Best Reloading Presses of 2023
Many people all across the United States are using reloading presses for ammunition. We are mostly talking about hunters and sport shooters who would like to lower their costs looking long term, but who are also hoping to increase reliability and overall accuracy.
There are many presses currently on the market, but we made a list of the best ones for you.
What Is The Best Ammo Reloading Presses
1. Rcbs Rock Chucker Supreme Press
Specification
- Super durable
- A bit heavy
- Both hands oriented
- Possibility for upgrade
- High-quality made
The one that deserves to be mentioned first is this RCBS Rock Chucker supreme press that’s pretty much considered to be classic in the ammo press industry. It has a simple but durable and sturdy design, so you can rely on it for sure.
It belongs to the most expensive ones, but it is created in a way that’s suitable for beginners. Thanks to the fact that it’s very easy to operate and set up, it is the perfect choice to start with if you are considering investing in this sort of thing.
This press has an “O “shape, which is quite more durable than the one with a “C “silhouette. Even though most reloading presses weigh around 16 pounds, this one is a bit heavier, so it can be a bit of a challenge to install it or move it.
Because of that, you should consider finding it a permanent place, and avoid relocating it.
It’s high-quality made, so it will probably last for decades, and the ergonomic lever can be oriented for both right or left-handed users. Since we are talking about a single-stage press, you won’t be able to load more cartridges at the time.
But there is an option to upgrade it to become progressive machinery with a Piggyback-4 kit.
2. Lee Precision Shotshell
Specification
- Durable
- Excellent crimps
- Affordable
- Reloads multiple calibers
- Easy to operate
If you are looking for the best reloading press, here is another suggestion. It’s one of the favorites when it comes to shotgun shells, and even though it is mostly used by beginners, it is advanced enough for those who know what they are doing while reloading their ammunition.
This reloading press is created for people who spend a couple of hundreds of rounds per week, and it’s quite durable. It is designed in a way that allows it to reload multiple calibers, it has aluminum and plastic parts, and those who own it say it is built to last for years.
It works with 12, 16, and 20 gauges, and you can definitely say that it’s efficient since it can churn out five boxes of shells every hour. The press is straightforward to install, it doesn’t require much time to figure everything out, and it runs smoothly.
This product is designed to use the sliding system for the powder, and it will throw charges very consistently. It doesn’t need to be mounted.
The primer punch and seater are quite compatible, so they work well together, and thanks to the handle, you will be able to use it very comfortably.
3. Lee Precision 900649-ssi
Specification
- Award-winning press
- Durable and sturdy
- High-quality made
- Median output
- Affordable
Those who want to start reloading their ammunition will definitely need the best reloading equipment. And if you decide on purchasing this Lee Precision press, you won’t be sorry. It’s a super durable and sturdy item that’s known for its versatility, and it’s the most common beginner’s choice.
The press is very easy to set up and use, and it comes with a user manual that’s very thorough and detailed, so you will be able to follow the steps and learn how to operate it on the way.
When it comes to its construction, it has four holes, which means that you can use two pairs of different dies at once.
We can say it has a median output since it can load more than 250 rounds per hour. Given that its price is somewhere in the middle of the price range, it is quite commonly used.
It’s made from the highest quality materials, but the experience showed that its primer arm could get stuck after a couple of months of use.
In the end, this is an award-winning reloading press. Thanks to the easy change turret plate, it can switch between calibers without any complications. The press contains a large clearance area, so it can work on quite large rifle cases.
4. Lee Precision Breech Lock
Specification
- turdy and durable
- Perfect powder measure tool
- Fast reloading
- Primer catcher included
- Automatic primer feed
Here is another reloading press created by Lee Precision. It is a single-stage press, which means it can load only one cartridge at the time, but it comes with several features that can speed up the whole process by using the breech lock quick change tool.
Thanks to that, you can change and adjust the die in a short period of time, by simply twisting it. The “O “design makes it very sturdy and durable, and it will help you save some space in your garage.
The press comes with a primer catcher, so you will dispose of those used primers through a hose. That’s pretty much an impressive thing since it will make the loading process much faster.
Another benefit of using this particular reloading press lies in the fact that it has a perfect powder measure tool, which will make sure your every cartridge has the ideal amount of powder.
Also, the feeder is automated, so it will fill the pocket with a primer automatically, every time when you lower the handle. However, there is one shortcoming of this product – the power measure tool can be inconsistent sometimes.
5. Lyman 6707819-ssi T-mag
Specification
- Rustproof iron frame
- Durable
- Lightweight and portable
- For pistol and rifle cartridges
- Easy to use
If you go through reloading press reviews, you will see this one is considered to be one of the best among turret presses. It is a very sturdy, compact, and super durable reloading machinery that can improve productivity for a marginal cost.
This item has an iron frame construction and a rustproof finish, which implies it will have a long lifespan, and that it will most likely be inherited through generations.
It is easy to set up and use, and it has a six-station turret head that will provide you with an easy switch between dies.
Even though it looks heavy, it’s actually a lightweight press you can move around, and if you like, you can install it pretty much anywhere, even at your kitchen table. It comes with a primer catcher and a priming arm.
This product works with all standard size dies, and you can reload ammunition cartridges for both pistols and guns.
Some of its shortcomings are the fact priming is manual, and that dies are not included. It’s a good choice for those who are intermediate reloaders and want to own a press that’s easy to maintain.
6. Rcbs Summit Single Stage
Specification
- Very durable
- Open front design
- Suitable for loading tall cases
- Moving handle
- High-quality made
RCBS Summit is a single-stage reloading press intended for hunting ammunition. It is very durable, made of the highest quality materials, with innovative moving cartridge design. It’s actually an upside-down reloading press that comes down to the case with great precision.
This item is very sturdy, smooth, and easy to operate. The most important thing is that it produces very straight ammunition that will show excellent results when used on the target.
It comes with two mounting bolts that will hold it firmly installed, so it doesn’t need a rear anchor.
It’s lightweight and suitable for fieldwork since you can move it easily and bring it wherever you need it. The iron frame makes it strong, and its handle can be switched from one to another side, so both left hand and right-hand users can operate with it.
Thanks to the open front design, you will have good access to the press and quick die changes, and a 4.5-inch opening makes it possible to work with tall cases.
Under the shell-holder, you will find a spent primer catcher, which is a convenient addition. The product is made in the USA.
7. Lee Precision 90945-ssi Load Master
Specification
- High-quality made
- Lightweight and portable
- Affordable price
- Very durable
- Easy to operate
Load Master designed by Lee Precision is one of the best progressive ammo reloading presses you can find.
Even though it has quite an affordable price, it’s not made in a low-quality manner, on the contrary. It has great construction, built up from sturdy and durable materials, and it has an excellent production rate.
The manufacturer claims that after some practice, you could start producing around 400 rounds in only one hour. You can use five progressive stations, which means you can perform up to five functions at the same time.
The removable turret head allows you to shift from one caliber to another easily, and the powder measure system is designed to maintain the clean workspace and very little waste.
If you decide to go with this press, you won’t be constrained since it is compatible with a wide range of die sizes.
The lightweight frame will make it possible to change the location of the press and bring it to the field, if necessary, but you should know that it can happen it has issues with seating primers or with powder measure.
8. Rcbs Partner O-frame Design
Specification
- Small-sized
- Durable and sturdy
- Affordable price
- Easy to use
- Primary arm included
In case you need a small and compact, but serious reloading press, this is the perfect one for you. But even though it’s small-sized, it works better than some bigger pieces of equipment since you will have a great amount of control over the reloading process.
The press is made from cast aluminum, while the handle is steel based and easy to grip. It can be moved from one side to another, so both left and right-handed operators can use it.
Given that it’s quite lightweight, this press is portable and suitable for hunting rounds.
The RCBS Partner Press has a primer spent tray that can be attached to its body, and a primer arm that will help you place a new prime on the bullet. It’s easy to set up and operate, so even beginners can use it.
This press doesn’t cost much, it will reload your ammo with great precision, and it accepts standard-sized dies. It’s really practical since you can simply put it in a bag and install it into a bench or some other firm surface.
9. Hornady L-N-L Classic Reloading Press
Specification
- Fastest single stage press
- Durable and sturdy
- High-quality made
- Easy-grip handle
- For beginners and professionals
This is another single stage reloading press that’s worth your money, given that it’s really high-quality made, durable, sturdy, and precise. Its ram and die openings are CNC machined for precise alignment, which means cases will line up with dies properly, every single time.
The reloading ammunition process will be quick and easy with this press, and it’s suitable for both beginners and experienced professionals.
The lock-n-load system will make the whole process simple since you can change dies with just a simple twist instead of screwing them.
Because of that patent, this is probably the fastest single stage press on the market at this moment. There’s an easy-grip handle that reduces fatigue, and the frame of the press is super strong, made in an old-school way, so you will have greater visibility and perfect access to it.
It comes with three lock-n-load die bushings and primer catcher, but dies and shell holders are not included in the package.
Primer arm comes with two sizes of interchangeable cups you can remove if you don’t need them.
10. Rcbs Turret Press
Specification
- Iron frame
- Six-station turret head
- Shifting ball handle
- Durable
- Easy to use
In the end, we present you with RCBS Turret Press that’s made of a rugged cast iron frame with a six-station turret head that allows you to make many different combinations when it comes to powder measure and mounting sequence of dies.
You will have the option of reloading two or more calibres at the same time. Thanks to the fact this turret head is attached to the rest of the frame by one bolt, you will be in a position to quickly and easily do the changeovers.
The press has the possibility to shift the ball handle from one side to another, so both right and left-handed people can use it. It can be operated in progressive as well as single-stage mode, and the output can go up to 200 rounds per hour.
Everyone who used this press said they have complete control over the reloading process, and that’s very reliable and easy to use.
The safety tube is included in the package, but every other part is sold separately. There’s also a primer catcher you can place down on the floor in order to keep spent primers in one place.
Types of Reloading Presses
Progressive Reloading Press
If you are looking for a reloading press you can use for semi-automatic ammunition, progressive one is most certainly the best choice. It’s very complex in structure, and probably more expensive than the rest of them, but its output is impressive, and the whole reloading process is very fast.
It is designed in a specific way that allows it to create a new reloaded round for each cycle of the lever by using a shell plate that can hold more than one case at the same time. With this type of press, several processes will happen simultaneously, and the finished round will end up in a bin, ready to be collected.
This is the best option for pistols and semi-automatic rifle shooters like AR-15s or AK-47s, but you should know that it is not suitable for beginners, and caliber changeovers will need additional time.
Single Stage Press
The most basic and simple kind of reloading press is the single-stage one. It’s perfect for those who have no experience with this process, but who are willing to learn and practice. It has a very simple, sturdy design that allows the operator to have good access and reasonable control over the reloading venture.
It has the capacity to hold only one die at the time, and it has a very rigid frame. Every single stage press has screwed die at the top of the press, and most of them come with a shell holder that’s usually attached to the ram that will hold the cartridge case.
These types of presses are the most affordable ones, and even though they can be used for reloading beginners, they will also be adequate machinery for experienced reloaders. However, this will not be a good solution for you if you want to reload ammunition in bulk.
Turret Press
The third type of reloading presses is called turret, and it’s quite similar to the single-stage one regarding the design, quality, and productivity. Just like with the single-stage, only one die acts per cartridge.
The main difference between these two is the fact that the turret press can hold multiple dies at once. That statement leads us to conclude that we can switch from one die to another manually and very quickly, which means we will be able to reload more ammunition at the same time.
But also, when it comes to this comparison, turret presses are more flexible, which is a great thing, and less precise than a single-stage, which can be a problem sometimes. They are also quite faster when reloading.
How to Choose the Best Reloading Press
There are different types of reloading presses on the market, some are ideal for beginners, some for experienced professionals, and if you are thinking about buying one, you should consider a couple of things.
First, you need to know what caliber you want to reload and then how many rounds you wish to load per hour. Also, there is the question of the quality and price of the press.
Volume of Production
You need to think carefully how much ammunition you want to produce with your press, but it’s also important to be aware of the level of your experience. The progressive presses are most productive, but if you are a beginner, you will not know how to handle and operate it.
The best option for average shooters is the turret press because they can load between 100 and 500 rounds per hour. And that’s quite enough if you shoot once or twice a week.
Gun Types
The ammunition for a handgun and a rifle is not the same by any meaning, so the gun-type is definitely another thing you should bear in mind when buying a reloading press.
For example, the handguns use small cartridges, so you shouldn’t look for a press that has high clearance for longer cartridges. On the other hand, for loading rifle rounds, you will need a press with a slower loading style.
Brand and Warranty
Most of these presses have a lifelong guarantee since they are made in a high-quality manner. But you should definitely go through some reviews to see what are the impressions of press users and check with the manufacturer about the warranty and customer support.
There are a couple of brands that are considered to be leaders in this industry, but each press is different, and you should go through its specifications.
Price
When it comes to the price, presses we put on our list go from $100 to $400, but there are those that are even more expensive. The single-stage presses are the most affordable ones, and they are suitable for beginners.
The turrets will need you to set aside a bit more money, but they have a better production level. And the progressive presses cost the most, which is expected since they are created for experts who need loads of rounds to be loaded in a short period of time.
Frequently asked question
How Do I Know Which Press to Get?
First, calculate how many rounds you need to reload in one week. If the number is around 250, you should probably buy a progressive press.
But if you plant to load less than that, then the other two – turret or single stage press is the perfect choice for you. Then it all depends on the level of expertise and the budget you intended for this purchase.
Are Progressive Reloading Presses Accurate?
Well, progressive presses are designed in a way they can bring the reloading volume to the top. They are the ones you need if you want to reload as many rounds as possible in the shortest period of time.
That means they can be a bit inaccurate, but it’s not always the deal. If the precision is the thing you find to be a priority, then you should probably use presses that are made to load one round at the time.
Is Reloading Ammunition Dangerous?
Handling firearms carries a certain degree of danger. You need to be careful around it all the time, and to follow the rules set by the experts.
When it comes to the matter of reloading ammunition, it’s pretty much the same. But if you are using the right machinery, and maintain it as you suppose to, then you should not be worried, the level of danger will be minimal.
Is Reloading Ammunition a Difficult Process?
No. These presses are designed in a way that allows them to be used by absolute beginners, but also by experts and experienced professionals.
Certainly, you will need to go through the manual thoroughly and to practice the reloading for some time, but it is a process that can be mastered.
Just bear in mind that not every press is made for people who never used machinery like this one, so you need to find the one that will be practical and at the appropriate level of difficulty for you.
Where Should I Mount a Reloading Press?
It is out of great importance to install your reloading press on a firm and sturdy surface, like the workbench or table, where you can have plenty of room for your elbows and feet to move around.
Also, it would be good to have around 10 inches space all around the press for its additional components, and you need to make sure your press can be fully extended, so there needs to be enough space for that above it.
Do You Really Save Money Reloading Ammo?
This depends mostly on what type of ammunition you want to reload. In most cases, you will save some money. The precise amount again depends on the type of ammo, but in some cases, the reloading can cost you more than to go to the store and buy a new box of ammunition.
So before you decide on purchasing the press, ask around about this topic, and do the calculation.
Conclusion
The natural conclusion is that there is the perfect press for everyone, you just need to consider all the topics mentioned above and to put some effort into research. The level of experience is definitely one of the most important things you need to take into consideration, as well as the type of firearm and ammunition you are using.
It will most certainly take you some time to master the whole process, no matter which of the presses you decide to buy, but you will have a detailed guide that will explain every single step. Good luck with the purchase!