Choosing the Right Reloading Press: The Differences Explained

Not sure which press is right for you? Don't worry – in this article we will help you understand the differences between the presses available.

First, the basic division: single-stage presses, multi-stage presses (progressive or semi-automatic) and, in between, the so-called turret presses.

There are of course also automatic presses, but we will not cover them here – that would be a separate article.

From these categories you choose a press according to what you want to use it for. If I want to load precise rifle ammunition for longer distances, I choose a single-stage press so I can put maximum emphasis on the precision of every step. I would also choose a single-stage press if I do not want to invest much and do not need to load large quantities.

A multi-stage press is of course more expensive, but it can load many more rounds, because it performs several operations with each pull of the handle (depending on the press and accessories you can load 500–2,500 rounds per hour).

Single-stage presses:

The best sellers are LEE Precision presses, for example the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press

and the Lee Classic Cast Press

The basic difference between them is that the Lee Breech Lock Challenger Press is made of aluminium and the Lee Classic Cast Press of steel. You can feel it in the weight, which is roughly double.

The aluminium model usually sells best. You might think that aluminium will not last as long as steel, but that is not true. So far we have not had a single warranty claim on these aluminium models, so they work 100%. The O-frame design of the press provides sufficient strength for reloading. It would be different with a C-frame press, where strength could suffer.

In this category you will also find other brands such as RCBS Rock Chucker

This press is chosen by people who prefer the brand and its quality; it has no other advantages over the Lee Classic Cast Press.

A separate subcategory are the Co-Ax presses from Frankford Arsenal

As you can see, this press has a completely different design. The handle passes through the centre of the press, and the die is first fitted into a so-called bushing and then simply slid into the press. The die can therefore float freely in the press and align itself with the case. This can improve the concentricity of the rounds you load.

Frankford also comes with other improvements – lighting built right into the press and a universal case holder, so you no longer need to buy separate shell holders.

The advantage of single-stage presses is, as mentioned above, precision at every step. The disadvantage is more time spent reloading, because you perform each step separately.

Turret presses

A category of their own are the turret presses from Lee Precision

Lee Turret Press 4-Hole (aluminium model)

Lee 4-Hole Classic Turret Press (steel model)

These presses are used mainly for pistol calibres. They let you load a complete round in 4 steps. After you insert the case, the turret head rotates with each pull of the handle, so one step is always performed without changing dies or removing and reinserting the case.

On a turret press you can load 100–200 rounds per hour.

Progressive presses

The highest-quality and best-selling presses are from Dillon Precision – the XL 650 / 750 and Super 1050 / 1100 models.

Other presses are available too, e.g. the Lee Load Master, which I had the misfortune of owning, and it was one big disaster: crushed primers, inconsistent cartridge length, press adjustment…

So let us focus on, for example, the Dillon Precision XL650 or its successor, the Dillon XL750

This press is currently the most widely used press in its class worldwide. It is very simple and very durable. It has 5 stations, so with every pull of the handle a finished round drops out, because it performs all operations at once.

You can upgrade this press with a case feeder and a bullet feeder. With this press you can load 500–1,000 rounds per hour in top quality.

This means it is suitable for shooters who fire around 1,000 rounds a month on average. At that volume the press saves you time and, within a few months, money as well.

One level higher is the Super 1050 / 1100, which shooters often convert into an automatic press capable of loading up to 2,500 rounds per hour. Be aware, however, that such conversions often bring problems, so you need to be technically very skilled and patient.