Do you need the best single stage reloading press to reload your ammunition accurately? Stick to the end, as this post aims to narrow down your search for the best single-stage reloading press for accuracy and durability.
Ammunition is hard to find and is very expensive. This is because ammo costs can accumulate. If you have a large arsenal of firearms, it makes sense to start reloading your own ammo to train and maintain their supply. It will cut down your expenses by as much as 50%.
The best single-stage reloading press should be straightforward to use, even for beginners. It should let you focus on a single task one at a time.
What is a Single Stage Reloading Press?
A single-stage reloading press is used to reload one round, one task at a time. It is a simple machine, which uses a mechanical lever arm. When the lever arm is pulled, it performs a single action, like decapping, depriming, and resizing.
It holds a single die that needs to be swapped out when moving to the next task. It will take a long time, but this will result in high-quality ammunition.
If you are a beginner, we recommend using a single-stage press because it will help you nail all the reloading basics. This minimizes the chance of making mistakes.
With a lot of practice, you can be able to reload more than 100 rounds per hour. This is a cost-effective way of reloading ammo because the total cost for the reloading press and die sets is less than $370.
Best Products Comparison Table
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1Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Reloading Press
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2Lee Challenger Breech Lock Press Kit
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3Lyman Brass Smith Victory Press Reloading Kit
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4RCBS Rebel Master Reloading Kit
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5RCBS 9354 RC Supreme Master Kit
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6LEE PRECISION 90998
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7RCBS Summit Single Stage Reloading Press
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Editors Pick for Best Single Stage Reloading Press
In this post, we have shared some of the best single-stage reloading presses that will allow you to reload your ammo accurately. They are made from high-quality materials, durable and ensure that they will last for a lifetime.
Read on, as we will share single-stage press comparisons and some of the factors you need to consider before purchasing a single-stage reloading press.
Let us get right into it.
1Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Reloading Press
This press is made from high-quality solid cast aluminum for durability. This rugged construction is enough to handle most rounds.
The bushing system included helps to secure the die into the press. This means that you do not have to fiddle with screwing in a die to the correct depth. All you need to do is drop the die into the holder and give it a 1/8 turn to lock it into the press.
It can seat a primer with each pull of the handle but does not include a hand primer. If you need to prime by hand, you’ll need to purchase the Deluxe version of the kit.
Features
- It is effortless to use, even for beginners.
- It comes at an affordable price when compared to other single presses on the market.
- It contains a primer catch and three die bushings.
2
Lee Challenger Breech Lock Press Kit
It is important to note that low prices don’t always translate into poor quality. The press is constructed from cast aluminum, which is durable.
This kit includes the popular Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press. The press features an “O” frame design with a 4-1/4″ opening angled at 30 degrees for hand clearance. The Breech Lock quick-change die system holds dies in detachable inserts that can be easily removed.
It also includes a spent primer catcher that is very effective. The press is constructed from ASTM 380 Aluminum. It has 3-offset mounting holes and can handle cartridge lengths from the short 0.905″ 25 ACP to the long 3.750″ 460 Weatherby.
The Lee Precision Breech Lock quick-change system lets you add and change out dies within a short time.
Features
- It is effortless to use, especially for beginners
- It includes a primer pocket cleaner, powder funnel, and a case trimmer
- Your purchase includes a safety powder scale
3
Lyman Brass Smith Victory Press Reloading Kit
It offers convenient on-press priming and supports multiple primers. This means that you can remove the primed brass casing and add a new one. This is much easier than competing systems that require you to add one primer at a time.
The ambidextrous handle is perfect for reloading rifle cases and military rounds. The most outstanding feature is the side access to the shell holder. It is used for removing and adding cases without any obstructions.
However, it lacks a hand primer and other accessories compared to the Hornady or Lee kits.
Features
- It includes a shell holder for removing and adding cases easily
- It is constructed from durable materials to ensure its longevity
- It can be used to reload any round of ammunition
4
RCBS Rebel Master Reloading Kit
This press is straightforward to use and includes an ambidextrous handle that accommodates left and right-handed users. The primer catcher system removes the spent primer and drops it right into the disposal can underneath the press.
It is worth mentioning that this single-stage press does not have an on-press priming feature that lets you use the handle as a priming arm. If you prefer to prime by hand, then this press is the best choice for you.
Features
- It includes a broad base which makes it stable.
- It has an ambidextrous handle that accommodates left or right-handed people
- It is effortless to operate even if you are a beginner
5
RCBS 9354 RC Supreme Master Kit
However, you have to separately purchase a set of dies for the various operations you want to do.
It includes a mechanical scale that is extremely accurate. Beginners might have a hard time using it, but you can buy a digital scale instead. The powder measure also provides you with consistent results.
You are also provided with a hand priming tool, but you can use the priming arm on the reloading press itself.
Features
- It is easy to assemble, making it easy for beginners to use it
- It includes all the accessories you may need for reloading purposes
- It includes a powder measure that is easy to use
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LEE PRECISION 90998
The ⅞”-14 thread adapter can also be replaced with bigger 1-¼”-12 threaded dies. This means that it can be used to reload a wide variety of ammo, including rifle rounds and pistol rounds.
This reliable press is constructed from durable materials to ensure its longevity. It comes with an automatic primer arm that primes at the bottom of each stroke.
It allows you to adjust the length of the ambidextrous handle. For example, you can go with a shorter handle when reloading handgun and short rifle cases.
However, it is important to note that it might be too heavy for some workbenches. We recommend using it for handgun and short rifle cases because it might not be cost-effective if you reload pistol rounds.
Features
- It includes an adjustable handle length.
- It is effortless to use and offers a smooth operation
- It features a large opening and a 4-inch ram stroke
7
RCBS Summit Single Stage Reloading Press
The major difference with the design is that the die goes up and down on a carriage while the cartridge remains stationary. This feature is very efficient when handling tasks such as sizing the necks and seating the bullets at the right depth. However, it is not efficient for priming.
The heavy-duty cast-iron build and steel linkage enhances the stability of the device.
Features
- It has a compact design, which makes it easy for storing and transporting
- The heavy-duty construction enhances stability and durability
- It includes a large 2-inch diameter ram that can accept bushings for 1-inch die bodies
Single Stage Press Comparisons
If you are not sure if you want a single-stage press, find out how it compares to other types of reloading presses:
- Turret Vs. Single Stage Reloading Press – A turret press allows you to work with just a single case at a time, just like a single stage reloading press, and both versions offer the same type of shell holder. However, a turret press can hold several different dies at once instead of replacing the die as you would in a single stage press.
- Single Stage Reloading Press Vs. Progressive – A progressive reloading press allows you to handle several tasks simultaneously, getting more than 400 rounds per hour. A single-stage press only allows you to handle one task at a time, getting maybe 100 rounds per hour.
Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Best Single Stage Reloading Press
Here are some of the factors you should consider before purchasing a single-stage press:
- Brand Name – We recommend purchasing a single-stage reloading press from the best brands in the market today. These popular brands are famous due to their reliability, quality, and innovative features. The products included in our list are from the best brands that have proven themselves over the years.
- Efficiency – Features like automatic indexing and automatic ejection ensure maximum efficiency. They allow you to reload many shotgun shells per hour.
- Ease of Use – The reloading press you choose should be easy to use, especially if you are a beginner.
- Durability – We recommend purchasing a reloading press that will last for a long time. It should have a sturdy design and should be made from high-quality materials. You can check out the customer reviews to check if there are any complaints.
Conclusion
By now, we know that you have selected the best single-stage reloading press. It will help you to cut down on ammo costs.
If you are not sure, you can consider the LEE PRECISION Breech Lock Challenger Press. It is affordable, and you’ll find it extremely easy to use. It has a solid construction that will last for a very long time.