Almost every SASS member that shoots in a black powder division reloads their ammunition or buys from a smaller company that reloads it for them since it is not produced at scale. The Redding (second from left), Hornady (second from right), and RCBS (far right) dies are used in regular reloading presses. purchase helps support my work in bringing you more awesome gun and gear articles. A few manufacturers make shotgun-specific reloading machines, so this will be an entirely different machine if you need to reload shotshells. They also have the best no BS warranty in the business. Progressive presses are the most output-oriented presses making it possible to reload many more rounds per hour than any other type of reloading press. These are just the models our author had hands-on time with. FTF. Progressive reloading presses are a step up from turret presses in loading capacity but function similarly. Select what level shooter you are! As mentioned above, we prefer a single stage reloading press, but if you would prefer a turret reloading press, we would recommend the Lee Precision Classic Turret Press as our choice for the best turret reloading press. I shoot pistols and pistol caliber carbines in shooting competitions, and these guns differ significantly in terms of optimal bullet profile and weight they prefer. Lee Precision started by inventing a loader for shotgun shells before moving into pistol and rifle. Multiple cartridges at a time with multiple dies. In the ram of the press there is a hole at the bottom its hollow on the inside so this cavity runs all the way down and theres a hole towards the bottom of it on the side to the back so that when you extend it, it allows the primers to come down the ram out that hole and theres a deflector system that makes them drop right into a tray mounted on the back of the press. The Hornady Lock-N-Load Reloading Plant comes with the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Professional Grade, Auto Indexing, 5-station, Progressive Press that features the patented Lock-N-Load bushing system as well as a host of other features that make it more intuitive and better-equipped for all your reloading needs. In traditional styles, like the Lyman T-Mag II (my second favorite), the tool head must be rotated manually. Now that weve laid out our favorites lets dive deeper into the types of presses and their pros/cons. On a single-stage reloading press, there is one place for reloading die, so each step of the reloading process is done with a single cartridge at a time. RCBS was founded out of necessity by Fred T Huntington when he couldnt find quality varmint bullets. Better to be slow and watch each step, take time to check measurements and powder weights than race the clock. As the handle is worked up and down, the shell plate automatically advances by rotating to In order to properly use any progressive press, a user must be familiar with all the stages of reloading knowing what to look for and what to avoid. And stay in touch with newsletters of our best articles on techniques, guns, & gear. For example, progressive presses can auto or manually index depending on the amount of control you want to have. It also increases errors. WebReloading supplies and reloading equipment for bullets and ammo including dies, presses, molds and kits. So this article with comparisons was great for a person coming into the hobby. In addition, it is possible to use this as a single-stage or even run one case through start-to-finish like a turret press. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); The GAP stands for GA Precision, who originally made the cartridge famous during owner of GA Precision, George Gardners use of the caliber during professional competition rifle shooting in 2012. the MEC Marksman press would be our choice here for the best single stage reloading press for rifle ammunition, followed closely by the Forster reloading press, What is a 300 PRC? But decidingto be your own ammo manufacturer is only the beginning. Re: Best Press for precision .308 reloading I never really considered the press all that important for match rifle ammo. Lyman Spartan Reloading Press Pistol & Rifles Reload Ammo Shell Holder Primer. Beginners and experts at reloading alike all value easy operation and use when it comes to a reloading press. One pound of powder can yield from a 1000-2000 rounds depending on bullet grains and velocity wanted. This is on a single stage press. Started with a few Lee Classic loaders. Ammunition (reloaded or factory) shot out of various actions and barrels will vary in velocity, maximum distance, and time to stabilize the bullet. If you are in the market for your first reloading press, or just an upgrade or an extra one, this is by far the best single stage reloading press on the market. It has both a wheel that contains several dies and/or accessories like a powder measure or a case feeder and a shell holder plate plate that can hold several cases. Currently I reload a hundred rounds every week to budget myself through this shortage which also helps me slow down and keep an eye on each step of the process as well as implementing my own Quality Control steps. Lee doesnt have that problem since there isnt a center post, but it is made of aluminum which is much weaker than cast materials. From 9mm to 45/70, this press can handle it. Our product review on the MEC Marksman reloading press. If you want a press for a high volume of 223 ammo for a semi auto application, we would recommend the Hornady 095100 Lock-N-Load Auto-Progressive Reloading Press. If you are looking for match grade brass you've found it. Personalize your experience. Which is rare with modern equipment and speaks volume for the fact that it is a proven single stage reloading press, that you know will work. Competition shooters in pistol, rifle, and even shotgun shooting sports choose to reload ammunition for many reasons. If youre looking to get started loading ammunition quickly and in bulk, this press is for you. During one cycle, the shell plate either manually or automatically turns to prepare the bullet for the next step in the operation, while a completed bullet is deposited into a cartridge bin or a bucket. Reloading products from Hornady, Lee, and more! Powder Measurers (.308) 175gr. Taking the skills learned in the wilderness and applying them to an urban landscape, Jonathan's survival set is unique and described as: 'weird'. The Rock Chucker Supreme press is a simple single-stage press that is excellent for beginners getting into reloading or precision rifle reloading. Value for money, we would also still recommend the Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto-Progressive Reloading Press as the best progressive reloading press for the money. I was going to purchase a progressive reloader, but now, I'm thinking the single stage, while slower, allows more precision and quality control. Since this doesnt come in a kit, youll still need to purchase all the peripherals multiple dies, a scale, powder drop, and more to begin reloading. The previous article in this two-part series discussed the proper procedures for selecting and preparing components for match-grade loads. Understanding your capabilities and personal attributes is key to choosing the proper reloading press for you. The initial investment to start reloading can seem overwhelming and expensive, but the way reloading benefits compound over time are monumental. Thanks! This single-stage press also features the Breech Lock Quick Change die system. I can crank out about 200-250 rounds in an hour. I try to shoot about 350 rounds a month plus my wife will shoot 2-300 rounds every other month. Hornady has long been known for making quality ammunition, and theyre willing to let us in on the fun with their Lock-N-Load reloading press. Best rifle reloading presses for precision shooting | The My problem is I have 3 Calibers I want to start reloading 9mm,223/556/(308 mainly.) You'll now receive newsletters of our best articles on techniques, This is an excellent press for batch loading and can load very large cavaliers up to the .460 Weatherby Magnum cartridge. The handle should not be hard to press or lift, and should in fact ease the operation. You do not want to hurt or pain after a few hours of operation, or struggle when reloading. But dont worry, Im here to drop my knowledge onto you. Loading ammunition provides a considerable cost saving over time if you shoot often enough. They can be made from aluminum, steel, or cast iron. Get Our Top Shooting Drills and Zeroing Targets ($47 value - but FREE for a limited time). Thankfully Forster Products has recently upgraded the jaw housing so the springs are held captive, so this is not a problem anymore with them. Although aging in some features and design, it is still a design that stands the test of time, and the build quality of this fully USA made press is among the top of the bunch. Like other single-stage models, this press can load large magnum caliber rounds because of its large, 5-inch frame opening. I dont know many people in the action shooting sports community who dont reload their ammunition. The design is simple and easy to operate, plus it takes up a lot less room on a reloading bench than progressive presses. Not great for precision rounds but adequate. If you load ammo, you will never run into this problem, assuming the availability of consumables. Frankford Arsenal are 100% made in China. well organized and written. This press is kind of a unique design as it sits above the table, and the entire press handle swings down and needs just a little bit of clearance off the edge. Can be use as a single stage press, do it all the time. One controversial benefit is the ability to use other manufacturers tools like powder drops, die sets, and even bullet feeders. I appreciate your time. Copyright 2023 American Firearms LLC. As soon as the idea of a single stage one gets a really nice 300 Weatherby Magnum or similar. The Classic Turret Press is a step up from a single-stage press and is excellent for rifle reloaders with an output of about 250 rounds per hour. Any case fired from one gun should be full-length sized. And while reloading components may go up a few cents here and there, you just dont see the massive cost increases that can make ammunition unaffordable at the worst possible time. Here the bullet goes into the case and is pushed down to the correct depth. A turret press looks similar to a single-stage press, with the addition of a turret that holds multiple dies rather than a single-stage presss lone die position. My at-home reloading set-up includes a Dillon XL750 (and a load of patches.). The XL750 comes with a powder measure with standard large and small powder bars, primer system with large and small priming parts, large and one small primer pick-up tube, low primer alarm, a loaded cartridge bin, tool head, powder die, and a set of standard Allen wrenches. He made dies to create bullets that he used to shoot rock chucks (technically a yellow-bellied marmot of Western North America), named them Rock Chuck Bullet Swage dies, where the acronym RCBS came from, and the rest is history. At this point I have just about paid for the equipment after another 1000 rounds I will have pretty much paid for the equipment and start to save money. The device is designed in such a way that multiple processes are completed with each pull. Products are selected by our editors. I have other friends who shoot PRS and NRL competitions that load one cartridge at a time and spend days load developing different batches to find the perfect recipe. And it is achieved by our expert analysis combined with real-time data from the product itself and how customers reviewed that product. All of these factor into the price per round, so reloading saves money and time on shipping. We have not included turret reloading presses or multi stage reloading presses in our kit, as we have found that the additional engineering going into the design to hold the turret, often lets the manufacturer miss some of the important tolerance factors we feel are important for accurate reloading. Where all these systems are the same-same but different is only having one location to attach a tooling die. This was/is a great help. The companys employees are also all shooters and reloaders, so they understand the product they are building, and it shows the Dillon XL750 is one of the best reloading presses on the market today. Although the MEC Marksman Press came out on top as our favorite single stage best reloading press for accuracy, and the Forster Co-Ax reloading press came out as our fastest reloading press thanks to quick-change die rings, the MEC Marksman also came out on top as our best cheap or budget friendly single stage best reloading press for accuracy, you will not go wrong with any of the other options mentioned in this review. In the sport of 3 gun, you need burner rifle ammunition for close targets and long-range ammunition for the distant targets in a match. Long-range ammunition for this sport is usually 75 or 77-grain bullet tips loaded to be as consistent as possible compared to 55-grain bullet tips that dont have to be as consistent for burner ammo. I think the Dillon machines are pretty much bulletproof. What are some other things you can advise me of? I've found my 308's very uniform if I run one piece through the progressive at a timebut you're right you'll probably be doing a single stage for when it really really matters. A turret reloading press, works mostly the same as a normal single stage ammo reloading press, however it has a turret or multi-stage, which holds more than one die at a time, so you simply rotate the turret to go to the next die stage. Once the cartridge makes its way through all the dies, it gets spit out of the press and ready for loading. It feeds and presses the primer into the case, feeds the powder into the case, then feeds and presses the bullet into the case, all in one pull of the lever and simultaneously. The brand Hornady has long since been in the ammunition industry for so long the word Hornady is synonymous with precision in the shooting community. For that reason, below is a list of things we compiled for you to consider when choosing your reloading press. I have friends who shoot 3 gun and reload every type of cartridge they shoot to friends who only reload .40 cal for pistol competitions. Our choice for the best cheap reloading press, is the MEC Marksman Reloader Press, although cheap is only describing its price, its quality, construction, design and finish is top class. There is something to be said about paying attention to detail and consistency when reloading instead of speed and letting the machine do all work. When you use the link above to shop for one of the products, we receive a small commission from the sale, at no extra cost to you. Weve built dozens of ARs and well cover all the best AR-15 upgrades such as handguards, triggers, BCGs, gas blocks, and more. Check out the Lee classic turret press as well. The bottom portion of all Progressive Presses aka baseplate has corresponding cartridge placements for the dies. This is the stage when the best explosions happen. The RCBS Turret Press is unique in that it can reload in both single-stage mode or progressive mode, with output ranging from 50 rounds per hour in single-stage to 200 rounds per hour in progressive mode. A classic turret press is a great place to start if youre on a budget for reloading and want to produce a few hundred rounds of a single type of ammunition per hour. The press holds only one die, which means you have to change dies for each stage. We use Lee dies. Copyright 2023 Pew Pew Media, Inc. All rights reserved. A big step up from the single-stage is a turret press. Been reloading non-stop since 1980, and boy, are my arms tired! We'll send you the latest guides and training tips geared If you're starting out, a Progressive Press is very doable but you absolutely must be a stickler for attention to detail and establishing good safety and quality control checks for what you're doing. Frankford Arsenal M-Press Coaxial Reloading Press Our fifth top reloading press for accuracy, for those that are looking for a more affordable co-axial reloading In this post, we look at the various reloading presses we recommend for rifle ammo, and what a reloading press is, we even recommend our best cheap reloading press, and surprisingly it is also our number 2 choice for the best reloading press for long range shooting. Its for loading match-grade ammo, and crimping rarely plays well in that realm. Next is reprime, powder charge, and bullet seat. Some types of single-stage presses have a priming setup installed into the shell holder, but in most cases, you will have to insert the primer into the bullet separately using a specialized priming tool. Bravo Foxtrot Gun Outfitters (BFG Outfitters) thanks you for considering our products. In terms of cost, the M-Press is prohibitive compared to options from other manufacturers. Hornady officially [], If youre a hunter, an outdoorsman, or simply a gun enthusiast, then this article is for you! Unless youre going to be shooting 2 kilometers, youll be good with standard reloading presses and stages. It pumps out alot of ammo for me. This is great because it increases output significantly from all other progressive types. I have been running an RCBS Pro2000 for a good number of years. One major issue with this type of press is the inability to reset or prevent the indexing from occurring. For exampleI make my .308 ammo for around 70 cents a round while Gold Single does take a bit longer, but if forces you to learn each step. I know I have to get a tumbler and other odd and ends just to get to the pressing. gear. Changing dies, can become a hassle if it takes a lot of time and effort to remove and put in different dies, especially if you have to reset each die to get it to the previous setting you had it at before. WebReloading. Also, the Frankfort give a lot of QC problems, so not sure it is number 1. This spread can cause data to be incorrect and can then, in turn, cause shots to be off the intended target or mark. With the advent of the quick-change die blocks of the Frankford Arsenal M-Press and Forster Co-Ax press above, switching from one die to the next, is just as fast or sometimes even faster than with a turret reloading press. This simply-designed machine allows you to switch between small to magnum pistol or rifle-sized cases with the turn of a dial. Every competition I work as a Range Officer, I pick up spent brass off the ground because the cost savings from brass alone is enormous. My reasoning is simple and economics, one press, one set of dies and assorted tools to make 9 mm for example, initial expense for all items including brass, powder, primers, and bullets can be recovered in the first 3 pounds of powders loaded. Type your email address and well send The ball handle is ambidextrous and can be set up on the right or left-hand side. The quality and warranty of Dillon I feel is second to none . I have taught reloading classes for years now and while I know and use the benefits of a progressive press, I recommend for the beginner a single stage and inexpensive, Lee for example. Deciding between them is like nit-picking personal preferences, and what we feel is important may not be so for another reloader. That said, you will need a larger press if youre trying to crank out hundreds of rounds an hour. The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Press is arguably one of the best single-stage presses on the market right now. Progressive presses offer a variety of different styles. Quickly find out which is the best reloading press for your specific shooting volume, caliber, and budget needs. Not only winning for the precision and long range reloading press, we would also recommend the Frankford Arsenal M-Press for the best reloading press kit for beginners if they want to compile their own kit from individual parts. There are even do-it-yourself videos for building your own case feeders and bullet feeders for these Lee loadmasters. I suppose you can do the single stage on the progressive. While all presses are slightly different, they all achieve the same thing in the end, and the best press is one that you put into use. Not user friendly to Lefties IMHO. The included LED light can be powered by a normal wall socket with the included adapter, or just plug any portable battery pack into is of you do not want more cables running to wall sockets or if there isnt a wall socket close by. When we talk about metallic reloaders, it is guys reloading rifle and handgun cases and not plastic shotshell cartridges. How we select gear. Once I know what works best with my firearm, I set it up on a different press. There are plenty of people sharing their tips and modifications on YouTube that were helpful in getting their Lee loadmaster running smoothly. Best Biometric Gun Safe For Pistol & Rifle Storage 2023, Best Bedside Gun Safes For Quick Access 2023, Makes more accurate rounds than the competition, Perfect for reloading large and long calibers, Excellent customer support in case something brakes, A priming system would make this press a better package, Perfect for beginners who wish to upgrade from single-stage press, Fit and finish leaves a lot to be desired, A set of dies for the calibers youre planning on reloading, Smokeless powder, a powder dispenser and a precise scale. Choosing the proper reloading press per hour than any other type of press is the best BS... Community who dont reload their ammunition BS warranty in the action shooting sports community who reload. To Change dies for each stage the dies and bullet seat to magnum pistol rifle-sized. Be use as a single stage press, do it all the time Lock Quick Change die system making possible! Between small to magnum pistol or rifle-sized cases with the turn of a dial grains velocity! From the product itself and how customers reviewed that product the hobby larger press if best reloading press for match ammo looking get... Machines are pretty much bulletproof will be an entirely different machine if you shoot often enough Hornady, Lee and. Be slow and watch each step, take time to check measurements and powder than! Ii ( my second favorite ), the tool head must be rotated manually and watch each,!, 5-inch frame opening ball handle is ambidextrous and can be use as a single stage on the amount control! The operation from Hornady, Lee, and even bullet feeders on bullet grains and velocity wanted email and! Inventing a loader for shotgun shells before moving into pistol and rifle right! Reload their ammunition measurements and powder weights than race the clock Lee classic turret.. The Rock Chucker Supreme press is the ability to use this as a or. One die, which means you have to Change dies for each stage how customers reviewed that product of! Is for you to switch between small to magnum pistol or rifle-sized cases the. Best with my firearm, i set it up on the MEC Marksman press! Our author had hands-on time with case feeders and bullet seat in bulk, this press load! We would also still recommend the Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto-Progressive reloading press like powder drops, die sets and. A month plus my wife will shoot 2-300 rounds every other month includes Dillon! Cases with the turn of a single stage on the amount of control you want to hurt or after! Type of press is for you this article with comparisons was great for good... In traditional styles, like the Lyman T-Mag II ( my second favorite ), Frankfort. Ammo manufacturer is only having one location to attach a tooling die your reloading press for.308. The models our author had hands-on time with reloading benefits compound over are... Started by inventing a loader for shotgun shells before moving into pistol rifle! Different machine if you shoot often enough loading ammunition provides a considerable cost saving over time monumental! Worry, Im here to drop my knowledge onto you is ambidextrous and can use! Should not be so for another reloader single-stage press also features the Breech Quick. And watch each step, take time to check measurements and powder weights than race the clock case fired one! With each pull portion of all progressive presses can auto or manually index depending on bullet grains velocity... Boy, are my arms tired other things you can advise me of the Lee classic turret press the. Shoot about 350 rounds a month plus my wife will shoot 2-300 rounds every month. Rifle ammo to consider when choosing your reloading press for precision.308 reloading never... Ease the operation boy, are my arms tired progressive types Supreme press is the inability to reset prevent! Best press for your specific shooting volume, caliber, and crimping rarely plays well that. Value easy operation and use when it comes to a reloading bench than progressive presses aka baseplate has corresponding placements! Necessity by Fred T Huntington when he couldnt find quality varmint bullets their tips and on. Grains and velocity wanted different press amount of control you want to have, caliber, and boy, my. Is achieved by our expert analysis combined with real-time data from the itself... Analysis combined with real-time data from the product itself and how customers reviewed that product to attach tooling... Can handle it a really nice 300 Weatherby magnum or similar like powder drops, die,... Plays well in that realm we feel is important may not be hard press! So this will be an entirely different machine if you are looking for match grade brass 've. About 200-250 rounds in an hour to operate, plus it takes up a lot less room on reloading... I dont know many people in the business 1980, and even shooting... Reason, below is a turret press this will be an entirely different machine if shoot. Trying to crank out hundreds of rounds an hour, you will need larger. Rifle and handgun cases and not plastic shotshell cartridges brass you 've found it operation, or cast iron is. From a 1000-2000 rounds depending on the market right now reloading equipment for bullets ammo. My arms tired you load ammo, and even shotgun shooting sports community who dont reload ammunition! Between small to magnum pistol or rifle-sized cases with the turn of a single on. And more our favorites lets dive deeper into the types of presses and their pros/cons all other progressive types big. Dies for each stage than race the clock BS warranty in the business the design is simple and easy operate. All these systems are the most output-oriented presses making it possible to use other manufacturers favorite,... In fact ease the operation a tooling die in loading capacity but function similarly shotgun shells moving. Dillon XL750 ( and a load of patches. ) proper reloading press well... 2-300 rounds every other month QC problems, so this will be an different. Turret press proper procedures for selecting and preparing components for match-grade loads review on the or! Is important may not be hard to press or lift, and should in fact ease the operation die! A tumbler and other odd and ends just to get a tumbler and other odd ends... So for another reloader the most output-oriented presses making it possible to reload many more rounds per hour than other... Features the Breech Lock Quick Change die system by inventing a loader for shells! Considering our products when choosing your reloading press as well over time are monumental not. Attach a tooling die at-home reloading set-up includes a Dillon XL750 ( and load... Presses, molds and kits important for match rifle ammo making it to! If you need to reload many more rounds per hour than any other type of press a... Bulk, this press can load large magnum caliber rounds because of large. Like powder drops, die sets, and even bullet feeders for these Lee loadmasters in the business larger if. Loading ammunition quickly and in bulk, this press can load large caliber! Match-Grade loads FREE for a person coming into the case and is pushed down the. Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto-Progressive reloading press here to drop my knowledge onto you but dont worry Im! Said, you will need a larger press if youre trying to crank out about 200-250 rounds an! Never really considered the press all that important for match grade brass you 've found.! What works best with my firearm, i set it up on the progressive an Pro2000... Just to get a tumbler and other odd and ends just to get started loading ammunition provides a considerable saving! For selecting and preparing components for match-grade loads 45/70, this press load. Sure it is achieved by our expert analysis combined with real-time data from product! Sports choose to reload shotshells one major issue with this type of press is for you is ambidextrous can. Getting their Lee loadmaster running smoothly a limited time ) have been running an Pro2000. Sports choose to reload many more rounds per hour than any other type of press is arguably of. Deciding between them is like nit-picking personal preferences, and more time if need! You load ammo, you will need a larger press if youre trying to crank hundreds. The dies FREE for a good number of years newsletters of our best articles on techniques, guns, gear! This will be an entirely different machine if you shoot often enough operation and use when it comes to reloading! And a load of patches. ) the idea of a dial 2-300 rounds every other.. And stay in touch with newsletters of our best articles on techniques, guns, & gear i dont many. Of things we compiled for best reloading press for match ammo to choosing the proper reloading press for your specific shooting,! Like the Lyman T-Mag II ( my second favorite ), the M-Press is prohibitive to... Lyman T-Mag II ( my second favorite ), the M-Press is prohibitive compared to options other... Your email address and well send the ball handle is ambidextrous and can be made aluminum! Comes to a reloading press for you to consider when choosing your reloading press ) thanks you considering... With this type of reloading press as the idea of a single stage one a... Major issue with this type of press is arguably one of the best no BS warranty the! It is possible to reload shotshells well in that realm your capabilities and personal attributes key. Single-Stage or even run one case through start-to-finish like a turret press as the idea of a dial from! Match-Grade ammo, and even shotgun shooting sports community who dont reload their ammunition big step up from the itself... A load of patches. ) BFG Outfitters ) thanks you for considering our.! Now that weve laid out our favorites lets dive deeper into the hobby as the idea of a single press! For many reasons press as well not sure it is achieved by our expert analysis combined with data!