Best Reloading Kits – Reviews And Buyer’s Guide

Learning to reload your own cartridges can help you save on ammo cost over time, and also ensures you have ammo on hand at all times. Of course, there is a learning curve involved, and the art of reloading takes a bit of practice – as well as an investment in the products required. 

Instead of trying to piece together an entire kit, it is often smart to look into complete sets to provide you all you need to begin to learn. The best reloading kits will provide all the essentials you need, with easy-to-use directions and quality parts. Take a look at our top choices below. 

Comparison Table of The 5 Best Reloading Kits

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HORNADY LOCK-N-LOAD CLASSIC RELOADING KIT

BRAND

HORNADY LOCK-N-LOAD CLASSIC RELOADING KIT

DETAILS

  • Frame Material: Cast Alloy
  • Press Type: Single Stage
  • Priming Feature: Yes
  • Handle Location: Bottom Right Hand
REDDING – BIG BOSS PRO-PAK DELUXE RELOADING KIT

BRAND

REDDING – BIG BOSS PRO-PAK DELUXE RELOADING KIT

DETAILS

  • Frame Material: Cast Iron
  • Press Type: Single Stage
  • Priming Feature: Yes
  • Handle Location: Bottom Right Hand
RCBS – REBEL MASTER RELOADING KIT

BRAND

RCBS – REBEL MASTER RELOADING KIT

DETAILS

  • Frame Material: Cast Iron
  • Press Type: Single Stage
  • Priming Feature: No
  • Handle Location: Ambidextrous
RCBS – EXPLORER 2 RELOADING KIT

BRAND

RCBS – EXPLORER 2 RELOADING KIT

DETAILS

  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Press Type: Single Stage
  • Priming Feature: Yes
  • Handle Location: Bottom Center
LEE PRECISION – BREECH LOCK CHALLENGER KIT

BRAND

LEE PRECISION – BREECH LOCK CHALLENGER KIT

DETAILS

  • Frame Material: Aluminum
  • Press Type: Single Stage
  • Priming Feature: Yes
  • Handle Location: Ambidextrous

Reloading Benefits

reloading cartridge by shotgun shell reloader, closeup

With practice, you can easily master the art of ammo reloading. It isn’t a difficult skill to acquire either, just takes exposure and the right tools to get the hang of it. Most reloaders find it to be a soothing hobby that allows you to customize a cartridge to your own specifications. 

Accuracy Improvement

Not only can you customize your load for your shooting needs, but you can also maximize your accuracy for competitive shooting matches, as well as just for a fun day on the range. This is exactly how some of the more popular wildcat rounds came to be – such as the 300 Blackout and 6.5 Creedmoor. 

Budget-Friendly

After your initial investment in the tools required to reload, you can end up saving a ton of money in the long run by reloading if you shoot regularly and are tired of rising ammunition prices. Plus, you won’t have to worry about shortages on the shelf either. 

Brain Benefit

Learning something new is a great way to keep you sharp and thinking. Reloading ammunition is fun, challenging enough to have to pay close attention to the skill and work with trial and errors, and helps keep your eyes sharp and your fingers nimble. 

What’s Included in a Reloading Kit

Although kits may vary from one to another, the reloading products included will be specific to your type of firearm. Kits generally contain the larger basic items you may need, such as the press, powder measurer, hand primer, and a manual – as well as various other small parts. Regardless, other than your cases, powder, and bullets – be sure you have the following in order to complete the reload. 

  • Brass Tumbler – Reusing spent cases requires the means to be cleaned and polished so they are safe for reloading. 
  • Reloading Press – There are three different types of presses to use – all of which are effective but can offer varying degrees of convenience to the reloader as you get more comfortable with the practice. 
  • Resizing Die – In order to reuse a case you have to resize it as well due to how it will expand upon firing. 
  • Deburring/Chamfering Tool – Once you’ve resized and cut your cartridge, you need to smooth it out for the perfect fit. 
  • Hand Primer – Reused cases need a reprime as well, and a good hand primer is invaluable for a dependable load charge. 
  • Powder Drop – Avoid spilling powder and inaccurate powder weights with powder drop accessories. 
  • Reloading Dies

Best Reloading Kits for Beginners and Practiced Reloaders Alike

Although there is not much to review concerning reloading kits other than to highlight what they contain and their solid construction parts, these all are popular starter kit choices that offer quality products that can help a reloading beginner get started, or serve as a great addition to a more experienced reloader. Perfect for shooters of all calibers, these kit options offer competitive shooters a reload they can manipulate for their needs, while the casual shooter might enjoy playing with learning what is best for their own guns while out plinking on the shooting range. 

1. HORNADY LOCK-N-LOAD CLASSIC RELOADING KIT

HORNADY LOCK-N-LOAD CLASSIC RELOADING KIT

Includes the following:

  • Lock-N-Load Classic single-stage press
  • Lock-N-Load Powder Measure
  • Electronic Scale
  • The 8th Edition Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading
  • Three Lock-N-Load Die Bushings
  • Primer Catcher
  • Positive Priming System
  • Hand-Held Priming Tool
  • Chamfering and Deburring Tool
  • Primer Turning Plate
  • One Shot Case Lube

Hornady is a top ammunitions manufacturer and their Lock-N-Load Classic Reloading kit includes everything needed to turn out the accurate hand load you desire. Perfect for beginners and established reloaders alike, all you have to do is follow along with the Hornady Handbook of Cartridge Reloading manual (included) to take full advantage of the bushing technology offered for consistent reloads and easy, quick-change die swaps for various caliber options.

The kit includes a Classic single-stage press, powder measure, electronic scale, die bushings, primer catcher and tools, turning plate, and other cartridge finishing products. 

Pros

  • Manual provides illustrations that are easy to follow
  • Consistent and durable
  • Classic kit that is worth every penny

Cons

  • No known issues

2. REDDINGBIG BOSS PRO-PAK DELUXE RELOADING KIT

REDDING – BIG BOSS PRO-PAK DELUXE RELOADING KIT

Includes the following:

  • Big Boss Reloading Press
  • Model 2 Powder and Bullet Scale 
  • Powder Trickler 
  • Pad Style Case Lube Kit 
  • Case mouth deburring tool
  • Powder funnel
  • Hodgdon Annual Reloading Magazine
  • Model #3BR Powder Measure (throws 5 to 100 grains)
  • Model 1400XT Case trimming lathe – includes universal collet that fits most popular cases and six of the most common caliber pilots (.22, 6mm, .270, 7mm, and .30 caliber)

Redding is another dependable brand name and provides our second favorite kit that is great for both beginner and advanced reloaders. Complete with a Big Boss Reloading Press that is a favorite amongst professional reloaders, it also includes an incredibly accurate Model 2 Powder and Bullet Scale, Powder Measure, heavy-duty powder trickler, a lube kit complete with pad, deburring tool, and funnel.

The Hodgdon Annual Reloading Magazine is part of the deal to keep you up to date on reloading techniques. A case trimming lathe with a universal collet for popular case use including caliber pilots of .22, 6mm, 7mm, and .30 caliber rounds out the kit.  

Pros

  • Great annual magazine for up to date info
  • Incredibly accurate tools
  • Seriously easy to use

Cons

  • No known issues

3. RCBSREBEL MASTER RELOADING KIT

RCBS – REBEL MASTER RELOADING KIT

Includes the following:

  • 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 and case slick spray lube

Ideal for beginners, the RCBS Rebel Master Reloading Kit offers quality choices that are popular with those who are more comfortable with the skill as well. It contains a single-stage reloading press with a Uniflow powder measure and a 1500 grain digital pocket scale.

A hand priming tool helps with consistent loading and the Speer #15 manual works with a huge array of popular calibers. It also includes a funnel, hex-key set, case neck and primer brushes, deburring tools, a loading block, and spray lube. 

Pros

  • Great for beginners
  • Really nice single stage press 
  • Very consistent in loading

Cons

  • No known issues

4. RCBSEXPLORER 2 RELOADING KIT

RCBS – EXPLORER 2 RELOADING KIT

Includes the following:

  • Reloader Special – 5 Press
  • Uniflow-III Powder Measure
  • 1,500 grain digital pocket scale
  • Hand priming tool
  • Speer #15 manual
  • Hand Priming Tool
  • Powder Funnel, fold-up hex key set, deburring tool, case loading block and case slick spray lube

RCBS knocks it out of the park again with their Explorer 2 reloading kit that is perfect for experienced reloaders. It includes solid, dependable, and reliable tools such as their Special 5 Stage Press, a Uniflow-III powder measurer, and a 1500 grain digital pocket scale.

Complete with a Speer #15 manual, the kit comes complete with a deburring tool, hex-keys, funnel, deburring tools, spray lube, and caseload block for an excellent start for all your reloading needs. 

Pros

  • Excellent kit for a wide range of knowledge
  • Solid tool set that will last
  • Includes everything to get started

Cons

  • No known issues

5. LEE PRECISIONBREECH LOCK CHALLENGER KIT

LEE PRECISION – BREECH LOCK CHALLENGER KIT

Includes the following:

  • Breech Lock Challenger Press
  • Breech Lock quick-change bushing
  • Powder Handling System 
  • Perfect Powder Measure
  • Lee Safety Scale 
  • Powder Funnel
  • Auto Prime
  • Hand Prime Shell Holders
  • Trim Case Trimmer
  • Cutter and Lock Stud
  • Chamfer Tool
  • Sizing Lube
  • Small and Large Primer Cleaning Tool

Lee Precisions offers the Breech Lock Challenger Kit complete with the Challenger Press and one Breech Lock quick-change bushing that is complete with a powder handling system, funnel, and safety scale for convenience and efficient repeat powder measuring. It includes an auto prime and set of hand priming tool shell holders for those who are specifically looking to prime off the press as well. A trim case trimmer that allows direct trimming of the press, cutter, and lock stud to trim by hand when desirable.

The Chamfer tool is perfect for both inside and outside the case mouth, and both small and large pocket cleaning tools allow for a nice finish. A premium sizing lube completes the package.  

Pros

  • Excellent price point
  • Great tools for handwork
  • Durable and long-lasting

Cons

  • Lee bench press is sold separately

Wrapping It Up

If getting started with reloading is on your list of things to learn, continue with, or pick back up, a good reloading kit is a great way to keep that skill growing. These are all excellent choices with a few variations in the technological aspect of some of the tools. What it ends up coming down to is personal preferences in how you want to reload, and what your budget range might be. 

We’d love to hear below from some of our reloading readers in which kits you prefer, and why. And, as always, please share!

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