Reloading Trays

Organize Your Bench for Maximum Efficiency with Reloading Trays

In the meticulous world of ammunition reloading, organization is the silent partner of precision and safety. A reloading tray is far more than a simple piece of plastic; it is a fundamental tool that structures your workflow, prevents costly mistakes, and streamlines your entire process. At Reloading Supplies Store, we recognize that an efficient bench is a productive bench. Our selection of ammunition reloading trays is designed to meet the specific needs of every reloader, from the methodical single-stage user to the high-volume progressive operator. Discover how the right tray can transform your reloading from a cluttered chore into a smooth, professional operation.

Why a Quality Reloading Tray is a Non-Negotiable Bench Essential

The primary function of a reloading block or tray is to hold your cartridge cases upright and stable throughout the various stages of reloading. This simple act provides a multitude of benefits that directly impact the quality and safety of your ammunition. A dedicated tray prevents cases from tipping over and spilling potentially double-charged powder, a critical safety check. It allows for easy visual inspection of powder levels in pistol cases before bullet seating. Furthermore, it keeps your workspace organized, saving you time and frustration by having all your components neatly arrayed and accessible. Investing in a good reloading tray is an investment in a safer, faster, and more enjoyable reloading experience.

Choosing the Right Reloading Tray for Your Press and Process

Not all trays are created equal. The ideal tray for your bench depends heavily on the type of press you use and your personal reloading workflow. Selecting the correct style is key to optimizing your efficiency.

Standard 50-Round Reloading Trays: The Classic Workhorse

The 50-round reloading tray is the universal standard for the vast majority of reloaders. Its rectangular footprint fits neatly on any bench, and the capacity is perfectly suited for the batch-processing method used with single-stage presses and turret presses. These trays are typically caliber-specific, with precisely sized holes to securely hold everything from .223 Remington cases up to large magnum rifle brass. The Frankford Arsenal 50-round tray is a popular example, known for its durability and clear caliber markings. This type of tray is ideal for the reloader who processes brass in batches, allowing them to visually verify powder charges across all 50 cases in one glance—a crucial safety step.

100-Round Reloading Trays: High-Capacity Organization

For the reloader who deals in high volumes of pistol ammunition or likes to process large batches of rifle brass, a 100-round reloading tray is a game-changer. Often designed in a square or large rectangular format, these trays double your capacity and minimize the need to constantly swap out trays during a loading session. This is especially useful when using a progressive press that has a case feeder, as you can quickly grab a full tray of prepped brass and get to work. The 100-round tray is the ultimate tool for organization, allowing you to keep hundreds of cases sorted and ready for different stages of the reloading process.

Progressive Press Specific Trays: Streamlined for Speed

Trays designed for progressive press use are engineered with speed and integration in mind. Unlike standard blocks, these are often not full enclosures but open-sided racks or trays that allow for rapid loading and unloading of cases. They are crafted to work seamlessly with the shell plate of specific press models, enabling you to transfer a full set of cases from the tray to the press in one smooth motion. This specialized design shaves valuable seconds off each loading cycle, which adds up to significant time savings over a long session. If you own a Dillon XL 750, a Hornady Lock-N-Load AP, or a similar model, a dedicated progressive press tray is one of the best reloading accessories you can buy to enhance your workflow.

Understanding Tray Materials: Plastic, Wood, and 3D-Printed Options

The material of your reloading tray affects its durability, weight, and aesthetics.

• High-Impact Plastic Trays: This is the most common and affordable material. Modern plastic reloading trays from brands like Frankford Arsenal and MTM are incredibly durable, resistant to oils and powders, and easy to clean. They are lightweight and often come in different colors, which is useful for color-coding different calibers or stages of completion.
• Wooden Reloading Blocks: For the reloader who appreciines tradition and craftsmanship, a wooden reloading block offers a classic, heirloom-quality feel. Typically made from hardwoods like walnut or maple, these blocks are beautiful, heavy (so they don't slide around), and provide a touch of class to your reloading bench. They are a popular choice for those who reload traditional calibers or black powder cartridges.
• 3D-Printed Trays: The rise of 3D printing has created a market for custom and specialized trays. These can be designed for oddball calibers, specific organizational needs, or to integrate with unique bench setups. While durability can vary based on the material used, 3D-printed options offer unparalleled customization for the reloading enthusiast.

Caliber-Specific Trays vs. Universal Trays

This is a key decision that impacts versatility and security.

• Caliber-Specific Trays: These are molded with holes designed for a specific cartridge case, such as a .223 reloading tray or a 9mm reloading tray. The primary advantage is a perfect, snug fit that securely holds cases, even when moving the tray. This prevents cases from falling out and ensures they remain perfectly upright. This is the recommended choice for most reloaders due to its superior security.
• Universal Trays: These trays feature larger holes or adjustable inserts designed to accommodate a wide range of calibers. They offer great flexibility if you reload dozens of different cartridges and have limited bench space. The trade-off is that smaller cases will fit more loosely and may be prone to tipping if the tray is jostled.

Essential Reloading Tray Features to Look For

When you are ready to buy reloading trays, consider these features to get the most value and utility.

• Stackability: Trays that are designed to stack securely on top of one another are invaluable for saving space on your bench and for storing prepped brass.
• Caliber Labeling: Many trays have the caliber molded right into the plastic or have a space for a label. This prevents mix-ups and keeps your bench organized, especially if you load for multiple firearms.
• Powder Through Holes: Some trays are designed with open bottoms or larger holes to allow a powder measure to be used directly through the tray, further speeding up the charging process.
• Durability and Chemical Resistance: A good tray should withstand being dropped and should not become brittle or degrade from exposure to cleaning solvents or powder residues.

Integrating Trays into a Safe and Efficient Workflow

Your reloading tray is the central hub of your operation. A typical safe workflow on a single-stage press might look like this:

1. Deprime/Resize: Brass starts in a tray.
2. Clean/Trim/Chamfer: Brass is moved to a separate, "ready-to-prime" tray.
3. Prime: Primed brass returns to a tray.
4. Charge: Powder is dispensed into each case while they are in the tray.
5. Visual Check: The entire tray is visually inspected under a light to ensure all powder levels are consistent and there are no double-charges or squibs.
6. Seat and Crimp: Bullets are seated and crimped, and finished rounds are placed into a final "completed" tray.

This tray-based system creates a clear, repeatable, and safe assembly line on your bench.

Why Choose Reloading Supplies Store for Your Organization Needs?

We are more than just a vendor; we are reloaders who understand the importance of a well-organized workspace.

• Curated for Performance: We select trays based on durability, design, and real-world utility, not just price.
• Solutions for Every Style: Whether you need a single 50-round plastic tray or a full set of progressive press trays, we have options to fit your specific press and process.
• Fast, Reliable Shipping: We get your order to your door quickly, so you can start organizing your bench without delay.

Optimize Your Reloading Bench Today

Stop wasting time searching for cases and start reloading with confidence and efficiency. Browse our complete collection of reloading trays in stock for sale, from versatile 50-round blocks to specialized progressive press accessories. Find the perfect organizational tool for your caliber and press type. Order your reloading tray today and experience the difference a truly organized bench can make.