The Best Reloading Kits

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

1. Hornady 085010

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

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. Dillon Precision

The Dillon Precision 1050 arrives ready to load .223 cases right out of the box.

Key Features

• Automatic press
• Powered case feeder
• Automatic indexing
• Built-in primer pocket swager
• Automatic powder measure
• Case feeder and hopper
• Includes .223 dies

The Dillon Precision 1050 is an automatic press, and it’s the only one on our list. Truth be told, these presses are expensive, professional-grade machines, and most hobbyists are going to prefer something a little more economical. That said, it will reload cartridges 5 to 10 times faster than a kit that uses a single-stage or progressive press.

This press features a powered case feeder and loads a single cartridge with each turn of the handle. Just turn the crank, refill the case hopper and powder measure every few minutes, and watch as complete cartridges drop out of the machine. It comes with a set of .223 dies but will accept dies for virtually any caliber cartridge.

Pros

• Everything required to load .223 ammo
• Loads up to 2,000 rounds an hour
• Can load virtually any cartridge

Cons

• Very expensive

This reloading press is the fastest, easiest reloader on our list, but it’s also the most expensive by far.

4. Redding Reloading

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.

5. RCBS R S-5

The RCBS S-5 is a good choice for beginners who are buying their first kit.

Key Features

• Single-stage press
• Case loading block
• Mechanical scale
• Deburring tool and case neck brushes
• Powder funnel
• Includes a bottle of case lube

The RCBS S-5 uses RCBS’ Reloader special single stage press, which is a reliable, yet inexpensive reloading press that will accept almost any size of the cartridge. The kit also includes a powder funnel, a mechanical scale, and a case loading block to keep your cartridges upright after they’ve been filled with powder. Case neck brushes and a deburring tool round out the kit.

This kit is a great choice for someone who’s buying their first reloader. It’s safe, reliable, and affordable, although you’ll have to swap and re-calibrate your dies every time you want to alternate between sizing and loading. It also doesn’t include a priming tool, which you’ll need in order to get started.

Pros

• Sized to fit most calibers
• Good performance for the price
• Affordable

Cons

• Slow task switching
• Not a complete kit

This is an affordable reloading kit that’s still well-designed enough to get the job done.

6. Lyman Crusher

The Lyman Crusher Expert Kit is designed to reload most sizes of cartridges.

Key Features

• Single-stage press
• Powder measure and funnel
• Digital scale
• Case prep kit including brushes
• Case trimmer with 9 pilots
• Includes a bottle of case lube

The Lyman Crusher Expert Kit begins with a reliable single stage press, which is designed to reload cartridges in most handgun and rifle calibers. It includes a powder measure and funnel, along with a digital scale to ensure you’re getting exactly the load you want.

We chose this kit because it includes a case trimmer with pilots for the 9 most popular calibers. This is a good feature if you’re reloading your cartridges several times since repeated reloading and firing can cause the brass to stretch. If it stretches even a few thousandths of an inch, it will no longer chamber properly. Trimming it down to the proper length means you can reuse it again and again.

That said, the single-stage press doesn’t have removable bushings, which means you’ll need to calibrate your dies every time you change them. It also doesn’t include a priming tool.

Pros

• Good choice for reusing old brass
• Fits almost any ammo

Cons

• Slow task switching
• No priming tool

This reloading kit is ideal if you intend on reusing your brass several times.

7. Lee Precision Load Master

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.

8. Hornady 085001

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic features the same press as the Classic Deluxe, without most of the rest of the kit.

Key Features

• Single stage press
• Removable die bushings
• Includes 3 sets of bushings

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic is a barebones press, not a kit, but it’s a darn good one. It has a single-stage design, with removable die bushings that allow you to switch between calibers without the need for re-calibration. It’s sized to fit most pistol and rifle cartridges, and costs a lot less than buying a complete kit.

That said, it’s not much use without a powder measure, case tools, or a priming tool. If you don’t already have these things from an existing kit, the Lock-N-Load Classic Deluxe is a better deal.

Pros

• Very reliable
• Sized for most calibers
• Quick die changing
• Affordable

Cons

• No priming tool, scale, powder measure, or case prep tools

This reloading press is a good way to upgrade an existing kit.

9. LEE PRECISION Breech Lock

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.

10. RCBS 9354 RC

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.

11. Lee Precision Load Master 45

The Lee Precision Load Master 45 arrives with a full set of .45 caliber dies.

Key Features

• Progressive press
• Automatic powder measure
• Built-in primer pocket swager
• Automatic indexing
• The turret includes pre-installed dies

The Lee Precision Load Master 45 is virtually identical to the LoadMaster .223 Remington. The progressive press features the same automatic powder measure, with the same automatic indexing turret

So what’s the difference? This one comes with .45 caliber dies, instead of .223 Remington dies. If you primarily shoot a .45, this is a better choice, since you won’t have to immediately turn around and buy a die set.

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 works much faster than an equivalent single stage press.

12. LEE PRECISION II

The Lee Precision II Shotshell Reloading Press has a unique design, with five separate stations.

Key Features

• Progressive design
• Built-in powder measure and shot dispenser
• Reloads 2 ¾-inch or 3-inch 12 gauge shotshells

The Lee Precision II Shotshell Reloading Press is a bit of an oddball, but we didn’t want to leave shotgun shooters out of the loop. This machine has a single, large handle, which operates both the powder measure and the shot measure. Both of these are fed from clear hoppers, so you have a visual indication of how much is left.

This machine features five stations. The first removes the primer, the second inserts a new one, the third dispense the gunpowder, and the fourth dispense the shot. The fifth and final station crimps the top of the shell. However, after each pull of the handle, you’ll have to move the shells from station to station manually.

This is a very affordable little machine and will pay for itself in a few weeks of clay shooting. However, reloading shotshells requires more know-how than reloading a standard rifle or pistol case. There’s a steep learning curve, but Lee’s customer service is very helpful at sorting out any –inevitable – issues.

Pros

• Reloads virtually any 2 ¾ or 3-inch 12 gauge shotshell
• Good customer service
• Very inexpensive

Cons

• Steep learning curve

This is the best reloading machine on the market for reloading 12 gauge shotshells.

13. Lee Precision Shotshell

The Lee Precision Shotshell reloads almost any 16 or 20 gauge shotshell.

Key Features

• Progressive design
• Built-in powder measure and shot dispenser
• Reloads 2 ¾-inch or 3-inch shotshells
• Available in 16 and 20 gauge versions

The Lee Precision Shotshell Reloading Press is one of the few options available for reloading your 16 or 20 gauge shotshells. It’s virtually identical to the Precision II, so we won’t waste a ton of time going into its unique features. Suffice it to say that this is a solid choice, but you should expect a steep learning curve.

Pros

• Reloads virtually any 2 ¾ or 3-inch 12 gauge shotshell
• Good customer service
• Very inexpensive

Cons

• Steep learning curve

If you shoot a 16 or 20 gauge shotgun, this is the best reloader for you.

14. LEE PRECISION 38

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.

15. LEE PRECISION 90263

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.