Just thought I would give my 2 cents worth on single stage reloading presses.
I for one will admit that I have owned cheap Lee presses and still own 2 cheap RCBS Partner presses.
The RCBS Partner presses are new to me. Why did I go with the Partner? Well because many shortrange Benchrest shooters use them and find that is all the press that is needed to make good reloads for the small Benchrest cartridge the 6PPC of which I have, and the 6BR. The money goes into the top notch Redding Competition Dies, Harrels Precision dies or custom made dies by the gunsmith. Many even use an arbor press with Wilson hand dies for seating bullets. That is my preferred method at this time for the 6PPC. I will switch all my seaters to Wilson dies at some point in time. The finished loads are top notch.
The other press which I have is a older RCBS JR II which I purchased used late last summer. It is very similar in construction to the Rockchucker with the difference being in how the handle attaches to the main ram. For an older used press it is rock solid and made me realize taht there is definately something to having a more solid press.
The main observation between the Lee Challenger press which I have had and the JR II press which I now have is the consistency of the sized brass and the seated bullets. I cannot tell you about runout but that is not my concern at this time. I prefer shortrange Benchrest. The length variations went from a definate .5-1 thou diffence to no more than .5 thou difference. I would say over 95% of the sized cases measure exactly the same. Why? I believe because of a more positive stop when the ram reaches full extension and being made of a more solid material which resists flexing when under pressure. This is the same for the seating of bullets. The measurement from base to ogive with my stub gauge and Stoney Point comparator went from 1-2 thou difference to .5 thou or less. This pressed is used for my 30-06, .243 Win and 6BR. The 6BR sees the most use and this is the cartridge that I started noticing a difference.
The Partner Presses appear to be good as well. They are used strictly for my 6PPC along with the Wilson hand dies for bullet seating. I have not found an issue with variation.
My conclusion is this. The press in my own mind contributes a lot to the consistency of how your reloads turn out. I used to think that the cheap Lee presses (aluminium) were enough. I realize now they are not for what I am looking for in reloads. I want the best reload I can get. I think the cheap press is OK for the beginner, the hunter or for the guy reloading to just let rounds fly down range.
If you want the ultimate in reloads a better press is required along with top notch dies. Presses constructed of materials whose properties resist flexing is what is required.
Just thought I would share my observations with those who may not be sure of what they are looking for.
Calvin
I for one will admit that I have owned cheap Lee presses and still own 2 cheap RCBS Partner presses.
The RCBS Partner presses are new to me. Why did I go with the Partner? Well because many shortrange Benchrest shooters use them and find that is all the press that is needed to make good reloads for the small Benchrest cartridge the 6PPC of which I have, and the 6BR. The money goes into the top notch Redding Competition Dies, Harrels Precision dies or custom made dies by the gunsmith. Many even use an arbor press with Wilson hand dies for seating bullets. That is my preferred method at this time for the 6PPC. I will switch all my seaters to Wilson dies at some point in time. The finished loads are top notch.
The other press which I have is a older RCBS JR II which I purchased used late last summer. It is very similar in construction to the Rockchucker with the difference being in how the handle attaches to the main ram. For an older used press it is rock solid and made me realize taht there is definately something to having a more solid press.
The main observation between the Lee Challenger press which I have had and the JR II press which I now have is the consistency of the sized brass and the seated bullets. I cannot tell you about runout but that is not my concern at this time. I prefer shortrange Benchrest. The length variations went from a definate .5-1 thou diffence to no more than .5 thou difference. I would say over 95% of the sized cases measure exactly the same. Why? I believe because of a more positive stop when the ram reaches full extension and being made of a more solid material which resists flexing when under pressure. This is the same for the seating of bullets. The measurement from base to ogive with my stub gauge and Stoney Point comparator went from 1-2 thou difference to .5 thou or less. This pressed is used for my 30-06, .243 Win and 6BR. The 6BR sees the most use and this is the cartridge that I started noticing a difference.
The Partner Presses appear to be good as well. They are used strictly for my 6PPC along with the Wilson hand dies for bullet seating. I have not found an issue with variation.
My conclusion is this. The press in my own mind contributes a lot to the consistency of how your reloads turn out. I used to think that the cheap Lee presses (aluminium) were enough. I realize now they are not for what I am looking for in reloads. I want the best reload I can get. I think the cheap press is OK for the beginner, the hunter or for the guy reloading to just let rounds fly down range.
If you want the ultimate in reloads a better press is required along with top notch dies. Presses constructed of materials whose properties resist flexing is what is required.
Just thought I would share my observations with those who may not be sure of what they are looking for.
Calvin
