For the avid shooter, reloading your own ammunition is more than a hobby; it’s a craft that offers unparalleled control, consistency, and cost savings. A progressive reloading press is the cornerstone of an efficient reloading bench, allowing you to perform multiple operations with a single pull of the handle. Choosing the right one can feel overwhelming with the array of options available.
This guide is designed to cut through the noise and present a curated list of the best progressive reloading presses on the market. We’ve focused on models that strike an excellent balance between affordability and reliability, ensuring you can find a press that fits your budget without compromising on performance or durability for your reloading needs.
Our Top Picks for Progressive Reloading Presses
- Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Press Loader
- Lee Precision Load Master 223 Remington Reloading Rifle Kit
- Lee Precision, Breech Lock Pro Progressive Press
- Hornady 085520 Lock-N-Load Iron Press Ammo Loader
- RCBS 88911 Progressive Press, Pro Chucker 7, Green
- Dillon Precision Base XL750 Progressive Reloading Machine
- MEC 9000GN .410 Press
- RCBS 88703 Ammomaster 2
- Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press
- Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Progressive Press
Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Press Loader
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Press is a professional-grade, auto-indexing 5-station press built for speed and reliability. It is capable of producing up to 500 rounds per hour, making it an excellent choice for high-volume shooters who need consistent results. Its robust construction ensures it can handle the demands of a busy reloading bench.
The standout feature is the patented Lock-N-Load bushing system, which allows for incredibly fast die changes. You can switch calibers, like from .223 to .45, in less than five minutes. Combined with the quick-change powder measure inserts and the reliable EZ-JECT system for positive cartridge ejection, this press minimizes downtime and maximizes your loading efficiency.
Lee Precision Load Master 223 Remington Reloading Rifle Kit
This Lee Precision Load Master kit is a dedicated solution for reloaders who focus on the .223 Remington caliber. As a complete kit, it provides a straightforward path to start reloading rifle cartridges without needing to source individual components. The cast aluminum construction offers a solid foundation for the reloading process.
Being a progressive press, it streamlines the production of .223 rounds by handling multiple operations simultaneously. This is a significant advantage for anyone who shoots this popular caliber regularly and wants to build a stockpile of ammunition efficiently. It represents a focused and affordable entry into progressive reloading for rifle shooters.
Lee Precision, Breech Lock Pro Progressive Press
The Lee Breech Lock Pro is designed with simplicity and flexibility in mind. Its modular construction is a key benefit, allowing you to start with a basic setup and add automation as you become more comfortable. This press grows with your skills, making it suitable for both beginners and experienced reloaders.
A major advantage is the ease of use, with the manufacturer emphasizing that many functions require no adjustments. Changing cartridges, including primer size, can be accomplished in seconds. This user-friendly design reduces the learning curve and helps you get to the business of reloading with minimal frustration.
Hornady 085520 Lock-N-Load Iron Press Ammo Loader
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Iron Press offers the convenience of the famous Lock-N-Load bushing system in a single-stage format. Its ambidextrous operation makes it a great choice for both right and left-handed users, providing comfortable and precise handling during the reloading process.
This press shares the same mounting pattern as other popular Hornady and RCBS presses, making it easy to integrate into an existing reloading bench setup. The manual priming feature gives the user direct control over the priming operation, which many precision reloaders prefer for ensuring perfect seatings.
RCBS 88911 Progressive Press, Pro Chucker 7, Green
The RCBS Pro Chucker 7 is a heavy-duty progressive press built for the serious reloader who demands high volume and versatility. With seven available stations, it provides ample room for complex reloading sequences, including powder charging, bullet seating, and crimping, all in one pass.
RCBS is known for its durable and precise equipment, and the Pro Chucker 7 continues that tradition. The anodized aluminum construction provides strength while resisting corrosion. This press is engineered for consistency and reliability, batch after batch, making it a long-term investment for your reloading workshop.
Dillon Precision Base XL750 Progressive Reloading Machine
Dillon Precision is a legendary name in progressive reloading, and the XL750 embodies their commitment to speed and precision. Engineered for high-speed operation, this auto-indexing press is ideal for reloaders who need to produce large quantities of ammunition without sacrificing quality.
The design focuses on consistency and reliability, two critical factors for safe and effective reloading. The robust construction and smooth operation mean you can spend more time shooting and less time at the press. For anyone looking to step up their reloading output significantly, the XL750 is a top-tier contender.
MEC 9000GN .410 Press
The MEC 9000GN is a specialized progressive press designed exclusively for reloading .410 bore shotgun shells. MEC has a long-standing reputation for building high-quality shotshell reloading equipment, and this model is part of their respected 9000 series.
This press automates the shotshell reloading process, making it efficient to produce consistent and reliable shells for clay shooting or hunting. If your primary focus is on the .410 gauge, this dedicated press offers a streamlined and proven solution for keeping your supply stocked.
RCBS 88703 Ammomaster 2
The RCBS Ammomaster 2 is a single-stage press known for its strength and long ram stroke. The cast iron construction provides a massive, rigid frame that is essential for precision reloading and handling tough operations like resizing large rifle cases.
It includes a ram prime unit, giving you the option for convenient on-press priming. With a 6-3/4 inch ram stroke, it offers plenty of clearance for longer cartridges and various reloading tools. This press is built for durability and is a solid choice for those who value a strong, reliable single-stage platform.
Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press
The Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press combines the simplicity of a single-stage with the convenience of a progressive. Its heavy-duty cast iron frame and turret provide a stable and robust foundation for all your reloading tasks, ensuring minimal flex and maximum consistency.
The extra-large 8-station turret is a significant advantage. It can hold two complete 4-die sets or several 2-die sets, allowing you to keep multiple calibers ready to go. The turret is easily removed, making swapping between different cartridge setups a quick and simple process.
Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Progressive Press
Frankford Arsenal has made a significant entry into the progressive press market with their Platinum Series model. This press is designed to be a fully-featured, modern reloading solution that competes with established brands, often at a very attractive price point.
It incorporates thoughtful engineering aimed at making the reloading process smoother and more intuitive. From its solid construction to its user-friendly features, the Platinum Series press is built for reloaders who want a high level of performance and reliability without the premium cost, making it a compelling option to consider.
What to Look For in the 10 Best Progressive Reloading Presses [Affordable & Reliable]
When you’re ready to step up your ammunition production, a progressive reloading press is the way to go. But with so many models out there, picking the right one can feel overwhelming. I’ve been through this myself, and I want to help you focus on the key features that separate a good press from a great one. The goal is to find a machine that balances cost with consistent performance, so you can reload more without sacrificing quality.
First, consider the number of stations. Most progressive presses have four or five stations. A five-station press gives you a lot more flexibility. You can set up a dedicated station for a powder check die, which is a huge safety net to prevent squibs or double charges. If you’re just starting, a four-station model can work perfectly, but that extra station is a nice quality-of-life upgrade. Think about the caliber conversions, too. How easy and expensive is it to switch from loading 9mm to .223 Remington? Some brands have quick-change kits that make this a one-minute job, while others are more involved.
Next, look at the priming system. This is a common pain point. Does the press handle priming on the up-stroke or down-stroke? I prefer down-stroke priming because it feels more consistent and secure. Also, check if it has a swappable primer system for large and small primers. A system that lets you switch quickly without fiddling with tiny parts is a massive time-saver. The durability of the press frame is another big one. A cast-iron or solid-steel “O” frame press will last a lifetime and provide the solid foundation needed for consistent sizing and crimping.
Finally, don’t forget about the little things. Is the press manual-indexing or auto-indexing? Auto-indexing is what makes a progressive press fast, automatically rotating the shell plate after each stroke. How easy is it to adjust the powder measure? A micrometer adjustment is a premium feature that makes fine-tuning your powder charges simple. By weighing these factors—stations, priming, frame strength, and usability—you can confidently pick one of the 10 best progressive reloading presses that fits both your budget and your need for reliability.
FAQ
Is a progressive press good for a beginner?
It can be, but it requires patience. I always tell new reloaders to start on a single-stage press to really learn the fundamentals. However, if you’re committed to learning and are careful, a simpler progressive model can work. The key is to go slow, double-check every step at first, and use a powder check die if your press has the stations for it. Don’t let the speed tempt you into making mistakes.
How much faster is a progressive press than a single-stage?
The difference is night and day. On a single-stage, you might manage 100 rounds in an hour if you’re efficient. A progressive press can easily produce 400-600 rounds per hour once you get into a rhythm. You’re performing all the reloading steps—sizing, priming, charging, seating, and crimping—with each pull of the handle, instead of doing one step for every cartridge in your batch.
What is the most reliable progressive reloading press?
This is a hotly debated topic, but brands like Dillon and Hornady are consistently at the top for reliability. My Dillon Square Deal B, for example, has loaded tens of thousands of rounds with very few issues. Reliability often comes from a robust design, simple mechanics, and excellent customer support. When looking for the 10 best progressive reloading presses that are affordable and reliable, you’ll see these two names repeatedly for a good reason.
Can I load rifle ammunition on a progressive press?
Absolutely. Many progressive presses are set up for both pistol and rifle cartridges. The process for rifle ammo sometimes involves an extra step called case trimming, which you might need to do as a separate operation. Some high-end presses have stations that can accommodate a trimmer. Just make sure the press you choose offers the specific caliber conversion kits you need for your rifle.
Why is a powder check die so important?
On a progressive press, a powder check die is your best friend for safety. It acts as a visual or auditory alarm that tells you if a case has too much or, more importantly, no powder at all. A squib load (no powder) can lodge a bullet in your barrel, and firing another round after that can be catastrophic. For the peace of mind it provides, it’s worth dedicating a station to a powder check.