The process of reloading ammunition yourself is a thrilling and rewarding pastime, and it’s something I’ve been doing for many years. If you’re just beginning to learn about loading ammunition the first thing you’ll require is a reliable reloading press. There are different types of reloading presses. They include single-stage reloading press, turret reloading press, progressive reloading press, hand reloading press, shotshell reloading press.
1. Single-Stage Press
The first kind of reloading press is a single-stage reloading press. It is the most popular kind of press, and the most frequently used in kits. We, as well as many other reloaders, have learned how to reload a single stage press.
Mechanically, a single-stage presses are fairly simple. The die is screwed into the position on uppermost part of the presses, and using the lever, you push the round at the bottom of the ram into the. The reloading dies attach to the top of the press, and a shell holder is attached to the bottom of the press, called the ram, and grips the cartridge casing.
Presses like this are much less prone to moving parts as compared to other types of reloading presses. This makes them ideal to produce precise and consistent ammunition.
Single-stage reloading presses are a favorite for target shooters and hunters because of their reliability in the production of high-quality ammunition. Our opinion is that they’re also the best option for someone who’s just started reloading to learn how to create your own ammo.
Advantages and disadvantages
In the case of making ammo using a single stage press the operator is involved throughout the reloading process. This allows them to have an increased degree of control, and also helps novice Reloaders grasp the fundamentals of how to create ammo.
This makes it more secure for new reloaders as they’re forced to take their time and concentrate on what they’re doing. A single-stage press is less overwhelming for new reloaders than mechanically complicated progressive presses.
The biggest issue with single-stage loading presses is that they’re slower than other presses. When loading large volumes of material on this kind of press can take an extended amount of time.
2. Turret Press
The other kind of reloading presses is a turret press. It’s similar to a single-stage press with the exception that it is able to hold multiple dies at a time. In a turret press, a single brass is left in the shell holder in the press for the entire process. It features the ability to rotate a plate on high up on the press, where users can place multiple dies.
The presence of multiple dies on a press all at one time can speed the reloading process. A single-stage press the user has to exchange dies every time they start an entirely new process (resizing or expanding and bullet seating.).
A turret press, all they have to do is turn the turret press to ensure that the desired die is placed over the ram. Many manufacturers offer their turret presses as separate items to allow users to have multiple plates available and ready for every caliber they want to are able to reload. Some turret presses can auto-index as well so that manual indexing is not required.
While turret presses can be faster than single-stage presses they are not as fast as progressive loading presses. Additionally, because they contain more moving components, they are not so well-suited for precision reloading like single-stage presses.
Why Turret Press?
Turret presses are a great choice due to the ease of use they provide users. If you plan to reload a variety of calibers, then having the ability to change out turrets is an immense time saver. While they’re a bit more complicated than single-stage reloading press, Turret presses are still great options for new reloaders.
3. Progressive Reloading Press
The second type of reloading press is a progressive reloading press. This is by far the most intricate type of reloading machine, but it’s also the most efficient. Certain progressive presses are so sophisticated that they are equivalent to running an ammunition factory miniature in your own home.
While single-stage and turret presses can only execute only one action every when the operator pulls the lever the progressive press can perform multiple actions at the same time. The precise actions it performs will vary on the specific model. However, generally speaking every time you pull the lever, a press that is progressive will perform the following actions:
Why and for whom?
Progressive reloading presses make excellent options if you have to refill large quantities of ammunition. This generally applies to pistol and semi-automatic rifle shooters, especially those who participate in competitions. Progressive presses can be used to recharge rifle ammunition used to hunt and for precision shooting, single stage and the turret press are typically preferred.
Some progressive presses index automatically (auto indexing progressive), and some require manual indexing (manual indexing progressive).
Progressive presses, because of their complex nature, tend to be designed to experienced Reloaders. For those who are just starting out in the field of reloading might have trouble keeping up with all of the processes of the press, and could commit mistakes.
We suggest that beginners to start using a single stage or turret press, and then upgrade to a more progressive press once their needs call for it and they’ve gained expertise.
4. Hand Press
The other kind of reloading presses is a hand presses. Contrary to other reloading presses they can be carried around and do not require to be placed on a workbench. Like their name implies they can be operated by hand.
The primary benefit of having hand presses is its mobility. Since it does not need to be connected to an existing bench, it is able to be used and carried virtually everywhere. Hand presses allow you to refill small amounts on the range, in camp, or in tight areas like apartments.
A hand-held press is the best option for anyone who doesn’t require an entire ammo box at once, or with only a small amount of space. Because of the design of these guns, long refilling sessions, particularly ones that require larger calibers, could become exhausting fast. Hand presses are extremely inexpensive.
5. Shotshell Press
The majority of the time, when people are thinking of reloading ammo they envision reloading handguns or rifles. But, many shooters use their shotgun cartridges as well. Shooters can develop custom-designed rounds to serve a variety of uses.
Shotgun shells due to their design, require special type of reloading presses unlike those for rifle and handgun cartridges. As with cartridges for handguns and rifles the shotshell presses come with progressive and single-stage variations.
If you are buying a shotshell presses, ensure that you purchase the right one for the caliber and length you require. Although some press models can modify this, they are generally designed for a particular caliber and length.
What is the most effective method for success?
Which is the best press? It is dependent on what you intend to accomplish. If benchrest shooting with precision is your style, go with a single-stage gun since you can monitor each stage of the reloading process.
If you’ve got the cash to spend and plan to do lots of plinking the progressive reloading presses let you quickly discharge ammo. The turret press blends features that are both. It is more precise than a progressive press however, you won’t get similar speed to the progressive reloading presses.
