Are you looking for the best reloading kit for the money? This comprehensive guide will help you make a well-informed purchase.
If you are a shooter, whether a hunter or a gun enthusiast, you must think about your ammunition. Most people require to reload their ammo. Reloading is loading cartridges on a firearm or shotgun shells carried out by combining individual components such as bullets, powder, primer, and case.
Reloading your ammo is cost-saving and gives you a better understanding of how your gun and bullets work. Many shooters consider it a rewarding and interesting process.
First, you will need a good reloading kit to achieve the best experience when reloading your ammo. The gun world is diverse, and with the many options in the market, you are likely to get overwhelmed. You will have to make certain considerations depending on the kind of equipment you have and the intended use.
Types of Reloading Kits
Reloading kits are divided into three types. They vary in specifications and processes depending on the brand and size, but the basic concept remains the same.
Single-stage press
The most basic type is the single-stage press that loads one bullet at a time with one die size. It is easy to operate, making it ideal for beginners. It also has few components and hence does not require much expertise.
Turret press
This has a slight difference from the single stage. The two presses have similar accessories. However, the turret press adds a turning turret ring, which can hold multiple die sizes. It also allows you to switch between them quickly.
Progressive reloading press
This is more advanced than the other two types of presses. The progressive press allows multiple attachments like the case feeder and powder measure. It will need a longer set-up time and more attention. However, this press is fast and can quickly produce multiple rounds.
Choosing the Best Reloading Kits
Cost- a good quality ammo reloading kit should be able to stand the test of time. They should withstand user error and bad materials being pushed through them. The price at which you purchase an ammo reloading kit should be equivalent to the quality you get.
With many reloading press brands, the more expensive presses are better quality. If you are on a tight budget, I would advise that you go for a single-stage press.
It might be time-consuming, but it is precise and economical. You can choose the Turret or Progressive reloading kits, which have more complex features if your budget is higher.
Expertise – the type of reloading kit you purchase will be determined by the kind of intended work. An experienced shooter or reloader might prefer an intricate and customizable press that can be adjusted and operated according to their preference.
On the other hand, a beginner will need an easily operated press to familiarize themselves with the basics of reloading.
Accuracy- there is no room for mistakes or miscalculations when reloading rifle ammunition. It requires you to be precise and methodical. However, quantity over quality may be preferred when loading pistols or AR rifles.
The single-stage press is perfect for precision over quantity, but a progressive press can be the right choice if you are looking for quantity over quality.
Ammo compatibility- reloading kits are not made as universal bullet makers; therefore you need to be careful when purchasing as you do not want to buy a reloading kit for each of your calibers.
Look for a reloading kit compatible with different caliber ammo available in the market. Reloading kits with low compatibility mainly come with a conversion kit. A conversion kit can transform a 22-caliber ammo reloading kit to take in 30-caliber bullets. This increases the usefulness of the reloading kit, thus saving you money and space.
Durability- with high costs incurred, everyone wants a product that can withstand time. A good reloading kit should resist user error and bad materials pushed through it. The type of materials used, warranties, and customer support are some indicators of how durable a reloading kit is.
Ease of use- Most reloading kits come with a cookbook. However, many people will still find themselves stuck in the process of doing it all. This is why reloading kits with most core accessories right out of the box are preferred, as they are easier to use. They do not require a lot of tools to put together.
Speed- progressive presses are fast hence high output. These presses can load more than 800 rounds in an hour. They are mostly designed for mass production and sacrifice quality for many rounds per cycle.
Progressive presses are a good option if you are a professional shooter or hunter. However, a turret press is the best choice if you are looking for low output. This type of press is faster than the single-stage press and makes you more aware of certain details.
Best Reloading Kits
1) Hornady 095100 Lock-N-Load Auto-Progressive Reloading Press
Hornady Lock-N-Load, one of the best reloading kits, is an automatic, five-station press that is very user-friendly and offers the most innovative patented quick tool change technology. It has a full-size lock-n-load powder measure loads anything from pistols to most Magnum rifle cartridges. It includes a case-activated powder drop, cartridge catcher, and extra lock-n-load bushings. The press system switches die, powder measure, check, bullet seaters, or crimp dies without changing the whole die head. The Lock-N-Load AP has a bushing system that lets you change from 223 to 45 in less than five minutes which is faster than most other progressive presses on the market. It also offers quick-change metering inserts that enable you to switch from one powder to another with a button and a universal case retainer spring that allows you to quickly and easily remove and replace a case at any point during the loading process. The Lock-N-Load features an automatic indexing system where each station moves 1/2 stage on the upstroke and 1/2 stage on the downstroke. This differs from other presses that do all their indexing on the downstroke. Additionally, it has a priming system that allows easy changing from large to small primers, a case-activated powder drop, and a large-capacity hopper. Highlights
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2) LEE PRECISION Anniversary Challenger Kit II
LEE PRECISION Anniversary Challenger Kit II is among the best reloading kits that come as a complete set. The challenger kit features a strong O-frame with a more-than-average opening of 30°. This provides total hand clearance. It has compound leverage that is responsible for full-length sizing on all magnum cases. The Lee Precision press also features an inbuilt primer catcher that is easy to empty. It has the Lee Safety Scale, popularly known for its sensitivity, a powder funnel to fill the case, and a chamfer tool. Highlights
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3) LEE PRECISION 90180 Breech Lock, Hand Press Kit
The Lee Breech Lock Hand Press holds the features of the Lee Hand Held Press. It also has Lee’s convenient breech lock system that allows you to change dies quickly without having to readjust dies. Although a full-size handheld reloading press, this tool weighs only 1 ½ lbs. and is reasonably priced. Highlights
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4) Lyman All American 8 Turret Press for Reloading
Lyman All American 8 Turret Press, as one of the best reloading kits, is an eight-station brass smith all-American 8 press. It is the most feature-packed, rugged turret press on the market. This turret is machined out of heavy-duty cast iron and equipped with an easy-to-remove turret bolt that simplifies swapping turrets. The primer feed has a heavy steel shield surrounding the primer tubes for extra safety. It is equipped with a comfortable ball handle suitable for either hand use. The 8-die station turret is the largest available and holds two complete 4-die sets or up to four 2-die sets. A rigid cast iron frame below the turret houses a 1” diameter ram and compound linkage. The frame is large enough to accommodate even the longest rifle cartridges. The All-American 8 press has a newly designed straight-line primer feed that is reliable and easy to use. Pros
Cons
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FAQs about the Best Reloading Kit
1) Are Lee reloading kits any good?
Lee’s kits are excellent, thorough, and affordable. They are ideal for beginners and pros. However, try out what works best for you, depending on the kind of equipment you own.
2) Is reloading worth it?
Yes. The advantages of reloading your ammo outdo the disadvantages. It is cost-saving and exposes you to ammunition and the entire reloading process.
3) Is it safe to use an ammo reloading kit?
Just like any other machine, reloading kits come with risks. However, safety is a major concern to all manufacturers of this product type. Manufacturers now use smokeless gunpowder, so users do not worry about accidentally igniting it. This helps reduce the risks associated with ammunition-related products.
4) What’s the best reloading kit for beginners?
I highly recommend you understand the procedures for reloading kits before purchasing. This will help you decide on the best one to purchase. If you are in a rush, however, the products discussed in this article are some of the best reloading kits in the market.
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CONCLUSION
This article highlights some of the best reloading kits that will cater to you whether you are a beginner or a pro in reloading. Reloading your ammo will help you save money and understand your equipment. It, however, comes with its risks, so it is good to get the reloading kit that best works for you and is easy to use. For the best results when reloading follow the whole process correctly and ensure all the measurements are accurate. Observe all the safety requirements and take your time, don’t rush things.
In the meantime, have fun reloading!
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