7 Best Progressive Reloading Presses of 2021
If you’re a gun owner and enthusiast who enjoys regular hunting to shooting at the range, you understand that buying bullets every time you run out can prove to be a very costly affair.
With a progressive reloading press, you can make the ammo you need for your rifles and guns at the comfort of your home. This tool comes with multiple stations for priming, powder dropping, resizing, crimping, and other reloading functions. It saves you the time and money that would otherwise go into acquiring new bullets.
You can also use a progressive reloading press as a single-station tool in case you require a specific function such as powder dropping. Good reloading presses can handle up to 600 rounds per hour, especially if you’re an expert in this process.
Dive into our comprehensive review of top 7 progressive reloading presses and buying guide where we have all your buying needs covered.
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7 Best Progressive Reloading Presses – Review
- 1. Hornady 095100 – Good 5-station Progressive Reloading Press
- 2. Dillon Precision RL550C – Versatile Progressive Reloading Press
- 3. Lee Precision Press – Best Progressive Reloading Press for Long Rounds
- 4. Lee Precision 90945 – Good .45 ACP Progressive Reloading Press
- 5. RCBS Pro 88910 – Fast Progressive Reloading Press
- 6. Lee Precision 90922 – Good Progressive Reloading Press for Rifle Rounds
- 7. Hornady 085001 – Best Budget Progressive Reloading Press
- How to Buy the Best Progressive Reloading Press
- Conclusion
7 Best Progressive Reloading Presses – Review
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1. Hornady 095100 (With Good 5-Station System) |
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2. Dillon Precision RL550C (Versatile) |
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3. Lee Precision Press (Best for Long Rounds) |
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4. Lee Precision 90945 (Good for .45 ACP Rounds) |
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5. RCBS Pro 88910 (Fast) |
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6. Lee Precision 90922 (Good for Rifle Rounds) |
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7. Hornady 085001 (Best Budget) |
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PRODUCT |
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1. Hornady 095100 (With Good 5-Station System) |
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2. Dillon Precision RL550C (Versatile) |
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3. Lee Precision Press (Best for Long Rounds) |
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4. Lee Precision 90945 (Good for .45 ACP Rounds) |
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5. RCBS Pro 88910 (Fast) |
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6. Lee Precision 90922 (Good for Rifle Rounds) |
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7. Hornady 085001 (Best Budget) |
1. Hornady 095100 – Good 5-station Progressive Reloading Press
Photo: Hornady
- Speed: 500 RPH
- No. of Progressive Stations: 5
Hornady 095100 is one of the top 5-station progressive reloading presses you can find on the market today because it has a superior bush changing features for fast and efficient reloads.
It boasts a having Hornady’s famed Lock-N-Load system, which enables you to quickly switch dies and load other calibers. This 5-station busing system guarantees a changeover between .223 and .45 calibers in less than 5 minutes.
This model also boasts of a reliable EZject feature, which delivers exceptional and reliable cartridge ejection each time without requiring any adjustments.
Another handy feature of this tool is its case-activated powder drop, which is designed to optimally dispense a powder charge only when a cartridge case if present. Also, for ease case insertion and removal, this tool comes with a universal case retainer spring.
We did note, however, that Hornady 095100 is an advanced progressive reloading press, which is not ideal for beginners who may find it slightly complex for first use.
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2. Dillon Precision RL550C – Versatile Progressive Reloading Press
Photo: Dillon Precision
- Speed: 500 RPH
- No. of Progressive Stations: 4
Dillon Precision RL550C is a versatile progressive reloading press, which can accommodate a wide variety of cartridges, including 32 ACP up to 338 Lapua, 416 Rigby, and 460 Weatherby.
This progressive press has 4 stations for resizing/priming, powder dropping, seating, and crimping, respectively. These stations work efficiently to support a reloading speed of up to 500 rounds per hour. You can reload a significant number of bullets in a single session.
It also comes with powder measure, which has both large and small powder bars. The small bars will throw 2.1-15 powder grains while the large bar throws 55-60 powder grains.
For ease of lubrication, the model’s upper link arm pivot pins have threads with grooves around the pins. This feature allows you to use a needle fitting on a grease gun for lubricating the upper pins.
The main drawback of the versatile Dillon Precision RL550C with all its impressive features is that this model is one of the most expensive in the market and will lockout potential buyers who are on a budget.
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3. Lee Precision Press – Best Progressive Reloading Press for Long Rounds
Photo: Lee Precision
- Speed: 250 RPH
- No. of Progressive Stations: 4
Lee Precision Classic is one of the top progressive reloading presses for long rifle rounds. It boasts of a long stroke, which allows reloading of rifle case over 3 inches long.
This 4-station press will give you mid-range performance with its loading rate of 250 rounds per hours. It is an ideal press for beginners who want to get up to speed with progressive reloading fast.
It comes with a hardwood-gripped lever, which delivers superior efficiency with each stroke. The level makes this press silky and smooth especially by combining well with a sturdy iron base.
The classic press comes with a new Lee Lever Primer System and a Lee Safety Primer tool for ease of use.
A key drawback we noted with the Lee Precision Classic is that some of the key accessories you need to maximize on its productivity have to be bought separately. They include the reloading stand, and the Auto Disk Riser, which translate to additional costs.
It also has a low reloading rate compared to its rival models.
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4. Lee Precision 90945 – Good .45 ACP Progressive Reloading Press
Photo: Lee Precision
- Speed: 400 RPH
- No. of Progressive Stations: 5
Lee Precision 90945 is famed, and popular among many reloaders, for being a great .45 ACP progressive reloading press.
This model, popularly known as the Load Master 45, comes with 5 progressive stations, which enable it to perform multiple tasks with a single stroke.
You will be getting a tool made from aluminum, which makes it durable and agile. Extra durability means you don’t have to worry about replacing this press in a long time.
It has an Auto Disk Measure, which ensures no powder leaks or spills occur during loading. Before a shell is crimped, the system ensures that the right amount of powder is dismissed.
It also allows detaching of the turret for faster operation. The turret will also simplify the process of changing calibers.
We did note, however, that the Lee Precision 90945’s primer system is not very efficient and may not deliver with 100% accuracy on all rounds.
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5. RCBS Pro 88910 – Fast Progressive Reloading Press
Photo: RCBS
- Speed: 600 RPH
- No. of Progressive Stations: 5
RCBS Pro 88910 is one of the fastest progressive loading presses in the market. This tool allows you to reload up to 600 rounds per hours for your convenience.
It boasts of 5-station automatic indexing for maximum production. The 5-station system can also be converted into a 7-station one, making this press the first of its kind.
You want a fast and efficient caliber change from your progressive press. That why this model comes with a quick-change die plate for more efficiency. On top of that, it also features quick-change measuring components for efficient powder drain.
We did note that the speed and efficiency of the RCBS Pro 88910 do come at a steep cost as this is one of the most expensive progressive presses we have reviewed. Budget buyers may be unable to enjoy the benefits of the press.
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6. Lee Precision 90922 – Good Progressive Reloading Press for Rifle Rounds
Photo: Lee Precision
- Speed: N/A
- No. of Progressive Stations: 5
Lee Precision 90922 is a great progressive reloading press for rifle rounds. It is designed for fast reloading of the .223 cases of your ArmaLite AR-15 rifle.
This press is made of cast aluminum, which is strong and durable, allowing the press to handle even the most intensive reloading tasks.
The reloading kit features a 1 - 3/4-inch-diameter ram, whose stroke clearance is large enough to accommodate even the largest magnum rifle cases.
This model also comes with plenty of additional accessories including multiple dies, a turret, a #2L shell plate, a pro-Auto Disk powder measure, a universal case feeder, and a large primer feed, all aimed at enhancing the productivity of this tool.
A major issue we noted with the Lee Precision 90922 progressive loading press is that it takes a bit of work to get the tool started.
It may prove challenging especially for people with little to no experience with progressive presses.
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7. Hornady 085001 – Best Budget Progressive Reloading Press
Photo: Hornady
- Speed: 600 RPH
- No. of Progressive Stations: 5
Hornady 085001 is the best budget progressive reloading press on our list. It is not only the most affordable, but it is also value-packed.
This Lock-N-Load tool is designed for precision and dependability as it features a uniquely angled, solid cast frame, which provides enhanced cartridge visibility. The tool has positive locking action for perfect die alignment.
For perfect alignment of the die and shell holder, the tool comes with a Lock-N-Load quick change bushing system. This system also simplifies and fastens the entire process for you.
With this model, you get 5 progressive stations for shell holders 1,2,5,16, and 35. This feature contributes to the tool’s reloading speed of over 600 rounds per hour, which is one of the fastest we recorded.
Despite the reasonable pricing of the Hornady 085001, which makes it accessible to most gun owners, this model does not come with a primer assembly. Hence, you will need to buy it separately.
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How to Buy the Best Progressive Reloading Press
1. Durability
The durability of your progressing reloading press will depend on a combination of factors, including its build material and intensity of use.
Presses made of cast iron or aluminum metals are durable and should offer quality and reliable service. They also have a low failure rate.
A solid maintenance practice that will extend the durability is to lubricate your press regularly. In particular, the key components to lubricate include the outer rum diameter, fittings on the left and right side of the press, the shell plate, and the indexer.
Ensure you consult the user manual that comes with your press to confirm the type of greases and lubricants you can use on your progressive reloading press.
2. Reloading rate
Gun owners who frequent the gun range or practice year-round professional shooting demand many rounds for any given exercise.
A progressive reloading press with a high reloading rate will enable you to reload enough bullets to last you through any shooting activity.
Reloading rate is measured in rounds per hour. A rate of 400-600 rounds per hour is considered high and is ideal for professional gun users. Some of the most efficient progressive reloading presses we reviewed have a rate of up to 600 rounds per hour.
If you want a mid-range press to reload rounds for occasional hunting and gun range visits, then one with a rate of up to 250 rounds per hour will get the job done.
3. Ease of use
The ease of using your progressive reloading press is critical to its efficiency and reliability.
If you’re using a progressive reloading press for the first time, the best approach is to refer to the setup and instruction guide that comes with the model you purchase. It will help you familiarize yourself with the tool and set it up correctly.
There are many other features in your press designed to enhance ease of use. For example, there are models with a Lock-N-Load die mechanism, which allows for easy die switching.
4. Quality of material
Different models and brands utilize different materials to construct their progressive reloading press.
Although the determination of your press’s quality ultimately depends on you, it pays to exercise some due diligence when buying the tool to at least ensure that it is built using sturdy materials.
If you’re reloading a large volume of ammunition, you can opt for a press constructed in steel or cast aluminum, as noted earlier.
The latter material, cast aluminum, is especially great for presses that produce bulk ammo that meets factory-specific conditions, cost-effectively.
5. Optional accessories
Most of the reliable progressive reloading press models in the market tend to offer additional accessories, which increase their productivity and reliability.
Accessories such as bullet feeders, bin and bracket, case collectors, and others that are model-specific will also contribute to the tool’s ease of use.
If you’re a beginner in using progressive reloading presses, then an abundance of accessories with the model you buy will work in your favor.
Conclusion
A progressive reloading press is an invaluable tool than many gun and rifles owners will appreciate because it enables them to create new ammo, cost-effectively.
If you require many rounds for your shooting exercises, you can go for a model with a high reloading rate of between 400-600 rounds.
Also, check the materials used to build your progressive reloading press. Steel and cast aluminum presses are reliable and durable. For ease of use, get a model with many accessories.
Remember our review and buying guide are handy companions in helping you choose your desired model.
