Do you want to buy the best single-stage reloading press kit? We’ve got you covered. By the end of this post, you will find a reliable reloading press kit for the money.
A single-stage reloading press is a perfect choice if you are a newbie or simply want a cheap, no-frills, and simple way to produce your ammo. It is a valuable addition to your reloading bench, regardless of whether you are a beginner or have much experience in reloading.
What is a single-stage reloading press?
The single-stage press operates one step at a time, meaning you can only perform one reloading operation per pull of the lever. This could be resizing and de-priming a case, seating a bullet, or crimping a case.
Single-stage reloading presses are affordable and easy to use because they let you focus on a single task at a time, allowing you to deeply understand each step of the reloading process. They are also durable and hence serve you for a long time.
Best Single Stage Reloading Press Kits
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Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic
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RCBS Rebel Single Stage Press
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RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme |
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Forster Co-Ax Press |
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Lyman Brass Smith Victory Press
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1) Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Reloading Press Kits
The Lock-N-Load Classic is dependable and precise with its uniquely angled, solid cast frame that provides greater visibility and easier access to the cartridge. It is made to guarantee perfect die and shell holder alignment. Its Lock-N-Load quick change bushing system also makes the process easy and quick.
It has an alloy frame with high strength to provide the rigidity and stability required for precision reloading and is never assured of breaking or failing. The frame has a unique angle that provides greater visibility for the reloader and easier access to the cartridge in the press.
In addition, the kit is ideal for the reloading novice and provides everything you need to get started.
The Lock-N-Load Bushings enable you to switch from one die to another in seconds and provide the quickest and easiest die setup on the market.
Highlights
- Strong angles frame that provides rigidity and stability
- Handheld priming Tool
- Positive Priming System
- Universal Reloading Block
- Chamfer and Deburr Tool
- Primer Catcher
- Shell holders in the most popular sizes
- Bushings and Sure-Loc rings
- Lock N Load Quick change bushing system
2) RCBS Rebel Single Stage Press
The RCBS Rebel press has an ambidextrous handle for both right and left-hand users, making it perfect for every hand loader. It has a solid cast iron frame is precision machined to exact tolerances, and the surfaces are qualified to produce the tightest single press on the market.
The bottom of the ram primer ejection ensures no primers are spent on the workspace. The included zerk fitting is located conveniently for lubrication when needed. This press kit will for sure not let you down.
Highlights
- Heavy-duty cast iron frame with a base that is wide to add stability
- Biggest O-Frame opening of any standard-size RCBS single-stage press
- Ambidextrous handle
- Bottom of Ram Primer Ejection
- Machine-qualified surfaces for tight tolerances
- Green in color
3) RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme Press
The Rock Chucker has a durable cast iron construction, guaranteeing exceptional strength and versatility. It accounts for today’s longer cartridges as it has a 4.25-inch loading window making reloading more efficient.
This kit also has a press frame that offers a full four inches of ram-bearing surface to support the one-inch diameter main ram rigidly.
It is easy to use for anyone a sit on and has an ambidextrous o-frame design. It is perfect for both beginners and pros.
Highlights
- Designed with the highest quality materials
- Hunting reloading presses
- The handle is made of solid steel and has a ball-type handle grip that is comfortable
- Has outstanding strength and versatility
- Perfect for beginners and pros as well
- Can be upgraded to a progressive loader with the addition of a Piggyback-4
- Specifically for heavy-duty reloading, bullet swaging, and case forming
4) Forster Co-Ax Press
This single-stage reloader keeps it simple while still being able to deliver precision, and it’s safe to say it’s one of the fastest single-stage reloaders out there. This is courtesy of ingenious features like the snap-in and snap-out die changing which allows you to change from sizer die to seater die in two seconds.
This single-stage press was designed with accuracy as a top priority. It’s enhanced using features such as dual floating guide rods that aid in alignment, as well as the design of the linkages and pivots, which ensures all forces are in equilibrium throughout the operation and when not in use.
Working with the Forster Co-ax ensures a clean working environment thanks to a positive spent primer catcher system that filters all wasted primers and unclean carbon down a tube and into a container.
Highlights
- Accepts any standard ⅞″ X 14 reloading die
- Snap-in and snap-out die changing
- Comes with dual floating guide rods
- Designed for long life with no torque on the head of the Co-Ax Press
5) Lyman Brass Smith Victory Press
This is a single-stage press that’s built to last a lifetime with the use of sturdy materials. Construction starts with cast iron which is the basis of the O-frame, where the 1” diameter ram and compound linkage are affixed.
The use of solid materials gives the user the feeling of a tight handle, good for smooth operation and precision.
This Press features a newly designed straight-line priming feed. The priming feed is fully reliable and easy to use. Simply push the priming arm forward at the bottom of the ram to place it beneath the shell holder.
To increase safety, the primer feed has a strong steel shield that protects the primer tubes. Moreover, the huge 5″ frame aperture allows for simple loading of even the largest magnum calibers.
Highlights
- Heavy duty cast iron “o” Frame
- 1″ Diameter Ram
- Comes with Straight line primer feed with large and small primer tubes
- Precision fit and smooth operation
- Large 5” frame opening, works with the largest cases
- Heavy steel shield surrounding the primer tubes.
- Ambidextrous design
Factors to Consider When Selecting the Best Single-Stage Reloading Press Kit
Cost
Take the price of the kit into account, as you have to fit the cost of the reloading press into your budget. Some models are more expensive than others but may provide extra features that may not be found in cheaper models.
If you are looking for a pistol reloading single-stage press, you do not need a reloading press that works with longer cartridges, as it will save you money.
Durability
Reloading your ammo saves you money, but that will not be the case if you buy low-quality presses that will not last long. It is thus important to get a reloading press from a famous and reputable brand, as such brands already have a proven track record of making long-lasting products. Nevertheless, they are known to honor their warranties.
Ensure you get a sturdy frame that provides the structural support you need. A good reloading press should be made from either cast iron or steel.
Handle
The handle is one of the components that you will often use. It should therefore be comfortable for you to use. Some people prefer having a smooth ball grip on the handle as, over time, it minimizes hand cramps as they pull on the lever hundreds of times. The handle should also be ambidextrous, especially for left-handed users.
Ease of use
The frame of the reloading press should provide enough space for your hands to work more easily and quickly. Also, ensure that the kit has features that keep it stable.
Look for a die-changing system that allows you to switch dies, as you will do so often efficiently. That means you will not have to make too many adjustments during the reloading.
The easier the reloading kit is, the more rounds you can reload over a while. It is less frustrating for beginners and more relaxing for long-time shooters.
Style of press
An O frame press is a single-stage press that encases the ram and dies completely, providing ample support on both the front and back of the die. This offers a much sturdier frame for the press to work in. If you decide to go with an O frame press, the construction material may not be of so much importance.
Another style is the C frame which only supports the die in the shape of a C, meaning that both the front and back are not supported. The construction material and design are much more important if you choose a C frame press, especially if you will be loading magnum rifle rounds.
Brand and warranty
You will want to consider customer reviews, warranties, and brand longevity. A reloading press is a long-term investment, and you want to be able to buy accessories when you are ready to upgrade.
In addition, a warranty is not a warranty unless it has customer service to back it up. You may find a product with a lifetime warranty, but when a piece breaks, it takes you years to get a response from customer service; hence, that warranty doesn’t mean much.
Advantages of Best Single Stage Reloading Press Kit
Cost-effective
Firing rounds of ammo is pretty expensive, especially if you keep purchasing factory-made ammo. You can save much money reloading the ammo yourself with a reloading press. Some shooters find they can cut their expenses by as much as half.
Easy to use
A reloading press enables you to do things one task at a time. If you are a beginner in reloading, you better understand how everything works regarding your ammo. It helps you understand shooting as a whole.
Even shooters who have reloading experience use the single-stage press very often. They can focus more on each stage of the process, minimizing errors and letting them come up with more accurate ammo.
Accurate
Single-stage reloading presses are usually a more accurate way to load ammunition as they have fewer moving parts to affect the round being loaded.
Cheaper
They are cheaper compared to a progressive stage press and are also a great way for newbies in reloading to learn the steps involved in handloading their ammunition.
Disadvantages of a Single-Stage Reloading Press Kit
Speed
You can only do one thing at a time when using these presses, and it takes a few steps to create a loaded round that is ready to shoot.
FAQs
Is reloaded ammo better than factory ammo?
Reloaded ammo is surprisingly a better option than purchasing factory-assembled ammo. Factory ammo can be inconsistent and expensive. You will find that producing your ammo produces better results.
Do I need to tumble the cases?
Some people do not bother tumbling cases before they begin reloading. However, if your casings have debris or scorch marks, they may lead to reloading malfunctions in rifles and pistols after reloading. Tumbling before resizing and lubing is always the best reloading practice.
Conclusion
Single-stage reloading presses are usually the easiest to operate and also best for begnners who are trying their hand reloading for the first time. moreover, they are cheaper compared to other presses. The ones elucidated above are great options to pick from for those in search of single-stage reloading press kits. Good luck with your reloading process!
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