Redding Reloading Boss Press Kit Review

Out of the Box: Redding Reloading Boss Press Kit

My reloading bench has seen its fair share of action over the past decade, spanning everything from delicate laboratory calibration to robust field repairs. Recently, the need for a more consistent and user-friendly reloading press became apparent. The existing setup, while functional, was showing its age and causing more than a few moments of frustration. This led me to seek a reliable workhorse, and after some deliberation, I landed on the Redding Reloading Boss Press Kit. Redding has a long-standing reputation in the reloading community for producing durable and precise equipment, and this kit promised to be the entry point to that legacy for many, as well as a solid performer for seasoned reloaders looking to save money by reloading their own spent casings. My initial impression upon unboxing was one of solid, no-nonsense engineering; the cast iron construction felt substantial, a welcome contrast to some of the lighter, more plastic-feeling presses I’d encountered. Compared to some of the more complex, multi-stage presses on the market, this kit felt refreshingly straightforward. My first reaction was a quiet sense of relief and anticipation, knowing I had a tool built for the task ahead.

Real-World Testing: Putting Redding Reloading Boss Press Kit to the Test

First Use Experience

I set up the Redding Reloading Boss Press Kit on my dedicated reloading bench in my workshop, a space that sees daily use and is subjected to the usual workshop environment of dust and occasional minor impacts. The initial setup was straightforward, with clear instructions that didn’t require deep technical knowledge. I began with reloading .223 Remington brass, a common cartridge for which I have a substantial amount of spent casings. The press operated smoothly through the resizing and de-priming stages, with a satisfyingly solid feel. Filling the primer tray and seating the new primers was also a process that felt intuitive, requiring minimal adjustment or fine-tuning. My only minor surprise was the initial stiffness of the ram, which I expected to ease up with use, and it did.

Extended Use & Reliability

After several weeks and hundreds of rounds loaded across various calibers, including .308 Winchester and 9mm Luger, the press has proven to be exceptionally reliable. It has held up well to repeated use, showing no signs of wear or performance degradation. The cast iron frame has maintained its rigidity, ensuring consistent pressures with each pull of the handle. Maintenance has been minimal; a quick wipe-down with a dry cloth after use and occasional light lubrication of the ram are all that’s needed to keep it running smoothly. Compared to some of the budget presses I’ve used in the past, this unit’s durability and consistent performance are significantly higher. It truly feels like a tool designed to last for years, if not decades, of dedicated reloading.

Breaking Down the Features of Redding Reloading Boss Press Kit

Specifications

The Redding Reloading Boss Press Kit is a single-stage reloading press built with durability and simplicity as its core tenets. Its primary component is a robust, cast iron frame, which provides exceptional stability and reduces flex during the reloading process. This sturdy construction is crucial for ensuring precise cartridge dimensions and consistent primer seating. The press features a large opening, accommodating a wide range of cartridge lengths and allowing for comfortable access to the die area. A key specification is its smooth-operating, large-diameter ram, which moves with remarkable fluidity and precision, contributing to the ease of use. The universal die head accepts standard 7/8″-14 threaded reloading dies, offering broad compatibility with accessories from various manufacturers. This kit typically includes essential components to get a reloader started, minimizing the need for immediate additional purchases.

Performance & Functionality

In its primary function, the Redding Reloading Boss Press Kit performs admirably. It excels at its core tasks of resizing spent casings, de-priming, priming, seating bullets, and crimping. The consistent ram movement translates directly into accurate and repeatable results for each stage of reloading. One of its greatest strengths is its unwavering stability; there’s virtually no noticeable flex in the frame, even when applying significant force for stubborn resizing operations. This ensures that your reloaded ammunition will be dimensionally accurate, which is critical for reliable firearm function and accuracy. The ease of die changes is another significant advantage, allowing for quick transitions between different calibers or reloading steps. Its performance meets, and often exceeds, expectations for a press in its category, especially considering its price point.

Design & Ergonomics

The design of the Redding Reloading Boss Press Kit is a testament to functional simplicity. The heavy-duty cast iron construction provides a solid, reliable feel, instilling confidence with every use. Its large, open C-frame design offers ample working space, making it easy to position cases and dies without fumbling. The ergonomic handle is comfortable to grip, even during extended reloading sessions, and its leverage is well-balanced, reducing user fatigue. Markings are minimal but functional, focusing on the essential aspects of the press’s operation. The overall feel is one of rugged dependability, designed for practical use rather than aesthetic flair. This straightforward design means there’s virtually no learning curve; if you can operate a lever, you can operate this press.

Durability & Maintenance

The Redding Reloading Boss Press Kit is built for the long haul. Its all-metal construction, predominantly cast iron, suggests a lifespan measured in decades rather than years under normal, intended use. There are no plastic components in its primary structure that are prone to cracking or wear. Maintenance is refreshingly simple: a light application of grease on the ram and occasional wiping down with a clean cloth is all that’s required to keep it in optimal condition. Potential failure points are minimal due to its robust design. Unlike some presses with complex linkages, the Boss Press relies on straightforward mechanical action that is inherently durable.

Accessories and Customization Options

While the core Redding Reloading Boss Press Kit focuses on the press itself, it’s designed to integrate seamlessly with a wide array of reloading accessories. It comes standard with a universal die holder that accepts industry-standard 7/8″-14 threaded dies, meaning you can use almost any reloading dies you already own or purchase new ones from reputable brands. Many kits also include a primer arm and catcher, which are essential for primer insertion and collection. Beyond the included components, the press is highly customizable. You can add power or compound leverage systems for even easier operation, upgrade to a quick-change die bushing system, or attach a dedicated case-activated indexing system if you were to adapt it for progressive reloading (though this is not its primary design). The compatibility with standard dies is a significant advantage, allowing users to tailor their setup precisely to their reloading needs.

Pros and Cons of Redding Reloading Boss Press Kit

Who Should Buy Redding Reloading Boss Press Kit?

The Redding Reloading Boss Press Kit is an excellent choice for the new reloader who wants a durable, reliable foundation to start their journey without breaking the bank. It’s also ideal for the experienced shooter who primarily loads in single-stage fashion for precision rifle cartridges or handguns where volume isn’t the primary concern, but consistency and quality are paramount. Anyone looking to save money by reloading their own ammunition will find this press a wise investment. This model is particularly well-suited for individuals who appreciate simplicity and longevity in their tools.

Conversely, if your sole focus is high-volume pistol reloading where speed is paramount, a progressive press might be a more suitable long-term solution. Those with extremely limited bench space might also find its substantial weight and footprint to be a consideration. However, for its intended purpose, it’s hard to beat. For new users, I highly recommend also purchasing a good set of reloading dies specific to your desired caliber, a quality shell holder, and a digital scale to ensure accurate powder charges for safe and effective reloading.

Conclusion on Redding Reloading Boss Press Kit

The Redding Reloading Boss Press Kit stands as a pillar of reliability and value in the reloading world. Its robust cast iron construction and smooth, precise operation make it an outstanding choice for anyone serious about reloading ammunition accurately and safely. The kit provides a solid foundation for both novice and experienced reloaders, delivering consistent performance that instills confidence with every pull of the handle. While it’s a single-stage press and not designed for the breakneck speed of progressive machines, its durability and ease of use more than justify its price, especially when considering the long-term savings and satisfaction of producing your own ammunition. I would absolutely recommend the Redding Reloading Boss Press Kit to any shooter looking for a dependable, long-lasting reloading press that prioritizes quality and precision over sheer speed. It’s a true workhorse built to serve for decades.