single stage press to reload shotgun

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explorin2

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I'm thinking the answer is a big no but need to confirm. I have an RCBS RockChucker single stage press and recently bought a shot gun. Can I use the single stage press to load 12 guage?

If no, what you recommend.
 
RCBS used to make 12 gauge dies for that press, you have to take out the thread adapter as the die body is bigger, I bought a set used that I found in Australia but I have yet to try them out.
 
Yeah. The answer is yes, IF you can find the dies.

The bushing that screws into the top of the press has to be removed, the dies are 1 and 1/4 inches (by unreliable memory) or so in diameter.
The Lee Classic cast has the same style removable bushing for the larger size dies.
The dies seem to have dropped out of the commercial world, though.

In truth, I would think you can pick up a shotshell press for less than what you will pay for the dies, unless you are very lucky.

It's not that it can't be done, rather, not very many bother to go that way these days.

Cheers
Trev
 
trevj said:
Yeah. The answer is yes, IF you can find the dies.

The bushing that screws into the top of the press has to be removed, the dies are 1 and 1/4 inches (by unreliable memory) or so in diameter.
The Lee Classic cast has the same style removable bushing for the larger size dies.
The dies seem to have dropped out of the commercial world, though.

In truth, I would think you can pick up a shotshell press for less than what you will pay for the dies, unless you are very lucky.

It's not that it can't be done, rather, not very many bother to go that way these days.

Cheers
Trev
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Good to know ... will probably just look at gettiing another reloader ... simple is best ... thanks
 
explorin2 said:
I'm thinking the answer is a big no but need to confirm. I have an RCBS RockChucker single stage press and recently bought a shot gun. Can I use the single stage press to load 12 guage?

If no, what you recommend.
Click to expand...

Not worth the cost to convert nor will it work as well as a MEC etc. Pick up a used MEC sizemaster in the gauge you are going to reload
A 600 jr is fine also but you will eventually want to add a primer tray which is standard on the sizemaster plus the collet sytle resizer is more forgiving and accurate when resizing today's crappy hulls.
 
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I would look at buying a used MEC 600 jr or a new Lee Load all II for limited shotshell loading. I do the odd bit of buckshot and slugs or some birdshot and both these press types have served me well.
 
I picked up a Lee Load All 2 for $60 new and it has served me well. I have reloaded about 750 shells in it and it's showing signs of wear but isn't loose or breaking down yet. If you are only reloading for a shotgun here and there then a Lee will do the job. If you are going to get into more serious shotshell reloading a MEC will last longer. My friend has a MEC 600 jr and it is definitely much nicer than my Lee but also cost 4-5x as much.
 
Take a good look at the Ponsness Warren shotshell presses. I started with Mec and then went to PW. I would never go back.
 
i greatly appreciate all the responces and have started looking into the different recommendations.

currently I reload for my 22-250, for about a year now, and shot shell reloading seems alot more ... detailed ... for lack of better words.
 
I was so excited when I saw this thread. I want to reload 20 gauge on my single stage press. I won't be loading many so it seems a waste to take up space with another press. Looking at the responses I guess I'll be buying a mec junior.
 
s/g

I beleive the die set is $200 on the buffal arms in the states ,but seem a bit on the expensive side for a single stage process ,but they seem to sell.The lee loadall looks like the most economical way to start ,never used one .I personally liked thr progresive myself hornady /pw .cheers Peter
 
I have loaded with a LoadAll II. Works like a charm, especially with Winchester AA hulls. For the $$, it is just fine for the amount of shotshell reloading I've done. I have one each for 12 and 20 ga. It would be absolutely great if Lee would make one in .410. :)
 
Mec

MapleSugar said:
I've never used one, but the MEC 600 Jr. sure looks well built and has legions of satisfied users.

If I ever get into shotgun reloading it will be the press I buy.
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I used one for years and I could load up 100 rounds pretty quick and head out shooting. Cheers Roscoe
 
I've had 7 or 8 MEC presses in various gauges over the years starting in about 1967. Mostly Juniors, a Grabber and a 9000 G. Still have 12 and 20 ga. 600 Jr's. as well as a P-W 950 Elite in 12 ga.

The 600 Jr. will do just fine for a guy wanting to load 10 or 20 flats a year. :)
Beyond that, the progressives are the way to go when quantities get "up there".
 
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