Reloading your own ammunition is a cornerstone of the shooting sports, offering unparalleled control, consistency, and cost savings. But the heart of any reloading bench is the press itself. Choosing the right one can be the difference between a frustrating chore and a highly rewarding hobby. With decades of models on the market, from simple single-stages to high-output progressives, the options can be overwhelming for both newcomers and seasoned veterans.
This roundup cuts through the noise to bring you the tested and proven champions of the reloading world. We have evaluated presses based on their durability, precision, ease of use, and overall value. Whether you are processing precision rifle rounds or loading high volumes for pistol competition, one of these eight legendary presses is the right tool to help you achieve your reloading goals with confidence.
The Ultimate Reloading Press Lineup
- Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Kit
- RCBS Summit Single Stage Reloading Press
- Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Ammo Loader
- Redding Big Boss II Single Stage Press
- Dillon Precision RL 550C Reloading Press
- Lyman Brass Smith Ideal All American 8 Turret Press
- Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Prep Center
- MEC 600 Jr. Marksman 12 Gauge Reloading Press
Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Kit
The Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Kit stands as the definitive starting point for countless reloaders. This complete package provides everything needed to begin loading safe, accurate ammunition without a significant initial investment. Its reputation for delivering exceptional value and user-friendly operation is well-earned in the reloading community.
Key features include the convenient Breech Lock bushing system, which allows for quick die changes without the need to readjust settings. The kit also comes with a set of 11 Auto-Prime Shell Holders, making it an ideal choice for those who prefer the tactile feedback and control of priming off the press. The robust O-frame design provides a solid foundation for all common reloading tasks, from resizing rifle cases to seating bullets.
RCBS Summit Single Stage Reloading Press
The RCBS Summit Single Stage Press redefines the single-stage design with its innovative bench-top operation. Instead of a traditional C-shaped frame, the Summit features a massive, open-front design that provides unobstructed access to the shell holder. This makes it much easier to handle unusually long or large cartridges.
This press is built for strength and smooth operation, featuring a compound linkage system and an ambidextrous handle for comfortable use. The massive 2-inch diameter ram ensures minimal flex and maximum leverage during the toughest resizing operations. Its unique mounting solution also saves valuable bench space, making it a great option for reloaders with compact work areas who refuse to compromise on power.
Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press Ammo Loader
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press combines classic, durable iron construction with modern convenience. It shares the same mounting pattern as other popular presses like the Rock Chucker, making it a simple upgrade for anyone looking to add Hornady’s signature quick-change system to their bench. Its ambidextrous design ensures a smooth and comfortable operation for all users.
The standout feature is, without a doubt, the patented Lock-N-Load bushing system. This mechanism allows you to pre-set your dies in their own bushings and then swap them in and out of the press with a simple quarter-turn. This eliminates the need to constantly readjust dies, significantly speeding up the process when loading multiple calibers and maintaining perfect consistency batch after batch.
Redding Big Boss II Single Stage Press
The Redding Big Boss II is a heavyweight champion designed for the reloader who demands absolute precision. Built with a reputation for exceptional quality and tight tolerances, this press is a favorite among benchrest shooters and anyone loading ammunition where the smallest fraction of an inch matters. Its robust construction provides a rock-solid platform for every step of the reloading process.
This press features a large opening that easily accommodates magnum rifle cartridges and a 4-1/2 inch ram stroke for maximum leverage. The compound leverage system makes even the most stubborn resizing operations feel smooth and controlled. For reloaders focused on achieving the highest levels of accuracy and consistency, the Redding Big Boss II is a tool that inspires confidence with every pull of the handle.
Dillon Precision RL 550C Reloading Press
The Dillon Precision RL 550C is a legendary manual-indexing progressive press that strikes a perfect balance between high-volume output and hands-on control. It is widely considered the workhorse of the progressive press world, trusted by competitive shooters and high-volume reloaders for its durability and proven design. This press allows you to perform multiple operations with each stroke of the handle, dramatically increasing your production rate.
Unlike fully automatic progressives, the RL 550C requires you to manually advance the shell plate and place each bullet. This gives the operator direct oversight at every stage, which many find preferable for quality control. Its caliber changes are also quick and straightforward, making it an incredibly versatile system for reloaders who regularly switch between pistol and rifle cartridges.
Lyman Brass Smith Ideal All American 8 Turret Press
The Lyman Brass Smith Ideal All American 8 Turret Press offers an excellent middle ground between a single-stage and a progressive press. With its 8-station turret head, you can keep all your dies for a specific caliber pre-set and ready to go. This design eliminates the need to constantly screw and unscrew dies, streamlining the reloading process considerably.
This press allows you to work like a single-stage for precision tasks, but with a simple rotation of the turret, you can move to the next operation without changing tools. It provides a significant speed advantage over a single-stage press while still allowing for meticulous, step-by-step focus. It’s an ideal solution for the reloader who wants to increase efficiency without moving to a full progressive system.
Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Prep Center
While not a reloading press in the traditional sense, the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Prep Center is a force multiplier for any serious reloading bench. This dedicated station automates the most tedious aspects of case preparation, saving time and effort while ensuring a uniform result on every piece of brass. It is the perfect companion to any single-stage or progressive press.
This unit features six rotating stations that can simultaneously handle tasks like deburring, chamfering, primer pocket cleaning, and flash hole uniforming. By taking the manual labor out of these repetitive tasks, it frees you up to focus on the more critical aspects of reloading. For anyone processing large quantities of brass, this machine is a game-changer that enhances both efficiency and consistency.
MEC 600 Jr. Marksman 12 Gauge Reloading Press
The MEC 600 Jr. Marksman is an icon in the world of shotshell reloading. For decades, this single-stage press has been the go-to choice for hunters and clay shooters looking to reload 12 gauge shells affordably and reliably. Its straightforward, mechanical operation is easy to learn and master, making it a trusted tool for beginners and experts alike.
This press is designed as a complete station, handling every step of the shotshell reloading process from resizing and depriming to final crimping. The MEC 600 Jr. is known for its durability and ability to produce high-quality shells that perform consistently. If your focus is on shotgun sports, this press is a time-tested classic that delivers excellent results.
What to Look For in the Best Reloading Presses of All Time
I have spent a lot of time at the bench, and choosing your first, or next, reloading press is a big decision. It is not about finding the single “best” press, but the best press for you. Your needs, your budget, and your shooting volume are what really matter. Let us break down the key things I always consider.
First, you need to decide on the press type. A single-stage press is where almost everyone should start, myself included. It is slow and methodical, which is perfect for learning the fundamentals and for producing highly accurate, precision rifle rounds. If you are mainly loading for a bolt-action rifle or want to master the process, this is the way to go. A turret press is the next step up. It holds multiple dies at once, and with a simple rotation, you can move through the reloading steps much faster than with a single-stage. I think it is the perfect balance for a handloader who wants to load both precision rifle and higher-volume pistol cartridges without breaking the bank.
Then you have the progressive press. This is the speed king. With each pull of the handle, a progressive press performs multiple operations, often spitting out a finished round. If you shoot a lot of pistol calibers or .223 for a semi-auto, a progressive is a game-changer. The initial setup is more complex and the cost is higher, but the time savings are massive. However, I do not recommend it for absolute beginners; it is better to learn on a single-stage first.
Beyond the type, look at the construction. A cast-iron “O” frame press is the classic, robust workhorse. A “C” frame press can be more compact but might flex under heavy resizing loads. I always prefer a solid, cast-iron “O” frame for its rigidity. Also, check the press’s “feel.” A smooth, consistent handle stroke makes a long reloading session much more pleasant. The best reloading presses of all time all share this quality of being well-machined and smooth operating.
Finally, think about the brand’s ecosystem. Companies like RCBS, Hornady, and Lee have extensive lines of compatible dies, shell plates, and accessories. Sticking with a brand that has strong support and a wide range of products can make your reloading life much easier down the road. Your press is the heart of your operation, so take your time and choose the one that fits your workflow.
FAQ
What is the most durable type of reloading press?
In my experience, a heavy-duty cast-iron single-stage “O” frame press is often the most durable. They have a simple design with very few moving parts, and the solid iron construction can handle a lifetime of tough resizing operations. Many of these presses, like the classic RCBS Rock Chucker, are literally passed down through generations. While progressive presses are fantastic, their increased complexity means there are more components that could potentially wear or need adjustment over time.
Can I realistically load ammunition for a beginner on a progressive press?
I strongly advise against it. A progressive press does many things at once, which can overwhelm a new reloader and make it difficult to spot a mistake. It is much safer and more educational to start on a single-stage press. This allows you to focus on one step at a time, understand what is happening at each stage, and develop good habits. Once you are comfortable with the entire process, then you can graduate to a progressive for speed.
How much should I expect to spend on a good quality reloading press?
You can get a perfectly functional single-stage press from a brand like Lee for around $60-$70. A more robust, classic model from RCBS or Redding will typically run between $150 and $250. A turret press will usually land in the $200-$350 range. For a progressive press, be prepared to invest anywhere from $400 for a basic model to well over $800 for a top-of-the-line system. Remember, the press is just one part of the cost; you will also need dies, a scale, calipers, and other tools.
Is a turret press a good compromise between a single-stage and a progressive?
Absolutely, and I often recommend them for this reason. A turret press gives you the flexibility to run it as a single-stage for learning or precision work by simply advancing the shell holder by hand. But when you need to produce a batch of pistol ammo, you can use the auto-indexing feature (on most models) to speed things up significantly. It is a fantastic “do-it-all” press that avoids the high cost and complexity of a full progressive system.
What is the main advantage of a progressive press?
Speed, without a doubt. A good progressive press can produce 400-500 rounds per hour, compared to maybe 100-150 on a turret press or 50 on a single-stage. If you are a high-volume shooter who goes through thousands of rounds of 9mm or .223 each year, the time savings a progressive offers is incredible. It turns a full-day loading session into a matter of a couple of hours.
Do I need a special press for loading rifle cartridges versus pistol cartridges?
Not at all. Any standard reloading press can handle both rifle and pistol cartridges. The difference is in the dies and the shell holder you use. You will need a set of dies specific to the caliber you are loading (e.g., .308 Winchester dies for .308 rifle, 9mm Luger dies for 9mm pistol). The press itself is universal, which is part of what makes reloading so versatile.