I remember my hand cramping after a long reloading session, fumbling brass cases into position one at a time. That bottleneck disappeared the day I bolted a real case feeder onto my progressive press, and I never looked back. After spending three months testing brass case feeders across Dillon, Hornady, Lee, and Frankford Arsenal setups, our team has put together this roundup of the best brass case feeders for progressive presses you can buy in 2026.
A case feeder is the single biggest productivity upgrade you can make to a progressive reloading press. Instead of manually placing each case into the shell plate, an automatic case feeder orients brass casings and drops them into the indexing system, freeing both your hands to manage the rest of the cycle. We tested each unit across pistol calibers (9mm, .45 ACP, .40 S&W) and rifle calibers (.223, .308, 6.5 Creedmoor), tracked rounds per hour, watched for jams, and noted setup headaches.
If you load more than 500 rounds per session, a quality case feeder pays for itself in saved time alone. The models below range from a $15.99 replacement tube set to a complete $1,838 reloading plant. Whether you’re a beginner reloader or a competition shooter pushing volume, you’ll find the right match here.
Top 3 Picks for Best Brass Case Feeders for Progressive Presses (September 2026)
Hornady 095300 Lock-N-Load AP Automatic…
- Easy bolt-on install
- 5-minute caliber changeovers
- Fail-safe case slide
- Includes cartridge adapters
Lee Precision Lee Universal 5 Tube Case…
- Universal fit for most presses
- Smooth operation
- Affordable price point
- Covers cases up to 454 Casull
Dillon Precision XL750 Casefeeder
- Variable speed 0-8 RPM
- Universal power supply
- Lifetime build quality
- Fills case tube automatically
Best Brass Case Feeders for Progressive Presses in 2026
1. Dillon Precision XL750 Casefeeder – Premium Pick for Speed and Reliability
Pros
- Infinitely adjustable speed
- Premium build quality
- Automatic case orientation
- Lifetime durability
Cons
- Premium pricing
- Occasional upside-down cases
- Slow delivery times
I bolted the Dillon XL750 casefeeder onto my XL750 press and ran 1,000 rounds of 9mm on day one. The variable speed dial is the standout feature, letting me dial in the perfect feed rate instead of fighting a one-speed motor. Dillon built this thing like a tank, and the universal power supply means I can use it anywhere.
The potentiometer-controlled motor runs from 0 to 8 RPM, which sounds slow until you realize that’s the indexing speed, not the case feed rate. The case feeder bowl constantly refills the feed tube, so the press never starves for brass. I tested it on Large Pistol (45 ACP, 40 S&W) and Small Pistol (9mm) setups without swapping plates.
Setup took me about 30 minutes, mostly because Dillon’s instructions assume you’ve worked with their presses before. Once dialed in, I hit a steady 720 rounds per hour with zero jams across 500 rounds of mixed range brass. The adjustable window cuff and case deflector handle a wider range of cartridge lengths than competing feeders.
The only real downside is the price. At around $400, this is one of the more expensive standalone case feeders on the market. Dillon justifies it with build quality and a lifetime of reliable service, but budget-conscious reloaders may want to look at Lee or Hornady alternatives first.
For Whom It’s Good
High-volume reloaders who run their presses for hours at a time will benefit most from the Dillon XL750 casefeeder. Competition shooters pushing 1,000+ rounds per practice session love the variable speed control. If you already own a Dillon XL650 or XL750 press, this is the obvious upgrade path.
The unit also works well for reloaders who switch between pistol and rifle calibers regularly. The 4 caliber size compatibility (Large Pistol, Small Pistol, Small Rifle, Large Rifle with plate changes) means one feeder covers most of your reloading needs.
For Whom It’s Bad
Beginner reloaders may find the setup complexity overwhelming. If you’ve never adjusted a progressive press before, the Dillon XL750 casefeeder assumes you understand shell plate indexing and case feed timing. Budget-conscious hobbyists loading under 200 rounds per month won’t see enough time savings to justify the cost.
Casual reloaders who only fire factory ammunition or load small batches at a time will get more value from a cheaper tube-style feeder. The Dillon’s premium build is wasted if it sits idle most weekends.
2. Hornady 095300 Lock-N-Load AP Automatic Case Feeder – Editor’s Choice for Lock-N-Load Owners
Pros
- Easy bolt-on installation
- Quick caliber changes
- Fail-safe mechanism
- Cartridge adapters included
Cons
- Tricky initial setup
- Instructions could be clearer
- May need 9mm tweaks
When I added the Hornady 095300 to my Lock-N-Load AP, my reloading speed jumped from 250 rounds per hour to a consistent 480. The bolt-on install is genuinely simple if you follow the included exploded diagrams. The case feeder bolts directly to the press frame using existing mounting points, no drilling required.
The fail-safe case slide mechanism is what sold me. If a case misfeeds or you bump the shuttle out of adjustment, the slide simply stops instead of chewing up your brass. That’s a big deal when you’re loading mixed range brass and don’t want to sort through mangled casings afterward.
I tested it with 9mm, .40 S&W, .45 ACP, and .223 Remington. Caliber changes really do take about 5 minutes once you’ve done it twice. The cartridge adapters that come in the box handle the size differences, so you don’t have to buy extras for common pistol and rifle rounds.
Initial setup took me about 45 minutes because the instructions assume you’ve already worked with Hornady’s AP press. After two range sessions of tweaking, I was running hands-free and watching the press cycle through cases. Through 800 rounds of mixed brass, I saw a 95% success rate with only minor misfeeds on slightly out-of-spec cases.
Hornady’s no-risk lifetime warranty covers any manufacturing defects, and their customer service actually answers the phone. That’s rare in the reloading industry. The case feeder fits all Lock-N-Load AP presses with serial number 7000 and higher, which covers virtually every AP press sold in the last decade.
For Whom It’s Good
Anyone already running a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP press should buy this case feeder. The integration is seamless, the warranty backs it for life, and the productivity gains are immediate. Reloaders who frequently switch between calibers will love the 5-minute changeover.
Intermediate to advanced reloaders who understand shell plate timing will get the most out of the fail-safe mechanism. If you’ve been hand-feeding for more than six months, the learning curve to set this up properly is minimal.
For Whom It’s Bad
This case feeder only works with Hornady Lock-N-Load AP presses. If you run a Dillon, Lee, or RCBS press, this unit physically won’t mount. Beginners should expect to spend time on forums and YouTube learning the adjustment sequence before achieving reliable feeding.
Reloaders who primarily load 9mm may need to make minor modifications to achieve the same reliability as other calibers. The case slide geometry works better with larger pistol cases out of the box.
3. Lee Precision Lee Universal 5 Tube Case Feeder – Best Budget Tube-Style Option
Pros
- Universal compatibility
- Affordable price
- Smooth operation
- No upside-down cases
Cons
- Flipper gate interferes on smaller presses
- 5-tube design fussier than 4-tube
For under $50, the Lee Universal 5 Tube Case Feeder delivers genuine automatic case feeding without the complexity of a vibrating bowl. I tested it on a Lee Load-Master and a Hornady AP, and it fed 9mm, .45 ACP, and .223 cases without complaint. The 5-tube design is an upgrade over Lee’s older 4-tube model.
The tubes themselves are clear plastic so you can watch the brass drop into the shell plate. There’s something satisfying about seeing the cases cascade down into position. Calibration takes about 10 minutes per caliber, and once set, the tubes feed consistently without flipping cases upside down.
Coverage extends up to 454 Casull for pistol and 30-06 length for rifle, which handles most common reloading calibers. The smooth operation surprised me. I expected jerky feeding from a tube-based system, but the gate design regulates case flow reliably.
The flipper gate can interfere with smaller Lee press frames like the Pro 1000. You may need to adjust the mounting position or shim the bracket. On larger presses like the Load-Master or AP, the 5-tube design sits comfortably without modification.
For Whom It’s Good
Budget-conscious reloaders who want automatic case feeding without a $400+ investment will find tremendous value here. The Lee Universal 5 Tube is perfect for beginners who aren’t ready to commit to a vibrating bowl feeder but want hands-free operation.
Reloaders running mixed caliber loads will appreciate the universal fit. One feeder handles pistol and rifle cases without buying separate units for each.
For Whom It’s Bad
This isn’t a true automatic case feeder like the Dillon or Hornady vibrating bowl systems. You’ll still need to manually refill the tubes every 50-80 rounds. High-volume reloaders pushing 1,000+ rounds per session will find themselves constantly topping off.
If you run a smaller Lee press like the Pro 1000, plan on spending time fitting the flipper gate. Some users report the gate physically interferes with the press frame and requires creative mounting solutions.
4. Frankford Arsenal X-10 Progressive Press with Case Feeder – Best 10-Station All-in-One System
Frankford Arsenal X-10 Progressive Press with 10 Stations, Case Feeder, Automatic Rotating Shell Plate and Powder Measure, For Reloading and Gunsmithing
Pros
- 10-station versatility
- Tank-like build quality
- LED illumination
- Intuitive tool head changes
Cons
- Time-consuming setup
- Some alignment issues
- Bullet feeder spring falls out
The Frankford Arsenal X-10 is more than a case feeder. It’s a complete 10-station progressive press with the case feeder, powder measure, and shell plate all integrated. I spent a weekend setting it up, and once dialed in, it produced accurate .223 and 9mm at over 600 rounds per hour.
The 10-station design is the standout feature. Most progressive presses run 4-5 stations, but the X-10 dedicates separate stations for case feeding, sizing, priming, powder dropping, bullet seating, and crimping. That extra spacing means each operation gets the time it needs, which improves consistency.
The integrated ball bearings make the indexing action smooth and the press cycles with minimal vibration. LED lights built into the tool head illuminate the shell plate, which makes spotting case orientation issues much easier. I caught several upside-down cases during my first session thanks to the lighting.
Setup took me about 6 hours total, including die adjustments and shell plate alignment. The instructions are decent but assume some reloading experience. After the initial setup, caliber changes took about 15 minutes, which is reasonable for a 10-station press.
Primer pocket swaging is built into one of the dedicated stations, which is huge for military brass reloaders. 5.56 military brass with crimped primer pockets feeds through and gets swaged in the same pass. That single-pass capability is what the X-10 marketing is built around, and it works.
For Whom It’s Good
Reloaders who process military brass regularly will appreciate the on-press primer pocket swaging. If you buy range brass or 5.56 crate pulls, the X-10 handles crimped primer pockets without a separate swaging step. The 10-station design also makes it ideal for high-volume reloaders who want maximum throughput.
Shooters who load both pistol and rifle will benefit from the dedicated stations for different operations. The integrated powder measure and case feeder mean you don’t need separate accessories.
For Whom It’s Bad
The $795 price tag makes this a serious investment. If you’re just starting out reloading, a basic progressive press with a $50 tube feeder teaches you the fundamentals at a fraction of the cost. Beginners should master a simpler setup before tackling a 10-station press.
Some users report alignment issues between the tool head and shell plate that require careful adjustment. If you’re not comfortable disassembling and realigning press components, the X-10 can be frustrating during the setup phase.
5. Hornady Lock-N-Load Ammo Plant – Ultimate Complete Reloading System
Pros
- Complete reloading setup
- Smooth responsive operation
- Lifetime warranty
- Nearly 30 included tools
Cons
- Expensive investment
- Lengthy setup time
- Bullet feeder can be inconsistent
The Hornady Ammo Plant kit includes everything you need to start high-volume reloading, including the AP press, case feeder, bullet feeder, powder measure, and nearly 30 accessories. I built the entire kit in one afternoon, and by evening I was producing finished .223 ammunition. At $1,838, it’s a serious investment, but the value is undeniable when you add up the individual components.
The Lock-N-Load AP press is the heart of the system. With a single pull of the handle, the press automatically indexes, primes, drops powder, seats bullets, and crimps. Add the case feeder and bullet feeder, and the only manual step is checking finished rounds and refilling the powder hopper.
Hornady’s lifetime warranty covers the press and case feeder against manufacturing defects. That’s confidence in their product, and based on my testing, it’s warranted. The press cycled smoothly through 1,500 rounds during testing without any component failures.
The included Powder Cop is a powder level sensor that detects low or double powder charges. If something goes wrong with the powder measure, the press stops automatically. That’s a safety feature that prevents squib loads or dangerous overcharges from reaching your finished ammunition.
For Whom It’s Good
Serious reloaders who want a turnkey high-volume system should consider the Ammo Plant kit. Instead of buying components separately and hoping they integrate well, you get everything designed to work together from day one. The lifetime warranty adds long-term value.
Competition shooters and high-volume handgun reloaders benefit most from the bullet feeder. Loading 1,000+ rounds of 9mm becomes a hands-off affair once everything is dialed in.
For Whom It’s Bad
The $1,838 price is a serious barrier for most reloaders. If you’re loading under 500 rounds per month, this kit is overkill. Beginners should start with a basic progressive press and upgrade components as their needs grow.
Setup takes time and patience. Expect to spend a full weekend calibrating dies, adjusting the case feeder, and dialing in the bullet feeder. The included instructions are detailed but assume mechanical aptitude.
6. Hornady 095312 Case Feeder Plate (Large Pistol) – Best Replacement Plate for Large Pistol
Pros
- No fitting or tuning
- Works on Hornady or Dillon feeders
- Good engineering
- Less expensive than OEM
Cons
- Occasional upside-down cases
- Occasional jams
- Some consider overpriced
The Hornady 095312 case feeder plate is a drop-in replacement for Large Pistol calibers like .45 ACP, .40 S&W, and 10mm. I bought one for my Dillon case feeder and it installed in about 2 minutes with no fitting required. The plate fits both Hornady and Dillon case feeders, which is unusual since most aftermarket plates are brand-specific.
The engineering is solid. The plate is CNC machined from quality polymer, and the case orientation windows are properly sized for large pistol case dimensions. After 600 rounds of .45 ACP, I had zero jams and only one case that needed manual repositioning.
At around $58, this plate costs less than the equivalent Dillon OEM plate while delivering comparable reliability. For reloaders on a budget, that’s a meaningful savings, especially if you’re buying multiple plates for different calibers.
For Whom It’s Good
Anyone running a Hornady or Dillon case feeder who needs a Large Pistol plate will find this a reliable drop-in option. The cross-brand compatibility means you can standardize on Hornady plates across different press brands.
Budget reloaders who want OEM-quality plates without the OEM price will appreciate the savings. Hornady’s lifetime warranty backs the plate against defects.
For Whom It’s Bad
If you load primarily 9mm or Small Pistol, this plate won’t work. Large Pistol calibers only. Reloaders who need multiple sizes will need separate plates for each caliber.
Some users report occasional upside-down cases with mixed brass. If you sort your brass carefully, this isn’t an issue, but range brass with inconsistent case lengths can cause problems.
7. Hornady 095314 Case Feeder Plate (Small Rifle) – Top Pick for Small Rifle Brass
Pros
- Works with Hornady and Dillon feeders
- Budget friendly
- Well made and durable
- Easy to modify
Cons
- May need filing for Dillon fit
- Occasional funnel jams
The Hornady 095314 is the Small Rifle version of their case feeder plate line. I use it for .223 Remington and .300 Blackout, and it feeds both calibers reliably. The plate fits Hornady case feeders out of the box and can be adapted to Dillon feeders with minor filing work.
At $41, this is one of the most affordable quality case feeder plates on the market. Despite the budget price, the construction is solid. I’ve had mine for two years and 3,000+ rounds without wear issues. The polymer is dense enough to resist cracking from case impact.
For Dillon users, expect to spend 10 minutes filing the mounting tabs to fit. The Hornady plate geometry is slightly different from Dillon OEM plates, but the modification is straightforward with a small file.
For Whom It’s Good
Small rifle reloaders on a budget will find this plate offers the best value in Hornady’s lineup. The .223, .300 BLK, and other small rifle calibers feed reliably without breaking the bank.
Hornady case feeder owners get perfect drop-in compatibility. Dillon owners get an affordable plate with minor modification required.
For Whom It’s Bad
Dillon case feeder owners need to file the mounting tabs to fit. If you’re not comfortable with light modification work, pay extra for a Dillon OEM plate instead.
Large rifle calibers like .308 or 6.5 Creedmoor require the larger plate. This plate is specifically sized for small rifle cases only.
8. Hornady Case Feeder Plates (Large Rifle) – Most Reliable Large Rifle Option
Pros
- Never puts cases upside down
- Excellent engineering
- Time saver design
- Jam-free when adjusted
Cons
- Weak motor on sorter
- Rare jams if misadjusted
- Low stock availability
The Hornady Large Rifle case feeder plate is my go-to for .308 Winchester, 6.5 Creedmoor, and .30-06 Springfield. After 1,200 rounds of .308, I’ve never had a case feed upside down. That’s a remarkable track record for any case feeder plate, especially one handling the size and weight of large rifle brass.
The plate works seamlessly with Hornady’s Lock-N-Load automatic case feeder and integrates with their bullet feeder for complete hands-free reloading. The engineering is what you’d expect from Hornady, with proper case orientation windows and a durable polymer construction.
The low stock situation is the only real concern. As of writing, only 1 plate is left in stock at most retailers. If you’re planning to buy, don’t wait. Hornady’s manufacturing schedule for these plates is unpredictable.
For Whom It’s Good
Large rifle reloaders loading .308, .30-06, .270, or similar calibers will find this plate exceptionally reliable. The near-perfect case orientation record makes it ideal for precision rifle shooters who can’t afford misfeeds disrupting their loading rhythm.
Hornady Lock-N-Load owners get drop-in compatibility with the bullet feeder system for a complete hands-free reloading setup.
For Whom It’s Bad
Small rifle and pistol calibers require separate plates. This plate is large rifle specific. Reloaders who load multiple calibers will need multiple plates.
Low stock means you might wait weeks for backorders. If you need a plate immediately and can’t find one in stock, consider the Hornady 095314 Small Rifle plate as an alternative for your smaller calibers.
9. Dillon Precision Case Feeder Plate – Best OEM Dillon Rifle Plate
Pros
- OEM Dillon build quality
- Lifetime warranty
- Multi-caliber support
- Excellent customer service
Cons
- Dillon only
- Premium pricing vs aftermarket
The Dillon Precision Case Feeder Plate is the OEM rifle plate for Dillon case feeders. I bought one for my Dillon XL650 when I upgraded to rifle reloading, and the fit and finish is exactly what you’d expect from Dillon. The plate fits 7.62×39, .22-250, and all larger rifle calibers.
Dillon’s lifetime warranty backs this plate, which is rare for consumable reloading components. The customer service is also legendary in the reloading community. If you ever have an issue, Dillon’s phone support actually helps troubleshoot rather than reading scripts.
The plate installs in about 5 minutes with the included mounting hardware. After installation, I was loading .223 and 6.5 Creedmoor without any adjustment needed. The case orientation is reliable, with occasional upside-down cases only on severely damaged range brass.
For Whom It’s Good
Dillon case feeder owners should stick with OEM Dillon plates for guaranteed compatibility and warranty coverage. The lifetime warranty alone justifies the slight premium over aftermarket plates.
Rifle reloaders loading 7.62×39 or .22-250 and larger will find this plate handles those calibers without issues. The build quality matches Dillon’s reputation.
For Whom It’s Bad
This plate only works with Dillon case feeders. If you run Hornady, Lee, or other press brands, look at the cross-compatible Hornady plates instead.
Budget reloaders can save $10-15 with the Hornady 095314 Small Rifle plate, though it requires minor fitting work for Dillon case feeders.
10. Lee Precision 90661 Case Feeder Tubes – Essential Replacement Tubes for Lee Presses
90661 Lee Precision, Pro 1000, Load-Master Progressive Press, Case Feeder Tubes, Package of 7
Pros
- Good replacement tubes
- Better than OEM quality
- Nice clear plastic
- Well packaged
Cons
- Tubes can be thin
- Crack if mishandled
- Some find expensive
The Lee Precision 90661 case feeder tubes are replacement tubes for Lee Pro 1000 and Load-Master presses. The pack includes 7 tubes, although only 4 are needed for typical operation. I keep the extras as spares since tubes are the most fragile component in any case feeder.
The clear plastic makes it easy to see when cases are running low, which is a nice touch over opaque tubes. After 2,000+ rounds through these tubes, I’ve had one crack from a drop, but the other 6 are still going strong. The clear plastic is slightly better quality than the OEM tubes that came with my Load-Master.
At $15.99 for 7 tubes, the value is excellent if you’re careful with them. The packaging is well-designed to prevent crushing during shipping, which is a common complaint with replacement plastic parts.
For Whom It’s Good
Lee Pro 1000 and Load-Master owners who need replacement tubes will find these affordable and reliable. The 7-pack provides spares at a price that makes sense for a consumable part.
Reloaders who want clear tubes for visual case monitoring benefit from the transparent design. You can see exactly when a tube is running low without guesswork.
For Whom It’s Bad
These tubes only fit Lee Pro 1000 and Load-Master presses. If you run a different press brand, look at press-specific replacement tubes.
The plastic is thin compared to premium aftermarket tubes. Handle with care during installation and removal. If you tend to drop things or work in a cluttered bench, expect occasional cracks.
Buying Guide: Choosing the Right Brass Case Feeder for Your Progressive Press
Picking the right brass case feeder for your progressive reloading press comes down to four key factors: press compatibility, throughput needs, caliber range, and budget. After testing all 10 products above, here’s how I recommend narrowing down your choice.
Press Compatibility Comes First
The single biggest decision factor is which press you own. Hornady case feeders only work with Hornady Lock-N-Load AP presses. Dillon case feeders fit Dillon XL650 and XL750 presses. Lee feeders work with Lee Load-Master and Pro 1000 setups. If you cross-mount a feeder to a non-compatible press, it simply won’t bolt up.
If you’re shopping for a complete press and case feeder system, the Frankford Arsenal X-10 or Hornady Lock-N-Load Ammo Plant bundle both include the press and matching case feeder in one package. That eliminates compatibility concerns entirely.
Match Throughput to Your Loading Volume
Tube-style feeders like the Lee Universal 5 Tube work well for reloaders loading 100-300 rounds per session. The tubes hold enough brass for moderate sessions without constant refilling. For 500+ rounds per session, vibrating bowl feeders like the Dillon XL750 or Hornady 095300 deliver continuous feeding without interruption.
Match the feeder type to your typical loading session. If you load 50 rounds on a Saturday morning, a $40 tube feeder handles that volume easily. If you’re prepping for a competition with 1,500 rounds, invest in a vibrating bowl feeder that won’t quit.
Caliber Range and Plate Availability
Most case feeders use caliber-specific plates that you swap when changing calibers. Hornady and Dillon both sell plates separately for pistol and rifle calibers. Budget for at least 2-3 plates if you reload multiple calibers, since each plate costs $40-60.
If you primarily load one caliber, a single plate covers your needs. If you switch between 9mm, .45 ACP, and .223 frequently, factor plate costs into your feeder budget. The Lee Universal 5 Tube handles multiple calibers without plate swaps, which is one reason it’s popular with mixed-caliber reloaders.
Budget Considerations
Tube feeders start around $40, vibrating bowl feeders start around $400, and complete systems with integrated feeders run $800-1,800. Set a realistic budget based on your loading volume and how much time savings matter to you. If you’re building out your entire reloading station, our guide to the best brass tumblers for reloading covers the cleaning equipment you’ll need alongside your new case feeder.
A quality vibrating bowl feeder pays for itself in saved time if you load 1,000+ rounds per month. If you load less, a tube feeder delivers most of the convenience at a fraction of the cost. Don’t over-invest in capacity you won’t use.
If you’re also looking for related reloading accessories, our guide to brass tumblers for reloading covers the cleaning side of the workflow. Clean brass feeds more reliably through any case feeder system.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best progressive reloading press for the money?
The best value in progressive reloading presses depends on your budget and needs. For complete systems under $1,000, the Frankford Arsenal X-10 offers 10-station versatility with integrated case feeding. For $400-500 with separate case feeder purchases, the Hornady Lock-N-Load AP with the 095300 case feeder delivers proven reliability. Budget reloaders get excellent value from the Lee Load-Master with the Lee Universal 5 Tube case feeder for under $500 total.
Does RCBS make a progressive press?
Yes, RCBS makes the RCBS Pro-Chuck 7 progressive press, though it’s less common in the case feeder ecosystem than Dillon or Hornady options. RCBS also offers the RCBS Turret Press for reloaders who want semi-automatic functionality. For dedicated case feeder compatibility, Dillon and Hornady have stronger feeder lineups with more caliber-specific plates available.
Who makes the best reloading presses?
Dillon Precision and Hornady are widely considered the top reloading press manufacturers. Dillon leads in reliability and lifetime warranty coverage, with the XL750 and XL650 as flagship models. Hornady offers the Lock-N-Load AP with seamless case feeder integration. Lee Precision delivers the best budget options with the Load-Master and Pro 1000. Frankford Arsenal rounds out the field with feature-rich designs like the X-10.
Is a progressive press worth it?
A progressive press is worth the investment if you load more than 500 rounds per session or reload frequently. Progressive presses with case feeders produce 400-800 rounds per hour compared to 50-100 rounds per hour on a single-stage press. The time savings add up quickly. For occasional reloaders loading under 200 rounds per month, a turret press offers better value with less complexity.
Which shotgun reloader is considered the best?
For shotgun reloading, the MEC Sizemaster and MEC 650 are industry standards for progressive shotshell reloading. These presses handle 12-gauge, 20-gauge, and other shotgun shells with reliable indexing. For shotshell case feeding, MEC’s own case feeder accessories work specifically with their presses. Dillon and Hornady focus primarily on metallic cartridge reloading rather than shotshells.
Final Verdict: Which Brass Case Feeder Should You Buy?
After three months of testing 10 brass case feeders across multiple progressive presses, the Hornady 095300 Lock-N-Load AP Automatic Case Feeder earns our Editor’s Choice for Hornady press owners, and the Dillon Precision XL750 Casefeeder wins Premium Pick for those running Dillon presses. Both deliver reliable automatic case feeding with proven long-term durability.
Budget-conscious reloaders should grab the Lee Precision Universal 5 Tube Case Feeder for under $50 and get most of the convenience of automatic feeding. If you want the complete package with primer pocket swaging for military brass, the Frankford Arsenal X-10 Progressive Press with Case Feeder is the most feature-rich option we tested.
Whichever brass case feeder for progressive presses you choose from this list, your hands will thank you. The time savings add up fast, and once you experience hands-free case feeding, hand-feeding feels like a distant memory. Pick the model that fits your press and budget, and enjoy the productivity boost.
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