At a Glance: Best Case Prep Center
- OUR TOP PICK: Lyman – Case Prep Xpress
- MOST POPULAR: Hornady – Lock-n-Load Case Prep Trio
- BEST BUDGET OPTION: RCBS – Trim Mate Case Prep Center
Comparison of Best Case Prep Center
| PRODUCT | DETAILS | ||
|---|---|---|---|
Our Top Pick
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Lyman – Case Prep Xpress |
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View Latest Price |
Our Top Pick
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Hornady – Lock-n-Load Case Prep Trio |
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View Latest Price |
Our Top Pick
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RCBS – Trim Mate Case Prep Center |
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View Latest Price |
A case prep center is essential for the serious reloader who wants to make accurate reliable rounds. Here are the best case prep stations on the market today.
If you’re looking to reload high-quality ammo, then you’ll need to spend some time prepping your brass. This involves cleaning them, depriming and cleaning the primer pockets, lubricating them, and so on. Properly prepping your brass for reloading will allow you to make precision ammo for more accurate shooting.
The Best Case Prep Centers on the Market Right Now
The market for case prep centers isn’t too saturated, but that doesn’t mean choosing the right one is easy. As with any reloading tool, you’ll want to research thoroughly before making a purchase. Lucky for you, we’ve done the hard work and narrowed the list down to the six top case prep centers.
Lyman – Case Prep Xpress
The best value on the market is the Lyman Case Prep Xpress giving you shiny brass every time. This electric prep center is powered by a single high-torque, low-RPM motor that can handle large batches of brass without showing signs of strain.
The Lyman Case Prep Xpress can clean and lubricate your case neck, deburr it inside and out, and it can clean and ream out the primer crimps in military brass. In short, it has everything you need to get up and running to start reloading your own competition-quality rounds.
Included Tools:
- 4 neck case bushings in .25, .30, .38, and .45 caliber.
- Lubricant and a brush to clean up your case trimmings
- Primer Pocket Uniformers (Small & Large)
- Inside Deburr (VLD) Tool
- Outside Deburr Tool
Easy to set up, easy to use, and easy to clean, this is a case prep center for the shooter who just wants to get on with it. This case prep center has all the tools you’ll ever need to clean and prep your cases for reloading. You don’t need to worry about buying extra tools to add on later, it all comes included.
Pros
- Has everything you need
- Easy to set up and use
- Easy to clean
- Electric-powered
- Not too big
- Can handle large batches of brass
Cons
- Might get features you won’t use
Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Trim and Prep System
If you’re a shooter with a collection of rifles in different calibers, the Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Trim and Prep System is ideal for you. It works with all shouldered cases from .17 Remington to .460 Weatherby. As long as your case has a shoulder, it’ll work in this case prep center.
Included Tools:
- Inside chamfer tool
- Deburr tool
- Large and small primer pocket cleaning tools
- Trimmer with 3 collets and 6 shoulder bushings
This system uses Frankford Arsenal’s revolutionary adjustable case holder, meaning you don’t need to purchase or switch out any bushings to change calibre. Simply put your case into the machine and adjust the connector to clamp it on. From here, you can set precise increments for trimming.
You can add up to three more tools to the cutter to chamfer the brass and clean the primer pockets. These tools are included in the system, so you don’t need to buy anything else afterward. The tools are made of aluminum and steel, offering supreme durability and a long service life.
The VLD inside chamfering tool makes the cases accept bullets easier, making the reloading process more efficient. The ultra-hard HSS Cutters will stay sharp for thousands of rounds, so you don’t need to worry about replacing parts in a hurry.
This case prep center is perfect for any reloading bench as you can use it in a variety of positions, allowing you to find the most economical one for you.
Pros
- Great construction
- Has pretty much everything you need
- Accepts any shouldered case
- Compact
- Well suited to large batches of brass
- Very easy to use
- Electric-powered
Cons
- Doesn’t clean or lubricate your brass
- Quite expensive
RCBS – Trim Mate Case Prep Center
Anyone who’s tried their hand at reloading has no doubt heard of RCBS. Their Trim Mate Case Prep Center is another fine example of American manufacturing at its best. The electric-powered five-gear rotating heads do all the work, leaving you with clean and high-quality brass for reloading.
Included Tools:
- Large and small primer pocket brushes
- Inside chamfering and outside deburring tools
- Medium and small case neck brushes
- A packet of dry case neck lube
The RCBS case prep center includes tools for chamfering and deburring the case neck, as well as cleaning the primer pockets, removing military crimps, and flash hole deburring. It doesn’t include a brass cleaner.
This case prep center is powered by a high-torque motor, which makes each stage of the prep effortless and allows you to quickly navigate the whole process.
You can add separate accessories such as the RCBS primer pocket uniformers and military crimp removers. There is also a VLD Chamering tool available to cut the inside of the case neck.
The extra tools make this a great case prep center for beginners who don’t need all the tools at first. You can easily scale up this RCBS case prep center with additional tools to make it an all-on-one brass prepping extraordinaire.
Pros
- Great construction
- Has all the tools beginners need
- Can add on new tools as and when you need them
- Electric-powered
- High-torque motor
- Compact
- Not too expensive
Cons
- Doesn’t clean or lubricate brass
- Need separate tools for different calibers
Hornady Lock-n-Load Case Prep Trio
Hornady is known for high-quality reloading equipment and their Lock N Load Case Prep Trio is an affordable and effective solution for ensuring you have high-quality reloading.
It’s powered by a high-torque motor, which allows you to get through each stage of the prepping process with minimal effort and high speed. That means less time reloading and more time at the range!
Included Tools:
- Inside and outside chamfer and deburring tools are provided
- Additional storage for optional accessories.
While it doesn’t clean or lubricate your cases, it does have all the other tools you’ll need for case prepping and lots of storage to add more accessories. Allows you to chamfer and deburr the case neck, as well as clean the primer pockets. You can also add on a pocket reaming tool, case neck bushing, or a threading tool if you want.
All of this comes in a very compact and affordable case prep center that will fit on any reloading bench. It’s durable and reliable, delivering a massive bang for your buck.
Pros
- Very affordable
- Compact and lightweight
- Durable and reliable
- Includes all essential tools
- Allows you to add extra tools on
- Electric powered
- High-torque motor
- Easy to use
Cons
- Doesn’t clean or lube your brass
- Need to buy extra tools to remove military crimps
RCBS – Universal Case Prep Center
The RCBS Universal Case Prep Center is the ultimate reloader’s tool for prepping brass. It also has a price to reflect this, which will put many shooters off. Still, if you’re looking for something that accepts practically any caliber and will do a stellar job of prepping brass, then this is your go-to.
The Universal Case Prep Center works a lot like a progressive reloading press. You put the case in and it’s chamfered, deburred, the primer pockets are cleaned, and there is an alignment tool. You can cut through cases quickly and efficiently with a pull of the lever.
Included Tools:
- .22, .24, .25, .27, .28, .30, .35, .44, and .45 pilots
- Large and small primer pocket brushes
- Inside and outside chamfer/debur tool
- And alignment tool
The high-torque motor accommodates six prepping stations and you can do it all hands-free. What’s more, you can make micro-meter adjustments to case trimming to get the exact result you’re looking for.
You might question whether all this justifies the steep price tag. If you’re new to reloading or you only have one caliber to worry about, then it might not be worth the cost. If you have a collection of weapons in different calibers and you want to prep your brass with extreme speed and efficiency, then the RCBS Universal Case Prep Center is definitely worth considering.
Pros
- Epic
- Universal caliber support
- Very reliable and durable
- Great for high-volume case prepping
- Ambidextrous lever
- High-torque motor
- Very high-quality results
- Includes an alignment tool
- Can make micro-meter adjustments to case length
Cons
- Very expensive
- Not necessary for beginners or low-volume reloaders
Sinclair Internation – Sinclair Power Center
Sinclair International is known for premium reloading gear. Their Sinclair Power Center definitely lives up to expectations. It allows you to quickly prep brass so you can spend more time at the range with more accurate ammo.
The compact case prep center is powered by a monster 43-inch pound torque motor – far more power than is necessary, but it’s always better to have too much than too little. The motor has a slow rate of RPM, meaning it’s quiet and precise.
You can attach chamfering and deburring tools. This device will also do primer pocket uniforming, flash hole deburring, neck turning, and case neck cleaning. In short, it’s an all-in-one tool that leaves you with brass that looks and feels brand new, perfect for high-quality reloading.
The on/off switch is conveniently placed to allow you to quickly stop and restart the process when need be. In fact, everything about this case prep center has been designed for convenience. It’s evident that years of reloading expertise have been drawn on to design this product.
Pros
- Very reliable and durable
- Has all the tools you need
- Great for large batches of brass
- Easy to use
- Very powerful motor
- Compact design
- Great results
- Ambidextrous heavy-duty on/off switch
Cons
- Very expensive
- May not be suitable for beginners/low-volume reloaders
The Importance of Case Prep Centers
A case prep center is a must-have tool for anyone who wants to achieve the best results when reloading rifle ammunition. This machine cleans, lubricates, sizes, and removes any defects from your brass before reloading. A properly prepped case can be the difference between a good shot and a bad one.
Tools to Use with a Case Prep Center
When using a case prep center, several tools come in handy. First, you'll need to use a shell holder to keep your cases in place while you work on them. A case trimmer ensures consistent length, while a deburring tool removes rough edges from the case mouth. Chamfer tools are also necessary to prepare the case mouth, and military crimp removers are essential for preparing cartridge cases.
RCBS's Industry-Leading Reputation
One industry-leading manufacturer that produces top-quality reloading tools is RCBS. Their case prep center is known for its precision, consistency, and high-quality standards. RCBS's industry-leading reputation is well-deserved, as their tools are designed to maintain tight tolerances, ensuring precise and consistent results. They offer a variety of tools for reloading, including primer pocket reamers, bullet pullers, and small primer pocket brushes. A case prep station from RCBS is sure to give you the best results for your reloading process.
Electric Case Prep Centers
The use of an electric case prep center is a good idea for those looking for fast and efficient brass prep. Frankford Arsenal's Trim Mate Case Prep Center is a universal case prep center that comes with additional tools, including small primer pocket cleaners and primer pocket uniformers. The machine is compact, with a small size that makes it perfect for small spaces. The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Prep Center is another great choice for those with limited work areas. It's built to be heavy-duty, with output shafts that allow for consistent case preparation.
Manual Trimmers
If you prefer to use a manual trimmer, then the Trim Mate™ Case Prep Center from Lyman is the best choice. It has numerous tools to help with different stages of the reloading process, including chamfering case mouths, cleaning primer pockets, and deburring the case mouth. This manual case prep center is a great option for those who want to have full control over the reloading process and produce consistent results.
The Importance of Details
When using a case prep center, it's important to take care of the details. Clean primer pockets are essential for good results, and deburring the case mouth is critical to smooth out any rough edges. The trimming process needs to be done correctly, and the use of good quality carbide cutters can help avoid damaging your brass. Heads chamfer tools and small case neck brushes can also come in handy for achieving the best results.
Precautions to Take
It's important to note that some products may contain chemicals that could cause reproductive harm or are subject to regulations in the state of California. Make sure to read the product labels and privacy policy carefully, especially when purchasing reloading tools from affiliate brands. Also, note the use of cookies on some websites, which can track your browsing behavior. By taking these precautions and using the right tools and prep center, you can be confident in producing your own ammo and achieving the best results. Remember, consistent case preparation is the key to the best results, and having the right tools can make all the difference.
Lyman Case Prep Xpress
If you're a seasoned reloader, you know that having the best case prep center is crucial for achieving the best results when reloading your cartridges. The Lyman Case Prep Xpress is one of the best case prep centers on the market, with a reputation for reliability and quality. Made by a leading manufacturer of art products, Lyman's exact process ensures that each cartridge case is properly cleaned and uniformed, reducing the chances of birth defects and ensuring reliable ignition.
Tools for Case Prep Center When using a case prep center, several tools come in handy. First, you'll need to use a shell holder to keep your cases in place while you work on them. A case trimmer ensures consistent length, while a deburring tool removes rough edges from the case mouth. Chamfer tools are also necessary to prepare the case mouth, and military crimp removers are essential for preparing cartridge cases.
Industry-leading Reloading Tools by RCBS One industry-leading manufacturer that produces top-quality reloading tools is RCBS. Their case prep center is known for its precision, consistency, and high-quality standards. RCBS's industry-leading reputation is well-deserved, as their tools are designed to maintain tight tolerances, ensuring precise and consistent results. They offer a variety of tools for reloading, including primer pocket reamers, bullet pullers, and small primer pocket brushes. A case prep station from RCBS is sure to give you the best results for your reloading process.
Frankford Arsenal Case Prep Center The use of an electric case prep center is a good idea for those looking for fast and efficient brass prep. Frankford Arsenal's Trim Mate Case Prep Center is a universal case prep center that comes with additional tools, including small primer pocket cleaners and primer pocket uniformers. The machine is compact, with a small size that makes it perfect for small spaces. The Frankford Arsenal Platinum Series Case Prep Center is another great choice for those with limited work areas. It's built to be heavy-duty, with output shafts that allow for consistent case preparation.
The Importance of Case Prep Tools When using a case prep center, it's important to take care of the details. Clean primer pockets are essential for good results, and deburring the case mouth is critical to smooth out any rough edges. The trimming process needs to be done correctly, and the use of good quality carbide cutters can help avoid damaging your brass. Heads chamfer tools and small case neck brushes can also come in handy for achieving the best results.
Manual Case Prep Centers If you prefer to use a manual trimmer, then the Trim Mate™ Case Prep Center from Lyman is the best choice. It has numerous tools to help with different stages of the reloading process, including chamfering case mouths, cleaning primer pockets, and deburring the case mouth. This manual case prep center is a great option for those who want to have full control over the reloading process and produce consistent results.
Reloading Tools and Techniques It's important to note that some products may contain chemicals that could cause reproductive harm or are subject to regulations in the state of California. Make sure to read the product labels and privacy policy carefully, especially when purchasing reloading tools from affiliate brands. Also, note the use of cookies on some websites, which can track your browsing behavior. By taking these precautions and using the right tools and prep center, you can be confident in producing your own ammo and achieving the best results. Remember, consistent case preparation is the key to the best results, and having the right tools can make all the difference.
Choosing the Right Case Prep Center
When choosing the right case prep center, it's essential to take into account the specific needs of your reloading process. For those who want a hands-on approach and prefer to take their time, a manual case prep center might be the best option. However, if you're looking for speed and efficiency, then an electric case prep center is the better choice.
In addition, it's important to consider the specific types of cases you'll be working with. Small rifle and pistol cases require different tools than long rifle cases, and black powder cartridges require different tools than standard cartridges. Make sure to choose a case prep center that includes the necessary tools for your specific needs.
Furthermore, consider the quality of the materials you'll be working with. New brass cases will require less prep work than those that have been fired multiple times, and heavy-duty cases like those used for black powder cartridges may require specialized tools for effective case prep.
It's also worth considering whether you need a case prep center that can handle multiple stages of the reloading process or a single-stage press that can only handle one case at a time. Single-stage presses are ideal for precision work, while multi-stage machines are great for those who want to streamline the reloading process.
Ultimately, the key to choosing the right case prep center is to take your time, consider your needs and budget, and make sure to choose a tool that will help you achieve consistent case preparation and the best possible results.
Our Favorite Case Prep Center
After careful comparison, I’d recommend the Hornady – Lock-n-Load Case Prep Trio above all other case prep centers on the market. If you’re just starting out but you still want something capable of doing everything you need, then I’d opt for the Lyman Case Prep Xpress. It’s significantly cheaper than the Sinclair and it performs most of the same functions.
A case prep center will save you hours of time when prepping large amounts of brass, so consider this when buying one. Time is money, and brass prepping takes time. Get some of that time back with our recommended products and enjoy more time in the range as a result.
