For gun enthusiasts, there’s nothing quite like blowing off steam and firing off some of their favorite guns at the shooting range. However, buying commercial ammunition can be expensive. So, target shooters opt to reload their own ammo to keep the cost down. It’s not only a money saver project but also a fun, rewarding, and hands-on hobby.
But in a market flooded with so many options, it can be a pain to choose the right one for your needs. Don’t fret. We’ve rounded up top 10 best ammo reloading kits to buy today.
Hornady 095100 Lock-N-Load Auto Progressive
Based in Grand Island, Nebraska, Hornady is a world-leading manufacturer of ammunition and handloading components. It was founded in 1949 by one Joyce Hornady. Following his father’s tragic death in 1981, Steve Hornady took over the mantle and has been steering the ship ever since.
The Hornady 095100 Lock-N-Load Progressive is a heavy-duty press that comes packed with features that set it apart from the rest of the pack. The lock and load bushing design makes it very easy to use, even for beginners. It allows you to swap out the dies in seconds, no matter the number of cartridges used. The 5 stations, on the other hand, allow for faster and more precise adjustments.
It also features EZject system that ejects completed rounds without any adjustments or jamming. This provides more reliability and allows you to produce loads at a rate of up to 500 rounds per hour. The incorporated universal case retainer spring means it can hold any caliber case in position and can be removed and reinserted at any given time in the reloading process. Another stand out feature is the case activated powder drop. It only lets out powder when a case is present. This, of course, makes the process safer and less messy.
If you are looking for a user-friendly press, the 095100 is among the best of the bunch.
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Lee Precision Classic Turret Press
Lee Precision Inc. is a family-owned company that was established in 1958 by Richard Lee. Located in Hartford, Wisconsin, it started with the Lee Loader for shotgun shells, then later introduced the Lee presses and dies in the 80s. In between, there were other inventions like well-known Lee Load-All for shotgun shells.
Ever since, the company has been producing highly effective and economical presses with the Lee Precision Classic Turret Press leading the pack. It’s among the most convenient presses out there. It features a safety prime feed system that eliminates the manual placement of the primers in the brass. That means you don’t have to handle them. Besides, it’s designed for both small and large primers, making the tool very easy to set up and operate.
With the long stroke, this turret press allows you to work on shell cases that are well over three inches. So, when you start doing rifle cases, this tool will come in handy. Additionally, the lever length is adjustable and has a more clearance between the lever knob and the safety primers. For ultimate strength and durability, the tool features a solid cast-iron and steel frame.
Hornady 85003 Reloading Press Kit
Being one of the most popular brands in the reloading industry, having another Hornady product on the list is almost inevitable.
Just like the Hornady 095100, this model features the lock-n-load technology. It allows you to replace the dies on the press quickly and with minimal effort. Once it’s fitted into place, it requires a bit of twisting and the die locks into the press.
This single-stage reloading press positive priming system self-aligns to feed and puts the primer at the bottom of the stroke. This makes priming cases easy and effortless. The angled frame not only gives you that strong and sturdy reinforcement during the reloading process but also allows you to access the cases in the press easily.
This unit also has an easy-to-grip handle that improves hand comfort during use. For accurate reloads, it comes with everything you need right from the start. A power measure, electric scale, chamfering & de-burring tool, three die bushings, and a primer catcher are among the accessories included in the kit. For your convenience, the Hornady 9th edition handbook of cartridge reloading is also included. What’s more, it’s backed by a 1-year warranty.
If you’re looking to get started with reloading, this is the kit for you.
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RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme
Founded in 1943 in Oroville, California by Fred T. Huntington, RCBS remains one of the leading manufacturers of ammunition reloading equipment. Being a shooting enthusiast, Huntington started crafting his dies in a back room of his father’s business. He named them Rock Chuck Bullet Swage, which was later shortened to its current name. The company was purchased by Alliant Techsystems (ATK) in 2001, which later split into two separate companies in 2015. RCBS found a new home when Vista Outdoor Inc. spun off from ATK as a stand-alone outdoor sports and recreation public company.
As far as the accuracy of the simple single stage press goes, the RCBS 9356 is the best in the business. It features an o-frame design, making it extremely easy to operate even for newcomers. Besides showing remarkable accuracy, it has a 4.25-inch loading window that can accommodate longer rifle cartridges.
The priming system incorporated in this tool is also very easy to use. The heavy-duty cast iron construction is quite sturdy and ensures years of reliable use. The handle is made from solid steel and has a ball-type grip for excellent strength capabilities and easy handling.
While touted as a beginner press due to its simple design, this tool is also great for experienced target shooters.
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Lee Precision Anniversary Challenger
Unsurprisingly, another Lee Precision product made it to our best ammo reloading kits list. Unlike other presses, the Lee Precision Anniversary Challenger has a larger than average opening courtesy of its frame press. This gives you ample space to work with, and you can also move your hands freely.
It also features the Breech Lock Quick Change Bushing that allows you to change the dies quickly when reloading while also saving you time and hassle of resetting the dies every time you want to make a change. Another useful accessory is the perfect powder measure. It can consistently throw powder charges, which work best for reloading rifle cases. Pistol cartridges can be used as well. Lee safety scale and case preparation tools as also included in the package.
This all-in-one reloading kit is incredibly easy to use. Beginners and elites alike can significantly benefit from it.
Redding T-7 Turret Press
Located in Cortland, New York, Redding Reloading Equipment is among the few oldest American companies that produce reloading equipment for metallic rifle and handgun cartridges. It has been operational since 1946 and continues to soar to greater heights. Their Redding T-7 Turret Press leads the pack.
The T-7 features a seven station turret head, which provides sufficient space to mount dies for two or three different calibers. Besides, the heads are interchangeable, so you can quickly change from one caliber or die set to the next. The rigid cast iron frame combined with the powerful compound linkage provide reliability, durability, and stability. The T-7 press has an opening of 4.75 inches and ram stroke of 3.80 inches. It also incorporates a 1-inch diameter hollow ram to accommodate the priming system.
This tool also includes a smart primer arm to allow the small and large primers to seat fittingly into the tight pockets. What’s more, it accepts 7/8 to 14 inches threaded dies and shell holders.
Lee Precision 90180 Hand Press
A third Lee Precision product takes another spot on our list, and rightly so. The 90180 Hand Press is not only one of the most affordable kits here but also among the most basic on the market. This makes it a perfect option for a beginner hand loader.
This simple single stage press made its way to become a crowd favorite, not only because of the low price point but also the portability and dependability aspect of it. You can literally take it anywhere, unlike progressive machines that need to be mounted on benches or something. Besides, it can fit just about anywhere in the house, be it the drawer, cabinet, or tools kit. The trade-off? Almost everything is done manually.
This reloading press kit includes a Breech Lock hand press that allows you to quickly and easily change dies in and out of the press. So, instead of screwing them in and out, it simply needs a bit twisting. It weighs only 1.75 pounds and has a length of 11.5 inches. This means it can only accept 3.65-inch cartridges.
Unlike other tools on the list, the 90180 features an aluminum frame. Also included are a powder funnel, ram prime, and case sizing lube.
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RCBS 9354 RC Supreme Kit
RCBS is a well-known brand and has been producing high-quality reloading kits ever since its inception. Just like its counterpart 9356, it’s among the most accurate reloading kits on the market. Besides, it comes with all the accessory you need to start the reloading process.
When it comes to the RCBS 9354 RC Supreme Kit construction, it’s one of those products that were designed to stand the test of time. It’s very sturdy and robust. Its overall performance is excellent, so you can count on it for years to come.
Both beginners and pros will appreciate the simplicity of operating this reloading kit. For your convenience, a hand priming tool, as well as the M500 mechanical scale, are included. These accessories are extremely useful, and you get them at no extra cost. Powder funnel, case lube kit, debut tool, uniflow powder measure, hex key set, and case load block are the accessories included in the kit.
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Lee Precision II Reloading Press
The Lee Precision II is one of the best ammo kits if you’re looking to save money but not compromise on functionality. It has a lot to offer for both advanced users and beginners looking to start the reloading venture.
This product from Lee Precision is one of the simplest reloading presses you’ll ever come across. What’s more, it’s the least expensive kit on our list. Still, it has a sturdy construction and doesn’t feel flimsy or cheap. It’s also relatively lightweight and features a convenient carrying handle, so you’ll have no trouble transporting it from one place to another. The curve also makes it possible to use it without mounting.
Capable of loading 2-3/4-inch and 3-inch shells, this tool is considered to be among the best shotshell reloaders on the market. It comes with 16 powder bushings and 8 shot bushings. Also included are a safety charger bar, a steel sizing ring, a primer guide, an aluminum plate for primer catcher, and both 6-and 8-point crimp starters.
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RCBS Summit Reloading Press
This is a reasonably priced reloading press built with quality and durability in mind. Using this model, you can make premium quality ammunition. This handy tool is also suitable for both right-handed and left-handed people to use.
Unlike most reloading presses, the RCBS Summit Reloading Press operates on top of a bench, so you don’t need any clearance under the bench. The case threads into place and does not move, so the cases are less likely to tip. The cast-iron frame, along with the all-steel linkage provides greater stability and durability. It also has a massive 2-inch ram diameter for additional support. The Zerk fitting is a useful but often overlooked feature that lets you lubricate the ram and die plate interface.
The ambidextrous design incorporated into this model not only makes it comfortable to use but also allows easy access to the cases. Also, you can change the dies with ease. This model only accepts bushings of 1-inch die bodies. This press also includes compound leverage, a press adapter bushing, a spent primer catcher, full-frontal access, and a 4.5-inch operating window.
