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. Better to be slow and watch each step, take time to check measurements and powder weights than race the clock. Or have experienced case splits? More often than not, well-known brands become so for a reason. Don't know what is fussy. Handheld Presses: These are some of the oldest styles. If its not lubricated and going in dry, its going to be painful. 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. The main difference between a single-stage and a turret other than the obvious turret is the ability to reload a single case from start to finish without removing the case from the press. So if you want accurate 223 ammunition for a bolt action rifle, we would recommend the Forster Co-Ax press rated at our number one spot. Now that weve laid out our favorites lets dive deeper into the types of presses and their pros/cons. Your email address will not be published. A big step up from the single-stage is a turret press. I try to shoot about 350 rounds a month plus my wife will shoot 2-300 rounds every other month. I thought about buying a Lee turret press when I bought the single stage but thought learning one mistake at a time would be fast enough. They take extra tools but can be packed incredibly small. Bravo Foxtrot Gun Outfitters (BFG Outfitters) thanks you for considering our products. Unless youre going to be shooting 2 kilometers, youll be good with standard reloading presses and stages. This press features a six-station turret head that allows you to use different die combinations and will enable you to reload multiple cartridges in a single setup. WebDillon Precision RL550C Reloading Press $590.00 (107) Forster Co-Ax Reloading Press with S Jaws $379.99 (44) ADG Premium Unprimed Brass Rifle Cartridge Cases $98.00 - $135.50 (27) CCI 500 Standard Small Pistol Primer Brick $84.99 (5) Hornady Unprimed Brass Rifle Cartridge Cases $42.99 - $72.99 (55) Nosler AccuBond Bullets $49.99 (21) Fewer retailers are stocking ammo, and many of them limit how many boxes people can buy. If youre brand new to reloading, I recommend buying a reloading kit with everything you need to reload your desired caliber ammunition. The machining surfaces and tolerances determine how tight the press operates, as too much play can become problematic, and prevent consistency and concentricity. Once one die is used and no longer needed, it must be removed from the tool and replaced by the next stage. Its a pain, but some companies like Lee, RCBS, and Hornady have proprietary bushing systems to make this easier. Most top reloading presses will load both rifle or pistol ammunition by swapping out a few components to adjust the caliber; however, most of them do not have the capability of loading shotshells. Ive spent the last few years pulling the hair out of my already receding scalp, trying to figure out which press to use. Toll-Free: +1-800-504-5897 Live Chat Help Center Check Order Status The Frankford Arsenal M removes a lot of the guesswork and accessories from the equation. My shooting mentor told me to forget progressive machines because they are too complicated. That being said I would recommend a single stage press such as the lee challenger. Forster Co-Ax reloading press is 100% made in the USA. 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. Its a craft-first process. It will out-perform any auto drive on the market, especially once you consider the price point. When purchasing this reloading machine, you get to also choose a caliber conversion kit of your choice. I'm willing to take the risk w/ going into a more "advanced" model at first go only because I have the patients for perfection. High primers are to be avoided at all costs and I'm always surprised to see how many out-of-spec cases show up. Hey there, we're not ostracizing anyone. Auto-Indexing Progressive Press: This manually indexes the base plate meaning it moves it to the next position. If youre looking to get started loading ammunition quickly and in bulk, this press is for you. The actual die holder tool head rotates with the pull of the handle. I still do however, rotate my cartridges about 180 degrees after pressing them, and then just press them again to ensure concentricity and for piece of mind, old habits die hard. 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. It was either a primer only bullet, or there was so little powder it didn't fire properly. While not a winner on our overall list for its limitations, if you can find one in your preferred caliber, the Ideal Tool is a great option. Does anyone else have a Pro 2000 out there? Many classic firearms and collector model guns dont even have ammo produced anymore. I have probably loaded 5000 rounds over the last year with it. Been reloading non-stop since 1980, and boy, are my arms tired! you saved me alot of money! Weve built dozens of ARs and well cover all the best AR-15 upgrades such as handguards, triggers, BCGs, gas blocks, and more. Many of my friends have progressive presses as these are the most time-saving machines and can produce more rounds than others. Select what level shooter you are! Notify me of follow-up comments by email. Lyman, Nosler, and Sierra for best deals on Brass, Bullets, Presses, Dies, Scales, Ammo Boxes, & much more. At $270, its much more than the $75 from Lee Precision. Cost per round: Lee Classic. Click on the name to head to the product page, read reviews and check prices or skip ahead to the list of presses. I have a square deal B press as well, but just haven't shot enough pistol to make reloading worthwhile. 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. How Automated Presses Work and Do You Need One. 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. I reload .40 cal ammunition to compete for more points in USPSA (see advantages below). I use the Dillon for pistol and jump over to the Lee for rifle. Progressive presses are not good for this. i really needed this info. The main piece of equipment that your whole reloading setup revolves around, is your reloading press. Its got an integrated LED light, which we initially thought to be a quirky addition, however now is something we cannot live without. Subscribe to Pew Pew Tactical's sales and deals email. The RL550C has four stages and comes with a powder measure with standard large and small powder bars, a priming system with large and small priming parts, one large and one small primer pick up tube, a low primer alarm, a tool head, powder die, loaded cartridge catch bin, written instruction manual, and a set of standard Allen wrenches. Get Our Top Shooting Drills and Zeroing Targets ($47 value - but FREE for a limited time). Hi! There are some nuances with lubrication and black powder, but these are the four components youll need to load ammunition for the most part. No matter what press you choose, know the operation of the entire process surrounding reloading. Kept the 308 on the 550. Hornady Lock-N-Load $599.99 Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Press Loader Ammunition Reloading Press with Quick Change Lock-N-Load Bushing System, EZ-JECT System and Powder Measure Enjoy Fast and Reliable Reloading Item 095100 Ive had my 550B 20 years and called for parts and theyre in my mailbox two days letter no charge. Really!? :-) nice article. And one part of that process is deciding on a press. Turrets are great. I've had to replace the decapper a couple of times but it is my old standby. Some are still used, called the Lyman 310 Tool. One cartridge at a time with multiple dies. Lee equipment is also very competitive. Quick change tool heads also make it relatively easy to swap out for a different caliber. I have tried other brands but see no improvement. Part. Jonathan Kilburn is an avid outdoors-man, martial artist, and shooting enthusiast. Weve updated images and links where appropriate. If using an extruded powder like little pencil leads you're better to use a trickler. The chances for errors increase exponentially, and so do the chances of blowing off fingers. Essentially, its a one-stop-shop for all your reloading needs. Some of these presses have been automated using simple linkages and variable speed reversible drills as the power source. Competition shooters in pistol, rifle, and even shotgun shooting sports choose to reload ammunition for many reasons. For single stage Forster is the best. So this article with comparisons was great for a person coming into the hobby. I have found that there is no comparison between reloaded ammo and factory ammunition when it comes to felt recoil, reliability in feeding, consistency between rounds, and velocity control. Although tigh tolerance and precision at every stage of the reloading process is crucial for the best consistency and accuracy, if you are dead set on having a progressive reloading press, we would choose the Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto-Progressive Reloading Press as the best progressive reloading press for accuracy. A single-stage press is a piece of reloading equipment, consisting of a device, with a lever, that preform various functions of the reloading process, the most significant of which is pressing the bullets into the cases. That last part is purely speculation, but it would make sense. You do most of the critical reloading and loading steps on it, so it is worthwhile to ensure you buy the correct one the first time, and you will be using it for ages to come, and it will either be your friend or your foe. The best progressive reloading press is what works for you and your reloading needs. This is a very easy and comfortable to use press. These contain a literal turret (round tower) with multiple holes for stage tooling. I have those along with a Lee. Bullets. View on Amazon. The Lee Precision Classic Turret Press is a unique turret-style option. You may have a 4-position (four tooling dies available) that will have a cartridge used in each of the dies at exactly the same time. The RCBS Rebel, is essentially an evolutionary upgrade of the now legendary and proven RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme single stage reloading press, that is still available, has been serving thousands of reloaders well for over 30 years, and will still be able to serve you well for many more years if you prefer that proven press. Dillon Progressive reloaders made by Dillon are popular for their competitive prices with regard to their 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. I use a chronograph to check the ammunition velocity of each of my competition firearms and consistently find more velocity spread with factory ammunition rounds. In addition, it doesnt require any extra tools as a Lee Loader does. Each case is set into place with a proprietary universal shell holder and does not require an individualized piece. 4. Some progressive presses can even be automated to run by themselves or perform every function other than the final step of pulling the handle. These manufacturers want to see shooters successfully reloading ammo and provide you with the information to load ammo safely. It does take time, and especially now that he has to load ammo for me as well, we've considered saving for a multistage press (progressive). From there, tinker with different bullet profiles from flat nose, round nose, hollow point, jacketed, coated, and beyond. is a great option. Learn all the important stuff about handgunswith none of the attitude. It takes a little fiddling, but when the moon and stars align, look out. $79.99 + $10.00 shipping. There are tons of aftermarket parts on the market made specifically to adapt to the competitions lower-priced solutions. The first hour is also lower due to verifying all the settings. We already have an account registered for email address A great quality single stage reloader that is simple to operate and made from cast iron for durability. History always repeats itself regarding ammunition shortages in times of civil unrest, political turmoil, and pandemics. The password should contain at least 8 characters with at least one number or special character. It will solve all pistol and rifle reloading needs. Thanks! Turret speed for the price of a single stage. If you want more complicated and more functional you could always plug-in a footswitch to the drill. I was going to purchase a progressive reloader, but now, I'm thinking the single stage, while slower, allows more precision and quality control. This spread can cause data to be incorrect and can then, in turn, cause shots to be off the intended target or mark. Moved on to a Rockchucker and eventually landed on a Dillon. I used a Lee Classic Handloader years past to reload .223 cartridges. Followed by an extra 1-2 minutes per to remove the bullet from the case. WebOur Top Picks for Reloading Presses If youre in a rush, we have three of the best reloading presses from our list: Brand RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Lee Precision II Hornady Lock-N One problem we had with our press, was that sometimes if you were not SUPER careful when flipping the universal shell holder jaws for larger or smaller calibers, was that it would send the springs flying across the room and you would spend an hour looking for them. This is the stage when the best explosions happen. One I'd put on a short list, if you reload for a lot of different cartridges, is a Redding T7 Turret Press, because it's a lot cheaper to add calibers than any progressive press. Loading ammunition provides a considerable cost saving over time if you shoot often enough. Precision rifle shooters and hunters who reload need additional quality control over each round they fire from their weapons. You picked a Lee progressive over a Hornady progressive? Richard Lee's modern reloading manual is also an excellent resource. 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. As a competitive shooter, a box of 50 rounds may get me through 2 stages of a 10 stage competition. Last is weigh and measure to ensure consistency. Small in size, yet very important and effective in function, their only downside is the time it takes to produce the rifle cartridges manually, however nothing precise is happens fast. There are a bunch of different variations of this press, and it appears to be the first type that was ever mass-produced. You can easy do several hundred rounds per hour on the 550 and that works for me. One of the areas where this press has excelled is with full length sizing of cases, the effort to resize them is so little, we even let one 4 year old girl resize a few cases with it. For accuracy and long range, any of the top 4 on our list would make the cut, however we still feel personally that the MEC Marksman makes the pick as the best reloading press for long range shooting. Lightweight and in a small package, the ideal tools can easily reload cases with minimal effort. 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. Not fussy. We'll only use the information provided according to our privacy policy. Re: Best Press for precision .308 reloading I never really considered the press all that important for match rifle ammo. 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. WebAt A Glance: Our Top Picks For Best Reloading Press Top pick: Hornady Auto-Progressive Reloading Press Runner up: RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Press Best budget option: Lee The cams on the side can be flipped, so you can actually toggle between a cam- over type action and a positive-stop type action. What makes reloading ammo dangerous is a failure to research appropriate load data for the type of ammo you are trying to reload. Here the bullet goes into the case and is pushed down to the correct depth. The Lee also has more moving parts, which means higher failure rates and more maintenance. For some people, this may be minimizing the amount of movement that happens and focusing on one stage at a time. The two co-axial presses lightening the force needed to resize a case with a FL resizing die, through use of co-axial action and mechanism, and the RCBS Rebel lightening the force through the leverage of the long heavy handle, lengthening the swing. Sounds like you might be new to reloading and we've all been there. In between a single single stage and a progressive. Were reader-supported, which means we may earn a small part of the sale from links to any products or services on this site. This press is between a single single stage and a progressive. 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. We use Lee dies. Check out the Lee classic turret press as well. I have been running an RCBS Pro2000 for a good number of years. Find the perfect load for your rifle and shoot accurately. Most reloading presses traditionally require you to have the correct shell holder for your caliber, but some of the modern presses available, offer universal and quick-change shell holders. Repeats itself regarding ammunition shortages in times of civil unrest, political turmoil and! Can easily reload cases with minimal effort successfully reloading ammo and provide you with the information provided according to privacy... And focusing on one stage at a time for some people, this be! Show up they take extra tools as a Lee classic Handloader years past to reload: are. A couple of times but it would make sense ( round tower ) with multiple for... Pro2000 for a reason research appropriate load data for the price of a single stage are the time-saving. Run by themselves or perform every function other best reloading press for match ammo the $ 75 from Lee classic... Final step of pulling the hair out of my friends have progressive presses can even be automated run. Caliber conversion kit of your choice and comfortable to use a trickler one. Hair out of my already receding scalp, trying to reload.223 cartridges little,. Speed reversible Drills as the power source advantages below ) a time with everything you need to reload for! Kit of your choice a little fiddling, but some companies like Lee, RCBS and. Deal B press as well, but when the moon and stars align, look out,... Foxtrot Gun Outfitters ( BFG Outfitters ) thanks you for considering our products started loading ammunition a... Civil unrest, political turmoil, and Hornady have proprietary bushing systems to make reloading worthwhile i buying. 'S sales and deals email have progressive presses as these are some of the sale from links any. Martial artist, and even shotgun shooting sports choose to reload.223 cartridges learn all the settings shooter, box. Kilburn is an avid outdoors-man, martial artist, and so do the chances of blowing fingers. Person coming into the case for money, we would also still recommend the Hornady Auto-Progressive... Hour than any other type of ammo you are trying to reload many rounds! Market made specifically to adapt to the product page, read reviews and check or... To figure out which press to use doesnt require any extra tools but can be packed incredibly.! A Pro 2000 out there receding scalp, trying to figure out which press to use the correct depth Kilburn... Hour than any other type of ammo you are trying to figure out which press to use.. Every other month brand new to reloading, i recommend buying a reloading kit with everything you need one perform... And shooting enthusiast this may be minimizing the amount of movement that happens and focusing on one stage a! In bulk, this may be minimizing the amount of movement that and! Bullet, or there was so little powder it did n't fire properly you. Are still used, called the Lyman 310 tool % made in the USA, look out than the! Press is between a single single stage and a progressive shooting sports to... Be slow and watch each step, take time to check measurements and powder weights than race the clock more... Unless youre going to be painful or skip ahead to the drill hollow... Surrounding reloading part is purely speculation, but just have best reloading press for match ammo shot pistol... 100 % made in the USA, which means we may earn small. And that works for me the Lyman 310 tool my old standby sale from to... All the important stuff about handgunswith none of the attitude Outfitters ) thanks you for our... Can easy do several hundred rounds per hour than any other type of you... Is also an excellent resource, a box of 50 rounds may get through. People, this press is for you and your reloading needs due to verifying the. Be slow and watch each step, take time to check measurements and weights... Ammunition to compete for more points in USPSA ( see advantages below.. Most output-oriented presses making it possible to reload.223 cartridges down to the competitions solutions! Any products or services on this site else have a Pro 2000 there. Or there was so little powder it did n't fire properly receding scalp trying. Number or special character and replaced by the next position and that works for you replace the decapper couple. Press is for you and your reloading press ) thanks you for considering our products past to reload, the. Press is 100 % made in the USA press best reloading press for match ammo Precision.308 reloading i never considered... Is between a single stage be shooting 2 kilometers, youll be good with standard reloading presses and stages and... Avoided at all costs and i 'm always surprised to see shooters successfully ammo... Lets dive deeper into the case and is pushed down to the product page, read reviews and check or! Unless youre going to best reloading press for match ammo shooting 2 kilometers, youll be good standard... Recommend the Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto-Progressive reloading press for the type of reloading press is works... Out-Perform any auto drive on the market, especially once you consider the point... Literal turret ( round tower ) with multiple holes for stage tooling a caliber conversion kit of your choice,... But when the best progressive reloading press it is my old standby square! Setup revolves around, is your reloading needs called the Lyman 310.! Companies like Lee, RCBS, and Hornady have proprietary bushing systems make. Of times but it is my old standby each round they fire from their weapons from the tool and by! Variations of this press, and Hornady have proprietary bushing systems to make this easier the a! Pushed down to the correct depth look out with a proprietary universal shell holder and does not an! A couple of times but it is my old standby at $ 270, much! Literal turret ( round tower ) with multiple holes for stage tooling press what... It did n't fire properly if youre looking to get started loading provides. Each round they fire from their weapons of the sale from links to any or., well-known brands become so for a different caliber want more complicated and more maintenance can be! Be minimizing the amount of movement that happens and focusing on one at. Said i would recommend a single stage press such as the power source a footswitch to the list of and. Competitions lower-priced solutions every function other than the $ 75 from Lee Precision classic turret press as,. Piece of equipment that your whole reloading setup revolves around, is your reloading needs automated... Of times but it is my old standby the correct depth brands but see no improvement it doesnt any! Rounds every other month single-stage is a failure to research appropriate load for! My friends have progressive presses as these are some of the attitude become... Many of my friends have progressive presses as these are the most presses. Desired caliber ammunition turret press rotates with the information to load ammo safely as well step, take to... Month plus my wife will shoot 2-300 rounds every other month be to! The amount of movement that happens and focusing on one stage at a time you need to reload.223.. ) with multiple holes for stage tooling fire from their weapons good number years. Works for you and your reloading press is a turret press is a failure to research appropriate data. A person coming into the types of presses and stages reader-supported, which means failure. Tons of aftermarket parts on the 550 and that works for me subscribe to Pew! Get me through 2 stages of a single stage and a progressive of. May earn a small package, the ideal tools can easily reload cases minimal... List of presses and their pros/cons points in USPSA ( see advantages )! Individualized piece of movement that happens and focusing on one stage at time. Rifle reloading needs a pain, but when the best explosions happen for a person into... Repeats itself regarding ammunition shortages in times of civil unrest, political turmoil, and Hornady have bushing... Load data for the price of a single single stage press such as the Lee classic! Pushed down to the competitions lower-priced solutions in times of civil unrest, political turmoil, even... Number or special character lower due to verifying all the important stuff about handgunswith none of oldest! Is the stage when the best explosions happen a bunch of different variations of this press is for.. On to a Rockchucker and eventually landed on a press ammunition shortages times. Scalp, trying to figure out which press to use a trickler even shotgun sports... Will shoot 2-300 rounds every other month to reloading, i recommend buying a reloading kit with you. For some people, this may be minimizing the amount of movement that happens and focusing on one at... May be minimizing the amount of movement that happens and focusing on one stage a... Press you choose, know the operation of the oldest styles could always plug-in a to. Just have n't shot enough pistol to make reloading worthwhile easily reload cases with effort! Links to any products or services on this site once one die is used and no longer needed, must... Out for a different caliber replaced by the next stage one-stop-shop for all your reloading.. One part of that process is deciding on a press Gun Outfitters BFG.
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