, several processes happen simultaneously as the shell plate turns so that each shell is prepared for the next operation. The completed round will then be sent into a bin to be collected later.

The progressive reloading press is arguably the be best type of reloading press if you have to reload ammunition for semi-automatic firearms that use ammunition quickly, such as pistols, AR-15s, or AK-47s.

However, progressive reloading presses are also more complex and expensive, which means that if you don’t need to reload ammunition in bulk, they are not the best choice.

Pros:

• Excellent choice if you want to reload multiple rounds quickly
• Completed rounds are collected
• Best option for pistol and semi-automatic rifle shooters

Cons:

• Not the best choice for beginners
• More expensive than single stage presses
• Additional time is required for caliber changeovers

Turret Press

The turret press is very similar to a single stage press in that only one die acts per cartridge.

But the difference between a single stage press and a turret press is that the turret press can hold multiple dies at once. This means that you can manually switch from one die to the next very quickly, which in turn means that you can reload more ammunition at once.

At the same time, turret presses also have more flex and less precision than a single stage press.

Pros:

• Faster than the single stage press

Cons:

• Less precise than a single stage press

Single Stage Press

The simplest kind of reloading press, by far, is the single stage press. This press only holds one die at a time and is typically built on a very rigid frame.

The die are screwed into an opening at the top of the press, with a shell holder attached to the ram to hold the cartridge case.

Each time you press down on the lever, the ram will raise to reload. Priming needs to be done separately using a hand priming set up.

Pros:

• Simplest and easiest type of reloading press to use
• Most inexpensive kind of reloading press
• Built on a rigid frame

Cons:

• Poor choice for reloading ammunition in bulk

How To Choose?

The reloading press is the most important and most expensive items you invest in when you decide to become a reloader. Therefore, diligent research and evaluation of your individual needs is very important.

Are you wanting to produce a high volume of ammunition? What caliber will you mostly be working in? What are your cost constraints?

Gun Types

That being said, the first condition you want to look at is the types of guns you will be reloading. For example, if you are solely loading for handguns, having high clearance for longer cartridges shouldn’t be a concern during purchase.

On the other hand, if you are primarily loading rifle rounds, you may want to look at something like the classic RCBS Rock Chucker. The rigid design of this single stage press and slower loading style give you the accuracy needed for long-range shooting.

Volume of Production

It is also important to evaluate how much ammunition you intend to produce against how much experience you have as a reloader. With a progressive press, you will have the ability to produce thousands of rounds per hour.

However, these are also the most expensive presses on the market, and if you are only shooting once a week or once every two weeks, they are somewhat impractical. Further, the progressive presses are somewhat complicated to use and don’t have much wiggle room for error.

The best option for the average shooter, even novice or an intermediate reloaders, is the turret press. With these, you can produce anywhere from 100-500 rounds per hour, with less practice time.

They are not high in cost and can be equipped with aftermarket accessories to cover a range of calibers and increase production rates.

Brand and Warranty

As with any expensive product you buy, you will want to consider customer reviews, warranties, and brand longevity. When I say brand longevity, I mean buying from a company that has been on the market for a while.

A reloading press is a long-term investment, and you do not want to make it four years in and no longer be able to buy accessories when you are ready to upgrade.

Also, a warranty isn’t a warranty without the customer service to back it up. You may find a product with a lifetime warranty, but when a piece breaks and it takes you years to get a response from customer service, that warranty doesn’t mean much.

Dillon is a great brand that regularly receives commendations on their customer service.

Price and Skill Level

The price of your reloading press will likely correlate with the skill level you have upon purchase. The simple guide is as follows. The single stage press is going to be your cheapest option and is great for novices. It also produces highly-accurate ammunition.

The turret press is for newbies and intermediate level loaders alike. It is a little more expensive and takes practice and patience but greatly increases your production levels.

The most expensive is the progressive press. This device is mainly for the experts and professionals that have paid their dues on the slower presses and are ready to greatly increase their output.

Best Reloading Press Brands

1. RCBS

RCBS is a long-recognized brand for pistol and rifle reloading products that became a part of Vista Outdoors in 2015. RCBS’s 80 years of experience as a producer of high-quality reloading equipment cannot be matched.

They are constantly manufacturing the finest and most efficient precision-engineered (or “precisioneered”) products that flawlessly meld the old and the new.

All products are made with heavy-duty, cast iron materials that ensure quality and longevity. And their pride in their products shows, as they back them up with excellent warranties and astute customer service.

These aren’t just ravings from RCBS, but the customers that repeatedly give five-star ratings over the entire range of their products. The brand loyalty can be seen as people boast about continuing to use their first press bought 56-60 years prior.

One reviewer even wrote, “This press is built like a brick outhouse. It won’t be wearing out anytime soon. It’s also very precise. The threading, the moving parts… it’s all good.”

While their products lean on the more expensive side, they are definitely worth the one-time fee for a lifetime of positive experiences.

2. Lee

The closest contender in the match for best reloading products has to be Lee Precision. With over 70 years of experience in the field, this record-breaking company is always willing to innovate and move with the times.

But they always stick to a tight standard that they state as: 1) Does it fill a real need or is it better than any other product available? 2) Can it be produced at an affordable price? 3) Would I buy one?

Without a “yes” to all three questions, the product will never make it to market. These standards also make Lee the most affordable in reloading products for pistols and rifles. They deliver top-of-the-line products without the painful charges.

Their affordability is achieved by using lightweight cast aluminum to construct a body that is nowhere near the price of cast iron. However, that doesn’t mean it isn’t as sturdy. The tough powder coat finish keeps the product strong and durable throughout its lifetime.

If you don’t think that is possible, you may want to check out their warranty policies. Every product automatically comes with a two-year “no questions asked” warranty, along with a limited lifetime warranty. Also, unlike many manufacturers they offer a 30-day satisfaction guarantee.

With those types of guarantees it is easy to see why their customers are so pleased.

3. Hornady

Hornady has strong roots in the American culture, shooting off from the Hornady Sporting Goods line back in 1949.

WWII had ended, and the country was returning to peace, but people were still looking for accurate, deadly, dependable bullets they could afford to reload. Joyce Hornady understood this so much that “Accurate, deadly and dependable” became their first slogan.

Now, Hornady continues to adhere to its motto while manufacturing exceptional ammunition, bullets, and reloading products. While their prices may be higher than others, you can feel comfort knowing that their products will exquisitely accomplish their intended purpose.

The proof is in the pudding, though. By this I mean that every Hornady reloading product comes with all of the bells and whistles the brand has patented.

Their unique structures and patented features like the EZject system aren’t found in any other manufacturers’ product. However, Hornady also provides accessories that can be added on to presses that are not their own.

While they do have some minor imperfections, such as a primer seating in their single stage press that wears out easily, the overall product still wins out regularly and receives top-notch reviews.

F.A.Q.

Where should I mount a reloading press?

You will want to mount your press on a sturdy workbench or table, ensuring plenty of room for your feet and elbows to move around.

You will also want to leave a minimum of 8 to 10 inches all the way around your workspace so you have room for all of your components. Also, make sure that there is room above the press so it can fully extend.

After you have found a space to fit these parameters, clamp down the press and drill the appropriately sized holes through the bench and bolt it into place.

The other option is to simply mount your press using C-clamps.

What is auto-indexing on a reloading press?

When you are indexing, you are moving the dies (or casings) to the next position in the reloading process. Auto-indexing (usually found on turret presses or above) means that you will automatically advance to the next step without having to manually move or reposition the die.

What reloading press do the pros use?

The types of reloading presses used by the pros are as diverse as the presses themselves. However, for the professional hand-loaded ammunition producer, the Dillon XL650 is a top choice.

Long-range rifle shooters tend to lean on the side of single stage presses that increase their overall accuracy.

The post 10 Best Reloading Presses Reviewed (Beginner Kits to Advanced) appeared first on Outdoor Empire.