How to Use a Single Stage Reloading Press
How to use a single stage reloading press. For gun enthusiasts, reloading is something you do to save on ammunition costs. You can easily go through a lot of ammo in one shooting afternoon. For others, reloading is just a hobby for fun. All in all, for the reloading process to be successful, you will need a reloading press kit. Reloading press kits come in three types, the single-stage reloading press, the turret press, and the progressive press.
Progressive press kits- These kits come in two styles, auto index or manual index. For the auto index, you won’t have to manually rotate the shell plate to advance the rounds as the kit does it by itself by each pull of the handle while for the manual index the user has to manually rotate the shell plate to advance the rounds to the next position. Progressive press kits are capable of producing more than 300 rounds per hour, to this effect, they are more expensive compared to the turret press and the single-stage press.
Turret press kits- A turret press is like a more advanced single-stage press. This reloading press kit allows you to use several dies at once while with a single-stage press, you can only use one die at a time. A turret press kit is also more expensive than the single-stage reloading kit but cheaper than a progressive kit.
Single-stage reloading press- These are basic reloading kits that perform a single function every time you pull the handle. The downside to this is, you will spend a lot of time reloading your ammo but the ammo will also be quite accurate and precise as you are taking a lot of time reloading. Another advantage is, single-stage reloading presses are ideal for reloading beginners who are keen on learning the steps to handloading their ammo.
Here is a list of our favorite single stage reloading press
| PRODUCT | IMAGE | PRICE |
| RCBS 9356 Rock Chucker Supreme Press |  |
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| LEE PRECISION 90998 Classic Cast Press |  |
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| Lee Reloading Press Md: 90045 |  |
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| RCBS Summit Single Stage Reloading Press |  |
How to use a Single Stage Reloading Press
Single-stage press kits are simple to use and that’s why they are recommended for beginners.
Steps on using a single stage reloading press
Installing the press– For starters, you need to properly install the press. Ideally, the press kit comes with a mount that helps you install it on your workbench. Due to the fact that brands are not the same, the mounts may vary but the idea is similar. Different manufacturers include different accessories to give you a variety of mounting options, like for example risers.
Your mounting surface should be sturdy and strongly built to ensure it can withstand the pressure and if you go for a wooden bench, ensure it is stable.
Dies– These are some of the most important things you will buy for a successful reloading process. They have several uses: bullet seating and crimping, resize, decamp, and expand the case mouth. Some manufacturers also provide you with primers to help in the process.
Shell holders- Shell holders are what tightly secure the cartridge in place.
Reloading- Clean and prepare your brass properly before loading them on the press. Install the sies and the shell holder, then load your brass. This is done in one stage at a time. If you did not buy an aftermarket primer, you can use your press to prime the case.
Dial-in the bullet-specific charge by using a digital scale and powder measure and then, using the bullet seating die, crimp your ammunition.
Conclusion
Single-stage reloading press kits are a great way to get your feet wet on reloading. They are ideal for beginners and give you the experience required to comfortably move to a progressive kit. Due to the fact that they only perform a single function at a time, they allow you to easily spot a mistake and rectify it. They are also easy on the price tag in comparison to the more advanced reloading presses.
Here is a quick video to help you learn how to use a single-stage reloading press.