The foundation to metallic reloading is the press. There are basically two types of presses available, single stage and progressive. There are many manufactures of these presses to fit any budget. There are accessories that are required. Some that are not necessary but can make reloading easier and faster.

Understanding the process of reloading will help choosing a press easier. The process is done in “stages”. These stages are done with dies. Each die reflects the components of a round of ammunition; primer, cartridge case, powder, and the bullet.

Stage one is de-capping and sizing. This is the process of removing the spent primer and reforming the cartridge’s case to specific caliber specifications, ie.9mm. Then a new primer is seated into the cartridge case.

Stage two is the cartridge case “flare”. Using a die, a “flare” is added to the cartridge case to allow the bullet to be seated. Then a certain measure or weight of  gun powder is added to the cartridge case. The unit of powder measurement is in “grains”.

Third stage is bullet seating.  This die pushes the bullet into the cartridge case to a certain depth.

Fourth stage does a crimp to the cartridge case to hold the bullet in place.

There are presses available that offer more stage points in the tooling for other options and accessories such as auto bullet feeding and case feeding apparatuses.

Types of presses;

Single Stage

Single stage presses are by far the easiest to use. The single stage press processes ammunition one stage at a time. These presses have a single fixed point to hold a die for a stage of loading. For example, a “de-capping/ sizing” die would be in place to process the first stage. For the next stages the die will have to be replaced. Powder dispensing on a single stage is not done with a die. This is done by hand.

Progressive presses;

Progressive presses can get complicated real quick. These presses provide a multi stage placement or a “tool head” for dies and other apparatuses, such as case feeding and bullet feeding. Some presses manually index or auto index. Auto indexing automatically advances the cartridge case through the press stages with every pull of the press handle. Manual indexing is done by hand to advance the cartridge case through every stage of the press. Essentially, ever time a pull of the press handle is done, a round of ammo comes out.

Manufacturers;

Lee offers lots of options for the price. These presses are better off with the occasional loader.

RCBS has some of the most durable products on the market. Their single stage “Rock Chucker” press is renowned industry wide. Their warranty is second to none.

Hornady makes some  great quality products. Hornady has a powder dispensing system that is very accurate. Their “Lock & Load” system works real well.

Lyman has been around since the before reloading was reloading. With a myriad of trust worthy products to their name, Lyman has set the standard time and again.

Dillon Precision has brought “progressive” to reloading. Dillon has the market on progressive presses. They offer a range of presses and other reloading equipment to fit any reloading profile.

Buying a reloading press is an investment. Price ranges can be from $500 to $5000 plus. Single stage presses are the most inexpensive where a progressive press can be exceedingly more. So, where to start? Simple is always good. Upgrading is always an option. Deciding on what level of reloading, is a good start. From the occasional hobbyist to the competition shooter, there are presses to fit every need.

Thank you for reading. I hope this has been informative enough to help. Please ask questions and make comments. We offer classes on reloading. Contact our Firearms Trainer to get a consultation. Next week will be about reloading dies.

Rod Rice

Carolina Gunworks LLC