I've been doing some research and looking for a reloading press that will do .50 BMG as well as smaller calibers. The cheapest option seems to be the Lee Classic Cast at just under $400, but I've heard some mixed reviews on Lee products in general. Ideally, I'd also like a press with interchangeable turrets so I don't have to readjust everything every time I want to reload, since there are 3 or 4 calibers I'd like to reload for off the top of my head. I'm starting to think it might be easier to get two presses, one for .50 BMG and one with turrets for everything else, but I'm not sure I have space for two set ups at the moment. Got any suggestions that won't break the bank?
Press Recommendations Please
- Thread starter 70m4h4wk
- Start date
I cannot advise you about 50 bmg. However, as far as general reloading goes, you do not need a turret press. Get some proper lockrings for your dies, and you will not have to worry about resetting them. I am partial to Hornady lock rings.
As far as presses go, I am quite hapy with the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme. If you get one, buy an aftermarket primer catcher for it.
As far as presses go, I am quite hapy with the RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme. If you get one, buy an aftermarket primer catcher for it.
Thanks for the tips!
that's a wicked deal, I think I'm going to have to jump on that. Thanks!
that's a wicked deal, I think I'm going to have to jump on that. Thanks!
I just purchased a Rock Chucker Supreme to replace my old RCBS JR2 so that I could use 1 1/4 inch dies. I am afraid that I can't recommend it.
The primer catching system is unbelievably poorly designed and the auto-prime system may be even worse.
You might be able to fix the primer catcher by replacing it with an aftermarket one but I am not sure the auto-prime can be fixed (It pulls the shell holder out every time you prime with it).
I went with RCBS because I trusted the name but this press is inferior to my cheap 50 year old press in almost every way.
The primer catching system is unbelievably poorly designed and the auto-prime system may be even worse.
You might be able to fix the primer catcher by replacing it with an aftermarket one but I am not sure the auto-prime can be fixed (It pulls the shell holder out every time you prime with it).
I went with RCBS because I trusted the name but this press is inferior to my cheap 50 year old press in almost every way.
Your choices are limited to do 50 and smaller calibers. Lee may be the best option. I believe their single stage offerings are fine. I use their dies as well with no issues.
Otherwise it seems you would need a dedicated 50 press and then a press setup for standard dies
Otherwise it seems you would need a dedicated 50 press and then a press setup for standard dies
When I was setting up for 50 BMG, I was warned not to use the Lee press, they seem to break with 50 BMG, so I bought a dedicated 50 BMG press ( Dillon ) and have another press for all my other calibers,
OP, you NEED A CAST STEEL PRESS designed for cases such as the 50 BMG.
I've used the large RCBS Cast Steel press with very good results.
As for auto primer feed issues???? Most 50 BMG shooters install the primers in a separate operation with a primer loading tool, designed specifically for the purpose.
As for a tray to catch the decapped primers? I don't know of any system that is 100% reliable, IF you're going to use the decapping pin of your die for that purpose. I found it much easier to just decap with a hand punch.
IMHO, the standard cast aluminum frame LEE PRESS is not acceptable for the job you have in mind.
The only Lee press I've ever been satisfied with is their hand held unit that neck sizes only and decaps for use in the field.
The 50 BMG case can be easy to reload/resize etc or it can be a real bear. A very stiff press alleviates most of the issues that may be encountered.
As for ordering a rebuilt press?? Why did it need to be rebuilt in the first place??? IMHO, I wouldn't even consider one of those.
Presses need to be true to the axis of the bore and through the axis of the mandrel. If they aren't, you won't be making ammo as accurate as you might want. Most 50BMG shooters are looking for extreme long range accuracy. An off center or mandrel or flexing frame will not give you that accuracy.
I've used the large RCBS Cast Steel press with very good results.
As for auto primer feed issues???? Most 50 BMG shooters install the primers in a separate operation with a primer loading tool, designed specifically for the purpose.
As for a tray to catch the decapped primers? I don't know of any system that is 100% reliable, IF you're going to use the decapping pin of your die for that purpose. I found it much easier to just decap with a hand punch.
IMHO, the standard cast aluminum frame LEE PRESS is not acceptable for the job you have in mind.
The only Lee press I've ever been satisfied with is their hand held unit that neck sizes only and decaps for use in the field.
The 50 BMG case can be easy to reload/resize etc or it can be a real bear. A very stiff press alleviates most of the issues that may be encountered.
As for ordering a rebuilt press?? Why did it need to be rebuilt in the first place??? IMHO, I wouldn't even consider one of those.
Presses need to be true to the axis of the bore and through the axis of the mandrel. If they aren't, you won't be making ammo as accurate as you might want. Most 50BMG shooters are looking for extreme long range accuracy. An off center or mandrel or flexing frame will not give you that accuracy.
To clarify, this is the press I was looking at: budgetshootersupply.ca/product/lee-classic-cast-50-bmg-single-stage-press-kit/
If you have a better 50 BMG press in mind I'm all ears. I'm hoping to start relatively cheaply, and upgrade as I find things I like.
If you have a better 50 BMG press in mind I'm all ears. I'm hoping to start relatively cheaply, and upgrade as I find things I like.
Why not? I used my reconditioned classic cast press for near on 20 years with no trouble. It easily loaded over 100,000 rounds. That's over 1/4 million handle strokes....
I will admit though, they weren't all .50BMG.
Sadly, I "upgraded" to the breech lock challenger and wish I hadn't.
If you can afford a 50, you can afford a decent press to load with. Get a Dillon or Alberta Tactical or something designed to take the stress of a big case. You'll make up the price of the gear if you shoot the gun once in a while.
I pickup up a lee classic cast press last week. Long story short. It didn’t stay bolted to my bench long. The surface finish on the ram and ram bore are horrible and the ram doesn’t line up with the threads for the die. It’s sitting back in its box waiting to go back.
Joe
Joe
I aquired a RCBS Summit about a month ago. Lots of clearance to place cases in
the shell holder and it catches all the spent primers (unlike prvious RockChucker).
Also, doesn't get grit in the ram. Spoiled myself by adding the Hornady L-N-L
bushing setup. JMB is now a happy reloader...
the shell holder and it catches all the spent primers (unlike prvious RockChucker).
Also, doesn't get grit in the ram. Spoiled myself by adding the Hornady L-N-L
bushing setup. JMB is now a happy reloader...
Reminds me of the old tale about the Rolls Royce cars: if you are concerned about the gas mileage, you probably can't afford it!
I aquired a RCBS Summit about a month ago. Lots of clearance to place cases in
the shell holder and it catches all the spent primers (unlike prvious RockChucker).
Also, doesn't get grit in the ram. Spoiled myself by adding the Hornady L-N-L
bushing setup. JMB is now a happy reloader...
The Summit is my go to single stage. You can't go wrong with this press.
I'd like to see a video of someone full length sizing and de-priming Lake City 7.62x51 brass on an RCBS summit. I doubt it would be at all fun. For light work they may be ok, but for operations requiring much force, the mechanical design of the Summit is inherently flawed. You can't fight physics.
