Best Single-Stage Press - Opinions?

mysticplayer said:
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
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I have to say I also have the new Lee Breech lock, and I love it. I enjoy loading on it, and like Mystic mentioned, you will be impressed with the quick change die set up. Priced right, tuff, and makes great ammo, what's not to like?! I bought the kit, and it was around $150.00 for the press, quick change inserts, powder measure, funnel, scale, and the small and large primer systems.
 
C-H Magnum Press, no longer in production. I have one.
You can load shot gun ammo, rifle ammo & handgun ammo all from the same press.
Might find one at a gun show if your lucky.
 
The initial question was SINGLE STAGE.
I have a Lee single stage and am very satisfied. I think that generaly most single stage presses are well built.

The differences are when it comes to progressive presses. I own a Lee 1000 which suits me fine. However in the world of progressive presses, I think that Dillon tops the list.
 
Flying Beaver said:
Hi from a reloading newbie.
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Hi - your key feature is good primer management (through a tube out to a garbage can, not falling down the side of the ram to deposit abrasive crap everywhere). That leaves you with the Lee Classic Cast, several Redding models, and the Forster Co-Ax.

I own a Redding Ultramag, and am considering switched to a Classic Cast for easier access. The Forster Co-Ax looks great, but would have the same relatively awkward access as an Ultramag. Also, some unusually tall dies don't fit in the Co-Ax (micrometer-adjustment seating dies in some calibers) - at least this used to be the case, perhaps they've changed something.
 
One thing to consider with a single stage press is priming. Lee Classic Cast, Hornady, Redding and I am not sure which others, have integral priming systems that seat primers on the downstroke after sizing/decapping. RCBS doesn't do this.
 
Forster COAX have had several presses this one stands out. Adjustable shell holder for priming on top of the press. Shell holder jaws float as does the die, snap in and out with the die, spent primer collection. Great piece of kit.

Andy
 
I never seen any recommendations for the RCBS partner. This was my first press and still use it for .308. It works great. I re size rifle casing without any problems.
 
Yo u

won't go wrong with the RCBS presses. I had the CHEAPER Lee presses and broke 2 B4 I stepped up to the next CHEAPER Lee the Challenger. It did not break but I got a GREAT deal on a couple of RCBS Partner presses and sold the LEE. I also found a older RBS Junior press that works great.

What I found between the Lee and the RCBS JR press is the consistency of my loaded rounds when seating the bullets were MUCH better.

The Jr is used for my 243, 30-06, 30-30 at home while the Partners are in my range box for my 6BR and 6 PPC. The partners are just used for sizing and Wilson hand dies for bullet seating.

It gets said over and over again, SPEND MONEY ON GREAT DIES.
 
Rockchucker's probably the standard that the rest are compared to, but for the price I really like my Lee Classic. About $100, and it's considerably stronger than most. Very smooth, tough press and handles long cases easily. Also use an old Lee standard (think it's a Challenger) for nothing but factory crimp die work.
 
For most guys reloading rifle calibers I'd say a Rock Chucker. If you're a 338 Lapua or 416 Rigby guy you should look at a Redding Big Boss as it has a larger window in the press which makes the longer cases easier to deal with. My Rigby barely comes out of my Rockchucker with 350 Barnes seated.
 
Current presses I would suggest the RCBS Rockchucker. I think it's the best single-stage press dollar-for-dollar.

If you can find an old Lyman OrangeCrusher press, those are great, it's what I have used since I got into reloading. The new Lyman press has a larger opening, allowing it to handle bigger cartidges like the RUM's easier, but there is a lot of play in the ram, and I'm not impressed by that. I wouldn't recommend them.

I have never tried Dillon, Redding, Forstner, Hornady or Lee presses.
 
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