Are you a shotgun enthusiast? And looking forward to reloading your own bullet?
Ammos are expensive unless you are a millionaire, you wouldn’t want to take that much expense when you can lower the expense. And that is exactly where the best shotshell reloader strikes.
An ideal shotgun reloader will save you a lot of money. Initially, you might find this expensive but if you think about the bigger picture, you will realize that investing in the best shotgun reloader will be one of the best investments. So without further ado, let’s take a quick look at our best models!
- LEE PRECISION II Shotshell Reloading Press
- Lee Precision Shotshell Reloading Press
- MEC 9000GN 12 gauge shotshell reloading press
- MEC Sizemaster 20 Gauge Reloading Press
Best Shotshell Reloader Comparison
1. LEE PRECISION II Shotshell Reloading Press – Best Budget Shotgun Reloader
Starting with the LEE Precision II Shotshell Reloading press, this single-stage reloader is a great choice for the beginners since the user process is very simple. You won’t get a large variety of calibers, this shotgun reloader is suitable for reloading 12, 16, and 20-gauge models. With this very reloader, you get 2-3/4 and 3-inches shells reloaded.
According to the manufacturer, you can reload 200 shells in each hour with this reloader. Though the manufacturer advertised it to be that fast, the users find it a little slow. But that being said, since the quality of reloading isn’t compromised, slow reloading isn’t a major drawback. In fact, slow reloaders have proven themselves to be more accurate than fast models.
This reloader comes with a built-in primer, also features a primer catcher as well. The catcher makes cleaning or emptying very effortless. This reloading press also comes with 5lbs capacity shot holding hopper and that enables you to do the reloading for half an hour.
Another feature that makes this shotgun reloader stand out from the competition is its 8-shot bushing and 16 powder bushing. You might get these even from some high-end reloaders. Moreover, with this model you will get steel sizing ring, 6 and 8 point crimp starter, and a safety charge bar.
And lastly, if you are in tight budget, this LEE Precision II Shotshell Reloading press will suit you nicely. It comes at a low price and the best part is, the low price doesn’t reflect on the performance of this reloader. You might not another top-notch shotshell reloader like this one at such low price. So miss it at your own risk!
The Pros
- It comes at an inexpensive price.
- Features extra shot bushing and powder.
- Easy to operate.
- Includes safety charge bar and sizing ring.
- Suitable for 16. 12, 20-gauge.
The Con
- Little slow.
2. Lee Precision Shotshell Reloading Press
Another shotgun reloading press from the brand Lee. And this is another affordable reloading press of the market that delivers satisfying performance to the users. Like the previous one, the low price of this reloading press doesn’t reflect on its performance. Moreover, with this very model, you will get 24 shot and powder bushings, buying them separately is way too costly. The bushings work pretty accurately, these are Lee tailor-made bushings.
Compared to the previous one, this reloading press works faster. You can reload 200 shells within one hour. The hopper of this reloader comes with a 5-pound capacity and once that is loaded fully, you can reload around 125 lbs. of shells. It also features primer and primer catcher as well which makes cleaning and accessing the reloading press easier.
Like the previous one, this Lee precision reloading press is also compatible with 2, ¾, and 3-inch shell. However, setting this press up for the first could be a little time consuming, if you are a beginner, you might struggle a bit. But there will be a manual in the box, that will make the path easier. Otherwise, you can search on the manufacturer’s website.
The Pros
- Compatible with 2, ¾, and 3-inch shell.
- Built-in primer and catcher.
- It comes with the bushings.
- Inexpensive price.
- It can reload 200 shells within one hour.
- Available in 16 and 12-gauge variants.
The Con
- The setup process takes time.
3. MEC 9000GN 12 Gauge Shotshell Reloading Press
Top-notch performance and ease of use, you will get everything with the MEC 9000GN 12 gauge shotshell reloading press. It comes with 10 operation systems, do not think it is hard to use because of different operations. It is super easy to use and the setup process is pretty straight forward as well. Reloading the shells is very easy in this reloading press, thanks to the intuitive interface.
With this reloader, you can reload around 6 shotshells in every hour. It gives smooth and perfect strokes and the shotgun shells also come with nice crimp.
What happens in most reloading press is, once the reloading is done you will have to remove the shell from the holder so that you can put another one to reload. But this reloading press will automatically remove the shell once that is reloaded.
You will be able to work with 12, 28, 410, and 20-gauge shotshells when you have this MEC 9000GN press. Moreover, this reloading press features 1, 1/8 oz charge bar and you get other needed accessories as well with the purchase.
A manual comes with this reloading press, where the user process is written simply and understandably. If you are a beginner, going through the manual will give you enough knowledge to get started.
Like a few reloading press of the market, this MEC 9000GN press might not come with a bunch of fancy features. But the best part is, what it does, it does that with perfection and that is shell reloading. And that is what matters the most.
The Pros
- Compatible with 12, 20, 28, and 410 gauges.
- Very easy to use.
- Constructed with top-quality material.
- Auto ejecting system.
The Con
- This shotshell reloader is a little expensive.
4. MEC Sizemaster 20 Gauge Reloading Press
Not a lot of people are using this MEC Sizemaster reloading press, but those who are using, they are highly satisfied with shotshell reloader. The build quality, the performance, everything is satisfactory in this very reloading press.
The manufacturer has designed it in a way so it suits beginners. It is very easy to use and beginners can easily get started with this reloading press.
It comes with a collect resizer that restores all the bases whether it is brass or steel. Though this reloading press is set to 2, ¾-inches but you do the adjustment for 3-inch shells if that is required. This sizemaster reloading press is suitable for 10, 12, 16, 20, and 28-gauges models as well.
This reloading press is highly durable, credit goes to the steel frame. For better results, it features cam-action crimp die and for accurate crease positioning there is Spindex crimp starter.
Moreover, you will also get charge bar 7/8-ounce, powder bushings that are interchangeable. You will able to reload 6 to 8 shell boxes with this reloading press in an hour. So we can say, this is a pretty efficient reloading press.
Lastly, one more thing you need knows, you will find a built-in automatic prime feeder in all the sizemaster reloading press but you won’t find it on 410 version.
The Pros
- Beginner-friendly design.
- Features automatic prime feeder.
- It comes with bushings.
- Highly durable construction.
- It allows you to reload 6-8 shell boxes within an hour.
- Adjustable for 3-inch shells if required.
The Con
- Expensive reloading press.
What is a Shotshell Reloader?
A shotshell reloader is a machine that will help you to reload shotgun shells by pressing them. It works the same as the pistol and rifle reloader. But you can’t use these for other guns shell. This pressing machine only uses for shotgun shells.
Most of the reloader can press all types of shell. They also can press multiple gauges at the same time. But there is also shotshell reloader which can only press specific types of gauges, for example, 20,410 and 16
The mechanisms, size, and load rate are different than the other presses. Most of the machine can press faster than the other shell press machine. For example, we can give you the four presses.
Which Gauges Should You Reload?
The answer is very simple. It depends on whats games you are using. If you use 20 gauge then you have to go for 20 gauge shotgun reloader.
Different types of reloading machine press different type of gauge. Mostly pressing the gauge depend upon its capabilities. For example, a 12 gauge press machine can other types gauge. If you want to press other types gauge then you have to change the machine.
Before buying a shotgun reloader you need to decide what types of gauge you want to reload. If you want to reload only one type gauge we will suggest you buy the specific reloader. Otherwise, you can buy a machine that can reload multiple types of gauge. But for this type of reloader, you will need to spend a lot of money.
If you work with only one type of gauge then it’s all right to buy a gauge specific press. If you work with different gauges, get a press that can handle all of them.
If you use old shells for shooting it will save your lot of money. Shotgun gauge, for example, 410, 28, or 16 are very expensive. Using old save your money up to 50 percent.
If you shoot with other gauges like 12 or 20, then they are not going you save your lot of money. Still, if you use old gauge then it will save money but compare to another one it is a little less.
If you think that using old gauges is just for saving money then you are wrong. Using old gauges also helps you to improve your bullet’s performance. It is very much important when you are shooting in a group. The only reason behind this because the bottom line of reloading shotshell is better than the new one.
Different Types of Shotshell Presses
By design and look all the shells are similar. But there is a lot of difference from one reloader to another reloader. You have to choose one depending on your need. These are the following different types of od shotshell presses.
Single Stage Press
This is the most affordable reloader. These affordable reloaders have different numbers of the station. You have put your old shell in the station.
If you use one shell to press in one time then it will take little time but once you get used to it, you can do it faster. Most of the casual shooter use theses single stage press.
Progressive Press
The progressive press is the most famous shotshell reloader. The feature is better and more advance than the single-stage press. For a professional shooter, the progressive shotshell reloader is the best.
A single-stage press is six-time slower than the progressive one. Now you can imagine how fast it is. Each punch makes a new shell. For pressing it properly it uses mechanical arm.
Now come to the price point of a progressive reloader. They are comparatively expensive than the single-stage press. If you are a professional shooter and can effort it then but it. Otherwise, we will suggest you buy a single-stage press. I will save you a lot of money.
For an advance shooter who reloads a lot then the progressive press is the best choice for you. Through the price of this press is a little bit high but at the end of the day, it will give you lots of benefits.
How to Choose the Best Shotshell Presses
Before choosing the best shotshell presses you need to know some factors. Those factors will make your job easy.
Types of Shotshell Press
At first, you need to decide what type of Shotshell press you need. Either single press or progressive press. We already told you about both types of aspects. We will some points which will help to choose one.
Decide if you want a single stage or progressive stage press. We have covered the essentials earlier so we’re not going to repeat them here. A few things need to be said, however.
- If you are a pro shooter and love to shoot a lot then we will suggest you buy a progressive press. It will save you a lot of time.
- If you are a beginner and time is not matter then go for a single-stage press. It will save you a lot of money.
- If a person wants to invest one time and does not like to upgrade then it’s better to buy the progressive press.
- If you have to join the competition then we will suggest you that you must buy the progressive press.
- Brand
Always try to a from known and best companies as you are investing a lot of money. We already suggest some best shotgun reloader. So you can buy from them without any doubt.
Remember one thing never buy from any unknown companies.
Ease of Use
It has no meaning to buy a shotshell reloader which is complicated to use. Even though it has a lot of features. A good shotshell reloader is good to use with having lots of features.
Durability
Durability is the most important. Most of the reloader is made from steel, aluminum. Also, have some presses which are made of durable plastic. The shotshell reloader has the capability of heavy use.
Feedback
Before buying a shotshell reloader try to read the previous user review> it will help you a lot to know more about the product.
Things to Consider When Buying a Shotshell Press
If you consider some facts then it will help to get the best shotshell press.
Speed
Speed mostly depends on several factors. It depends on mostly skill and experience. It also depends on the shotshell type and mechanism.
Accuracy
A good shotshell reloader must have the accuracy. Without accuracy, it has no point o buy.
Station Design
The station is the most important part of a shotshell reloader. Try to buy a reloader which station makes you more comfortable.
User Skill
No matter what, You buy the shotshell reloader if you have the proper skill. So before buying try to learn how to use it properly.
Who Makes the Best Shotshell Presses?
There lots of who are making good shotshell reloader. But we will two specific brands that are doing great form the beginning. One brand name is MAC. Their shotshell reloader is the best in the market.
And the other one is lee precision. Their product has much respect in the market. The quality of their shotshell reloader is amazing.
Conclusion
Got your hands on the best shotshell reloader? These are the 4 best shotgun reloader you will find in the market right now, these are most rated ones. Hope this helps!
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