6 Best Progressive Reloading Press Reviews Of 2019

Things To Consider When Buying A Progressive Reloading Press

Durability

The Type Of Ammo You Use

Different progressive reloading presses are designed for reloading different cartridges. Thus, while some are designed for making shotgun shells, others are designed for making bullet cases. As such, make sure the press you settle on is built for reloading the specific type of ammo you use. If you want to learn more about the best case prep centers then check out the post from the link.

Ease Of Use And Assembling

One of the main disadvantages of progressive reloading presses is that they have a lot of moving parts and are thus heavy. In this regard, these types of presses can be difficult to assemble and use. Therefore, when shopping for a progressive reloading press go for one that is easy to use and assemble.

Ideally, the best reloading press needs to have permanent features. This reduces the amount of time spent putting different parts together. Also, I recommend a press that does not entail a lot of processes. Essentially, pulling down the handle should be sufficient to get things done. This means the indexing of shell plates and insertion of cases should be mechanical.

Reloading Rates

How many bullets can you make in an hour? This is the question that you need to ask yourself when shopping for a press. Of course, the number of bullets made in an hour will depend on how experienced you are. All the same, some press brands give you an estimate of how many bullets you can make in an hour. Try to get a press’ reloading rate from user reviews and manufacturers’ websites. This way you will have an idea of which press is best for you.

Dillon Precision 16940 XL 650 223

If you have been scouting for a progressive press, then you know that on average most reloading presses are capable of producing between 400 and 600 rounders per hour. It is therefore fair to say that the Dillon Precision XL650 is not an average press. This easy to operate progressive reloading press is capable of churning out 800 rounds per hour. This press achieves this number thanks to its automatic indexing system. The process of making bullets is semiautomatic. In fact, with this press, you do not have to cast the dies as they stay perfectly in place.

Verdict

To make this progressive press efficient, you will have to buy both the bullet feeder and case feeder. And while this will greatly increase the overall cost of the press, when you consider what you are getting it is worth it. With this press, there is no manual operation. This is the main reason why it tops my list of the best progressive reloading press reviews.

Hornady Lock N Load Auto-Progressive Reloading Press

Not everyone can afford the Dillon Precision XL650 regardless of how good it is. Fortunately, for us, Hornady Lock N Load offers high-quality reloading presses at affordable prices. One of my favorite Hornady Lock N Load presses is the Auto-Progressive Reloading Press. This press has many features that I love, but the one that has earned it number two on my list is the bushing systems. This system allows me to quickly change dies depending on the caliber I want. With such features, sometimes it’s hard to believe that I got this press for almost half the price of the Dillon XL650.

Verdict

Hornady Lock N Load is one of the most reputed progressive reloading press manufacturers in the country. Thus, it should not be surprising that the Auto-progressive reloading press is one of my favorite. While it is costlier than some of its competitors, it offers great value for your money.

Lee Precision II Shotshell Reloading Press 12 GA Load All (Multi)

If you are looking to reload shotshells only, there is no need to spend hundreds of dollars on a progressive reloading press. For less than $ 100 you can get your hands on the Lee precision II reloading press. And I know what you are thinking, at such a price, its quality must be disappointing. Well, that’s what I thought to at first. But after using it for a while, I can confirm that this press produces shells of great quality. In fact, with this press, you will be able to factory quality shells.

Verdict

From its affordable price tag to the quality of its shotshells, there is a lot you can expect from this progressive press. It offers great value for your money, and I dare say it is one of the best progressive reloading press for the money.

Dillon Precision 16926 XL 650 45 ACP Progressive Auto Indexing Reloading Machine

Sure Dillon Progressive presses are costly; however, their quality is undeniable. That being said the second Dillon press on the list is the 16926 XL 650 ACP. With plenty of positive reviews online, you can never go wrong with the press. Just like the other Dillon XL 650 on this list, this model churns out 800 rounds per hour. This is well above the number of rounds produced by other presses on an hourly basis. The secret to its fast operation is its automatic indexing system and other features.

Verdict

The pricey nature of Dillon progressive presses points to the company’s emphasis on quality. This is the one thing you are guaranteed when you buy the Dillon XL 650 ACP press. And with the addition of accessories such as the case feed motor, your reloading becomes much easier and convenient.

Lyman Reloading Press T-Mag Turret Press

So, which is better single stage vs. progressive reloading press? This is a question that you might be asking yourself. Well, if you want the best of both worlds, I recommend going for the Lyman Reloading Press T-Mag Turret press. The latter will give you the output rate of a progressive press at the price of a single stage press. Unlike the other presses on this list, this press has six stations, which can be operated as one. Also, unlike the other presses, this one is not large or bulky. As such, if you want something convenient and easy to store this is the press for you.

Verdict

As already stated, this Lyman press offers the best of both worlds. As such, it is the ideal press for both novices and professionals. Needless to say, its output per hour cannot be compared to that of other pricier models. However, its cost to quality ratio is unrivaled.

Dillon Precision RL550B Progressive Reloading Machine

The Dillon Precision RL550B Progressive Reloading Machine is the perfect press for beginners. This press is easy to operate and is known for its practicality and simplicity. A 4 stage progressive reloading press, this press can reload up to 120 different ammunition variants. The reason why I placed this last on my list is its manual indexing system. However, this should not discourage you from buying it. On the contrary, it is built for simplicity, and not sophistication as its other siblings on this list are. Also, since the four stations are operated at once, it saves time and can produce 400 to 600 rounds per hour.

Verdict

The last entry into my list may have a manual indexing system, but this is not to say that it is not worth its price tag. On the contrary, built on the foundation of Dillon’s reputation, this reloading press has all the features of a great progressive reloading press. Additionally, it is the perfect press for a newbie.