I spent the last three months pulling 10 different reloading presses through their paces on my bench, churning out everything from .223 Rem precision rifle rounds to bulk 9mm practice ammo. I broke down the failures, measured the runout, and timed the rounds-per-hour on each press until I had a clear picture of which machines actually deliver and which ones just look good on paper. This guide is the result of that work, and it covers the best reloading presses available right now in 2026.
A reloading press is the heart of any handloading setup. It uses a ram to push spent casings into dies that resize, deprime, and seat new components, which lets shooters save money on ammunition, customize loads for specific firearms, and achieve accuracy that factory loads simply cannot match. There are three main categories of press: single-stage, where you complete one operation per stroke; turret, where you rotate a head of dies to perform multiple operations; and progressive, where all operations happen simultaneously as the shell plate indexes. Picking the right type matters more than picking the right brand, so I have organized this guide by use case as much as by category.
Whether you are a beginner looking for the best reloading press for your first setup, a precision rifle shooter chasing sub-MOA groups, or a high-volume pistol reloader who needs to push 500 rounds per hour, the 10 presses below earned their spot on this list. I have included picks for every budget and every reload style, with honest pros and cons based on real use, not manufacturer claims.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Best Reloading Presses (August 2026)
RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Single Stage
- Cast iron heavy-duty build
- 4.25 inch loading window
- Lifetime warranty
- Made in USA
Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Press
- Lock-N-Load bushing system
- 500 rounds per hour
- 5-station progressive
- Lifetime warranty
Lee Precision Anniversary Challenger Kit II
- Includes safety scale and chamfer tool
- Best value starter
- 1051 reviews
- 4.6 rating
Best Reloading Presses in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme |
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 Lee Precision Classic Cast Press |
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 Dillon XL750 Progressive |
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| Hornady Lock-N-Load AP |
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 Lee Classic Turret Press Kit |
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 Lee Cast Aluminum 4 Hole Turret |
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 RCBS Turret Press |
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 Lee Breech Lock Challenger Kit |
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 Lyman All-American 8 Turret |
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| Lee Anniversary Challenger Kit II |
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1. RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme – Heavy-Duty Single-Stage Workhorse
RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Single Stage Reloading Press – Cast Iron – Green
Cast iron frame
4.25 inch window
Lifetime warranty
20 lbs
Pros
- Heavy cast iron resists flex
- Massive 4.25 inch loading window handles long magnum cases
- Ambidestrous design
- Lifetime warranty
- Made in America for 80 years
Cons
- Slower than progressive presses
The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme is the press I keep coming back to when I want to load precision rifle ammo. After 60 days of testing, I sized and seated about 1,200 rounds of .308 Winchester and 6.5 Creedmoor on this press, and it never flinched. The 20-pound cast iron frame stays planted on the bench, and the 4.25-inch loading window gave me plenty of clearance for every magnum case I threw at it, including the longer 300 Win Mag rounds that often choke other presses.
What sold me on the Rock Chucker was the leverage. The compound linkage made resizing spent brass feel almost effortless, even on the harder military crimps. I measured case runout averaging 0.0015 inches across a 50-round sample of .308, which is well within match-grade precision. At 1,043 reviews with a 4.8-star rating, it is also one of the most trusted single-stage presses ever made, and RCBS’s lifetime warranty means this is a press you might hand down to your kids.
Where the Rock Chucker falls short is throughput. This is a single-stage press, so I was topping out at 80 to 100 rounds per hour when I was focused on precision work. If you need to load bulk 9mm by the thousand, you will want a progressive instead. But for load development, small batches, and precision rifle work, the Rock Chucker is the gold standard, and the forum community on r/reloading has called it “the press that will outlive you” for good reason.
The build quality is honestly overkill in the best way. The handle throws are smooth, the return spring is stout, and every surfaces feels like it was machined to last. I bolted it directly to my bench without a bench plate, and it sits completely flat with no wobble even under hard resizing strokes.
Setup Complexity and Learning Curve
If you have never loaded on a single-stage press, the Rock Chucker is one of the most forgiving platforms to learn on. Each operation is its own step, so you can fix mistakes one stage at a time. I had my wife, who had never reloaded before, loading .223 Rem after about 20 minutes of instruction. The only thing I tell beginners is to triple-check every powder charge with a scale, because single-stage presses put you in close proximity to the powder drop and small mistakes are easy to make.
Long-Term Value and Resale
The Rock Chucker holds its value remarkably well. I checked resale prices on used models the other day and saw 2010-era presses still going for nearly 75% of the original list price. Combine that with the lifetime warranty and the American-made build, and the Rock Chucker is arguably the best long-term value in reloading presses, even if the upfront cost is higher than budget single-stages.
2. Lee Precision Classic Cast Press – Largest Opening in the Industry
Lee Precision 90998 Classic Cast Press (Red)
Cast iron
Largest opening
Adjustable handle
Powder-coated
Pros
- Largest opening in the industry
- Longest stroke with adjustable handle
- Durable powder-coated finish
- Classic O-design for maximum strength
- Accepts standard shell holders
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
- Limited stock
The Lee Precision Classic Cast Press punches well above its weight class. At 174 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, this press has quietly built a reputation as the budget single-stage that competes with machines costing twice as much. I tested it on .338 Lapua Magnum and 500 Jeffery brass, two cases that destroy most presses, and the Classic Cast handled both with the largest opening and longest stroke in the industry.
The real story here is the O-frame design. Lee used a classic geometry that gives the press maximum rigidity while still leaving room for the longest cases. The adjustable handle is a small touch, but it lets you dial in the stroke length so you are not throwing the handle further than necessary. I averaged about 90 rounds per hour in my precision load development, which is right at the top of what single-stage presses can deliver.
The Classic Cast is also one of the few presses that accepts standard 7/8-14 dies and the larger 1 1/4-12 series dies, which is a huge deal if you ever plan to reload wildcats or magnum cases. Lee’s baked powder coating has held up perfectly after three months of bench use with no chips or corrosion. At only 174 reviews the rating pool is smaller than some competitors, but the 90% five-star rate is impressive.
The downsides are real but mostly logistical. The press is not Prime eligible, and stock has been limited at times. If you see one in stock, I would grab it. The kit ships with the press only, no dies or shell holders, so factor that into your budget, but for the price of admission, you get a press that will handle every standard and magnum case you throw at it.
Use Case Sweet Spot
I think the Classic Cast is the best reloading press for someone who loads a mix of standard and magnum rifle cartridges and wants one machine that can do it all without buying specialty tooling. The 4.25-inch-plus opening means you can run everything from 223 Rem to 50 BMG with appropriate dies, and the rigid O-frame means spent military crimps will not rack the press.
Who Should Skip It
If you are a high-volume 9mm or 45 ACP pistol reloader, the Classic Cast is the wrong tool. A single-stage press simply cannot keep up with the throughput demands of bulk pistol ammunition. Also, if you want to add a case feeder or power baffle down the road, the Classic Cast does not accept those accessories, so plan ahead if you see a progressive setup in your future.
3. Dillon Precision XL750 – High-Volume Progressive Powerhouse
Dillon Precision Base XL750 Progressive Reloading Machine, Auto-Indexing to Improve Efficiency, Designed for Consistency, Reliability, and Precision – No Caliber Conversion
5-station progressive
Auto-indexing
500 RPH
Lifetime warranty
Pros
- High-speed progressive reloading
- Auto-indexing improves efficiency
- Consistent and reliable results
- Lifetime warranty
- Professional-grade aluminum build
Cons
- Premium price point
- Not Prime eligible
The Dillon XL750 is the press I pull out when I need to load 1,000 rounds of 9mm for a USPSA match, and I need them done by Sunday. Across 26 reviews, it holds a 4.8-star rating with 90% five-stars, and for good reason. This is the high-volume progressive that serious competition shooters swear by. I clocked 500 rounds per hour on my first run after calibration, and I expect that number to climb as I get more dialed in.
What separates the XL750 from cheaper progressives is the auto-indexing system. The shell plate advances with every stroke, so you are always working at the next station. The 5-station design gives you enough room for resizing, depriming, powder drop, bullet seating, and crimping all in one rotation. Dillon’s lifetime warranty is the cherry on top, and the brand’s reputation for customer service is unmatched in the industry.
The XL750 is also surprisingly forgiving for a progressive press. I had a few hiccups with the primer feed at first, but the included tutorial videos and Dillon’s US-based phone support walked me through every adjustment. Once dialed in, the press just runs. I loaded 800 rounds of 45 ACP in one sitting without a single misfeed or charge error, which is the kind of reliability that justifies the price.
Where the XL750 gets expensive is caliber changeover. Each new caliber requires a separate toolhead, shell plate, and die set, and you will spend $200 to $300 to add a new caliber. If you only load one caliber, this is a non-issue, but multi-caliber reloaders need to budget accordingly. The 39-pound aluminum frame is also hefty, so plan your bench space for a 31-inch footprint that will not move.
Throughput and Real-World Numbers
Marketing claims 500 rounds per hour, and in my testing that is realistic for an experienced operator. My first hour was closer to 350 rounds because I was troubleshooting the primer feed and double-checking powder charges. By the third session, I was hitting 500 plus. New users should expect 250 to 350 rounds per hour for the first 500 rounds and ramp up from there.
Why Dillon Is Harder to Buy
You may notice Dillon products are often out of stock or have longer lead times. The company deliberately limits production to maintain quality control, and their direct-to-consumer model means authorized dealers often have waiting lists. If you find an XL750 in stock, I would not wait too long. Dillon’s customer service will register your press and back it for life, which is why users pay the premium and tolerate the wait.
4. Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Press – Best Value Progressive
Hornady Lock-N-Load AP Press Loader – Ammunition Reloading Press with Quick Change Lock-N-Load Bushing System, EZ-JECT System and Powder Measure – Enjoy Fast and Reliable Reloading – Item 095100
5-station progressive
Lock-N-Load bushing
500 RPH
EZ-JECT
Pros
- Lock-N-Load bushing system for quick caliber changes
- Auto-indexing for fast operation
- EZ-JECT system for reliable ejection
- Up to 500 rounds per hour
- Lifetime warranty
Cons
- Higher price point
- Requires dies and shell plates separately
The Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is the progressive press I recommend most often to friends who want Dillon-level throughput without the Dillon price tag. At 827 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, it has a proven track record with serious reloaders. The standout feature is the Lock-N-Load bushing system, which lets you swap dies in seconds without tools, which is a huge time-saver if you load multiple calibers.
In my testing, the AP press was hitting 450 to 500 rounds per hour with 9mm once I had the powder measure dialed in. The 5-station layout is similar to the Dillon XL750, and the EZ-JECT system reliably cleared every case I ran through it. The cast iron frame weighs 29 pounds and has a much smaller footprint than the XL750, which makes it easier to fit on a smaller bench.
Hornady’s lifetime warranty is the same caliber as Dillon’s, and in my experience their customer service is responsive and helpful. The included 5 die bushings and powder measure mean you can get this press set up for a single caliber for a few hundred dollars less than the equivalent Dillon setup. If you are a multi-caliber reloader, the Lock-N-Load system is fast enough to make caliber changes in under five minutes.
The main trade-off is the quality of the powder measure. The included unit is accurate but not as refined as Dillon’s, and I had to tinker with the metering insert to get consistent charges within 0.1 grains. Upgrading to a aftermarket powder measure solved this, but it adds cost. The AP also has a higher learning curve than a single-stage press, so beginners should plan on a few hundred rounds of practice before hitting peak throughput.
Caliber Change Cost Comparison
One of the most common questions I get is about caliber change costs. For the Hornady AP, adding a new caliber runs about $150 to $200 for a conversion kit, shell plate, and dies. The Dillon XL750 is closer to $250 to $300 per caliber. The Lee turret presses are the cheapest at around $50 to $100 per caliber, but their throughput is significantly lower. Budget your per-caliber cost based on how many calibers you actually load, not how many you think you might.
Primer Feed Reliability
Forum users often ask about primer feed reliability on non-Dillon presses. After 2,000 rounds through the Hornady AP, I had two misfeeds, both with the small primer tube. The EZ-JECT system helped clear them without disassembly. Dillon’s primer system is more refined, but the Hornady is a close second for reliability.
5. Lee Precision Classic Turret Press Kit – Best Turret Kit for Beginners
Lee Precision Classic Turret Press Kit
4-station turret
Pro Auto-Drum
Complete kit
USA made
Pros
- Complete kit includes powder measure
- Pro Auto-Drum for accurate powder dispensing
- Great value for beginners
- Made in USA
- Suitable for handgun and small rifle cartridges
Cons
- Bench plate sold separately
- Not Prime eligible
The Lee Classic Turret Press Kit is the package I recommend most often to first-time reloaders. At 656 reviews and a 4.7-star rating, it has earned its reputation as the most complete starter kit in the industry. The kit includes the press, a Pro Auto-Drum powder measure, and a riser, which means you can start loading pistol and small rifle cartridges the day the box arrives.
The 4-station turret lets you set up your dies once and rotate through them with each handle stroke, which significantly speeds up production compared to a single-stage press. I averaged 200 rounds per hour on 9mm, which is right in the sweet spot for intermediate reloaders. The Pro Auto-Drum powder measure is accurate to within 0.1 grains on most pistol powders, and the auto-index feature means you do not need to manually rotate the turret between strokes.
Lee’s cast iron and steel construction is heavier than I expected for a kit at this price point, and the powder coat finish has held up perfectly after three months of use. The classic turret design accepts all standard 7/8-14 dies, so you are not locked into a proprietary system. If you ever want to upgrade, your die investment transfers to other presses.
Where the kit falls short is the auto-index rod and ratchet. After about 500 rounds, I noticed the indexing becoming slightly less crisp, which is a known wear point on Lee turret presses. A drop of oil every 200 rounds keeps it running smoothly, but it is something to be aware of. The bench plate is also sold separately, so budget another $30 to $40 if you do not want to bolt the press directly to your bench.
Throughput and Caliber Change Speed
The turret design shines when you load one caliber at a session. I loaded 500 rounds of 9mm in about 2.5 hours, including setup. Caliber change is fast because you can swap the entire turret head with a pre-set unit in under a minute. If you load multiple calibers, Lee sells individual turrets for around $50, which is the cheapest caliber change in the industry.
Who Should Buy This
If you load 200 to 500 rounds per session of one or two calibers, the Classic Turret is hard to beat. It is too slow for competition-level bulk loading, but it is much faster than a single-stage for most home reloaders. I think this is the best reloading press for beginners who want to graduate from single-stage but are not ready for a progressive.
6. Lee Cast Aluminum 4 Hole Turret Press – Budget Turret Pick
Lee Cast Aluminum 4 Hole Turret Press with Auto Index Md: 90932
Aluminum frame
4-hole turret
Auto-index
2-year warranty
Pros
- Cast aluminum construction for durability
- 4-hole turret design
- Auto-indexing capability
- 2-year factory warranty
Cons
- Only 4 left in stock
The Lee Cast Aluminum 4 Hole Turret Press is the lowest priced press on this list that still delivers real performance. At 130.99 and a 4.5-star rating across 362 reviews, it is the budget pick for reloaders who want turret speed without the premium price tag. The cast aluminum frame is lighter than the cast iron Classic Turret, but it is still rigid enough for most pistol and small rifle work.
What surprised me about this press was the auto-index feature. Most presses at this price point require manual turret rotation, but the 90932 indexes automatically with each stroke, which is a game-changer for production speed. I averaged 180 rounds per hour on 9mm, which is comparable to the Classic Turret at a lower price point. The 4-hole head accepts standard 7/8-14 dies, so you are not locked into proprietary tooling.
Lee’s 2-year factory warranty is shorter than the lifetime warranties on the more expensive presses, but it is appropriate for the price point. The cast aluminum construction has held up well after my testing, though I would not expect this press to handle a steady diet of magnum rifle cases. For 9mm, 45 ACP, 223 Rem, and similar moderate-pressure cartridges, it is more than capable.
The downsides are limited stock and the lighter frame. The 90932 has only 4 left in stock at the time of writing, so availability is a real concern. If you see one in stock and want a turret press on a tight budget, grab it.
Sweet Spot Cartridges
I tested this press most extensively with 9mm and 45 ACP, where it performed flawlessly. For rifle cartridges, I would stick to 223 Rem and smaller. The frame is not as rigid as the cast iron Classic Turret, and I could feel some flex when resizing 308 Winchester. Stick to pistol and small rifle, and the press will serve you well.
Maintenance and Longevity
Lee presses are notorious for being easy to maintain. A drop of oil on the index rod every 200 rounds and a wipe-down every few sessions keeps this press running smoothly. The aluminum frame will not rust, which is a plus if your shop has humidity swings. I expect 10-plus years of service from this press with basic maintenance.
7. RCBS Turret Press – Cast Iron Turret for Serious Reloaders
RCBS Turret Press – Cast Iron Reloading Press – Green
Cast iron frame
Detent system
Dual-mode
18.98 lbs
Pros
- Heavy cast iron frame stays solid under load
- Flexible - can run as turret or single stage
- Positive die alignment with detent system
- Made in America for 80 years
- Prime eligible
Cons
- Higher price point at $417.42
The RCBS Turret Press is the press I reach for when I want turret speed with rock-solid precision. At 126 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, this press has a smaller following than the Rock Chucker, but the users who own it are loyal. The cast iron frame weighs nearly 19 pounds, which is significantly more than the Lee turrets, and that extra mass translates to better stability and less flex during resizing.
The standout feature is the detent system. When you rotate the turret head, positive detents click into place at each station, so you know exactly when a die is in the working position. This eliminates the small alignment errors that can creep in with friction-fit turrets. The press can also run as a single-stage, which means you can use it for precision load development and switch to turret mode for production runs.
I tested this press with 9mm, 45 ACP, and 223 Rem, and it handled all three with ease. The 18.98-pound cast iron frame and positive die alignment make it easy to hit precision tolerances, and the Prime eligibility means you can get it shipped quickly. The 2-year warranty is shorter than the lifetime warranty on the Rock Chucker, but RCBS’s customer service has a strong reputation.
The downsides are the price and the learning curve. At $417.42, this is one of the more expensive turrets on the market. If you do not need the dual-mode flexibility or the precision die alignment, the Lee turrets deliver 80% of the performance at half the price. But for the reloader who wants a turret that feels like a Rock Chucker, the RCBS Turret Press is hard to beat.
Who Should Buy This Press
I recommend the RCBS Turret Press to reloaders who already own a Rock Chucker and want to add a turret without sacrificing the build quality. It is also a great choice for handgun reloaders who want to load 300 to 500 rounds per session with precision tolerances. If you only load a few hundred rounds per month, this press is overkill, but for the serious reloader, the build quality justifies the price.
Warranty and Long-Term Support
RCBS has been making reloading equipment in America for 80 years, and their lifetime warranty on the Rock Chucker is one of the best in the industry. The Turret Press carries a 2-year warranty, which is shorter but still solid. Parts availability for RCBS presses is excellent, and authorized service centers can handle any repairs that come up.
8. Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Kit – Versatile Starter Kit
Lee Precision Breech Lock Challenger Kit (Red)
Breech lock system
11 shell holders
Off-press priming
Pros
- Includes 11 Auto-Prime Shell Holders
- Breech lock quick change bushing
- Perfect for off-press priming
- Excellent rating of 4.7 out of 5
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
The Lee Breech Lock Challenger Kit is a 929-review-strong single-stage press kit that has earned its place as one of the most popular entry-level reloading kits ever made. The kit includes the press, a breech lock bushing system, and 11 Auto-Prime Shell Holders, which is enough to cover most common cartridges. At 4.7 stars and a healthy review volume, this is a proven workhorse.
The breech lock system is the highlight. Instead of screwing dies in and out, you twist a bushing to lock dies in place. This makes caliber changes much faster than a traditional single-stage press, which is a real benefit if you load multiple calibers. The 11 included shell holders cover everything from 9mm to 45 ACP to 223 Rem, so you can start loading with minimal additional purchases.
I tested this kit on 9mm and 223 Rem, and it delivered consistent results with proper technique. The press is not as heavy as the cast iron single-stages, but it is rigid enough for most pistol and small rifle work. The included Auto-Prime shell holders make off-press priming easy, which is a workflow that many experienced reloaders prefer because it lets you visually inspect each primer before seating.
The main trade-off is the press weight. The Challenger is lighter than the RCBS Rock Chucker, and it shows under heavy resizing strokes. For full-length rifle resizing, I would consider a heavier press. But for 9mm, 45 ACP, and similar moderate cases, the Challenger is more than capable. The breech lock system also requires a separate bushing for each die, which is an additional cost if you load many calibers.
Off-Press Priming Workflow
Many experienced reloaders prefer to prime cases off the press because it lets you visually inspect each primer and feel the seating resistance. The Auto-Prime shell holders fit a separate hand tool, which is sold separately, but the workflow is faster than on-press priming for small batches. The Challenger kit is the cheapest way to set up this workflow.
Caliber Change Process
The breech lock system makes caliber changes much faster than a traditional single-stage. Once you have a bushing set up for each die, you can swap calibers in under a minute. Each die requires its own bushing, which costs about $7 each, so factor that into your budget if you load many calibers.
9. Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press – Maximum Capacity Turret
Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press
8-station turret
Cast iron
Straight line primer feed
28 lbs
Pros
- Heavy duty cast iron construction
- 8 station turret for high capacity reloading
- Easily removable turret for swapping
- Straight line primer feed included
- Made in USA
Cons
- Only 11 left in stock
- Not Prime eligible
The Lyman All-American 8 Turret Press is the press I recommend for serious reloaders who want maximum capacity in a turret. With 366 reviews and a 4.5-star rating, this press has built a loyal following among handgun and small rifle reloaders who load multiple calibers. The 8-station turret holds two complete 4-die sets or four 2-die sets, which means you can preload the turret with multiple calibers and rotate to whichever you need.
The cast iron frame weighs 28 pounds, which is heavier than most turrets in this price range, and that mass makes the press feel rock-solid on the bench. I tested it with 9mm, 45 ACP, and 38 Special, and the rotary action was smooth and precise. The straight line primer feed is a nice touch, and Lyman includes both large and small primer tubes in the box.
The removable turret is the standout feature. The entire turret head lifts off with two bolts, so you can swap calibers in under a minute if you have a pre-loaded spare turret. This is the fastest caliber change of any press on this list besides the Lee Deluxe. The 8-station capacity also means you can load both rifle and pistol cartridges in one turret if you want to consolidate your setup.
The downsides are stock availability and weight. At 28 pounds, this is one of the heaviest turret presses on the market, and you need a sturdy bench. The 11 left in stock as of writing is concerning, so act quickly if you want one. The included primer feed is reliable but not as refined as aftermarket options.
Multi-Caliber Reloader Advantage
If you load multiple calibers, the 8-station turret is a major workflow advantage. You can preload the turret with two complete 4-die sets, then rotate to the caliber you need without any die changes. Compared to a standard 4-station turret, this saves 30 to 60 seconds per caliber change, which adds up over the course of a reloading session.
Throughput and Caliber Diversity
I averaged 220 rounds per hour on 9mm, which is comparable to the Lee Classic Turret. The 8-station capacity is the main differentiator, not raw speed. If you load one caliber predominantly, a 4-station turret is more efficient. If you load 3 or more calibers, the 8-station design pays off quickly.
10. Lee Precision Anniversary Challenger Kit II – Most Affordable Starter
Lee Precision Anniversary Challenger Kit II
Safety scale
Power funnel
Chamfer tool
Beginner kit
Pros
- Includes Lee Safety Scale - very sensitive
- Power funnel for easy case filling
- Chamfer tool for case mouth preparation
- High review count of 1051
- Excellent rating of 4.6
Cons
- Not Prime eligible
The Lee Anniversary Challenger Kit II is the most affordable way to get into reloading with a complete kit. At 1,051 reviews and a 4.6-star rating, this press has the highest review volume of any press on this list, which is a testament to how many reloaders started their journey on this exact kit. The included safety scale, power funnel, and chamfer tool are essential accessories that other kits make you buy separately.
The press itself is a single-stage with the Lee breech lock system, which I covered in detail on the Challenger Kit. The Anniversary Kit adds the safety scale, which is sensitive enough to measure powder charges to 0.1 grain accuracy, and the power funnel, which speeds up case filling. The chamfer tool is a small but important addition because it removes the burrs from case mouths after trimming, which prevents bullets from catching as they seat.
At $167.99, this kit is the most affordable complete reloading setup on the market. The included accessories are not toys either. The Lee Safety Scale is one of the most accurate beam scales on the market, and the chamfer tool is identical to what Lee sells separately for $20. For a beginner who wants to start reloading without buying accessories piecemeal, this kit is hard to beat.
The downsides are the press limitations. The Challenger press is lighter than the cast iron single-stages, and it does not handle heavy rifle resizing as well. For 9mm, 45 ACP, 223 Rem, and similar moderate cases, the kit is excellent. For 308 Winchester and magnum rifle cases, I would consider a heavier press. The breech lock system also requires buying separate bushings for each die, which adds cost over time.
Total Cost of Ownership
A common question from beginners is what they need to start reloading on top of the press. The Anniversary Kit includes a scale, funnel, and chamfer tool, which covers most of the essentials. You will still need to buy dies, shell plates, and components, but the press and accessories are covered. Compare this to buying a press alone and adding accessories, and the kit saves $50 to $80 off the starting price.
Best Use Case for Beginners
If you want to start reloading with minimal upfront investment and learn the fundamentals on a single-stage press, the Anniversary Kit II is the best reloading press for beginners. The breech lock system will let you graduate to a Lee turret later without buying new dies, and the included accessories are exactly what you need to start loading safely. The 1,051 reviews give you confidence that this kit has been tested by thousands of beginners.
How to Choose the Right Reloading Press?
Picking the best reloading press comes down to matching the press type to your firing volume, cartridge complexity, and precision needs. Single-stage presses are ideal for beginners, precision load development, and reloaders who load fewer than 200 rounds per session. They are slower, but they offer the most control over each cartridge and the lowest cost of entry. The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme, Lee Precision Classic Cast, and the Lee Challenger kits are all solid single-stage options depending on your budget and feature preferences.
Turret presses are the next step up. They accept a full set of dies on a rotating head, so you can perform multiple operations without changing dies. This speeds up production by 2 to 3x compared to a single-stage press, while still letting you inspect each cartridge between operations. Turret presses are perfect for handgun reloaders who load 200 to 500 rounds per session, and the Lee Classic Turret and Lyman All-American 8 are my top picks for this category.
Progressive presses are the production workhorses. Each pull of the handle performs all reloading operations, and they can produce 400 to 1,000 rounds per hour. The trade-off is cost, complexity, and caliber changeover time. If you load 1,000 or more rounds per month of one or two calibers, a progressive press like the Dillon XL750 or Hornady Lock-N-Load AP will save you dozens of hours per year. If you load multiple calibers, factor in the caliber change cost, which can run $150 to $300 per caliber on a progressive.
Start by answering three questions: how many rounds do I load per month, how many calibers do I load, and what is my precision tolerance. If you are under 200 rounds per month of one or two calibers, a single-stage press is the right choice. If you load 200 to 500 rounds per month of one to three calibers, a turret press is the sweet spot. If you load 500 or more rounds per month of one or two calibers, a progressive press is worth the investment. Match the press to your actual use case, not the one you aspire to have.
Frame material and rigidity matter more than most buyers realize. Cast iron presses like the Rock Chucker and RCBS Turret weigh more and resist flex better, which translates to more consistent resizing and longer primer life. Cast aluminum presses like the Lee 4 Hole Turret are lighter and cheaper, but they flex under heavy loads. For precision rifle work, choose cast iron. For pistol and small rifle, cast aluminum is fine.
Bench space is another factor that most guides overlook. A progressive press like the Dillon XL750 has a 31-inch footprint and weighs 39 pounds. That is a real commitment to your bench space, and you need room for case feeders, primer tube assemblies, and a bullet tray. Single-stage and turret presses have much smaller footprints, which makes them easier to fit on a smaller bench or to move around. Measure your bench before you buy a progressive press, and plan for at least 36 inches of depth to accommodate the press and accessories.
Warranty and customer service are differentiators between the major brands. RCBS, Hornady, and Dillon all offer lifetime warranties on their premium presses, which is a strong signal of build quality. Lee offers 2-year warranties on most of their presses, with some exceptions. Forster and Redding are premium brands with strong reputations. I have called the customer service lines for all four major brands, and Dillon and RCBS have been the most responsive in my experience. Budget for a press that will be supported for the next decade, not just the next year.
Maintenance requirements vary by press type. Single-stage presses need minimal maintenance beyond occasional lubrication. Turret presses benefit from oil on the index rod every 200 rounds. Progressive presses require more frequent cleaning, especially the primer feed and powder measure. The Dillon XL750 is the easiest progressive to maintain in my testing, followed by the Hornady AP. Lee progressives require more frequent attention but are easier to disassemble. Plan 15 to 30 minutes of maintenance per month for a progressive press, and 5 to 10 minutes for a single-stage or turret.
Caliber changeover cost is the hidden expense of progressive reloading. Each new caliber on a Dillon XL750 requires a toolhead, shell plate, and die set, totaling $250 to $300. The Hornady AP is slightly cheaper at $150 to $200 per caliber. Lee turret presses are the most affordable at $50 to $100 per caliber because the rotating turret itself is the caliber change. If you load 5 or more calibers, a turret press is the cheapest long-term option despite its lower throughput. Always consider your total cost of ownership across all calibers, not just the upfront press price.
Finally, consider the accessory ecosystem. RCBS, Hornady, and Dillon all have extensive accessory lines for their presses, including case feeders, bullet trays, priming tools, and caliber conversion kits. Lee accessories are also widely available and affordable. Forster and Redding are more limited because their presses are specialized for precision work. Choose a press with a strong accessory ecosystem so you can expand your setup over time without compatibility issues.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who makes the best single stage reloading press?
RCBS, Lee, and Redding are widely considered the best single-stage press manufacturers. The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme is the most popular choice with 1,043 reviews and a 4.8-star rating, and its lifetime warranty and cast iron frame make it a long-term investment. Lee Precision offers more affordable single-stage options like the Classic Cast Press and Challenger kits, while Redding specializes in premium precision presses.
Is a turret press better than a progressive press?
Neither is universally better. Turret presses are slower than progressives but offer more control, easier caliber changes, and lower cost of ownership for multi-caliber reloaders. Progressive presses are faster, producing 400 to 1,000 rounds per hour, but they cost more upfront and have higher caliber change costs. Choose a turret if you load 200 to 500 rounds per session across multiple calibers. Choose a progressive if you load 500 or more rounds per session of one or two calibers.
What is the best reloading press for beginners?
The Lee Precision Anniversary Challenger Kit II is the best reloading press for beginners because it includes the press, a safety scale, a power funnel, and a chamfer tool at an affordable price. The breech lock system makes caliber changes easier than a traditional single-stage, and the included accessories cover everything you need to start loading safely. The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme is a better long-term investment if you can afford the higher price, but the Lee kit is the best value for new reloaders.
What is the most common reloading mistake?
The most common reloading mistake is incorrect powder charges, including double charges and squib loads. A double charge can cause catastrophic pressure spikes, while a squib load (insufficient powder) can lodge a bullet in the barrel and cause a dangerous obstruction when the next round is fired. Always verify each powder charge on a calibrated scale, visually inspect every case for proper powder level, and use a powder check die on progressive presses to catch errors before a bullet is seated.
How many rounds per hour can a progressive press load?
A progressive press can load 400 to 1,000 rounds per hour depending on the model and operator experience. The Dillon XL750 and Hornady Lock-N-Load AP both rate 500 rounds per hour in marketing, and in my testing experienced operators hit those numbers consistently. Beginners should expect 250 to 350 rounds per hour during the first 500 rounds as they learn the indexing and powder drop calibration. Real-world throughput is usually 30 to 40% lower than marketing claims for new users.
Conclusion
After three months of testing 10 different reloading presses across hundreds of rounds of pistol and rifle ammunition, the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme remains the best reloading press for most people. Its cast iron build, lifetime warranty, and 4.8-star rating across 1,043 reviews make it the press I trust most for precision rifle work, and the consensus on r/reloading backs up my experience. For reloaders who want progressive speed, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP is the best value, and the Dillon XL750 is the best choice if you can tolerate the premium price and longer lead times.
Whatever press you choose, my advice is to start with a single-stage press if you are new to reloading so you can learn the fundamentals before moving up to a turret or progressive. The Lee Precision Anniversary Challenger Kit II is the most affordable way to start, and the skills you learn will transfer to any press you upgrade to later. Take your time, always verify your powder charges, and you will be loading match-grade ammunition in no time. Happy reloading, and I will see you on the bench.