Albion
Reloading your own ammunition has never been more popular. Whether you’re a competitive shooter, a hobbyist, or someone preparing for a match, handloading offers control, consistency, and cost savings. But everything starts with the right press. Selecting the ideal reloading press is a decision that shapes the efficiency and precision of your entire setup.
Understanding the Role of a Reloading Press
At its core, the reloading press is the foundation of your ammunition crafting process. It holds your dies, primes cases, seats bullets, and applies crimp—all while aligning each component precisely. With the right setup, a reloading press can produce hundreds of rounds per hour without compromising quality.
Types of Reloading Presses
There are three main types of presses: single-stage, turret, and progressive. Each suits different needs and volumes.
Single-Stage Presses are the most basic and robust. Ideal for beginners or precision rifle reloaders, they handle one step at a time. These presses are known for their accuracy, making them perfect for small batches or load development.
Turret Presses strike a balance between speed and control. They allow multiple dies to stay mounted on a rotating head, which speeds up the workflow without fully automating it. They’re favored by intermediate reloaders or pistol shooters who want more throughput without the complexity of full automation.
Progressive Presses are built for volume. With each pull of the handle, several operations occur simultaneously across different stations. Progressive presses can crank out 400–1000 rounds per hour, depending on setup and caliber. They are a top choice for IPSC shooters, competitive handgun reloaders, and high-volume users.
Considerations for IPSC and Competitive Shooters
In disciplines like IPSC, speed and reliability are everything. That means shooters must produce match-grade ammunition that performs consistently across dozens of stages. Progressive presses are a favorite here, especially from brands like Dillon, which offer expandable setups and strong aftermarket support.
Reloading isn’t just about quantity; it’s also about consistency. A double-charge, squib load, or improperly seated bullet can ruin a stage or even damage your firearm. That’s why many IPSC shooters incorporate additional accessories like powder check systems, case feeders, bullet feeders, and digital scales to ensure uniform output.
Upgrades and Precision Accessories
No press setup is complete without the right accessories. Upgrades like micrometer-adjustable powder measures, quick-change tool heads, roller handles, and priming systems can all streamline your workflow and reduce fatigue.
This is where brands like Armanov enter the picture. Known for producing precision CNC-machined upgrades and accessories compatible with popular presses (like Dillon XL750, XL650, RL1100, and others), Armanov offers magnetic tool holders, quick-change knobs, bearing kits, bullet trays, and more. These upgrades don’t just look good on the bench—they help you load faster, safer, and with greater confidence.
Final Thoughts
The reloading press you choose will depend on your goals, experience level, and how much ammo you intend to load. For IPSC competitors or anyone shooting large volumes of pistol ammunition, a progressive press with the right accessories offers unmatched speed and precision.
And once you find the press that suits your needs, the rest is about fine-tuning. With a well-maintained machine, quality components, and smart upgrades, you’ll spend less time troubleshooting and more time doing what you love: shooting.
Reloading is more than just a task—it’s part of the discipline. The right press makes it a rewarding one.
