Reloading presses

Which type of press suits you

That depends on what you shoot, how many rounds you load per session and how precisely you want to load. A benchrest shooter making 20 cartridges per match needs something completely different from someone running 500 rounds a month through a PCC. Let us walk through the types.

Single stage presses

The single stage is what most precision reloaders work with. One die in the press at a time, every step deliberate, full control. You feel what is happening. That is why this type is so popular with F-Class, benchrest and PRS shooters.

The Frankford Arsenal F-1 is a solid entry point. Well built, good price. The Frankford Precision Single Stage is their premium model with more rigidity and a larger opening. From RCBS we carry the Rock Chucker Supreme, a classic that has been around for years, and the RCBS Summit with its ambidextrous design. Lee offers the Breech Lock presses in two variants, affordable and with their quick-change bushing system so you can swap dies fast.

Turret presses

With a turret press you mount multiple dies on a rotating head. You rotate to the next die instead of swapping. Saves time without giving up much precision. The Redding T-7 is the reference point in this category. Seven stations, heavy cast iron frame, rock solid construction. The Frankford Arsenal Precision Turret Press is a good alternative with a modern design.

Co-axial presses

In a co-axial press the dies float relative to the case, allowing the case to self-align in the die. That gives better concentricity and less stress on your brass. The Frankford Arsenal M-Press is our co-axial model. Popular with reloaders who want the best possible results from their brass without putting unnecessary stress on it.

Arbor presses

An arbor press is not a reloading press in the traditional sense. You use it primarily for seating projectiles with a seating die, and for neck sizing. The advantage is the direct, short stroke and the tactile feel you get with every operation. The K&M Precision Arbor Press is the standard, available as a standalone press or as a complete kit with Force Pack and Dial Indicator. Many benchrest and F-Class shooters use an arbor press alongside their regular press for seating projectiles.

Progressive presses

If you really want to do volume, a progressive press is the answer. Multiple steps happen simultaneously with every pull of the handle. The Frankford Arsenal X-10 Progressive with Case Feeder is our top model in this category. Ten stations, automatic case feeding. Not cheap, but if you load hundreds of rounds per session it is worth the investment. Lee offers the Auto Breech Lock Pro as a progressive press for those who want to start smaller.

Accessories

Besides the presses themselves, you will find die blocks, quick-change bushings, shell holder sets, die bases for arbor presses and dial indicators. Small parts that make your reloading process smoother. And for when things go wrong: the Frankford Arsenal Bullet Puller Pile Driver to pull a projectile back out of your case.

Need help choosing?

With 25 products in this category it is easy to get lost. The short version: for precision rifle, a single stage or a Redding T-7 turret is the standard. If you want the best possible concentricity, look at the M-Press or an arbor press. For volume the X-10 progressive is worth considering. Get in touch if you are not sure, we are happy to help.