Handloaders making their own ammunition are often looking for the best equipment to accomplish this arduous task. Here are 23 of our favorite products available from the biggest brands in the ammo reloading industry.
XPRESS ELECTRIC ASSORTMENT
Affordably priced, the Lyman Power Trim Xpress is designed to handle trimming tasks for most automated, progressive, turret or single station presses. With a variable speed DC electric motor, it can also handle cartridge conversions, and there is also a vacuum manifold. Plus, it accepts standard trim dies and uses a long-life carbide bur. MSRP: $314.95, lymanproducts.com
PROGRESSIVE PRESS X-10
Coming soon, the Frankford Arsenal X-10 is a 10-station auto-indexing reloading press constructed from rigid steel and featuring multiple ball bearings. In addition to an exclusive gear-driven rotating hull plate, advanced features of the X-10 include dual decapping stations, in-line primer pocket crimping capability and the ability to run powder check dies and box cutting. MSRP: $1,199.99, frankfordarsenal.com
F-1 ONE-STAGE PRESS
Designed for accurate and precise reloading, the new Frankford F-1 Single Stage Reloading Press is packed with features including a linear ball bearing system for smooth operation, integrated LED light, primer catch system fully contained and precision machined, solid-steel construction. It is compatible with 7/8 inch by 14 dies and loads up to .338 Lapua size cartridges. MSRP: $149.99, frankfordarsenal.com
FRANKFORD ALUMINUM FUNNEL KIT
Frankford Arsenal’s Aluminum Powder Funnel Kit is a new option for those who need to fill .17 caliber and larger cases. With eight interchangeable nozzles, it’s a great funnel for creating consistent loads. The metal funnel should also help reduce static electricity and powder spillage. MSRP: $34.99, frankfordarsenal.com
ROCK CHUCKER POCKET SCALE
The Rock Chucker Pocket Scale 1500 GN is the company’s newest scale and is a boon for hand loaders looking for an affordable yet durable weighing option. It has a 1,500 grain capacity, 0.10 grain accuracy and an easy to read digital display. Sporting a rugged design, the 1500 GN is powered by two AAA batteries and includes a one-year warranty. MSRP: $41.95, rcbs.com
FORSTER PRODUCTS NECK TENSION GAUGE
Forster’s Neck Tension Gauge Kit is a solid inspection tool that filters brass accurately and quickly, which is important to perform before the bullet setting operation. Done correctly, this process can help determine the optimum inside diameter of the neck for consistent release of a bullet from reloaded cartridges. It also allows inspection of the inside diameters of housing necks. MSRP: $300, forsterproducts.com
DIGITAL ROUND COUNTER
Want to keep track of how many rounds you’ve produced? Consider the Armanov digital reload round counter, which can help determine the total number of rounds you have reloaded (and for each caliber), the time it took, and also the efficiency of the reload. It has 45 preset caliber profiles and eight custom profiles, four for rifles and four for handguns. MSRP: $139.99, usa-shop.armanov.com
LYMAN HEADSPACE GAUGES
The Lyman Rifle Holster Length Clearance Gauge is an excellent tool for those who need to measure critical dimensions with the greatest accuracy and safety possible. This tool is particularly important for the latter. It is available in several calibers, including newer offerings such as .260 Rem., 6.5 PRC, 6.5 Grendel, 6.5×55 Swede, 327 Federal, 350 Legend, and more. MSRP: $30.95, lymanproducts.com
UNIFLOW POWDER MEASUREMENT
Those in need of an accurate powder measuring tool can turn to the Rock Chucker Uniflow Powder Measure III, which RCBS says is “the most accurate uniflow it has ever produced, helping produce loads top-of-the-range reloading”. Plus, the anti-static threaded hopper can hold up to ½ pound of extruded powder or 1/3 pound of flakes. MSRP: $119.95, rcbs.com
SUPREME RELOAD KIT
The Rock Chucker Supreme Master Reloading Kit is a bargain, with the equipment you need to start handloading (excluding dies and shell holders), making it ideal for beginner reloaders and experienced. Features include accessory handle, .17 to .60 caliber deburring tool, case lube kit, hand priming tool, hex key set, M500 mechanical scale, powder funnel, a Uniflow-III powder measure, a universal case loading block and a Speer reloading manual. MSRP: $499.99, rcbs.com
LYMAN 51ST EDITION RELOADING MANUAL
One of the premier books on reloading ammunition, Lyman’s recent 51st Edition Reloading Handbook is packed with incredible information for handloaders and useful data for those who really dig into the specs to produce the best results. And, of course, safety is paramount, and this book covers the subject well. The latest edition includes a wide selection of bullets, a wide range of popular powders and even calibers such as 224 Valkyrie, 22 Nosler, 6mm ARC, 6mm Creedmoor, 6.5 PRC, 6.8 Western and 300 PRC. $24.99, midwayusa.com
BOLT LOCKING HAND PRESS
The Lee Precision Breech Lock Hand Press Kit is a fantastic portable reloading option. Compact, it fits easily in the box for transport or storage. It’s a solid option for those who don’t have a lot of space to work, as well as those who recharge at the beach. This kit includes the Breech Lock hand press, case resizing lubricant, lock ring wrench, powder funnel, Prime ram and a Breech Lock quick change socket. Dies available separately. MSRP: $94, leeprecision.com
LEE RAM SWAGE
Lee Precision’s new Ram Swage is equipped to handle single-stage or turret presses that have 7/8-inch-by-14 threads as part of the press. Compatible with universal press shell carriers, it even features an all-steel shell guide, spring-assisted shell extraction, and shell carrierless design. MSRP: $50, leeprecision.com
ACP DEPRIMING KIT
Reloaders who need to deprime and clean cases before sizing should consider Lee Precision’s ACP Deprimer Kit. No shell holder is required. Crates shorter than 2½ inches can be fed automatically with the additional universal crate feeder. This add-on makes ACP even more efficient. MSRP: $12, leeprecision.com
PROPELLER FOR SPORTS GUN
Alliant Powder’s Sport Pistol offering is a reliable, clean-burning option designed for precision and action shooters. The low muzzle flash formulation is optimized for polymer coated bullets such as Syntech. Best of all, this thruster is made in the USA. MSRP: varies, alliantpowder.com
RELODER 16 THRUSTER
Alliant Powder’s Reloder 16 is a consistent propellant with world class stability. Its burn rate is optimal and slightly faster than Reloder 17, but is within the H4350 powder burn rate range. It is an ideal propellant for .30-06 Springfield, .270 Winchester and 6.5mm loads. MSRP: varies, alliantpowder.com
HORNADY BASIC FUNNEL
Those who want a basic powder funnel should consider this one from Hornady. This is an anti-static funnel suitable for all calibers from .22 to .45, with an adapter available to accommodate the new .17 and .20 calibers. It’s also MTM compatible and even incorporates a square rim design that prevents it from rolling, which reloaders typically encounter with most funnel designs. MSRP: $4.49, hornady.com
FIRST FUNNEL KIT
Considered a premium offering, Hornady’s Premier Powder Funnel Kit is a great option for those reloading this year and beyond. The kit includes large capacity funnels constructed from non-static aluminum material that fit in a fitted storage case. MSRP: $40.99, hornady.com
ARC CARTRIDGE GAUGE
The Hornady ARC Cartridge Gauge allows users to check their cases and loaded ammunition. Simply slip your size cases or loaded ammo into the case gauge. If it is not flush, the case is incorrect. If it is aligned, the case is correct, which means a change is needed. This helps to ensure the correct fit with SAAMI chambers. Get cartridge gauges ranging from 6mm to 6.5 PRC and 300 PRC. MSRP: $21.99+, titanreloading.com
LOCK-N-LOAD AMMO FACTORY
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Ammo Factory provides reloaders with a smooth and precise, yet fast way to reload efficiently and effectively. This capable machine is responsive and durable, and also has a power that some models lack. Suitable for this home ordnance factory, the AP features automatic indexing, priming and ejection. MSRP: $588.99, hornady.com
HORNADY LED STRIP
Those who want more light on their press should check out Hornady’s Lock-N-Load Light Strip. With an adhesive backing, it’s easy to place this LED light where you need it most, like on a press or around a reloading bench. This helps reduce shadows and makes it easier to see what you’re doing. It can plug into a standard 110 volt outlet or a Lock-N-Load control panel. MSRP: $24.99, hornady.com
FOOD BOX PREPARATION CENTER
The Hornady Lock-N-Load Electrical Box Prep Center will help you save space and time when reloading ammo. It does this by integrating the most important case preparation functions in one product, such as an electric trimmer, beveling function, deburring tool, primer pocket cleaners (large and small) and six sizes of neck brushes. It also has removable trays for easy detachment. MSRP: $560.86, hornady.com
MATCH SOCKET DIE SETS
Hornady Match Grade Bushing 2 die sets are designed for extreme precision. Quality can help produce unparalleled performance, with self-centering interchangeable neck sizing rings, a full-length sizing die, two Sure-Loc rings and a seated die with roll crimp. It comes with a plastic storage box, but does not include a shell stand. MSRP: $99.99, hornady.com
