Single Stage Press for .243 and .308

jacknife

Member
EE Expired
Rating - 0%
0   0   0
I am looking into reloading. This will be as new for me as shooting is! But I have discovered that my new rifle has expensive taste. I want to shoot a lot, so I want to get a single stage press and begin reloading.

What is the best option? There is a great comparison thread for progressives, I am looking for similar information on single stage presses. Lee Classic, RCBS Rockchucker, Horandy Lock'n'Load...so many options. I have read thru everything in the forum, and the opinions seem split.

Any thoughts? Or are they all about even, and just find a good sale?

Thanks for your thoughts!
 
ill put my vote in for RCBS, they may not be the most fancy, but they are durable and work, iv loaded probably 10k + on my Rock chucker in the last 2 years or so since i got it and other then a clean and lube its never needed any thing, Not to mention RCBS customer service is beyond amazing!
 
When I went out to buy a new Rock Chucker. On the shelf beside it was a Redding Big Boss that was on sale. The Big Boss was about $20 more at the regular price, but ended up being $10 less than the Rock Chucker. I came home with the Redding Big Boss but would have been just as happy with a Rock Chucker.
 
If you can get any press that was made between WW2 and about 1975 or so, you hardly have to bother even looking at who made it.
They will all be made in the USA, some will be better quality and stronger than others, but any one will serve your needs, probably for the rest of your life.
Lowest priced ones in that era would likely be the Herters, which may not have been made in the USA, but lots of those Herter presses still in use today.
 
Single stage

This thread will be very much like the rifle thread. Some will only use the most expensive, some midway, some the cheapest way. I have used many types of presses and they all have their merits. Some people like a couple of freinds of mine will only associate themselves with the best, makes them feel better, I guess? In my own opinion, because when I reload, I am in no way in a hurry, it's my private time to myself, while some want to get er done asap. Because I load so many different calibers and funds are an issue with my life, too many toys, I choose to go with Lee. While some will gag on that, it has only let me down once in thirty years with a die issue. When you concider the cost of all the items, and you want to do everyday reloading, Lee can't be beat. If you want to shoot competitive (benchrest) then I would suggest somebody like Redding, RCBS, Dillon and the like, becuase they get into more precision reloading. But because I don't competitive shoot, I don't use or need the higher end stuff to have my fun and save money. I guess, it's all about what type of shooting and how deep your pockets are.
 
Back
Top Bottom