It makes a lot of sense to decide to get the best single stage reloading press if you’re a shooter. Ammunition costs can accumulate, and reloading your own ammo can cut your expenses by as much as 50%.
Even the best single stage press is quite affordable, and newbies tend to find it easy to use. It lets you focus on a single task one at a time, which lets you understand each step of the reloading process more deeply.
But not all single stage reloading presses are as good as another. Some are decidedly better, and we’ve compiled a list of the best for your money.
Top 6 Single Stage Reloading Press: Comparison Chart
Here’s a handy table showing you our favorite single stage reloading presses and their crucial features:
| Image | Name | Features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
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RCBS 9354 RC Supreme Master Kit |
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Check Price |
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Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Reloading Press Kits |
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Check Price |
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RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme Press |
|
Check Price |
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LEE PRECISION Breech Lock Challenger Press |
|
Check Price |
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LEE PRECISION 90998 |
|
Check Price |
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RCBS Summit Single Stage Reloading Press |
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Check Price |
Best Picks for Single Stage Reloading Press
Picking the best single stage reloading press isn’t easy, especially if you’re a newbie. They’re just so many options to consider.
Our list comes with the most highly regarded single stage reloading presses, and they all come from only the famous brands. We also included both standalone presses as well as more complete kits for newbies.
RCBS 9354 RC Supreme Master Kit
Plenty of people recommend this as the best beginner single stage reloading press.
This comes with the Rock Chucker Supreme Press, and we’ll take a closer look at that later on this list. But this is a kit, which means you have the accessories to go with the reloading press so you can start right away.
Your kit contains the following accessories to go with the Rock Chucker Supreme Press:
- M500 Mechanical Scale
- Hand Priming Tool
- Uniflow Powder Measure
- Hand Priming Tool
- Universal Case Load Block
- .17-.60 Deburr Tool
- Hex Key Set
- Case Lube Kit
- Powder Funnel
So, what else do you need that aren’t part of the kit? The only other components you have to get include the set of dies for the various operations you have to do, along with the case holder for the cartridge.
The Rock Chucker Supreme Press itself is awesome, and the accessories aren’t bad either. What you have to understand is that these accessories are mostly for newbies, and they’re not the best of the best.
The mechanical scale is a case in point, even though it is extremely accurate. But using it takes too much time, and it won’t take you too long to go buy a digital scale instead.
The powder measure isn’t really bad, either. But you’ll really need the baffle to make sure you get consistent results.
There’s a hand priming tool included here, and using it to change out the shell can be quite tedious. In fact, you may find it simply better to just use the priming arm on the reloading press itself.
Still, for newbies this is actually excellent. You save a lot of time and trouble as you won’t have to assemble all the other accessories here.
With this kit, you can start reloading and learning, and you’ll find it well-suited for utter beginners.
- The Rock Chucker Supreme Press is excellent
- The kit is mostly complete
- The accessories aren’t bad, as a whole
- You do need to replace the mechanical scale with a digital version
- Lots of people don’t like the Nosler #7 reloading manual that’s part of this kit
Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Reloading Press Kits
This one comes with the Hornady Classic Press, but you can also go with the Classic Kit or even the Classic Kit Deluxe.
The Classic Kit includes the following accessories:
- Reloading Handbook
- Digital Scale
- Primer Catcher
- Positive Priming System
- Handheld Priming Tool
- Universal Reloading Block
- Chamfer & Deburr Tool
- Lock-N-Load Powder Measure
- Lock-N-Load Die Bushings (3)
- Powder Trickler
- Powder Funnel
- One Shot Case Lube
If you think that the Classic offers a lot, then you’d be surprised at how many more you get with the Deluxe version.
In the Deluxe, you get everything that’s in the Classic kit, plus the following:
- Lock-N-Load Straight OAL Gauge
- Pistol Rotor & Metering Assembly
- Powder Measure Stand
- Shellholders 1,2,5,16,35
- Kinetic Bullet Puller
- Decorative Tin Sign
- 6 Sure-Loc Lock Rings
- Steel Dial Caliper
- 3 Additional Die Bushings
The Classic reloading press in itself is terrific, with features that you’ll certainly appreciate.
This starts with the Lock-N-Load Quick Change Bushing System. The setup is remarkably simple and it sure doesn’t waste time.
You only need to set the die, and tighten the Sure-Loc ring on to the Lock-N-Load bushing. That’s basically it.
You can also switch from one die to a new one in just a few seconds, because you won’t need to readjust the die. You don’t even need to keep a separate seat die for every pet load.
You’ll also like the Positive Priming System (PPS), which works than ram prime units. It’s certainly better than the old-style primer arms.
After ejecting the spent primer, you’re able to add a new primer to the positive priming system, which aligns itself so that at the bottom of the stroke you’re able to feed and insert the primer. You’re even able to put in the primers by hand and you won’t have to raise the handle.
All these features come in a durable package, with a high strength alloy frame that simply won’t fail. This frame has a special angle that allows for better visibility and easier access to the cartridge in the press.
The arms rotate on steel pins, which you’ll find all along the cast frame. You’re able to get superior leverage, so you can size cases without getting tired at all.
The bad news here is that you need a more durable digital scale, since you need that even with the most accurate reloading press. The hand primer isn’t durable either.
- The reloading press lets you switch dies much more easily
- The primer arm is self-aligning
- The press is quite durable
- Greater leverage and stability
- You get lots of accessories with the kits
- The digital scale doesn’t quite last all that long
- Too much plastic in the inner parts of the hand primer
RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme Press
This is one of the top-rated reloading single stage press models around. Plenty of newbies go for it, and even experienced reloaders like to use it.
First of all, it’s extremely durable with its cast iron build. It also features the famous “O” frame design that makes it stronger as well as more efficient.
You can use the Rock Chucker Supreme Press for many types of calibers, and it’s really great for larger rifle sizes. The only exception here is that it isn’t really meant for working with the .50BMG.
Still, the design has been updated so now there’s a larger gap between the ram and the die. In the previous design, this gap wasn’t as big, so it was more difficult to work with longer cartridges.
This also gives you the 4.25-inch loading window that’s suited for the longer cartridges. The size of this loading window just makes it easier to work with.
The ambidextrous handle is great, especially if you’re a southpaw. You’re also able to get a good grip on the handle, thanks to the solid ball grip.
This is ready to go, with very little setup needed. But you can add an automatic prime feeder to this, which boosts its efficiency.
In fact, eventually you may want to get the Piggyback 4 conversion kit for this Rock Chucker Supreme Press. The kit turns this single stage reloading press into a progressive reloading press with 5 stations and manual indexing.
- Very easy to use for newbies
- It operates very smoothly
- You’re able to use it with lots of different calibers
- It’s especially great with longer cartridges
- It’s extremely durable
- You have a nice solid ball grip with the ambidextrous handle
- Terrible depriming setup
- Switching between large and small primers requires taking apart the primer assembly
LEE PRECISION Breech Lock Challenger Press
This is also one of the more popular reloading presses around, and it’s not just because it’s affordable. It’s also quite versatile, as you can use it for tasks like decapping, sizing, seating, and crimping.
This gives you a rather heavy-duty design, with the famous “O” design for the frame along with the cast iron build.
The opening window here is set at 4.25 inches, so you have more space to work with and you’re able to see more clearly. The opening is even set at a 30-degree angle for easy maneuvering and visibility.
The Breech Lock quick change die system is great, as changing the dies is so easy. All this task requires is a twist of your wrist, without the hassle of readjusting the dies.
Priming also becomes much easier because you have both big and small priming arms available. The design even enables you set the spent primers directly into the trash can, so you don’t waste time and effort doing this manually.
You’ll like the handle as well, as you can adjust the length to make it easier for you to work with. In addition, it works for the left-handed too.
You can use this for reloading 223 on single stage press, along with other calibers like 273 and 30.06. However, it’s just not meant for the huge .50 BMG.
- Very affordable
- Proven design
- Heavy-duty build with “O” design frame
- Quick die-changing system
- Large opening with 30-degree angle
- Adjustable ambidextrous handle
- Finicky breech lock bushing system
- Doesn’t work with the .50 BMG
LEE PRECISION 90998
This works with the standard ⅞”-14 threaded dies. When you remove the ⅞”-14 thread adapter, you can also put in the bigger 1-¼”-12 threaded dies.
This makes it useful for a wide variety of ammo, including rifle rounds and pistol rounds.
This is extremely strong for a reloading press, with its “O” design and cast-iron build. You may even want to get a reloading stand from Lee Precision for optimal results, though this stand will be a separate purchase.
This features a large opening and a 4-inch ram stroke, with a 1-⅛” diameter ram drilled completely through. With the attached tube you can set things up so the spent primers go directly into your trash can.
This also comes with an automatic primer arm, which primes at the bottom of each stroke.
The handle is also ambidextrous, and you can adjust the handle length. You can go with a shorter handle when you’re working with handgun and short rifle cases.
You also get a hardwood ball that’s nice to hold, though a few owners have complained that it may come off the handle every now and then. That can be annoying, but it’s easy enough to set it back.
Just keep in mind that it’s not a cost-effective option if you’re just looking for a single stage press reloading 9mm rounds. It’s not exactly a cheap single stage reloading press.
But if you’re also looking for the best reloading press for precision rifle rounds, this works out nicely.
- Great for both rifle and pistol rounds
- Offers smooth operation
- Shortens the reloading time considerably
- Adjustable handle length
- May be too heavy for some work benches
- A few owners have complained of the handle ball grip coming off the handle
- May not be cost-effective if you’re only using this for pistol rounds
RCBS Summit Single Stage Reloading Press
Last but not least, we have the Summit from RCBS. We put it last on the list because it has a special design that may not work best with newbies.
Still, this new design is a hit with many experienced reloading shooters. Even some beginners may adapt to it too.
The main difference with the design here is that the die goes up and down on a carriage while the cartridge remains stationary. That’s different from how other single stage reloading presses operate.
This special feature does make it quite efficient, especially for tasks such as sizing the necks and seating the bullets at the right depth. It doesn’t really work well with priming (use a hand primer instead), but it’s good enough for flaring, seating, and crimping.
It features a heavy-duty cast-iron build, with the all-steel linkage for greater stability. This can last a good long while (as in many years).
You have a large 2-inch diameter ram, and it’s easy enough to access from the front. It’s easy to change dies, and it can accept bushings for 1-inch die bodies.
- Compact
- Unique design makes it more efficient for some particular tasks
- Heavy-duty construction
- Easy to change dies
- Unique design may not be for all newbies
- It’s not as efficient for priming
- It works better with the (optional) short handle
What is the Best Single Stage Reloading Press?
This is the most important tool you need for the reloading process. But it’s actually a very simple machine.
It’s a machine with a case holder, with the case attached. When you push a lever, you push the case into the reloading die, which then lets you do a single operation.
With this device, you can then end up with maybe 100 reloaded rounds per hour. It’s not really meant for high-volume reloading, but it lets you learn about each particular step of the reloading process.
It’s very cost-effective, with total costs for the reloading press and die sets at less than $370. You can cut your ammo expenses by half, or double your ammo rounds with your current ammo budget.
How Does A Single Stage Reloading Press Work?
It’s really simple.
You have a reloading die in the press, and then you pull the handle to push the case into the die. That gives you a single operation.
You can keep putting in your cases through the press and the die until you’re done with all your cases.
Afterwards, you can change the die and do another operation.
With the reloading press, you can do several types of operations that are crucial to the reloading process. Examples include:
- Depriming. You can use the press to remove the spent primer from the shell.
- Resizing. The press works well for sizing the brass shell so it has the right size for reloading.
- Seating. You can seat the bullet into the brass shell using the reloading press.
- Crimping. Once all your rounds have bullets in then, you can use the reloading press to crimp all your rounds. You’d then have finished rounds ready for firing.
Single Stage Press Comparisons
Are you sure you want the single-stage press? Find out how it compares to the other types of reloading presses:
Turret Vs Single Stage Reloading Press
In many ways, the single stage reloading press is very much like the turret press.
The turret press lets you work with just a single case at a time, and that’s the same deal with the single stage press. In fact, in both versions you’ll find the very same type of shell holder.
It’s just that with the turret press, you have a disk that holds several different dies at once. You may find 3 to even 7 dies.
Instead of having to replace the die and putting in a new one, as in the case of the single stage reloading press, now you can just rotate that disc for the task you’re doing.
This, then, makes things a lot easier and a lot faster. Some of these turret presses offer automatic indexing, which means the turret automatically turns to switch to a new die after you pull the press handle.
However, the single stage can still look good for most people as it’s much more affordable.
It’s simpler too, so newbies won’t feel overwhelmed by a more complicated process. Besides, having more complicated mechanisms means more things can go wrong.
Single Stage Reloading Press Vs. Progressive
It’s true that most people who continue to reload their ammo tend to end up with a progressive reloading press. That’s because the progressive press is much more efficient.
With the single stage, you’re limited to a single task at a time (using a single die each time).
But with a progressive reloading press, you’re now able to do several tasks each time you pull the handle. Each stroke of the press arm can actually give you a finished round each time.
With the single stage, you can get maybe 100 rounds per hour.
With a progressive, you increase that to 400 or even 500 rounds per hour. That means bulk reloading on single stage press isn’t exactly your best option.
The trouble is that a progressive reloading press is much more expensive, and a lot more complicated. It’s not really meant for newbies, but it’s great for those who want to do things much faster.
Advantages of Owning a Single Stage Reloading Press
You can enjoy several key advantages if you buy yourself a single stage reloading press:
Minimizing the Cost
As you may have noticed if you tend to shoot a lot, firing all those rounds of ammo will cost you a pretty penny. That’s especially true if you keep on buying factory-made ammo.
But with a reloading press, you can save a lot of money reloading the ammo yourself. Some shooters find that they’re able to cut down their ammo expenses by as much as half.
Of course, you can still spend the same amount of money for ammo but then you’re able to double your ammunition. That’s a lot more fun, and it is money well spent.
Greater Understanding
A reloading press lets you do things one task at a time. That’s not always a bad thing.
If you’re a newbie to reloading, then you gain greater understanding of how everything thing works when it comes to your ammo. It helps you to understand shooting as a whole.
Even experienced reloading shooters use their single stage reloading press every now and then. They’re able to focus more on each stage of the process, which minimizes errors and allows you to come up with more accurate ammo.
It’s even very relaxing. Using a single stage reloading press is like fishing all alone, compared to using a large fishing boat to haul in more fish.
Things to Consider Before Buying Single Stage Reloading Press
While most single stage reloading presses tend to work in similar ways, they’re not all exactly the same. Some models may offer more features or different functions.
When you read the various single stage reloading press reviews, pay attention to the following factors:
Cost
Any responsible consumer will have to take the price into account, since you have to fit in the cost of the single stage reloading press into your budget.
Some models are more expensive than others. But then again, they may offer extra features and other advantages that you may not find in the cheaper models.
If you’re looking for just a pistol reloading single stage press, then you don’t need a reloading press that works with longer cartridges. That’ll save you money.
Complete Kits or Standalone Reloading Press
Many newbies find it much more convenient to just get a complete kit. That means you get the single stage reloading press plus the other various accessories you need, so you can start working with it right away.
This saves you a lot of time and bother, since you won’t have to spend more time and effort buying the other accessories you need.
You’re also sure that the accessories that come with the kit are all suitable with the reloading press. That’s one of the problems when you buy accessories for the reloading press, as you may discover afterwards that the component you bought didn’t actually work with your reloading press.
You may also find that buying a complete kit comes with a discount. If you bought all the components of the kit separately, the total cost is generally much higher.
The main drawback to a kit is that it’s very possible (and even extremely likely, in some cases) that the accessories won’t be as good as the reloading press. The single stage reloading press may be excellent, but the accompanying accessories may be substandard.
You may then end up paying for accessories that you’ll need to replace.
Brand
You may have noticed that our list of recommended single stage reloading presses all come with famous brands. We don’t have any Johnnie-come-lately brand here.
That’s because these brands have already proven themselves when it comes to manufacturing reliable reloading presses. Their track record gives you a greater possibility that you’re getting a high-quality item for the higher price you’re paying.
Can It Be Upgraded?
Many shooters who are new to reloading are well-satisfied with a good single-stage reloading press. But a lot of them end up wanting a more efficient reloading press to reload more rounds of ammo more quickly—and for that you need a progressive reloading press.
If you want, you can just buy a new progressive reloading press for more efficient reloading. You can still use the single stage reloading press every now and then, as plenty of shooters find it relaxing to use.
But you may also look for a single stage model that you can upgrade and turn into a progressive reloading press. This saves you some money in the long run.
Durability
Reloading your own ammo saves you money. But that won’t be the case at all if you keep on buying shoddy reloading presses that don’t last long.
This one of the reasons why we insist on getting reloading presses only from the more famous brands, since these brands already have a proven track record of making longer-lasting tools. Also, they’re known to honor their warranties.
Look for sturdy frame for the reloading press, as this will provide the structural support you need. It’s good if your reloading press is made from steel or cast iron.
Ease of Use
The frame should also offer enough space for your hands to work more easily and more quickly. you should also check for features that keep the reloading press stable.
Since you’ll need to switch dies often, you should look for a die-changing system that lets you do this efficiently. That means you won’t have to make too many adjustments during the reloading.
The easier it is for you to use, the more rounds you can reload over a period of time. It’s less frustrating for newbies, and more relaxing for long-time shooters.
Nice Handle
The handle will be one of the components you’ll use most often.
It should be comfortable for you to use. Some people like having a smooth ball grip on the handle, as over a period of time it can minimize hand cramps as you pull on the lever hundreds of times.
It should also be ambidextrous, especially if you’re left-handed. Southpaws really find it annoying when the handle is meant only for right-handed reloaders.
How to Reload with A Single-Stage Reloading Press
Let’s say you want to end up with 100 reloaded rounds. You can do that with a single stage reloader inside an hour, if you’ve already mastered the entire process and you’re doing things virtually automatically.
- You can start by putting the sizing/depriming die into your reloading press.
- Check that it’s working properly by pulling on the lever.
- You can then put a piece of brass into the press.
- Each time you pull on the lever, you resize and deprime the round. That means you punch out the old primer and the brass has the right size for reloading.
- Continue doing this for all your rounds, until each one is resized and deprimed.
- At this point, you’ll have to manually put in a powder charge for each piece of brass using a tiny dipper.
- When you’ve charged all the pieces of brass, you can then put in a bullet seating die in the press.
- You can then seat all your bullets, one at a time, into each round.
- When that’s done, you can use the reloading press to crimp all 100 rounds, one at a time.
- You’ll end up with 100 reloaded rounds.
Top Single Stage Reloading Press brands
Our list highlights 3 of the most famous names in the reloading press and equipment industry. If you want a reputable brand for your reloading presses, you can do worse than get it from RCBS, Hornady, and Lee Precision.
RCBS
This brand has been in the reloading industry for more than 60 years now, and they’ve developed an enviable reputation for reliability.
RCBS is a subsidiary of the ATK Civil Ammunition Systems Group. This group of companies deal mainly with military weaponry, which means you can be very sure of the quality of the RCBS equipment you get.
With the range of the RCBS reloading tools, you can even stick to this single brand and get everything you need.
Hornady
This is one of the oldest brands in the reloading industry as well, as it first began way back in 1949. They’ve established a reputation for building professional-grade reloading equipment.
Many shooters among law enforcement officers and military veterans opt for Hornady tools when they’re into reloading their own ammo. If you’re looking for the best single stage reloading press for accuracy, you can start with the Hornady brand.
Lee Precision
The true history of Lee Precision began with the invention of the now-iconic Lee Loader for shotgun shells. Richard Lee came up with this tool in his own home workshop, way back in 1958.
By the early 1960s, he followed this up with the Lee Loader for rifle ammo, and the Lee Loader for pistol ammunition. Combined, these loaders served the reloading needs of up to 1.5 million shooters in the US.
Lee Precision has established a trailblazing reputation, with numerous innovative tools and designs over the years. They also offer strong warranties for their products, with unconditional 2-year warranties and conditional lifetime warranties.
Who Makes the Best Single Stage Reloading Press?
The brand that makes the best single stage reloader is for you to decide, as you know your needs best.
But for many in the industry, the Lee Precision brand is a great example of a reloading press manufacturer to patronize and emulate. The brand has plenty of fans and customers, while many other brands copy the singular features found in Lee Precision presses and dies.
What makes this brand so special is that many of the other copies are only almost as good as the equipment made by Lee Precision, yet Lee Precision’s presses and other tools still remain more affordable in general.
Final Verdict
What is the best single stage press for reloading?
It’s probably best if you’re the one who decides which single stage reloading press here works best for you. But if you’re not sure yet on which to pick, you should consider the LEE PRECISION Breech Lock Challenger Press.
There’s basically nothing wrong with it, and there’s a lot about it that’s just right. You can used it for lots of tasks, and you’ll find it extremely easy to use.
It’s for this reason why it’s so popular, aside from how it’s also affordable. At the same time, plenty of experienced reloaders like it too.
With its heavy-duty build, your likely to enjoy using this for many years to come. Even when you eventually go with a progressive reloading press, you’ll find yourself coming back to what many consider the best single stage reloading press you can get today.
FAQs
What is resizing?
This is one of the main jobs you can do with the reloading press. You use this on a used cartridge case that has expanded after firing your round.
You have a resizing die, with a precise shape that presses the empty cartridge case into the standard dimensions you need. Once it’s back into the right shape, it’s ready for reuse.
What is depriming?
This is another term for the process of removing the expended primer. You have to remove the spent primer to put in a new one, which you’ll need for your ammunition.
Some people don’t actually use their reloading press for this job, and instead use a hand primer.
But in some reloading presses, you can use a depriming/resizing die. The die punches out the spent primer, while it also resizes the cartridge to the right size at the same time.
What about seating a bullet?
This isn’t just about putting in the bullet into the cartridge case. You have to make sure that you set the bullet in the right depth.
With a reloading press and a standard seater die, you can do the job quickly. The distance from the bullet’s bearing surface to the barrel’s rifling has to be just right for optimal accuracy.
What is crimping?
This is usually the last stage of the reloading process.
Generally, reloading involves “belling” which means expanding the mouth of the cartridge case to take in the bullet more easily. After that process, you will need to fix the flaring of the mouth.
Photo by RCBS
It this amazing to hear about the reloading press! It seems like something new for me. However, keep doing well, and thanks for sharing this project blogging with us!