For the dedicated shooter, a reloading press is more than just a tool; it’s a gateway to precision, consistency, and significant cost savings. The ability to craft your own ammunition tailored to your specific firearm is a rewarding pursuit that enhances your understanding of ballistics and marksmanship. However, with so many models on the market, from simple single-stage to high-output progressive presses, choosing the right one can be a daunting task.
We’ve assembled and tested a wide array of the most popular and highly-regarded presses to separate the legends from the also-rans. This roundup is designed to guide you, whether you’re a beginner taking your first steps into handloading or a seasoned veteran looking to upgrade your bench. Our hands-on evaluation focuses on durability, ease of use, and the real-world performance that matters most when you’re producing ammunition you can trust.
The Ultimate Reloading Press Lineup
- Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Kit
- RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit
- Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Ammo Reloading Press
- Redding Big Boss II Reloading Press
- Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press
- MEC Sizemaster 12 Gauge Press
- Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Press Loader
- Dillon Precision RL 550C Reloading Press
- Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Single Stage Press
Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Kit
The Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Kit stands as the ideal starting point for new reloaders. This comprehensive package includes nearly everything you need to begin producing your own rifle and pistol cartridges, emphasizing simplicity and value. Its thoughtful design is perfect for those who prefer the control and feel of priming their cases off the press, a method many find leads to more consistent results.
At the heart of the kit is the Breech Lock Challenger Press, which features a quick-change bushing system. This allows you to swap dies in seconds without re-adjusting them, a significant time-saver that maintains your precise settings. The included set of 11 Auto-Prime Shell Holders ensures compatibility with a wide range of calibers, making this kit a versatile and user-friendly foundation for any beginner’s reloading bench.
RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit
Often called the king of reloading kits, the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit is the benchmark against which all others are measured. It is built around the legendary Rock Chucker Supreme press, a tool known for its outstanding strength and ability to handle the toughest case sizing operations with ease. This kit is designed for the reloader who demands professional-grade equipment from the start.
Beyond the incredibly robust press, you get a full suite of high-quality accessories. The highlight is the Uniflow-III Powder Measure, renowned for its exceptional consistency and accuracy with a wide variety of powder types. From the precision scale to the hand priming tool, every component in this kit is built to last and perform, providing a complete and reliable setup for producing high-accuracy ammunition for years to come.
Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Ammo Reloading Press
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Press brings legendary innovation to the single-stage press category. Its defining feature is the patented Lock-N-Load bushing system, which is included with the press. This system allows for instantaneous die changes without the need to screw and unscrew them from the press each time, dramatically speeding up the reloading process when working with multiple calibers.
Built with a solid cast-iron frame, this press offers the rigidity required for precise and consistent ammunition manufacturing. It comes equipped with a primer catcher for a cleaner workspace and three Lock-N-Load bushings to get you started. The combination of rugged construction and time-saving technology makes the Lock-N-Load Classic a favorite among reloaders who appreciate both precision and efficiency.
Redding Big Boss II Reloading Press
The Redding Big Boss II is a single-stage press engineered for the shooter who will not compromise on precision. Its heavy-duty frame and massive 1-inch diameter ram provide an unparalleled level of stability and leverage. This robust construction ensures absolutely no flex, even during the most demanding operations like sizing large magnum rifle cases, which is critical for achieving maximum accuracy.
This press also features a clever spent primer collection system that cleanly directs used primers out of the press and into a tube, keeping your work area free of debris. The longer handle offers superior mechanical advantage, making the sizing process feel smoother and requiring less effort. For the serious precision rifle shooter, the Big Boss II is a tool that inspires confidence with every pull of the handle.
Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press
The Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press is the perfect bridge between a single-stage and a progressive press, offering an excellent balance of speed and control. Its standout feature is the extra-large 8-station turret, which is substantial enough to hold two complete 4-die pistol sets or a variety of rifle and pistol die combinations simultaneously. This eliminates the need to constantly screw in and adjust dies.
The heavy-duty cast-iron frame provides a solid foundation, ensuring consistent operation. The turret head is easily removed, allowing you to pre-setup multiple turrets for your favorite calibers. When you want to switch from loading 9mm to .223 Remington, you simply swap the entire turret head, making caliber changes a matter of seconds without losing your precise die adjustments.
MEC Sizemaster 12 Gauge Press
For the shotgunner, the MEC Sizemaster is a legendary name in shotshell reloading. This press is purpose-built for 12 gauge and is renowned for its robust construction and straightforward, reliable operation. It is the go-to choice for trap, skeet, and sporting clays enthusiasts who go through a high volume of shells and want to reload them with consistency and efficiency.
The Sizemaster features a definitive resizing ring that resizes the entire head of the shell in a single step, ensuring reliable chambering in any shotgun. Its progressive design allows a finished shell to be produced with each pull of the handle, making it significantly faster than loading rifle or pistol cartridges on a single-stage press. If your focus is on shotgun sports, the MEC Sizemaster is a proven workhorse.
Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Press Loader
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is a professional-grade, auto-indexing progressive press designed for high-volume reloading. Capable of producing up to 500 rounds per hour, it is the solution for pistol shooters and riflemen who need to keep up with their training and competition schedules. It features a 5-station design, allowing you to perform multiple operations, including powder charging and bullet seating, in a single cycle.
This press integrates the famous Lock-N-Load bushing system for lightning-fast die changes, and the EZ-JECT system ensures reliable, positive ejection of finished cartridges without complicated adjustments. The quick-change metering inserts in the powder measure make switching between different powders a simple task. For the reloader seeking speed without sacrificing the quality and flexibility that Hornady is known for, the Lock-N-Load AP is a top contender.
Dillon Precision RL 550C Reloading Press
The Dillon Precision RL 550C is more than a press; it’s an institution in the reloading world. This manual-indexing progressive press is celebrated for its incredible durability, simplicity, and versatility. It strikes a perfect balance, offering high-volume output while still allowing for manual case feeding and powder checking at each stage, giving the operator complete control over the process.
Its tool-less caliber change system is legendary. With pre-set toolheads, switching from one cartridge to another is remarkably fast and simple, requiring no adjustments to the dies or powder measure. The RL 550C’s robust construction and legendary customer service from Dillon Precision make it a lifetime investment for serious shooters who demand a reliable machine that can produce vast quantities of high-quality ammunition.
Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Single Stage Press
The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Single Stage Press is a modern take on a classic design, offering exceptional value and performance. It boasts a compound linkage system that provides tremendous mechanical advantage, making the process of resizing stubborn brass feel smooth and effortless. This press is an excellent choice for both beginners and experienced reloaders working with rifle cartridges.
Built with a heavy-duty cast-iron frame, it ensures the stability needed for precision reloading. It also includes a convenient spent primer management system to maintain a clean workspace. With its robust construction and user-friendly features, the Frankford Arsenal press has quickly earned a reputation as a reliable and capable contender in the single-stage press market.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Reloading Press for You
Choosing a reloading press isn’t about finding the single “best” one; it’s about finding the best one for you. I have tested dozens of presses over the years, and the right choice always boils down to your specific needs, budget, and the volume of shooting you do. Let’s break down the key factors you need to consider before you commit.
First, you need to decide on the press type. The three main types are single-stage, turret, and progressive. A single-stage press is where most of us start. It handles one reloading operation at a time (sizing, priming, etc.). It’s slow, incredibly strong, and perfect for precision rifle shooting or for a beginner who wants to learn the fundamentals. A turret press is a fantastic middle ground. It has a rotating head that holds multiple dies. You can still complete one cartridge at a time, but you don’t have to keep swapping dies for each step, which speeds things up considerably. Then there’s the progressive press. This is the speed demon. With each pull of the handle, a progressive press performs multiple operations simultaneously, often outputting a finished round with every stroke. It’s the go-to for high-volume pistol or rifle calibers.
Next, consider the press’s construction. Look for a cast-iron or steel frame. This isn’t the place to cut corners; a robust frame ensures consistent operation and long-lasting durability. The linkage and ram should feel smooth, with minimal flex or slop. I always check the handle; a comfortable grip and good leverage make a long reloading session much more pleasant.
Don’t forget about the priming system. Some presses have an on-press priming system, which can be very convenient, while others require you to prime cases off-press with a separate hand tool. I have used both, and while on-press is faster, some dedicated hand-priming tools offer superior feel and control, which is crucial for precision rifle rounds.
Finally, think about your future. Are you planning to stick with one or two calibers, or do you see yourself branching out? Changing calibers on a single-stage or turret press is simple and cheap, often just requiring a die change. On a progressive press, it involves swapping out the entire shellplate and often adjusting multiple stations, which is more involved and expensive. Your choice among the 9 best reloading presses of all time will be a balance of your immediate needs and your long-term shooting goals. Start by being honest about how much ammo you really need and what level of precision you’re after.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the most durable type of reloading press?
In my experience, a well-made single-stage press, like the classic RCBS Rock Chucker, is often the most durable. Its simple, solid cast-iron construction has very few moving parts to wear out. I have seen models from the 1970s that are still going strong today. While progressive presses are built tough, their complexity means there are more components that can potentially fail or require maintenance over decades of heavy use.
Can a beginner start with a progressive press?
I do not recommend it. Learning on a progressive press is like learning to drive in a Formula 1 car. It’s fast and complex, and it’s easy to make a costly or dangerous mistake if you don’t understand the fundamentals. A single-stage press forces you to focus on each step of the reloading process individually, building a solid foundation of knowledge and safe habits. You can always upgrade to a progressive later and keep your single-stage for precision rifle loads or small batches.
How much should I expect to spend on a good reloading press?
You can get a very reliable single-stage press for around $150 to $200. A quality turret press will typically run you $250 to $400. For a progressive press capable of high-volume output, be prepared to invest anywhere from $500 to well over $1,000, not including the necessary caliber conversion kits and accessories. Remember, the press is just one part of the cost; you’ll also need dies, a scale, calipers, and other tools.
Is a turret press a good compromise between speed and precision?
Absolutely. This is one of the most common paths I see shooters take. A turret press offers a significant speed increase over a single-stage because you eliminate the constant die swapping. For loading pistol ammunition or general-purpose rifle rounds, the precision is more than adequate for most applications. It’s a versatile workhorse that can handle a wide variety of tasks without the setup complexity of a progressive.
What safety checks are critical when using a reloading press?
Safety is non-negotiable. First, always double-check your powder charges. I use a powder check die on my progressive press and visually inspect every case in a block when using a single-stage. Second, ensure your cases are properly resized and your overall cartridge length is within specifications. Third, look for high primers; a primer that isn’t seated flush can cause a catastrophic malfunction. Developing a consistent, methodical process is the best safety feature you can have. When reviewing the list of the 9 best reloading presses of all time, remember that no press is safe without a vigilant operator.