Best Shotshell Reloader: How To Choose A Perfect One for You?

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Shotshell reloading has an additional component, called the wad, which sets it apart from reloading a standard pistol or rifle ammunition.

Moreover, a shotgun shell reloader press is typically designed to accommodate the bigger caliber rounds which a shotgun needs.

Which Are The Best Shotshell Reloader In The Market?

There are a lot of shotshell reloader brands out there. Below is our comparison table of the best 3. Hope that it gives you a general point of view!

Pros

  • Top pick for the novices and cost-conscious reloaders;
  • Extra shot bushings (8) and powder bushings (16) are included;
  • Reloaders can carry and operate without difficulty;
  • Convenient to handle;

Cons

  • Limited variety of calibers – only 20, 16, and 12 gauges;
  • Slowly reload shells.

Are you looking for a budget-friendly shotshell that can replenish the ammunition of your shotgun? Then the LEE PRECISION II Shotshell Reloading Press is the best choice.

If you think that the less you spend on the shotshell itself, the more you have to pay on essential parts and accessories, this product by Lee Precision will change your mind.

Unlike other shotshell reloader brands, the LEE PRECISION II Shotshell Reloading Press does not come in various calibers. There are only three gauge models available – 20, 16, and 12.

And to make this happen, no separate conversion kit is required.

Moreover, the hopper with the capacity of 5lbs of shot helps it gain popularity among survivalists. Even in a desperate situation, they can continuously reload for half an hour.

According to the factory, this unit can reload a bundle of 200 2-3/4 and 3-inch shells each hour (equal to eight boxes). However, experienced users complained that it is much slower than expected.


Pros

  • A unit made for entry-level reloaders;
  • Easy to set up;
  • Reload with ease;
  • Durable press;
  • Able to reload 3 inches 12 gauge and 2-3/4 shells;
  • Great shooting results;
  • Pocket-friendly;

Cons

  • Only can recharge steel with an additional adapter;

If it is your very first time buying a good shotshell reloader for yourself, then you are in the right place. The MEC 600 Jr Mark V 12 Gauge Press – one of the best shotshell reloaders by Mayville Engineering is your best bet.

The first thing to praise is the consistent shells built to last for a lifetime. Rather than something for decoration, they help you improve your trap scores since rolling your crusts.

Like other shells by Mayville Engineering, the 600 Jr. Mark V 12 Gauge Press comes with two ¾-inch-long shells.

Fortunately, the customizations made to the press allow it to hold 3-inch shells. No added purchase to use the longer bullets.

Affordable, reliable, durable, and easy to use. The MEC 600 Jr Mark V reloader press has all features that you could find at the best shotshell reloader for entry-level reloaders.


Pros

  • Shell ejection;
  • Able to reload at such a high speed;
  • Accurate shooting results;

Cons

  • To reload 3-inch shells, you need adapter kit;
  • High price.

One more model by Mayville Engineering? Something wrong here? Just keep reading to see why the MEC 9000GN 12 Gauge Press is on our list of the best shotshell reloader!

A high-quality shotshell reloader press comes with a high price tag; it is not good news. But, what this press has to offer deserves your money.

The MEC progressive press allows you to reload a higher number of shells at a time. However, if you want to reload 3-inch shells or make steel shots, you have to get a separate adapter kit.

Fortunately, you can still take full advantage of shotshells’ accuracy offered by the Power Ring Resizer. Even when your targets are far from you, your performance is still beyond your expectations.

Another great feature is the authentic MEC AutoMate. After pushing the two control buttons, you can see how it delivers enough power to run the shotshell press electronically.


How To Choose The Best Shotshell Reloader?

Type of Shotshell Reloader

Single-stage and progressive – they are the two significant types of shotshell reloaders. How do they differ from each other?

Single-stage press: a basic press unit that performs only a single function with each handle pull. It is easy to use. But as its name might suggest, it just can complete one mission at a time.

Progressive press: a preferable choice. It allows users to finish the reloading process in a shorter time. Moreover, it performs various tasks with each pull of the handle.

Capacity

The shotshell reloader’s capacity tells you how many shells each unit can hold in a certain period.

Those with higher capacity are specially made to shorten the time spent on the reloading process. To compare single-stage and progressive presses in terms of size, the progressive one is the winner.

Cost

Whatever you are going to buy, their prices are always an essential factor to take into consideration. Stay within our budget is still a good idea. But you might get a higher-quality product if you spend $50 or $100 more.

Durability

Your shotshell reloader will be the one to use in the next few years. That’s why it should be the best one.

Are you about to take part in a marksmanship competition? Make sure to buy a durable shotshell reloader press that can last for a lifetime.

Moreover, it should function properly and deal with a large amount of shotshell reloading loads.

Ease to Use

The last important factor to consider is the ease to use.

Apparently, some shotshell reloader presses are easy to operate; others are not. You can experience this factor not only in the way you load the shells but also in the force volume applied to the press.


Why Should You Reload Your Shotgun Ammo?

Why do you need a reloading press while you can buy pre-made ammunition? Just because the best and most accurate ammo is the one created by yourself.


FAQs

Before ending our review on the best shotshell reloader, I want to answer some popular questions related to this problem.

Q1: What Are The Benefits Of Shotgun Shell Reloading?

Why do people often reload their shotgun shell? There are a lot of reasons to do so. Not only does it save money, but it also enhances shooting performance.

Q2: 12-gauge or the 16-gauge – Which One To Reload?

20-gauge, 16-gauge, and 12-gauge are available. However, for a shotgun shell press, the latter are the two most popular.

Luckily, depending on the right fittings and dies for you, you can choose larger or smaller sizes.

Q3: How Much Money Can You Save By Reloading Your Ammo?

Creating our round can save you a lot of money. Somewhere between 20% and 50%. However, the answers vary according to your ammunition type, the press you about to buy, and other factors like gunpowder.

Q4: Which Are the Best Shotshell Reloader Manufacturers?

As I already told you, there are tons of great manufacturers and brands producing high-quality presses in the market. But in my personal opinion, MEC is the best.

No matter what you are looking for, whether it is a single stage press or a progressive one, the manufacturer offers incredible options. Additionally, both novices and professional shotshell reloaders can find suitable alternatives for themselves.


Final Thoughts

All three models above exceed our expectations when it comes to high-quality shotshell reloader.

Are you still having a hard time choosing which one to purchase? Here’s our final thought on the best shotshell reloader for us – the LEE PRECISION II Shotshell Reloading Press.

This single stage press matches both of our buying capacity and our requirements. This steel-framed and plastic-based press come with not only the budget-friendly price tag but also other desired features.

It is lightweight, durable, portable, and designed for use in the woods or the far-away places.

By the way, I recommend you should bring the best ar10 bipod in hunting. It will help you!

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