October 21st 202221st Century Arbor Presses Hydro, Standard, New GenerationHydro Press, and Arbor Press from 21st Century ShootingGear review by F-Class John
Inline dies are still the most popular method of precision reloading. Although arbor presses have remained largely unchanged, 21st Century Shooting now offers the Hydro Bullet-Seating Press, which is a radical departure from an average arbor press. The Hydro Press will give you a better “feel” and feedback regarding bullet seating pressure. This design has been around for some time now, but it has not been challenged since its inception. The 21st Century Hydro Press is still a category leader and the choice of many top rivals. It can be purchased for $300.00, or for $367.00 with a variety gauge options. An additional $85.00 can be added to the extended base with loading block. Click HERE to view ordering options. Arbor presses were traditionally operated using a gear-driven, rotating ram and a rotating handle. Although this allows for a compact design, it often lacks the tactile feeling and smooth operation many reloaders desire. The 21st Century Hydro Bullet Seater uses simple mechanical leverage and a hydraulic pressure gauge to seat bullets smoothly. It also helps you keep track of pressures. Editor: Many top shooters believe they are able to seat bullets more accurately using the 21st Century Hydro Press. I find that consistent seating results in better accuracy, and can even lower my ES. Hydro Press provides excellent feedback on how bullets are being seated. This has helped me spot cases with too much neck tension or cases that might have doughnut issues. You are alerted to potential problems when the gauge shows unusual or sudden spikes. You might wonder why or how simple a mechanical lever gives you an edge over gear-driven systems. The answer is simple: leverage. Hydro Seater has a long arm that extends straight up from the front. It connects to the ram using a set hinges. This arm is long and provides leverage, allowing for easy force modulation. This fluidly applies pressure to the seat die. This transfers power to the seat bullets, allowing them to glide smoothly through tight necks. This gauge is much more sensitive than spring-driven gauges and it’s repeatability was amazing. The Hydro gauge readout gives the user the ability to sort ammo according to seating pressure if they wish. In my case, I use it to cull noticeable high or low ammo as “blow off” rounds. I’m happy with the rest falling within a certain pressure range. The best thing about the standard arbor press is its compact size.
21st Century also offers a Standard Arbor Press, in both left-hand and right-hand versions, to match its bigger brother. This small arbor press is affordable at $128.00 and features many nice features. It is secure and can be tightened without the use of hex wrenches. 21st Century’s basic Arbor Press also features a slightly canted lever arm that allows for more consistent pressure application than other arbor presses. This press is small enough that it can fit many range bags. However, it can be disassembled quickly using a single Allen wrench. I also take the Standard Arbor Press with me to out of town events so I can adjust the bullet seating depth at match. It is easy to transport and set up, which I love. The seating action is smooth and provides ample leverage. I can adjust the settings to compensate for any throat erosion. This eliminates any bullet weld and problems caused by bullets accidentally bouncing in your bag. I enjoy the assurance that my bullets are properly seated prior to a big match, especially if it has been a while since I loaded them. 21st Century offers a New Generation Arbor Press for $185. This press features direct leverage action and a lighter-weight return spring that provides better “resistive feedback” for seating bullets. This New Generation Arbor Press has been tested by the Editor and has a better seating experience. Extra cost can be added for an extended base with loading block. 21st Century says: “Our New Generation Arbor Press will make your hand dies more efficient. This press has many unique features, including a butter-smooth direct lever action. This design is precise and eliminates friction-inducing gears. The press exerts constant pressure throughout its entire range of motion with minimal effort. The addition of a longer handle to the press increases leverage, which reduces arm and hand fatigue. Although the return springs can be used to reset the press, they do not affect the operator’s ability feel the resistive feedback caused by neck tension. The press head clearance can be adjusted up to 9 inches. “SUMMARY — 21st Century Shooting Makes Great Bullet Seating Presses. Whether you are looking for a high-quality bullet-seating Press like the Hydro Bullet Seater, or an easy-to-transport Arbor Press Press, 21st Century Shooting offers a great option. The Hydro Press provides exceptional bullet seating consistency and feel, while also being extremely smooth to use. The Arbor Press’s basic design is compact and reliable. It also produces excellent results. The Arbor Press is compact and well-made. It also produces excellent results.
