Reloading speed on single stage press?

chaslavk

chaslavk

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I have yet to reload my frist round. I bought RCBS starter kit but it doesn't come with everything so I have lot more stuff to buy, priming tool, trimmer and deburring tool, dies and maybe good uniflow powder measure and tumbler and of course powder, bullets and primers. Chronograph too.
I plan to reload for pistol so what kind of speed can I get from my single stage rock chuck press, how many rounds per hour?
 
I have only reloaded about 400 rounds and I am at 50 rounds per hour. I am 100% positive that I will have no issues with these reloads. This is inclusive of primer hole cleaning, powder weighing, case length measuring, OAL measuring, and final bullet clean and inspection.

As stated above it is getting quicker as I resolve the issues that slow me down. Part of this is understanding things that are a non issue that you spend too much time at or can be done differently. Also, learning a method to ensure you do not miss problem areas that can be dangerous.

Good luck.
 
Reloading speed

Think quality, not quantity.

Especially when starting a new hobby like reloading. You have lots to learn, so take your time and build quality loads. Speed is not the issue, your safety is.

Reloading is a great hobby.

Once you build quality reloads, you may want to invest in a multi stage machine.
 
of course, it goes without saying that you do it all in batches when using a single stage- i added a SECOND press so i didn't have to screw/unscrew before i went to a turret- it's still up in the air as to which is faster-i had a rcbs for resizing, powder measure, and another press for bullet seating- now i've got a turret, 3 lee 1000 and a dillon550
 
Ask yourself - how much are you REALLY gonna shoot of that (pistol) ammo? If it's less than 300rds a month - single stage may be OK. If 1000-2000rds or more a month - you HAVE to get a progressive press.
 
Speed with a single stage press is a matter of technique and experience. It's easier with a 'C' style press, but only because there's nothing in the way.
Have 2 bins, one with unprocessed cases on one side, the other for processed on the other side. Use both hands. Case into the shell holder with one(we'll call it your right hand), operate the ram and remove the case with your left while reaching for another with your right. Do one operation to all your cases then change dies. You can get 'em all to the point they only need powder and bullet and store 'em in a container with a lid. Coffee cans are good for that.
Use loading blocks(can be a bit fumbly with 9mm) when you charge 'em. Makes it easy to visually check 'em for the proper amount of powder(double charges stand out. So do drastically under charges.). Out of the bin, through the powder thrower, if you end up with that type, and into the blocks. Check 'em then run 'em through the seating/crimping die and into whatever you're using for loaded ammo.
As mentioned, don't rush. Don't have any distractions either.
 
I use a rockchucker and have gotten pretty proficient with it. My suggestion is that you prepare a large amount of brass and have them primed one day, then the next day charge and load a bunch. It goes quicker than trying to do everything at one time.
 
Use a loading block, period. After dispensing powder into a block or blocks of cases, visually and carefully check to ensure all cases have powder, and none have obviously more or less powder than its buddies. No powder results in squibs, double charges result in kabooms. Both are avoidable with methodical loading practices.

Such care probably costs you an average of 5 or so rounds an hour over a lifetime, and can save a priceless heriloom, a few broken fingers or a dominant eye. YMMV
 
saskcop said:
I use a rockchucker and have gotten pretty proficient with it. My suggestion is that you prepare a large amount of brass and have them primed one day, then the next day charge and load a bunch. It goes quicker than trying to do everything at one time.
Click to expand...

I agree, I reload 1000 rounds of handgun ammo in 2 evenings on a single stage. First night I size/deprime, bell, and prime. second night I charge and seat bullet.
 
To quote Wyatt Earp.
"Speed is nice. Accuracy is better."

As Saskcop and Dwag said, don't worry about speed. If you enjoy this, just relax and let it go. I find reloading to be one of the most relaxing hobbies I have. The hobby also includes dis-assembling those same rounds.
If I had had a rough day, I simply come home, go downstairs, and start prepping cases. Most of my stuff is new or once-fired and requires some more prep than previous fired stuff. I trim to length, de-burr the flash hole, uniform the primer pocket, insert a primer, bag up in lots of 50. By the time I have 100 done, I am usually quite relaxed because I have had to concentrate on some very routine actions.
The best part is when I have to load some rounds. I can come home after work and in less than an hour, be changed, gear loaded, out the door, headed to the range with 100 rounds I just put together.
Could I do it quicker on a progressive? Yes. Would I want to? Not at this time.
 
So at the beginning 50 rnds per hour, that is not bad considering I can't afford to shoot too much. 5000 pistol rounds a year is what I usually shoot. So far I don't do any rifle shooting but would like to start in the future.

Thank you for responses.
 
I reload in my garage, do all the prep before I get start. By the time I ready to charge the powder and sit the bullet, turn on some music, light up a Tatitana ciger, enjoy one or two hours in the garage without have my wife and children bothering me. Slow but totally enjoyment.

Trigun
 
I just finished a session after breakfast and noticed i made 900 rounds of 9mm :) had 2 hrs to kill....

YES progressive is the KEY! but i still use my single stage for my more precise rifle rounds. pistol.. OMG single stage is just punishment after a while. i mean u WILL get to know every inch of your single stage... where all the paint imperfection may be, and scratches...how fast the grease builds up at junction points...LOL

Does anyone else experience this or is it only me.....
 
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