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Reloading Press Types

Best Progressive Reloading Press Reviews in 2019 [Buyers Guide]

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Best Progressive Reloading PressIf you’re a regular shooter and go regular hunting or you need gun firing every day then you need to reload a lot of ammo for every day. If you’re looking for a technology to do it yourself at your home there are many best progressive reloading press to save your money and time.

Before going to purchase a progressive reloading press there are some key features you should know. There are different reloading machine for different ammunition. It depends on your goal and what production rate you require that which type of reloading press meets you want. You can go through this writing to find the best option for your hobby.

Why Should You Use Progressive Press

If you’re a regular shooter and practice gun firing regularly you requires lots of ammo for your hobby which requires lots of money as well. So if you want to make huge amount of ammunition at your own home, then progressive press is the technology what makes your task easy.

So, if you’re to decide to start reloading your ammunition at your home and want high production rate, then you have to consider a progressive press for easy reloading. Though a progressive press costs more than single stage press, but it’ll let you faster reloading.

Top Three Best Progressive Reloading Press in 2019

1. Hornady Lock-N-Load Auto-Progressive

Hornady 095100 Lock-N-Load Auto-ProgressiveYou, too, will agree that this is one of the best auto progressive reloading press on the market. Many upgraded features made it top-listed. This is a heavy-duty reloading press that provides efficient reloading and maintains proper eject adjustment of dies.

Key Features

  • EZ Ject System: The EZ Ject System accelerate the production without any special adjustment. You will find the press comfortable. It is capable of producing around 600 rounds per hour. It is one of the easiest processes of reloading.
  • Faster Loading: The auto-indexing stations allow you faster reloading. There are five auto indexing stations to do it with ultimate ease. It takes only five minutes to change all calibers from 0.45 to 0.223 and you can change the dies faster.
  • Case-Activated Powder Drop: The Hornady progressive press features a Case-Activated Powder Drop which allows the gun powder to be dropped into the cartridge in the right amount. You should assure the right position of the cartridge during the reloading process.
  • Easy to Setup: This quicker progressive reloading press features easy-to-setup so that you can easily use it at home for quicker reloading.

Drawback

This reloading progressive press comes with a high price. You’ve to consider the separate purchasing of the shell plates and dies which let you spend some extra money. This well-featured auto-progressive reloading press can be recommended for faster reloading.

2. Lee Precision Load Master 45 Reloading Pistol Kit

Lee-Precision-Load-Master-45-Reloading-Pistol-KitIf you’re looking for a progressive reloading press in cheap budget, then Lee Precision Load Master can be the best option for you.

It provides 400 rounds per hour and features five progressive stations.

Key Features

  • Automatic Reloading Press: The Lee Precision Load Master has many features that you can find in many expensive Reloading Press. It features Automatic Indexing System to ensure the quality and consistency of the ammo.
  • Quality Construction: The Progressive Reloading Press is made of quality materials like cast Aluminum. You can adjust the speed to give attention to the operations or you can speed it up switching it to automatic. It can index automatically and manually.
  • 5-Stations Progressive Press: Lee Precision Load Master 45 features 5 stations for 5 simultaneous functions which accept most popular reloading dies. It also features more sensitive jamming and easy to clean.
  • Maximum Reloading With Quick and Ease: You can reload both rifle and handgun cartridges. It produces around 400 rounds per hour. You can reload maximum ammo easily and faster with this five progressive stations.

Drawback

This progressive press features an unreliable poor primer system which works normally. And the machine measures the dispensed powder, is not accurate. You have to recheck the measurement to ensure the powder weighs correctly.

You can get it at a lower price, it doesn’t mean it has lower features. You can experience all the features you’re looking for in a Progressive Reloading Press.

3. Dillon Precision 16926 45 ACP Progressive Auto Indexing

Dillon-Precision-16926The Dillon Precision could be a great choice if you have enough budget for your Reloading Machine. It provides maximum rounds of 800 per hour. This progressive press features quality construction and meets all the values for the price you need.

Key Features

  • 5-Stations auto indexing progressive press: Dillon XL 650 features 5 different stations for five different steps which provide you ease to operate it. The automatic indexing system speeds up the operation rate. This 5-station loader includes 0.223 conversion kit.
  • Rounds per Hour: If you have to reload a large a good number of Ammo without any difficulties Dillon Precision 16926 can be the best option. The Dillon XL650 is an auto indexing press that can easily load 500-800 rounds per hour.
  • Faster Reloading Press: This automatic indexing system allows maximum rounds of 800 per hour featuring the automatic caseload for faster reloading.
  • Easy-to-Assemble: It is an easy-to-assemble reloading press and designed for beginner’s maximum comfort to operate it. Even a beginner can complete 500 rounds per hour for the first time. This 5-Station auto indexing progressive press allows you to use 4 die sets and powder check die.

Drawback

The machine comes without bullet feeder and case feeder which could improve the production rate of the machine. Though the Dillon XL 650 is a little bit expensive, it will provide efficient reloading capability.

Things to consider before purchasing a progressive press

Things To Consider

Before purchasing a progressive reloading press you must have to pay attention to some considerations. A progressive reloading press allows you to reload the ammunition. There are some things you need to know in detail if you’re going to make the decision to buy this tool.

  • Number of Rounds: There are different types of reloading press of different production rate. So, you need to know how many ammo you want to reload on a daily basis before you buy a reloading press.
  • Press Capability: What type of reloading press you have to buy, it depends on what type of gun you sue. Take your time to check the press capability and find that it suits your goal of reloading. It is also important to consider the volume and accuracy of the Press.
  • Priming Solution: You must have to pay attention to Priming Solution while purchasing a reloading press.
  • Reloading Speed: If you’re a regular shooter and require thousands of rounds each month you must go for a progressive press.

Safety Tips When You Use a Progressive Press

During your reloading process, you should follow some safety tips. Reloading ammo includes dangerous materials like gun-powder and primers. If you follow the safety rules you can handle the machine efficiently you can minimize the danger.

  • Wear Eye Protection: To avoid, in case, primer explosion you should wear eye protection. Wear a good set of safety glasses during the reloading process.
  • Keep away Smoking and other Open Flames: You shouldn’t smoke near the reloading area and should keep away any open flames. And store the gun powder away from heat, open flame, electricity, and keep it out of the reach of children.
  • Powder Check System: Check the powder level in the cases. Ensure that single powder charge. If it is charged double it may cause gun damage or any other injuries.

Frequently Asked Questions

WhyWhat is Progressive Press?

Progressive Press is for experienced shooters who require thousands of rounds in a month. Progressive Presses are much different from single stage presses. They perform many tasks with each handle pull. There are two in progressive presses. The manual indexing process– requires the user to rotate the shell, and the auto index– will rotate the shell plate on its own with each pull of the handle.

Should a beginner use a progressive press?

Working with a single stage press is much easier than using a progressive press. One can learn the different steps of a reloading process using single stage press. A progressive press does multiple steps at once. A beginner can find it difficult to get the steps. There are more additional parts and maintenance that has to be done for additional production.

Beginners can learn from a reloading manual to know how to use a progressive press. But it’s difficult for safety issue and they’ve to recheck the steps. The most difficulties beginners face using a progressive press is the speed of operation. As a beginner if you need to reload and shooting a lot of ammo then you will improve using a single stage press.

What’s the best progressive press?

There are different progressive presses featuring different operations, but you may find ease with the Dillon XL650. Dillon offers user friendly features for handy use. We also recommend for a reloading press is the Hornady Lock N Load AP.

Conclusion

To choose the best progressive reloading press you should keep attention on the production rate, work efficiency and other basic features of the machine. A best progressive reloading review can lead you making your best ammunition that meet the value and standards. Going through the review of the progressive reloading press you can come to know about what you want for your hobby.

See other Related Buyer’s guides:

Best Turret Press For Reloading in 2019 [Reviewed]

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Best Turret PressReloading is a task that often becomes quite addictive when you practice it regularly. No doubt, if we want to do it effectively, we’re going to need the proper tools.

There are different reloading tools that you will find in the market. For example, we have the single stage press and the progressive press. The single stage press is good, but its working process is tedious, and sooner than later it becomes obsolete.

As for the progressive press, that is a big investment not everyone is willing to make. Here in, what you need is the best turret press.

It is incredibly good at what it does. You’ll find it capable of making your reloading experience both comfortable and fun. Additionally, there are different models accessible at different price ranges. This means you will have an option even on the tightest budget.

Whether you are a professional or a beginner, this is the tool for you.

Let’s take a look at why.

Why Should Use Turret Press?

WhyAfter you first try a turret press, you will regret why you had not done it sooner. It is an effective tool that quickly improves your job by making the reloading process easier and way much faster.

  • Accessible Tools: First of all, we have to mention the fact that they are not expensive tools. If you are beginning your way into the turret press territory, there are plenty of options that offer quality at a reasonable price. It is a small investment with many benefits in the long run.
  • Easy To Install: On top of that, the turret press is a tool that does not require much effort, time, or experience to set it up. In fact, if you’re looking for the best turret press for beginners, you will notice that most of them are very user-friendly because of how quickly people get the hang of it.
  • Faster Than Other Models: Once you set it up, and if you’ve used other models in the past, the difference is noticeable since minute one. A turret press is capable of reloading quicker even at high demanding tasks, up to 300 bullets in an hour.

Top Three Best Turret Press In 2019

After reading the benefits these products provide, it is time we dive deeper into the options available for us. These are our top 3 turret press reviews below.

1. Lee Precision Classic Turret Press (Red)

Lee Precision Classic Turret PressWhen you are a beginner and looking for an adequate tool, it is only natural that you want to start with a low-priced but good enough item. Fortunately, we have products that meet those two basic requirements, and this turret is one of them.

This product has a strong reputation on the market because of all the incredible benefit it provides. One of those benefits is the 4 stations that successfully hold die sets regardless of the caliber you decide to reload. It makes the process quite easy.

However, there will come a time when you want to work on a different reload. Soon as that happens, the turret allows you to quickly adjust and make changes to the turret plate, which takes little to no time at all.

The easiness for adjusting makes this turret incredibly effective under different circumstances. It also features the extremely important primer arms, which have two different sizes; large and small. You can quickly adjust the arms by inserting them below the turret’s case holder.

Removing the primer arms is as easy as adding them, which means you will have the option to take them off if you no longer require the arms.

Another important observation to make is the heavy-duty design. It makes the product durable over time, and it allows you to use it under extreme pressure and intensity.

The turret’s heavy-duty design and amazing clearance space make this product capable of working on the tallest cases as well. Without a doubt, the turret’s design really provides a versatility no other product can deliver.

For all those reasons, if you’re looking for the best turret press for beginners, then you should definitely consider this option.

Things We Liked

  • Good quality product with high versatility
  • Resistant to high pressure and heavy workload
  • Easy to use
  • Primer arms are easy to adjust and remove
  • Considerable clearance space
  • Auto-indexing capabilities

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Includes 4 stations while other models offer more
  • Being a low priced tool, it lacks some features of expensive alternatives

2. Lee Cast Aluminum 4 Hole with Auto Index

Lee Cast Aluminum 4 Hole with Auto IndexThe Lee products are among our favorites because of the performance they provide at a reasonable price. This product is another great example of that. It is a really cheap tool that anyone can buy.

It features 4 stations and provides auto-indexing. Auto-indexing is an effective system that greatly improves your experience reloading. For that reason, it is always a plus when any turret model is capable of providing it.

The 4 stations, the turret’s auto-indexing capacities, and the price already make it a great option to consider. But there are other important things worth noticing about this product.

For instance, this turret press does not feature any springs, which is an innovative idea that you cannot find in most types of turrets. Instead, it is an exclusive design that includes compound leverage for higher control and functionality.

The turret uses cast aluminum as the main material for its construction. There are plenty of other materials out there that work efficiently as well, but the cast aluminum is a reliable material that does not let you down. It offers a durable tool that will provide reliable operation over the years.

Make sure you do the proper maintenance and use it wisely. If you do, you will have a cheap product capable of working for a long period of time.

Things We Liked

  • Auto index
  • Cast aluminum as the main material for its design
  • 4 hole turret head
  • Low price

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Low quality

3. RCBS C-Frame Cast Iron 88901 Turret Press

RCBS C-Frame Cast Iron 88901 Turret PressThere are different types of materials manufacturers use to produce the turret press, but few are as strong as a cast iron construction. It is an extremely resistant material for a lot of products, and it’s no different when it comes to the turret press.

The RCBS features a sturdy cast iron as its main material for construction which can last for plenty of time, even years if you use it and maintain it properly. It is not a difficult tool to use. Both experienced and new users will have the opportunity to get the best out of this tool.

This turret features 6 stations that work on a diverse die combination. It only requires the users to pull the lever, and it will work efficiently on 3 stages of the reloading task. These stages are the sizing, an effective depriming and of course, the priming stage.

However, there is a small disadvantage about this product which is that it does not feature auto-index. The lack of auto-indexing could present a problem to some users if they are fond of this particular feature.

Nonetheless, users will have the option to remove the turret head. It is not a difficult thing to do, and you can quickly replace it with another. By doing this, it keeps you from making adjustments every time you use it.

The most ideal and recommendable thing to do is to prepare the turret head to cover all the different calibers you are going to reload.

Once you get used to it, every reloading chore becomes easier and easier. Undoubtedly, this turret is a clear contestant for the best turret reloading press spot.

Things We Liked

  • 6 stations for higher versatility
  • High quality cast iron material
  • Easy to adjust

Things We Didn’t Like

  • Does not include auto-indexing
  • Expensive product

Before You Buy, What To Look For

Things To Consider

Like other reloading press, there are a couple of things you should keep in mind before you make the purchase. After all, plenty of options are available in the market. While most of them are effective, you should always aim to get the best reloading press for accuracy.

To help you decide, we have made a list about the things you should look for in every turret press you consider buying.

QualityThe Brand’s HistoryBudget

Now, I know this seems pretty obvious; who wants to buy a product without quality, right? But it is still worth mentioning nonetheless. Currently, we can find turrets with all sorts of materials for its construction, but there are certain elements that ensure their quality.

For instance, we have cast aluminum, cast iron, and steel models. These materials often create a product you should not dismiss. Their quality has been proven constantly in the past which is why they are among the preferred materials manufacturers use for the turrets.

Speaking of the manufacturers, they are a great source of information as well. Checking the brand’s past experience and their reputation is an effective way to know if their product is worth it.

Another benefit of knowing the brands is that it allows you to have a better understanding of their turrets, what their goal is, and what they have to offer.

Additionally, we have to mention their attention to customers. We know for a fact that brands like Lee and RCBS among others will not leave their customers hanging if an issue comes up.

When you’re looking for a turret, you will notice how many of them are available in the market. They’re from different brands and have a different design and unique purposes. Because of that, your budget will have certain limitations as to which one you should choose.

Before you make a decision, check all of the options you can get. Sometimes, we have a really expensive item that we believe is good, but once we buy the product, we notice that it is not what we wanted in the first place.

Wrapping Up

These are a couple of recommendations we have to give you before you make your decision. The turret press is not an expensive product, but it is still a good investment you will make. For that reason, you should always do a prior research to figure out which one is the best for you.

How to Maintain Your Turret Press

maintainMaintaining your tool is a necessary step if you want to have the best reloading press for accuracy. Nonetheless, it is not a tedious process at all, and basically, anyone can do it. It only requires a few steps we will discuss next.

We do have to mention that the maintenance for these tools depends on you. Some people have their own maintenance techniques, but there are common and popular tips that work for every type of turret.

Most manufacturers recommend brushing the parts and lubricating them from time to time. Sounds easy enough, right?

Well, it is. However, because we want to have the best turret reloading press, we’re going to go a little bit deeper.

The first thing that you want to do is have non-detergent oil. Products like Zoom turbine and even rem-oil will do the trick for the ram and the turret’s small parts. These products add certain slime that sticks to the parts and increases the turret’s efficiency.

You could add light lithium grease such as Lubriplate for the rams as well. Remember, high detergent oil often removes the slime which makes the turret lose its effectiveness.

Other than that, there really isn’t much else to do. When you get used to the turret you choose, you will find small little things you can do to maintain it to your own accord.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. What makes the turret press different than other models?

Answer: It is not as tedious to use as the single stage press, and it is not expensive and as complicated as the progressive press.

2. When should I maintain the turret press?

Answer: While manufacturers recommend wiping the parts and lubricating them periodically, the maintenance process varies from person to person. There are workers who prefer quick maintenance every time they use the tool to ensure their efficiency for the next time.

3. Should I buy an expensive or cheap turret press?

Answer: It depends. If you are a beginner, a cheap turret should do the trick for you. They are not the best and lack quality other expensive turrets can provide, but a cheap turret is an accessible tool that will help you sharpen your skills. Then, you can decide if you need to get an expensive turret.

4. Why is auto indexing important?

Answer: Auto-indexing allows you to reduce working time doing unnecessary steps. By including the auto indexing feature, the turrets become more fun and easy to use. If you want a great tool, then you should look for a product that features auto indexing.

5. What is the most durable turret press?

Answer: There are a variety of materials for different types of turrets press. The most common are cast aluminum and cast iron. These two materials are resistant over time if you know how to handle them and do proper maintenance.

Conclusion

Now that you have gone through our article about the turret press and its multiple benefits, the next step is to choose the best turret press and start reloading.

Remember to maintain it adequately, because it will make its performance way better and durable for years.

See other Related Buyer’s guides:

The 7 Best Single Stage Reloading Press Reviews in 2019

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Best Single Stage Reloading PressA single-stage reloading press is the easiest to operate of them all. Both beginners and experienced users will find themselves in need of one from time to time. You probably don’t need to operate your turret press just to decap your used brass. Beginners can get a hang of things with a single-stage or just to get a taste of it without having to invest too much.

We’ll talk about the basic of reloading with a single-stage in particular and bring you reviews of the top 7 single-stage reloading press you should try. We’ll also discuss guides for beginners as well as other available types of reloading presses. Pros can easily skip to our review.

How To Start Reloading With a Single Stage Press

Every reloading press basically works the same, but modifications are made to improve time efficiency. Single stage reloading presses are the most affordable form of reloading presses and it is generally easier to set up, tinker around and get a beginner used to each process of reloading.

1. Installing the press on your workbench

A reloading press can be installed on a firm wooden workbench or on a mount. Different brands provide their own mount, although sometimes they can be used interchangeably. There are also specific brands dedicated to providing accessories such as mounting riser for different brands.

Wherever you plan to install, make sure that the workbench is firm and strong enough to withstand the constant force of reloading. Sizing usually takes a long pressure because as you need to exert a lot of strength into it.

2. Getting the right die

Don’t forget to get the press with dies. A reloading process includes dies for decapping, sizing (sometimes comes with powder thru), bullet seating and crimping. Some press comes with the priming feature as well. Additionally, Hornady’s bushings are great as well.

3. Shell holders

Some reloading press requires their ram to be installed with a specific serial number of the shell holder. Most of the famous brands have released universal shell holders that are flexible and will tightly secure most cartridges in place. They may come in various series, but

4. Installing the die

As mentioned before, a Hornady’s (or other brands’) bushings make things easy as you only need to screw the bushings in and for your next usage, removing and using it is as easy as plugging and unplugging the bushing. If you don’t get one, you will need to adjust the die to the right level.

When you want to find the right position, go loose and tighten until you get the right depth there.

Top 7 Best Single-Stage Reloading Press 2019

1. RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme Press

RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme PressRCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme Press is one of those single stage reloading press that is made for heavy use. You can do anything on it and not be worried about snapping it because the press construction is steel-based. It is heavy-duty made and is actually heavier than common reloading presses.

The previous drawback with this particular model is that the gap between the ram and the die is too small, making it hard to reload magnum rifle which is getting popular.

Now, it has a longer design to provide easy reloading with long cartridges. It also comes with a small and big priming accessory. You can also upgrade this reloading press to a progressive with a Piggyback.

Another great thing is that even the handle is made out of solid steel. A solid ball is designed to get a solid grip. The handle is ambidextrous, so easily unscrew the handle and have installed on whichever side is comfortable for you. The whole thing is made in the USA which means guaranteed quality.

It’s definitely not a cheap unit, but with how sturdy this thing is, we doubt that you will be disappointed with what you get. With other models, we find a lot of people feeling doubtful about sizing thousands of rounds on them, but with this one, you don’t have to worry about that.

2. LEE PRECISION Breech lock Challenger Press (Red)

LEE PRECISION Breech lock Challenger Press (Red)There is nothing more important in getting a durable reloading press if you hate to be bothered with having to change a new one just after a couple of years. That’s one of the reasons we love Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Press. The whole unit is made to last very long and harsh processes. We know a lot of people are worried about breaking their unit as they force it to size down hundreds of cartridges.

Another great news is that it has a long design, so you can reload magnum rifles with it. The whole structure is made of steel and it really looks sturdy as well as durable after a few rounds. It also comes with a primer case that will catch primers as you deprime it. You can also prime with the Lee Lever Prime System.

This reloading press comes with the Breech Lock Quick Change die system that allows you to use the bushings from Lee’s. Simply screw them in the bushings and no need to spend your time to adjust it next time. The unit comes with one of these bushings, but we suggest you get more, depending on how many calibers you work on.

3. Lee Reloading Press Md: 90045

Lee Reloading Press Md: 90045If your extra press purpose doesn’t demand heavy usage, the Lee Reloading Press Md: 90045 is the best choice for you. Made to fit in the limited budget of many users, this single stage reloading press is priced under $40 each.

The frame and handle are made of cast aluminum and zinc, a lightweight material strong enough to withstand the force of priming, depriming and bullet seating. One might think about crimping and sizing with this, but we don’t recommend that as the force might wear off the press way faster than you think.

Several things you can do with it without putting too much force on the unit is depriming, crimping, bullet pulling and priming. As you can see, the model does not have the ‘o’ shape like most models do, which actually stabilizes the model and provides more support when you work.Another thing to note is that this model doesn’t accept Lee’s bushings.

While it is not made for heavy usage, it still brings consistent results for the activities mentioned before. There’s a price for everything and at under $40 on Amazon. This item sells out quickly because it is affordable, separate reloading press for priming and depriming at that price is just too awesome to miss.

4. RCBS 87460 Partner Press

RCBS 87460 Partner PressThe RCBS 87460 Partner Press does a good job of being the partner of your main reloading press. It is mainly marketed for decapping purposes with a catcher attached. Price at under $100, many people have praised this as a quality Bushnell product – durable, strong, but lightweight. It’s one of those press you have no problem to carry around to reload wherever and whenever you want to.

Sadly, we don’t see the tray that is supposed to catch the primers does a good job. Primes slip everywhere but the tray, making it a useless piece of accessory. Although one can make a couple of alternatives, such as slipping in rubber bands to make it fit in place, this does call for manufacturers to design a better way of doing this.

Get tired less often because of how easy the design of this particular press. It is not made to make you pull the level every time as if you are sizing them up. This is also a reason we recommend people to use this less often for sizing, but more often for everything else.

Another positive thing about RCBS is their customer service support, which we think is very important. Not all of us are going to have a 100% chance of getting a perfectly fine product, especially with online shipping. This makes it important to have a reliable customer support team behind them and that is one hell of a team RCBS has.

5. LEE PRECISION 90998 Classic Cast Press (Red)

LEE PRECISION 90998 Classic Cast Press (Red)The Lee Precision 90998 Classic Cast Press is another durable and heavy-duty model that some of us might have been looking for all our lives. You want a durable single-stage press that doesn’t cost a fortune, so here you are.

It is made of cast iron and heavy-duty construction and the classic ‘o’ design. The unit is built to be solid and firm as you work on it. Do anything you want – size, crimp, seat or simply decap with the reloading press and you’ll know that it’s a capable unit. Adjust the handle to the length that you are comfortable with and whether you are left- or right-handed.

The classic cast design does not allow bushings to be installed and allows 1 ¼-12 dies as well as comes with an adaptor for standard 7/8-14 dies. You can remove the threaded die bushing and use your own set of bushings if you wish to. Ram can also be rotated to facilitate both left and right primer installation position and comes with both small and big primer arms.

For the price you are paying, you are certainly bargaining for something that is worth it. We are pretty sure we have no complaint about the product.

6. Hornady 085001 Lock-N-Load Classic Ammo Reloading Press

Hornady 085001 Lock-N-Load Classic Ammo Reloading PressAh, the Lock ‘n Load classic series. Hornady’s 085001 model is a single stage press and as it is also a Lock ‘n Load series, this makes it compatible with the bushings as well. It is a model that is made to do every single job necessary in reloading from decapping to sizing and crimping.

The model is already made easy by the bushings, so add to that the Power-Pac linkage and solid steel arms that withstand high pressure. It’s not rare to see reloading press fails when you run them through a couple of rounds. The linkage and arm are designed to become the leverage you will need that requires less energy for more force.

Another amazing design is the Positive Priming SystemTM, which is how you can deprime and prime at the same time. This saves your time for various set ups and this is how it works. The unit comes with a primer catcher that works very well catching all the primers you decapped. Then there is a tube that can be filled with new primers attached. It will load into position as you decap and when you bring the ram down, it will give a new primer to the brass.

We absolutely love how the unit is very well-designed, very efficient in what it does, realizing that it is a single stage reloading press. People think it isn’t much you can do with, but a beginner will find himself doing everything here without much problem.

7. LEE PRECISION 90999 Breech Lock Classic Press

LEE PRECISION 90999 Breech Lock Classic PressA later design after the 90998, Lee Precision’s 90999 model’s difference with that the classic cast design does not allow bushings to be installed and allows 1 ¼-12 dies as well as comes with an adaptor for standard 7/8-14 dies. But this one does allow easy change with bushings. Everything else remains the same.

It is made of cast iron and heavy-duty construction and the classic ‘o’ design. The unit is built to be solid and firm as you work on it. Do anything you want – size, crimp, seat or simply decap with the reloading press and you’ll know that it’s a capable unit. Adjust the handle to the length that you are comfortable with and whether you are left- or right-handed.

Priming is also made easy with both small and big priming arms included in the set. Ram is also 12 square inches wide which makes it possible to load any kind of brass you want. Purchasing this unit also comes with one Breech Lock Quick Change Bushing.

Having the same price as the 90998 model on the official website, the 90999 also possess similar price on Amazon.

Useful Tips for Beginners

If you are not sure with which one you should get as your first single-stage reloading press, here are some suggestions.

  • Get a heavy-duty reloading press, meaning those that are made of cast iron and steel linkages. These are the ones that will accompany you for a long time. It may cost you more, but it’s better than a cheap one. Preferable, get them with a kit as they come with the basic tools and accessories necessary for reloading.
  • Learn to use bushings – threaded dies are a must, but bushings will save you a lot of time in the long run. Alternatively, there are people who enjoy adjusting their threaded dies because it’s part of the process. It’s up to you!
  • Learn to master each of the processes– a single-stage press is the best way to learn because your mind is not clouded with 3 or 4 other bullets on the ram. Reload one kind of brass, get used to how sizing, crimping and capped primers feel. Once you are used to the process, it’s time to explore more types of powder and other reloading presses.
  • Get the dies and shell holders too – as you order for your new reloading press, make sure to get the shell holders you will be using. Check for the description if you will be getting the particular die and shell holder of that size. Also, if the reloading press does not facilitate bushings, you will need to manually thread in your dies.
  • Magnum rifles are longer brass and there are some reloading presses that won’t fit in. Even if they do, it’s such a fit that you will keep on hitting the brass and working harder on fitting the magnum rifle in place.
  • The ambidextrous handle is necessary if there are more than one user and some of you are left-handed. Some reloading presses are also made for right-handed only or installed in the middle to make it universal.
  • Be ready to get another reloading press! Most people like to have 2 reloading presses, so they can separate their tasks. This saves their time from switching in and out different types of dies for different calibers. You want to get something that lasts for a lifetime but in the long run, you might want something that does more like a turret or an auto-progressive press.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. I don’t want a single stage reloading press. I am willing to invest more into something much more… capable. Like an auto-progressive reloading press. Isn’t that better?

Answer: Not necessarily. Just because something is better and bigger, doesn’t mean it is going to be as useful as you think. There are people out there who need to use auto-progressive because they cannot bear to spend the rest of the day just priming thousands of rounds.

Yet, for beginners, you won’t be working on tens of thousands of brasses at one time. If you know that you will only be reloading a few rounds, something less sophisticated will save you time and money. Even experienced individuals still purchase high-quality single-stage press because they cannot be bothered to set up a turret press just to decap the brass.

Q2. Is there a particular brand that stands out above them all?

Answer: A brand can be a personal favorite, but it can also be caused by your first choice of dies and presses. For example, not all press works well with bushings (these are dies that doesn’t take 50 turns to take off and another 50 to install, simply snug them in place and you’re good to go).

There are lot’s of brands known to be heavy-duty and capable, but due to price, there’s no reason to get one if all you do is prime and deprime on it. Also there are other brands known to be affordable and does a great job at simple tasks.

So, we’d say that you can get different tools from different brands, depending on which suits your needs the best.

Q3. I am still not convinced. Why would I decap on a single-stage reloading press if I could do everything at once in a progressive turret?

Answer: Mostly because you won’t be using everything on an auto-progressive turret and the setup is not easy. For a beginner, it will take you quite a while because,in an auto-progressive, a lot of things happen at once: decapping, resizing, powder trickling, bullet seating, etc. No press is 100% accurate all the time, which means you must have the eye of an experienced loader to be able to see the flaws.

For example, the primer might not have been seated correctly. It takes only a quick glance for someone who has seen tens of thousands of rounds to know that the primer is too deep or shallow. A beginner might have to take them out and feel each of them be sure.

Using a single-stage press allows you to focus on one task at each time. Sure, it will take some time setting up each die, but this process trains your body and mind to get used to the right depth of die, memorizing the correct shell holder and remember what a correct sizing, primer seating, etc. is.

Besides, a single-stage reloading press is often much cheaper and much easier to set up.

Conclusion

All the single-stage reloading press that we’ve seen today all have similar features. Many of them come from Lee, but don’t let that make you think that everything good comes from one particular brand. Analyze what you will mostly use your single-stage reloading press for as well as your budget.

The affordable ones will be great for simple activities while the ones with heavy-duty construction are great for sizing as well. Don’t forget to check our tips if this is your first time to reload. Have fun!

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