Ammunition isn’t free. While many people are just fine with buying their ammo off the shelf, many everyday shooters choose to save money by reloading their old cases. If you want to take things a step further, you can purchase new cases as well, which means you’ll never again need to buy another box of commercial ammo.
With the rise in popularity of home reloading, we thought it was well past time to find the best reloading kit. Since there are many kinds of ammo reloading kits, we’ve looked for the best single stage press, as well as the best progressive reloading press. We’ve even looked at an automatic reloading press, for the most hardcore reloading enthusiasts.
We’ve also looked at a couple of smaller kits, which are designed for beginners to get their feet wet before they choose a larger, more expensive kit.
Best Reloading Kits
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1. Hornady 085010
Hornady 085010
Features
- Everything You Need To Start Reloading – This Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Kit Deluxe (085010) is great to for anyone to get started with. Everything needed for fast and reliable reloading
- A Must Have Kit – If you are a new reloader you will love the ease of use the Lock-N-Load Classic Deluxe provides and all of the accessories that are packaged with the kit so you can start turning out accurate, consistent ammunition. If you are a seasoned reloader you will love the fact that this press kit is built to last a lifetime and is backed with Hornady's Lifetime Warranty
- Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Reloading Press – The Classic Press is packed full of features, including an angled frame, easy grip handle, positive priming system, primer catcher, and Lock-N-Load Bushings for quick die changing
- Additional Items – In addition to everything you receive in the Classic Kit, the Deluxe Classic Kit includes: Lock-N-Load Straight OAL Gauge, Pistol Rotor & Metering Assembly, Powder Measure Stand, Shellholders 1,2,5,16,35, Kinetic Bullet Puller, Decorative Tin Sign, Six Sure-Loc Lock Rings, Steel Dial Caliper, Three Additional Die Bushings
- Kit Includes – Items from the Classic Kit that are included are: Lock-N-Load Classic Single Stage Press, Lock-N-Load Powder Measure (with rifle rotor), Digital Scale, Handbook of Cartridge Reloading, 3 Lock-N-Load Bushings, Primer Catcher, Positive Priming System, Handheld Priming Tool, Universal Reloading Block, Chamfering and Deburring Tool, Powder Funnel and Trickler, 5.5 oz One Shot Case Lube
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Deluxe allows you to change between dies without having to re-calibrate.
Key Features
- Single-stage press
- Powder measure
- Digital scale
- 3 Lock-N-Load die bushings and 6 case lock rings
- Handheld priming tool
- Chambering and deburring tool
- Powder trickler and funnel
- Removable bushings
- Primer catcher tray
- Includes calipers
- Includes a can of case lube
The biggest complaint most people have with single-stage presses is the inconvenience of switching between different types of dies. Whenever you want to switch from sizing to loading, you need to re-calibrate the die, which adds unnecessary time and headache to your reload.
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Deluxe tackles this head-on. Its innovative Lock-N-Load system has removable die bushings. Once a die has been calibrated for the first time, all you need to do is swap out the bushings, which makes it a snap to switch tasks.
This kit includes everything you need to reload, with the exception of the dies themselves. Get yourself a set of Hornady dies in your caliber, and you’re ready to start reloading.
Pros
- Very reliable
- Easy to change between dies
- Everything you need for reloading except for the dies
- Works with almost any rifle or pistol caliber
Cons
- A little pricey
This is a remarkably complete reloading kit; buy a set of dies and you’re good to go.
2. LEE PRECISION
LEE PRECISION Classic Turret
$282.97 in stock
Free shipping
Features
- This kit and a set of Lee dies is everything you need to begin reloading
- Note: the Bench Plate system the Classic Turret Press is mounted to in the photo is sold separately.
- Made in USA
- The kit includes the Pro Auto-Drum powder measure and riser, perfect for all handgun and small rifle cartridges.
The Lee Precision Classic Turret is ideal for high-volume pistol or AR shooters who want to load a lot of cartridges quickly.
Key Features
- Single-stage press
- Powder measure
- Handheld priming tool with large and small drums
- Case conditioning tools
- Automatic index
- Includes a tube of primer lube, calipers, and a magnetic scale
The Lee Precision Classic Turret Press Kit is an indexing press, which means you load several cases at the same time. With each pull of the lever, it performs an action, then advances the turret so the next case is located under the die or powder measure. This speeds up your reload time significantly.
The powder measure on this press operates automatically, which once again increases your reload time over a manual powder measure. Be careful with a very fine powder, though. It will leak a lot of powder, and lead to wastage, mess, and a fire hazard. Stick with coarse grain powder and you’ll have no trouble at all.
Pros
- Easy to use
- Complete kit – all you need is a set of dies
- Works with all cases .223 or shorter
- Affordable
Cons
- Does not work with fine powder
This is quite affordable for a turret press.
3. Redding Reloading
Redding Reloading
Features
- Big Boss reloading press.
- Model 2 powder scale.
- Powder trickler.
- Pad style case lube kit (lube pad and 2 oz of Imperial Bio Green case lube).
- Deburring tool.
The Redding Reloading BIG Boss Pro Pak features removable bushings to make it quick and easy to switch between dies.
Key Features
- Single-stage press
- Powder trickler and funnel
- Case prep kit with a deburring tool
- Mechanical scale
- Includes a bottle of case lube
- Removable bushings
- Spent primer collector
The Redding Reloading BIG Boss Pro Pak is a single-stage press, which includes a powder trickler and funnel, a case prep kit, a bottle of case lube, and a mechanical scale for checking your results. It features a built-in collection chamber to keep your spent primers from dropping all over the floor.
This press features removable bushings, which allow you to switch between different sets of dies without recalibrating your machine. The bushing sockets accept oversized dies, so you can take the bushings out altogether and insert a die for .50 caliber if that’s how you like to roll.
This is just a partial kit, though. It doesn’t include a priming tool. You’ll also need to provide your own dies, although that’s fairly standard.
Pros
- Easy to change between dies
- Loads any centerfire caliber, including .50 caliber
Cons
- Does not include a priming tool
This is the best choice for reloading .50 caliber cases.
4. Lee Precision Load Master
Lee Precision Load Master 223
Features
- Load Master Reloading Rifle Kit
- Cast Aluminum
- 7/8"x 14
The Lee Precision Load Master .223 Remington is a complete kit that arrives ready to reload .223 cartridges.
Key Features
- Progressive press
- Automatic powder measure
- Built-in primer pocket swager
- Automatic indexing
- Turret includes pre-installed dies
The Lee Precision Load Master .223 Remington is a progressive press, which in many ways is similar to the automatic press. The difference is that the case feeder isn’t powered, so you’ll have to check between each load to ensure that the new case is properly seated in the die.
It features an automatic turret with five case holes. When you pull the lever, the case in the first station will have its primer ejected and neck resized. The case in the second station will have its new primer installed. The third will get loaded with powder, and the fourth station loads your bullet. The final station crimps the neck and ejects a completed cartridge.
This kit produces cartridges significantly faster than a single-stage press, at a fraction of the price of a truly automatic press. Be careful with your powder selection, though. The powder measure leaks if you fill it with ultra-fine powder. The kit also doesn’t include a scale, which you may want to check your results.
Pros
- Reloads most sized pistol and rifle cartridges
- Fast, easy operation
- Affordable
Cons
- Does not work well with fine powder
- Does not include a scale
This reloading kit includes a progressive press, which churns out cartridges far faster than a single stage press.
5. LEE PRECISION Breech Lock
LEE PRECISION Breech Lock
Free shipping
Features
- Includes a set of 11 Auto-Prime Shell Holders
- Kit includes the Breech Lock Challenger Press and one Breech lock quick change bushing
- This kit is perfect for those who prefer to prime off the press
The Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger includes everything you need except for the dies.
Key Features
- Single-stage press
- Powder measure and funnel
- Mechanical scale
- Hand priming tool
- Case prep kit, including brushes and a case cutter
- Removable die bushings
- Includes a bottle of case lube
The Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger is a complete reloading kit, with a single-stage press, a powder measure and funnel, and a mechanical scale. It includes a hand priming tool, as well as a case prep kit which even includes a case cutter. All you need to get started is a set of reloading dies in your caliber.
The press is really the star of the show here. While it’s part of an inexpensive kit, it nonetheless utilizes removable die bushings, which make it easy to switch between tasks. On the other hand, the mechanical scale is made of cheap plastic, and the hand primer isn’t as rugged as it should be. It’s still a great value for the price, though.
Pros
- Everything you need except for the dies
- Quick die changes
- Reloads almost any size cartridge
- Affordable
Cons
- Low-quality scale and hand primer
This is a good choice if you’re buying your first reloading kit.
6. RCBS 9354 RC Supreme Master Kit
RCBS 9354 RC
$549.99 in stock
Features
- Includes nosler 7 reloading manual
The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme is as rugged as its name implies.
Key Features
- Single stage press
- Powder measure and funnel
- Case loading block
- Mechanical scale
- Hand priming tool
- Deburring tool and case brush
- Includes a bottle of case oil
The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Kit is a rugged kit, with a cast-iron press that will last for years. The cast aluminum scale and priming tool are also of good quality. The price is right in the middle of the road as far as reloading kits is concerned, so it’s a very good value overall.
Besides those tools, you also get a case loading block to keep your powder-filled cartridges from spilling, a deburring tool and case brush, and a reliable powder measure with a funnel. The press itself fits any caliber up to a .45 ACP.
The downside? The dies screw directly into the press, so you’ll have to recalibrate each time you switch tasks.
Pros
- Tough, durable construction
- Fits most caliber sizes
- Good value
Cons
- Slow task switching
Get yourself a set of dies, and this reloading kit will take care of the rest.
7. LEE PRECISION 38
LEE PRECISION 38
Free shipping
Features
- Made in USA
- Includes everything needed to reload 38 SPL. except a rubber mallet
- Please note: the Classic Lee Loader neck sizes only
- This is not recommended for semi, pump and lever action guns
The Lee Precision .38 Special Loader is an ideal choice for reloading your revolver cartridges.
Key Features
- Full set of dies
- Primer pocket swager
- Locknut and flaring tool
The Lee Precision .38 Special Loader is a true handloading kit, which means it doesn’t include a traditional press. It’s essentially a set of dies, with a lock nut base that secures your case while you work at it. Instead of applying pressure with a lever, you simply bang on the top die with a mallet to remove your primer, install a new one, size the neck, and insert the bullet.
The downside here is that there’s no crimper. As a result, the finished cartridges will only be usable in a revolver, not in a pump, lever, or semi-automatic.
Pros
- Everything you need, except a rubber mallet
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Only recommended for revolvers
This is an affordable option for reloading your .38 caliber cartridges with a good reloading press.
8. LEE PRECISION 90263
LEE PRECISION 90263 Colt.45
Free shipping
Features
- Cartridge: .45 Colt
- Material: steel loader parts and plastic powder dipper
- Complete instructions
- Includes everything needed to reload 45 Colt except a rubber mallet
- Please note: the Classic Lee Loader neck sizes only
The Lee Precision .45 Colt Loader is inexpensive and only requires a rubber mallet to complete the kit.
Key Features
- Full set of dies
- Primer pocket swager
- Locknut and flaring tool
The Lee Precision .45 Colt Loader is an upsized version of their .38 Special loader, designed for .45 Colt cartridges. We won’t waste your time going over all of the features, which are the same as the last kit we looked at. However, we should point out that the .45 Colt cartridge is not the same as a .45 ACP. It’s a longer cartridge, designed for revolvers only.
Pros
- Everything you need, except a rubber mallet
- Inexpensive
Cons
- Only recommended for revolvers
If you shoot a revolver and don’t want to spend a lot of coin on a full-sized reloading kit, this is a good choice.
Bottom Line
In our search for the best reloading press, we’ve covered a lot of ground. But we should address the elephant in the room; there’s a lot more to reloading than just saving money.
To begin with, reloading allows you to customize the charge of your load. Prefer a 39 or 41-grain charge instead of 40 grain? You can do that. You can also alter the profile of your cartridge to get exactly the performance you want. Want a slightly longer neck for more stability? You can crimp your cartridge as desired.
Depending on your needs, you can create a virtually endless array of custom cartridges. Not only that, reloading is a fun, relaxing way to spend an afternoon. Visit the OutdoorWorld Reviews homepage for more expert advice and information.
The Review
Best Reloading Kits
We've rated and reviewed the top 8 options just for you.
Review Breakdown
- Hornady 085010
- LEE PRECISION Classic Turret
- Redding Reloading
- Lee Precision Load Master 223
- LEE PRECISION Breech Lock
- RCBS 9354 RC
- LEE PRECISION 38
- LEE PRECISION 90263
Best Reloading Kits DEALS
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