The ZERO Gen 2 Reloading Press
$1,400.00
In April of 2020, we released the ZERO. It was a product that changed the reloading space, raising the bar for quality, precision, and overall altering the expectation of what a premium reloading tool should look, feel and act like. It was our largest project ever, an item that the internet told us would never sell, and a major gamble for Area 419.
Now, after many thousands of presses sold, to all corners of the earth, to shooters of all types and disciplines, it’s time for the second generation.
This is a generational update, taking all the things we have learned about how consumers are using the press, how we make them, and what is possible for a reloading press, while keeping as many compatibility features with the Gen 1 as possible.
The ZERO Gen 2 features the following changes from Gen 1
- A FIRMER LINKAGE: The Gen 1 was built around the idea of seating your shellholder to the bottom of your die. While we still consider that the best way to size brass, customers asked for a firmer bottom of the stroke so they could cam-over and float the shellholder below a die. Done.
- A SMOOTHER STROKE: The ZERO, since day 1, has been the smoothest press on the market. After thousands of presses, however, we have found ways to make each stroke even smoother on every press, starting with the first strokes. This improvement is subtle, but very real, and one that both new owners and longtime ZERO owners will appreciate.
- CREATURE COMFORTS: By doing small things, like adding a detent to the primer tray, and a torque tool storage slot to the side of the press, we continue to move forward with our commitment to ergonomics at the bench.
- FULL GEN 1 ACCESSORY COMPATIBILITY: Making this update was important to us, but we didn’t want to make it and leave existing customers in the cold. You will be able to use your same press stands, storage trays, shellholders, turrets (you may need to check your die adjustment, due to the linkage change), and other ZERO Accessories with no issues.
The ZERO remains the pinnacle of precision reloading presses, manufactured in Ohio, from American raw materials, by American workers.
The core of the movement is a custom machined PTFE lined bearing, guiding the precision ground and polished ram with exceptionally high repeatability and low friction. Each press is hand measured and fitted, mating the ram and the bearing, ensuring the most precise ram stroke on the market – ZERO doubt about that. The linkage system will also glide on bearings and custom hardware which will allow us to assemble the system with near-ZERO slop. The operation of the oversized ram, with the .75″ steel arm and ZERO-friction knob will be unlike anything you’ve ever experienced.
The turret system retains the original design, and is secured using a, over-sized, custom-made ZERO-point pull-stud, and the turret will be located using an oversized ball-detent system. Changing the position of the turret from one die to another will require only a turn of a (supplied) t-handle. When indexing the turret, repeatability variance of the system will be less than .0005″.
The opening in the press will allow for sizing and seating of cases up to 338LM, and will accept standard 7/8″ dies and standard shellholders (we prefer the Redding). The press CAN be used for Cheytac-class reloading, but may (depending on your die setup and bullet length) require you to “scoop” the bullet into the seating die and down into the case before seating.
We have designed a decapping/primer-catch system into the body of the press, eliminating goofy surgical hoses and baby food-like jars. A simple detent retained slide-out tray will make this mundane process smooth, simple, and unobtrusive.
We will ship all presses with a standard bolt-down plate, but will also have available Inline Fabrication plates or press stands from Big Dog Steel for the system that will mount seamlessly.
Read this and still ready to ask what it does that your vintage single stage doesn’t? Bullet point time, strap in.
- The zero-slop turret head allows you to change between dies, eliminating the variability induced when removing and resetting dies
- The turret head allows the press to work with multiple die-attachments (7/8 thread currently, 1-1/4 thread, and future unreleased stuff) without goofy thread-stacking adapters
- The available ram-stroke here is 4.4″, allowing you to use it on significantly large cases
- Total opening of 4.75″, with no unnecessary shellholder protrusion at the bottom of the stroke
- The extended ram position will be more repeatable than any ram-style press on the market
- More efficient energy transfer from handle to ram via bearing-guided motion throughout the system
- Adjustable/interchangeable handle setup for maximizing leverage/feel based on operation
- Internally contained primer-catch system, eliminating baby food jars and surgical hoses hanging from your press
- Made in America, from American materials
| Weight | 35 lbs |
|---|---|
| Dimensions | 22 × 15 × 10 in |
| Turret | 7/8" (Standard), Hybrid |
Lamar H –
Every expectation I had for this press was exceeded when I opened the box. This thing is an absolute unit. I’ve heard people say “it’s overbuilt” which is exactly what I would think you’d want when investing in a product you expect to last a lifetime. Probably the same dudes that say “the beer to too cold” or sit when they pee. Buy with confidence.
Steve R. (verified owner) –
Stunningly well engineered product. I had a minor problem whilst trying to set the unit up as the turret clamp was stuck in the locked position and which required a return. Problems do happen in the best of situations and Area 419 owned the issue, put a fix in place and cycled the press back to me quickly. I always believe you can tell the most about a business by how they handle problems. In this situation they were a 10/10
darrell.dillingham (verified owner) –
I started looking at this machine in December 2024. I finally purchased it in December 2025. I wish I had not waited. Damn fine piece of gear!
Hollis Clark (verified owner) –
Great press,looks great works even better. 419 has become my new go to. Thanks
Larry Foor (verified owner) –
Once you pull the handle you will know what true craftsmanship is put into this press. I owned the Zero 1st gen before and did not think they could improve on it. But my new gen2 is even smoother. Great equipment and fantastic company. Well worth the price.
Anthony C. (verified owner) –
A great piece of machinery. Very happy with my purchase. I’m sure it will last my lifetime.
Darrell M. (verified owner) –
Modified my current reloader base to accommodate the Zero Gen II and it’s buttery smooth.
Kevin Johnson (verified owner) –
What an awesome press, the quality is absolutely outstanding. Glad I took the plunge and indulged myself.
Thanks Kev.
Clint (verified owner) –
Always great products and service at 419!
Michael G. (verified owner) –
Worth the price. Definitely a precision press.
Stephen M. (verified owner) –
Awesome piece of machinery. Worth every penny!
jcolip1776 –
Loving it so far and definitely compliments the reloading room!
Christopher L. (verified owner) –
Super impresses with the press !
James Smith (verified owner) –
Amazing
Don Gray (verified owner) –
Absolutely love the Zero Gen 2 Thanks for making such a great product!!
Karl S. (verified owner) –
This press is everything I thought it would be and then some. Precision at its finest! Loaded it up with my Short Action Custom dies for four different calibers and still have room for three additional dies. Love being able to set my dies up one time and not ever have to mess with them again!
MICHAEL L. (verified owner) –
LOVED THE BOX IT CAME IN.
Gary Trevena (verified owner) –
Great Product And Service !!!
Jeffrey Calow (verified owner) –
Wish I could give this a 10 out of 5. Unreal piece of kit. Exceptional quality and repeatability. Well worth the money.
Jake S. (verified owner) –
I have been reloading since 1989 and I can say this press is absolutely amazing! The engineering that was put into this beast is next level! I have only had time to decap and size a few pieces so far and I was blown away by the feel, the torque and the precision that is built into this press. As a old school machinist I really appreciate all of the little things you guys have done with this press. Definitely will be a future customer! Thank you!
Roger Steward (verified owner) –
Too damn expensive, but worth every penny/dollar
SF –
I am not upgrading because I like the softer linkage and my Gen I is amazing however I wanted to add a review to anyone thinking about buying one of these – there is no better press period. This is a buy for life product where you aren’t going to be looking to always upgrade. Just as a reference – with this press, my 6.5×47 shoots SD’s in the mid 5s for 30+ strings, my seating pressure varies by an SD of 5 lbs measured by my AMP. Headspace once brass is properly fire formed has an SD of 0 and an ES of .001. Meaning this press is so consistent and stays that way through the years. I just see no advantage to having a single stage and even with the best manufactured die block you are introducing the slightest of movement. Point being, this press is incredible. You can see by the minor changes that there just isn’t much to improve on something that is so good and if a Gen 3 comes out – like me, unless it addresses something particular to you (like stroke in this case) you will either be happy or no need to upgrade. Buy one of these with extreme confidence.
Ziggy Dühring –
Thanks for making an amazing product.
Things that you should make.
A primer seating tool.
Maybe a smaller single stage zero.
That way it a gateway press to a big boy zero.
Definitely make a powder dispenser that’s like the auto tricker that goes onto a A&D scale.
Then a seating die with a window.
Love the colors of the powder funnel head make same colors for die lock rings. We like colors don’t be shy.