Help me choose a new single stage press plz

M

macpowa

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Hi,

I would like to get into reloading and buy my first single stage press. It is a good time now with all the rebate online to pull the trigger. I will reload rifle cartridges (6.5x55, 7.5x55, 30-06, 303 ...) I read a lot of review online and it as me confused ... Hornady, RCBS, LEE ... I just dont know anymore.
 
I started off with the Lee 50th anni challenger kit. For 150$ I was able to start reloading match grade ammo. Since then I have upgraded certain components, like thrower/scale to RCBS charge master, and a SS wet tumbler (to clean cases). But for 2 months and about 1500 rounds later, I used every piece of the kit and made sub-moa ammo for my 308win.

Worst case if you decide that reloading is not for you, its only a 150$ loss vs 400+. If you do upgrade the press, you'll still be using the old one for dedicated tasks like decapping.
 
Forster CO-AX

RCBS Rock Chucker

Lee Classic Cast single stage


Or if you want insanely accurate and expensive, look up the PraziPress. Lol
 
I just went from a Hornady to the Lee Classic cast. The Honady cammed over at the top of the stroke, and I didn't like that. The only thing so far with the Lee is I can't use my RCBS primer pocket swager because the ram is too large. I'll just have to modify the cup or invent something.
Presses are on sale at WSS right now.
 
Redding Big Boss. I went to buy a RCBS Rock Chucker but the Big Boss was in the shelf beside it, on sale for about $10 less than the Rock Chucker. I am sure that I would have been just as happy with the Rock Chucker, but I also think the Redding is better made.
 
A single stage is as a single stage does.
Don't get caught up in the names just look at the options they offer.
If you handprime use the lee handprimer (best there is!) if you are priming off the stage hornandy or rcbs will be better.


I use a Lee for my rifle loads and never had an issue (you never will have an issue with any stage)
Camlocking design is a finger trap if you reload when your tired or zoned out (lol) and in my opinion offers no advantage except to those with disabilities that limit their strength on multiple uses as it is "easier" with the added leverage.

I've since upgraded to a dillon 650xl for my mass quantity loading of 223/9mm. For precision rifle i still go back to the trusty lee being the way the dillon's are designed for production, not accuracy.


And i have an rcbs primer pocket swager that works non-issue on my lee press, not sure what the previous poster is talking about :0
 
Grab one at a gun show, or buy from someone getting out of the game or upgrading.

What you're loading can be done on any press. I used a Lyman Spartan cast iron C press, that my father bought used, for decades.
 
I am currently using my very old Lee Breech lock challenger press... there are many features that make is BETTER for mid sized cases.

Can also offer you the Forster Co Ax and everything in between.

I do not like a press with "nanny" features.... but then I do not like auto trannies either.

Quick change dies set ups will be a god send given the number of chambers you want to play with.

Lots to learn ... just try and understand the "why?"... that helps you make a better decision on the what.

Jerry
 
Got me sold there, i ordered the 50th Anniversary Breech Lock Challenger Kit from xreload.

Thx guys for all the information!

Mystic Precision said:
I am currently using my very old Lee Breech lock challenger press... there are many features that make is BETTER for mid sized cases.

Can also offer you the Forster Co Ax and everything in between.

I do not like a press with "nanny" features.... but then I do not like auto trannies either.

Quick change dies set ups will be a god send given the number of chambers you want to play with.

Lots to learn ... just try and understand the "why?"... that helps you make a better decision on the what.

Jerry
Click to expand...
 
If it's your first press I'd suggest something with a turret.
I sort of regret not owning one now, and I may just take the drive out to WSS and see if they have anything left on the shelf.
 
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