Best reloading presses for beginners
Gun reloading is the practice of refilling your spent ammunition for another round of shooting. It isn’t such a bad idea after all because it saves you the cost especially if you are a seasoned shooter.
Reloading ammunition is a delicate process that involves a lot of attentiveness, patience, and caution. This process can especially be challenging for a beginner who just getting to learn about reloading.
This article looks at the best reloading press that can be used by a beginner to negate inexperience and result in successful reloading.
Understanding reloading presses for beginners
Shopping for the best reloading presses can be difficult due to the wide range of specifications. We recommend that you get a simple and easy-to-use press as a beginner. To avoid exacerbating your lack of experience
Here are some of the basics to understand, when it comes to the reloading press;
The caliber
Most reloading presses enable you to switch between different calibers of ammunition. However, not all come with the tools to do so. Always weigh your options and identify what’s more suitable for your requirements.
Some gun owners always use a single caliber of ammunition. In this case, it would be easier to get a press meant specifically for that particular caliber.
What accompanies the reloading press?
Reloading entails several steps that must be carefully followed. To ensure that your reloading goes smoothly and that your ammunition is of high quality. Each step necessitates the use of a specific tool.
Must-use tools– powder trickle, powder funnel, micrometer, priming tool, and weighing scale.
Must-use components– gunpowder, projectile, bullet case, lube, and primers.
There are some additional tools that become useful as one gains experience. Trimmers and deburring tools are two such examples.
Always double-check that you have all of the necessary reloading supplies before beginning.
Type of reloading press
We recommend the single-stage reloading press for an amateur. The process can be inefficient compared to the other types of press. But it’s easier and enables the beginner to understand the process.
Single-stage press-Deals with one bullet at a time. It comprises a handle, that you use to manually move up and down, to size, deprime, and seat a single bullet
Turret press-It is a more efficient press but slightly more difficult to use for a beginner. It’s similar to the single-stage but holds different dies for different operations like; resizing, depriming, and seating a bullet. Some setups also include the powder measure.
The progressive press-It has all the features of the turret press but is more advanced and efficient. In addition to having multiple dies, this press can carry out multiple die operations each time the handle is pulled. The setup also moves the bullet from stage to stage automatically
7 Best Reloading Presses for Beginners
1. Lee Precision Classic Turret Press
This turret press has a single stage of operation. It is also one of the most popular presses due to its low price.
The press does not include all of the reloading components. However, it includes an auto-drum powder measure for filling the casings. A large and small safety prime, as well as a four-hole turret, make it simple for the reloader to switch between calibers.
It has a solid steel linkage and a heavy-duty construction, making it tough and long-lasting.
It also has a fast reloading capacity of 250 rounds per hour, which is quite reasonable even for a seasoned shooter.
Features;
- All solid steel linkages
- Industry’s largest ram
- Long stroke handles cases over 3 inches long.
- Includes; auto-drum powder measure, small safety prime
2. Redding Reloading T-7 Turret Press Kit
This is a turret press, which means it is both simple to use and capable of loading rounds at a reasonable speed.
The press is carefully designed and built with precision using cast Iron that makes it both strong and durable.
It uses a compound linkage with over 3.8 inches of ram travel that gives it the ability to deal with different calibers.
Features
- 3.8” of ram travel
- 1” diameter hollow ram
- Automatic Primer Feeder System
3. RCBS 9354 RC Supreme Master Reloading Kit
This is the perfect option if you are looking for a single-stage press. It comes as a complete set for use from start to finish of the reloading process.
The tool’s reliability and usefulness have been proven because it has existed and has been in use for a long time.
Some of the accessories included are; a hand priming tool, powder measure, powder funnel, .17-.60 Deburring Tool, Hex key set, Universal Case Load Block, and case lube kit.
Features;
- Rock Chucker Supreme Press
- M500 Mechanical Scale
- Ambidextrous design
4. RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme Press
The RCBS 9356 is a single-stage press. Most reloaders recommend this press because of its sturdy, cast-iron construction, which provides exceptional strength and versatility. It also has simple features, from its design to how it works, which makes it ideal for beginners.
The ambidextrous design of this press makes it suitable for use by people with different handedness.
Features;
- Rock Chucker Supreme Press
- Ambidextrous handle
- Instruction manual
- Primer catcher
5. Lyman 7726500 Brass Smith, Ideal C-Frame Press
This is an ideal starting press for a beginner in terms of both simplicity and price. It has a durable build with the press frame made of cast iron, while other components are all steel.
The Lyman 7726500 requires minimal bench space to give you a comfortable operation. It Features compound linkage for optimum leverage, a 1-inch in Diameter Ram, and a 3.875-inch Press opening. With all these, it can handle pistol calibers and rifle cartridges with a loaded length of up to 3.7 inches.
The press has 3 No. of mounting holes and a spent primer collection system
Features
- Solid-built iron frame
- C-frame design offers more space for the operation
- can handle a wide range of calibers
- Accepts all standard 7/8 -14 -inches threaded dies
- Good accuracy and precision
- Value for money.
6. Lee Precision Anniversary Challenger Reloading Kit II
The Lee Breech Lock Challenger “O” frame press is one of the most popular presses available in the market.
The O design of the frame gives the press a larger enough opening for maximum handle clearance and lets you work on your bullet with ease.
Another distinct characteristic is that it comes with one of the most convenient measuring tools, that gives a reloader repeatable accuracy.
Additionally, it includes a chamfer tool and a primer catcher is strategically located to give the allowance to dispense the spend primers directly into the trash can.
Lastly, It comes with a Breech Lock Quick Change die system, which enables you to change the dies in a snap.
Features;
- All steel linkage with adjustable length lever
- Complete reloading set
- Accurate powder measure
7. Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Reloading Press Kit
Our review cannot be accurate without including the Hornady Lock-N Load reloading Kit. This press impressed us in a number of ways.
Firstly, the press includes everything needed for fast and reliable reloading, making it suitable for both beginners and those familiar with the entire process.
It’s also very easy to switch between rounds of different calibers and it happens in seconds.
The press showed us great precision with its uniquely angled alloy machine frame, which was quick and easy to use. The long handle increases leverage and reduces effort giving the reloader the ability to produce many rounds without fatigue.
Lastly, removing and re-installing the dies is done without the need to readjust or keep a separate seater die for each of your pet loads.
Features
- Precise digital scale
- Powder Measure (with rifle rotor)
- Universal Reloading Block
- Chamfering and Deburring Tool
- Powder Funnel
- 5.5 oz Trickler.
- One Shot Case Lube
- Handbook of Cartridge Reloading
Buying the best reloading press
These are some of the characteristics that one should consider when buying a reloading press.
Caliber
This is the most important consideration when you are buying a reloading press. Some presses are strictly designed for the pistol while others can handle both the ammo of the pistol and rifles.
Make sure the press handles all the required applications well unless you are intending to get a second reloading press.
Output per hour
Although this won’t really be an issue if you are just starting out you will eventually need to be churning out rounds faster. It’s therefore important to learn about the capability of a press that you consider buying and see whether it matches up to your long-run requirements.
Quality of rounds
Some presses are designed for simplicity and these may not be ideal if you want precision rounds. However, for simple activities like plinking you will most likely have many different options available.
Price
Presses are available at different prices, but it’s obvious that the best comes at a slightly higher price. It’s however advisable not to look at the press based on price but on the value that it offers in the long run. This is because if you get a press of poor quality may end up replacing it which will end up being expensive
FAQs-Reloading presses for beginners
Do I need a reloading press kit?
Whether you need a reloading press or not depends on the frequency with which you consume rounds in your shooting. A reloading press is only cost-effective for a person who uses a lot of rounds.
The inherent advantage, however, is that with a reloading press, one is able to design rounds, with personalized specifications. Once you are experienced in reloading rounds, the quality can be as precise as the rounds from manufacturers. Who specialize in their manufacture.
Is reloading safe?
Reloading is a safe and enjoyable process but always ensure the right safety rules and procedures are followed. The only risk that people fear would occur during reloading is the ignition of the gunpowder.
However, the modern powder used for reloading is stable, compared to the black powder used before. Which was unstable and would explode on impact or when ignited in the open.
How do I properly maintain my reloading press?
if you want your reloading press to serve you for a long time some of the things you should do include;
- Storing it properly in a cool and dry place to prevent any rusting
- Inspect regularly for worn out and damaged parts
- Always keep it clean and well lubricated
CONCLUSION
This article provides a comprehensive review of the best reloading presses for beginners. Following the acquisition of the appropriate equipment, ensure that you follow the manual that comes with the reloading presses.
This is because when you understand the process and pair it with the best tools, reloading can be a very interesting hobby.
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