I've used a few different presses, and still own several. RCBS hasn't changed much on their standard line-up since the RockChucker. I had a RC, and it had some alignment issues. Lifetime warranty, so I paid the $60 to ship it to RCBS, got it back, was told it was still in spec. I sold it. Unless I could check the alignment on a Supreme before buying, I wouldn't buy one. Actually, I wouldn't buy one. The Redding Big Boss II is a way superior press, and it deals with the spent primers down a tube. That is a must have for me. It is also of the cam over design, another must have for me. I don't have a Redding BBII, but I've owned the Redding 25 Turret and still have a Redding Ultramag. If you are doing big heavy work, it's probably the best one out there.
I own a Summit, it is more like an arbor press, I use it for checking the BHN of my casting alloy. It has fantastic fine control. I wouldn't want it for my main press, but I'll never sell mine. It's a bit non-conventional, but if you were to design your reloading bench around it, it would be a good choice. It should be mounted at the same height as you would a drill press. Well made. one nuance, you need a bit more turn past than some other presses to set the FL die, instructions come with the press.
My main press is a LEE Classic cast. I've done a few things to it; align the ram and rework the stops to get a bit of cam over. As it sits, it's not for a newbie, it has enough force to bust stuff. It's no Big Boss II, but it's close enough if you are on a budget. Without the mods its not much good, and the Classic Cast Breech does a poor job of handling spent primers.
Redding Big Boss has all the bases covered.
I have a Lyman T-Mag II turret for pistol and 30-30, 38-55. It does a good job, but it's not a progressive. This one was purchased used, and as I discovered it was bent pretty bad. I bought a new bolt, did some fixing and even with a pretty worn ram, alignment is really good. I can't see any reason not to recommend the new Lyman turret. A new Redding turret should be as good or better.
And that brings me to the best solution, a Dillon progressive. A new 550C will do it all, and do it well. A few of my friends have them, they make good ammo, pistol as small as 9mm up to 338 Lapua, all good. Bloody impressive if you ask me. Like I said, they load pistol, rifle hunting and rifle benchrest. They are spendy, but they have a real NO BS warranty. They register your press, and reference your file and send you what you need. No need to send in the broken piece, they send you what you need. My friend bough an older 550, the one that still had aluminum arms and such. He called up wanting to buy the parts to upgrade it to a "C". They began by registering his press, getting his address, then they told him the parts were on there way, thanks for choosing Dillon. My experience with LEE and RCBS, although OK, was not like that. Lyman has a decent warranty, but sometimes you will pay for parts. Redding has awesome customer service.
Nitro
