Single stage press recommendations

C

C.308

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Hamilton
Well, considering some of my recent firearm purchases I think it's time I get started into reloading. I'm looking for advice on a simple setup.

Speed is not a factor as I will enjoy taking my time doing it. I try to get out at least once per month and shoot about 100 rds out of each rifle. So I wont need to produce more than a few hundred rounds per trip minimum.

I'm looking to start with a single stage press. I want the most reliable one I can get.

I will load .308 and .223 to start.

Any recommendations? Any other equipment tips and advice for starting out are more than welcome.
 
.... I'm perhaps a little biased, but I'd recommend a used (but not abused! ) RCBS. good warranty, not that you'll need it, parts availability and accessories that will match. Hold out for one with the "O" opening, NOT a simple "C" version (reduces the chance of springing the frame and allows a lot more force to be applied if required. .... Keep your eyes open for "starter kit specials" which may pop up through your local Store or online. ..... David K
 
The RCBS Rock Chucker is a good unit and available in various kits that supply the bulk of what you need. If you are willing to spend more money and build your kit piece by piece the Forester Coax is my favorite.
 
I've had an RCBS Rock Chucker for decades.....
No problems. Any of the O-frame presses will probably work just fine.
 
I agree with David K.

I like the older single stage presses. Most of them are STRAIGHT and the mandrel is TRUE to the axis of the die seat bore. This may not seem important but it is the heart of a good press. If they aren't TRUE, they make crooked cartridges that will give mediocre accuracy in most firearms.

I have RCBS Rock Chuckers and a Lyman "O" press as well as Hornady Turret Top presses. ALL are made of CAST STEEL and absolutely rigid. The next most important thing is a SOLID TABLE TO MOUNT IT TO.

I've used cast Aluminum presses an they are OK. Definitely a lot cheaper than cast Steel.

IMHO the cast Steel press is better than the Aluminum press for the simple reason that the die bore doesn't wear when changing to the different components of your die set or to different sets of dies. I have also found that Aluminum presses aren't always true to their axis more often than Steel.

Forster Coax presses are fantastic, as are their dies. Very expensive though if you can find one.

I have one I've been intending to set up. Don't know if it will happen. My other presses are all proven.

Now, if you have a problem with space, Lee makes a very handy little hand press to be used with their neck sizing dies. I use one on occasion and it produces very accurate cartridges. Die and press are around $100 and will fit in a tackle box or small kitchen drawer.
 
nevanevan said:
Forster coax. By once cry once. I've had all of the major brands other than the Redding and it is definitely the most enjoyable to use with the best results
Click to expand...

I did a fair bit of research before settling on a Forster Coax. Probably the easiest/fastest unit there is for die swaps. Set your dies once and you're set.

I can seat and crimp a round (and put the seat crimp back in place ready for the next) in the time it takes my charge master to churn out the next powder charge
 
Any of the LEE press's will catch the spent primer's. Doesn't sound like much but to me it does matter.
The Classic Cast is the Caddy of them all.
Classic Turret is an equal. Catch's spent primer's, built like a tank and with the turret's you can load 1 at a time with the convenience of setting your dies once and switching out turret's to change caliber's
 
I've used several different makes of presses and now have a Lee classic cast. Loads great concentric ammo and has many good features. Having said this I realize it isn't in the same class as the Co-Ax, but neither is the price.
 
I bought a Rock Chucker 40 years ago this summer. I have never regretted this purchase and the press has loaded many 10s of thousands of rifle and pistol rounds and has never let me down.
 
Have only used an RCBS rock chucker but have loaded thousands of rounds with it. Seems to work quite well.

Whatever one you settle on, I would recommend checking out inline fabrication and getting at minimum a roller handle for it. Transformed my rock chucker, much more comfortable to operate than the 8 ball handle it came with.
 
1-If you're not shooting bench rest F-class shenanigans, any single stage will do. Even with the cheapest single stage, you can make ammos what will outmatch the best factory stuff. Since you don't seem to be reloading for competition, no need for the fancy stuff;
2-200 rounds/month might not seem like much, but it gets old really quick on a single stage. You might want to get a turret instead;
3-That being said, I would go for the best deal you can find on a used single stage or turret.

Keep in mind there's gonna be a lot more expenses than just the press. Dies, tumbler, hand priming tool, trimmer.
 
I am sort of in the same situation as you. I don't reload a ton of rounds and I am not concerned with time. I own an RCBS JR2 that is at least 40 or so years old but I don't think it really matters what brand you go with as long as your local stores carry the parts you will need. Since I live in small town Manitoba my local shop carries RCBS and Hornady equipment, therefore it makes the most sense to own one of those two brands.

I think any decent quality press from any of the major brands will work just fine and most of it just comes down to personal preference. All of them will have things you dislike and all of them will have things you prefer over other brands.
 
I currently have a Co-Ax, it's ok. I also have a original-type Lee 3 hole turret press and a Lee LoadMaster.
I started reloading on an RCBS Jr that my father bought before I was born (I'm 56). That press is currently being used by my nephew.

The only press that I've used and didn't like was a Lyman Turret. The play in the turret would consistently produce non concentric rifle ammo.

If I were starting over, I'd buy the cheapest single stage 'O'-type press I could find (try to find used, if they were half-way decently they really never wear out).
Then I'd learn how to load... and then I'd invest in a Dillon 550. I had one and loved it. It's like having 4 single stage presses really close to each other
 
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