Top 5 Reloading Kits for Beginners

Reloading your own ammunition is not only about delivering levels of precision that exceed factory ammunition, or about saving money over the long haul on ammo, but can also just be a great way to get more engaged in the shooting sports. If you are an aspiring or beginning reloader, check out some of our best options for starting your new hobby.
1

RCBS Rebel Master Single Stage Press Kit

The Rebel Master Reloading Kit is the ideal kit for anyone looking to start reloading and will find a perfect home for someone just starting out handloading or has been handloading for decades. The RCBS Rebel Press is the next evolution in single stage press technology. Machined from tough-as-nails cast iron this press will not let you down.

 

Features

  • Heavy Duty Cast Iron Frame (22% heaver than the Rock Chucker Supreme)
  • Wide Base for Extra Stability
  • Largest Opening of Any RCBS Single Stage Press
  • Machined Qualified Surfaces
  • Extremely Tight Tolerances
  • Bottom of Ram Primer Ejection
  • Ambidextrous Handle
  • Zerk Fitting

 

Kit Includes:

  • Rebel Single Stage Reloading Press
  • Uniflow-III Powder Measure
  • 1,500 grain digital pocket scale
  • Hand priming tool
  • Speer #15 manual
  • Powder Funnel
  • Hand priming tool
  • Fold-up hex key set
  • Accessory handle 2 with case neck brushes
  • Primer pocket brushes
  • Deburring tool
  • Case loading block
  • Case slick spray lube

What Customers Are Saying

I would buy this over everything else.

This is a great press, made solid as a rock. Reloads everything, has plenty of room to work. I've had a rockchucker and this is even heavier.
- Mark M, 10/28/2020

About RCBS

Fred T. Huntington founded RCBS – Rock Chuck Bullet Swage dies – in 1943 as a way to create quality varmint bullets. RCBS no longer manufactures bullet-swaging dies, but it still remains close to its roots. We are the leading manufacturer of reloading equipment for rifles and pistols. And RCBS is still headquartered in Oroville, California, the same place where Red T. Huntington made his first bullet.

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2

Frankford Arsenal M-Press Coaxial Single Stage Press

The Frankford Arsenal Single Stage reloading press was designed from the ground up to provide years of heavy duty service. The center mounted handle on top provides more leverage, allowing even the most stubborn case to be resized with ease. Cast iron construction and dual guide rods ensure consistent results. A free floating design allows the die and shellplate to move on two axis, so the case is always perfectly centered in the die, minimizing bullet runout. The generous frame opening and ram stroke accommodate even the largest magnum cases. Three included die blocks (more available separately) let you change dies with ease, quickly changing from resizing to seating or crimping operations in seconds. Each die block features a lock screw to ensure the die returns to the proper setting each time. The spent primer collection system ensures your workspace stays clean. This Frankford Arsenal press also features an integrated LED light to make it easy to see what you are doing. Give this press a shot and you will fall in love, they thought of everything!

Features

  • Easy-to-adjust integral "floating" shell-holder plate system
  • Includes 3 die blocks for quick change of reloading dies
  • Robust design requires little effort to size brass
  • Two parallel guide rods for stability
  • Integrated LED light to see work area
  • Ambidextrous handle location



What Customers Are Saying

Worth a try!!

I jumped on this because I like the idea of the self aligning quick change blocks. I just received it and set it up last night. Took all of 15 minutes. The press operates smooth as silk doing sizing on 243 win. Changing dies is much faster compared to my old CH champion single stage. The integrated shell holder mechanism was my only concern but I love it. Easy to set and works very well. At this price I'm glad i didn't wait to order because these could end up flying off the shelves when word spreads. This isn't just a cheap imitation of "The other" COAX press and i didnt have to wait for a backorder!!
- Chris, 3/29/2019

About Frankford Arsenal

Whether you're a beginner or experienced reloader, Frankford Arsenal offers all the tools and reloading equipment you need. From reloading presses, to tumblers and case trimmers, Frankford aims to get both competitive and recreational shooters from the bench to the bullseye by providing the tools to create the most consistent and effective ammunition possible.

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3

Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press Kit

The Lee Precision Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press Kit is a great kit for the beginning reloader or seasoned reloader looking to add to their reloading setup. This kit contains the popular Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press which features an "O" frame design and solid construction making this press a great addition to any reloading room. One of the great features of the Challenger Breech Lock Press is the Breech Lock quick change die system that holds dies in inserts that can be quickly removed from the press. Includes one quick change insert. Popular "O" frame design with a 4-1/4" opening that is angled at 30 degrees for maximum hand clearance. The spent primer catcher is effective and easy to empty. The press is made from ASTM 380 Aluminum, has 3-offset mounting holes, a 3-1/2" ram stroke and can handle cartridge lengths from the short 0.905" 25 ACP to the long 3.750" 460 Weatherby. This kit comes with everything to start loading ammunition except for reloading dies, reloading components, and Lee case length gauge for trimming brass to the correct length.

Kit Includes:

  • Lee Breech Lock Challenger Single Stage Press
  • 1-Breech Lock Quick Change Die Bushing
  • Lee Auto Prime XR
  • Lee Auto Prime Shellholders (2,4 and 19)
  • Value Quick Trim Case Trimmer
  • Lee Cutter and Lock Stud
  • Lee Perfect Powder Measure
  • Lee Chamfer Tool
  • Lee Primer Pocket Cleaner
  • Lee Safety Powder Scale
  • Lee Powder funnel
  • 2 oz Tube Lee Resizing Case Lube



Curious about what else you will need to start reloading with this kit?
We suggest the following; as this kit does not include reloading dies, case length gauges or shellholders for the Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press.

  • A Lee Case Length Gauge for trimming cases
  • Cartridge specific die set
  • Shellholder for desired cartridge
  • Appropriate powder, primers, bullets and cases for your desired cartridge
  • Reloading Manual



Note: The Lee Bench plate that is visible in the photograph is not sold with this kit, it is available separately (Product # 113651)



What is the difference between the Anniversary Kit (Item# 423081) and the Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press kit (Item# 121744)?

  • The main difference is the priming feature, the Anniversary kit utilizes a press mounted priming feature, when the Breech Lock Single stage kit utilizes a Lee hand primer and shellholders

What Customers Are Saying

This is the kit I chose ...

This is the kit I chose to get started reloading. I was pleasantly surprised with the quality. I didn't have much to spend and went with this relatively inexpensive kit. I feel after using the kit for 100 magnum reloads that if I had spent more money on any other kit, it would have been a waste. I don't reload high volume, but the components in this kit allow one to reload fairly fast. The breechlock makes changing dies very handy; get them set up once and that's it, change them out at will. All I bought in addition to this kit to reload 7mm Rem mag was Lee deluxe die set, a factory crimp die, Lee reloading manual, and a set of dial calipers. I believe lee products to be innovative and well built. I was skeptical solely because of the low price, but in this case, you get an excellent entry level kit. The auto prime, powder measure, and powder scales all work great. Also came with a .22-.45cal powder funnel, 3 breach locks, small and large priming arm (if you wish to prime on the press's down stroke ...
- Paul, 2/25/2010

About Lee

If you are thinking about starting to reload, you found the best place to start. Reloading indeed saves you money and no manufacturer saves you more than Lee. Their mission is simple; Produce the best American made value in reloading tools. The Lee family has been producing affordable reloading products since 1958. Their great prices come from patented innovative designs. They are thankful to say Lee Precision products are cast, machined and assembled in the USA. Serving the reloaders of the world for over fifty years!

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4

Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Single Stage Press Kit

The Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Press Kit is a great kit to get started in reloading. If you are a new reloader you will love the ease of use the Lock-N-Load Classic provides and all of the accessories that are packaged with the kit so you can start turning out accurate, consistent ammunition. If you are a seasoned reloader you will love the fact that this press kit is built to last a lifetime and is backed with Hornady's Lifetime Warranty. The Classic Press is packed full of features, including an angled frame, easy grip handle, positive priming system, primer catcher, and Lock-N-Load Bushings for quick die changing. The Classic Kit includes everything reloaders need to produce high-quality handloads. Dies, bushings, and shellholders sold separately.

Kit Includes:

  • Lock-N-Load Classic
  • Reloading Handbook
  • Lock-N-Load Powder Measure
  • Digital Scale
  • Lock-N-Load Die Bushings (3)
  • Primer Catcher
  • Positive Priming System
  • Handheld Priming Tool
  • Universal Reloading Block
  • Chamfer & Deburr Tool
  • Powder Trickler
  • Powder Funnel
  • One Shot Case Lube

What Customers Are Saying

I have owned other ...

I have owned other equipment in the past for reloading.This kit is tops. Lock-n-Load is very easy to use. I did own a progressive Dillon at one time. It was a good machine, but finicky. I am considering upgrading to a progressive again and probably will buy another Hornady. Service is good, the press is a well built unit. The only problem I have had is with primer seater sticking in shell holder. Powder measure is very accurate and so easy to dump powder back out of. Overall the whole kit is excellent.
- Rocky, 2/25/2010

About Hornady

“Ten bullets through one hole” is the philosophy that brought Hornady® Manufacturing from a two-man operation in 1949, to a world-leading innovator of bullet, ammunition, reloading tool and accessory design and manufacture today. Change is their constant and daily challenge. They outperform their competitors by ensuring the products they make are the ones their customers need right now, and accurately predict what they’ll want in the future. They recognize trends, and respect when to leave well enough alone. Their workforce includes an ample number of hunters and competitive shooters, as well as veterans and former law enforcement officers. At Hornady® Manufacturing, ammunition is more than their livelihood. It’s a major part of their daily life.

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5

Redding Boss Single Stage Press Pro-Pak Kit

The Redding Boss Single Stage Press features: Cast iron construction for a lifetime of use, 36 degree frame offset for great access and visibility, "Smart" primer arm automatically moves in and out of position with ram travel, priming arm positioned at the bottom of ram travel for the lowest leverage and best "feel". Offset handle for comfortable operation, positive ram travel stop, compound linkage, 3 mounting holes for extra stability, accepts all 7/8"x14 dies and universal shellholders. Smart" primer arm and primer catcher included. Contains Imperial Bio Green Case Lube. Dies and shellholder sold separately.

Notes:

  • Has a 3½" cartridge clearance.
  • Handle is located on the right side of the press.
  • Accepts all standard 7/8"-14 threaded dies and universal shellholders.

 

Kit includes:

  • Boss reloading press
  • Model 2 powder and bullet scale
  • Powder trickler
  • Pad style case lube kit
  • Deburring tool
  • Model 18 case preparation kit
  • Powder funnel
  • Hodgdon reloading manual

Features

  • Smart Primer Arm automatically moves in and out of position with ram travel
  • Offset handle is in the most comfortable operating position yet out of the way for best access and visibility
  • Three holes for rigid mounting
  • Included primer catcher

About Redding

America’s home for reloading innovation since 1946. Still 100% American made in the town where we were founded.

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