Best Single-Stage Press - Opinions?

Flying Beaver

Flying Beaver

Regular
EE Expired
Rating - 100%
43   0   0
Location
Alberta Free State
Hi from a reloading newbie.

Just wondering what you experienced folks here would consider to be the best overall single stage press. I have looked at the Lee Classic Cast, and at the Hornady closed-frame (I forget the name). Haven't had a chance to examine a Dillon.

Everything looks very solid, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Which single-stage press offers the least grief?

I would be reloading modest amounts of .223, possibly a small quantity of .308, and some handgun - either .40 S&W or 9mm Luger.

Opinions welcome, along with your description of what you like (or don't like) about a particular make/model.

Thanks
 
...metallic loading press...

...now is the time to start hitting the gunshows for older, used presses like an older RCBS, CH, or even a (yum) Hollywood!....the older ones are better, less expensive and hold their (resale) value...try calling some gunshops, too...try to make a "deal" and save some money!.....
 
Flying Beaver said:
Hi from a reloading newbie.

Just wondering what you experienced folks here would consider to be the best overall single stage press. I have looked at the Lee Classic Cast, and at the Hornady closed-frame (I forget the name). Haven't had a chance to examine a Dillon.

Everything looks very solid, but the proof of the pudding is in the eating. Which single-stage press offers the least grief?

I would be reloading modest amounts of .223, possibly a small quantity of .308, and some handgun - either .40 S&W or 9mm Luger.

Opinions welcome, along with your description of what you like (or don't like) about a particular make/model.

Thanks
Click to expand...
If you have the money, buy the Dillon 550....Because it has manual indexing, it is a progressive press that can act just like a single stage press.....I use it that way for several black powder cartridges....Built like a rock, you can add a case feeder, load large volumes, and Dillons never really lose their value....
Nothing about it I don`t like.....
 
If you're looking to do pistol rounds I would definately look at a progressive. I bought a single stage last year for my rifle, and while I haven't tried loading pistol on it yet, it looks like it will take forever to do a shooters volume. I'm looking for a used dillion as of now.
 
Anything cast. I was fortunate to get a Pacific (now Hornady) single stage off the EE forum. I could make diamonds out of BBQ briquettes with it.
 
GSoD said:
If you're looking to do pistol rounds I would definately look at a progressive. I bought a single stage last year for my rifle, and while I haven't tried loading pistol on it yet, it looks like it will take forever to do a shooters volume. I'm looking for a used dillion as of now.
Click to expand...

I did 1000 .40 S&W on my single stage when starting... 8-10 hours of press time... Ewwww.... Pistol on Progressive....
 
I currently have a Lee Challenger, but if I had to do it again I would get something of higher quality. While the Rockchucker rarely receives a bad review, I may eventually opt for a Redding. I like that they are made on this continent.
 
RCBS Rockchucker. It'll always be worth at least what you paid for it if not more, and generations from now somebody will still be using it. I buy my stuff in The Bargain Finder. Be patient and deals will turn up.
 
I started using a Lee Challenger. Did great but the toggle castings were crap and kept breaking.

I am now using a Lee Breech lock Challenger. Completely redesigned and built like a SBO. Very happy with how it works and quick change dies is awesome.

I am building match quality ammo for my F class rifles so can recommend this press for any application short of the big boomers.

Jerry
 
I've used a RCBS Jr for 30 years and have absolutely no problems with it.

For the last few years I've also been using a Forster Co-ax. It has a bunch of features that now make it my favorite.

-dead primer control
-snap-in dies
-automatic alignment of cases with the die during use
-floating shell holder jaws
-huge mechanical advantage
-etc., etc., etc.
 
I am thinking about getting a new single stage to go with my old RCBS Jr.3.

I absolutely hate the was this old press drops the spent primers, and the tray they fall into, or more accurately, bounce out of onto the floor...

I have been thinking about getting an New Hornady L&L press.
 
The Rockchucker is a great press. Durable, and sturdy, it should outlast any one reloader at least. I have had one for at least 25 years, and the only upgrade I did was change the handle to the newer "ball" type. But in my humble opinion, there is a better single stage press, and that is the Forster Co-Ax [used to be Bonanza] Quick die change, self aligning, and solid as a rock. Also, one shellholder works with 90% of what you will be loading. Progressive is better for high-volume, of course, but there is no better single-stage press than the Co-Ax. Initial investment is a bit higher, but you will never look back if you buy one. Regards, Eagleye.
 
Last edited:
You must log in or register to reply here.
Back
Top Bottom