single stage press

[dudley2112]

Just wondering if i were to get a new single stage to replace my current RCBS junior press which would be better a lee Challenger press OR the RCBS partner press. please dont say get a rock chucker because i cant afford one lol

 

[BrotherRockeye]

you are better off with the Jr. imo unless it's worn out or broken.

you won't like the feel of the Lee after using an RCBS and the partner is the closest thing RCBS makes to junk imo.

 

[rollie100]

a very very good inexpensive press is the CLASSIC CAST Lee press, i got one to replace the very crappy lee challenger press i broke.

think its around $130-50 from higginson.

 

[vagrantviking]

Go with the Lee Classic Cast if you really have to replace your RCBS.

Whats wrong with the one you have? RCBS is known to have pretty good customer service when it comes to parts or problems.

 

[dudley2112]

theres nothing all that wrong with it i mostly ue it for .223 and 22-250 but i was thinking something different might be better for 6.5 swedish mauser and .303 brit that i also load

 

[BrotherRockeye]

spend the money on powder and bullets

keep using the Jr. press. you won't be taking a step up with the options you have in that price range imo.

 

[COREY]

I would use what you have for now and save for a Rockchucker. My uncle gave me my father a used one about 25 years ago (a guy owed my uncle money and gave him this in trade); the only thing I have had to do to it is clean rust off the handle and that is it. It works great; the only thing I would replace it with is a Forster Co-Ax press and I do not load enough precision rounds to justify that.

 

[sunray]

"...can't afford one..." Lot of that going on these days. Don't discount buying a used Rock Chucker. Takes a lot of abuse the damage one of 'em. A lot of guys sell their old kit when they move to a progressive.
RCBS' warrantee is on the equipment. They support used kit just like they do BNIB kit.

 

[Therion]

Rock chucker on sale

When I checked on the Wholesale Sports website a couple of days ago, they had a Rockchucker for $180 (web special, in stores they cost $200). Might be something to look at. I don't know whether they charge for shipping??

 

[CyaN1de]

I don't believe the Partner has any more clearance than the Jr if that's what you're looking for.

Rockchucker, Redding Big Boss, Lyman Orange Crusher are the models that will give you more clearance.

I use a Jr3 for my loading but the longest I load is .260 Rem and it requires tucking the bullet into the die before seating in the shell holder.

 

[leadslinger]

Lee Classic cast for @ $120.
more room than my old Rock chucker to load taller rounds like 30-06
Rock chucker had just enough clearence to place bullet on case.
Classic cast is very well made.
Dont regret buying mine.
One of the best things on it, is the old primer collecting system.
that WORKS!
Old primers dont bounce out all over the place.

 

[fogducker]

keep the jr.......the partner is a lighter duty press imo

just saw your in Ajax...if you want to try out a partner press i,ll lend you one to try

 

[ben hunchak]

Keep and use the press you have, save up your pesos and buy a Co-ax.

 

[heavyBullet]

When I checked on the Wholesale Sports website a couple of days ago, they had a Rockchucker for $180 (web special, in stores they cost $200). Might be something to look at. I don't know whether they charge for shipping??

$119 in the US...been thinkin I might pick one up when I go to the States in 2 weeks. Though I have a breech lock press sitting here not even used yet. Decisions decisions

 

[dudley2112]

btw on another note between a lyman accu-trimmer for 61$ or the lyman universal trimmer for 95$ which one would you recommend... is it really worth the extra $$ for the universal trimmer

 

[bearhunter]

Dudley, if you're pressed for $$$$$$$ buy trim dies for each cartridge you load for. They are fast and cheap.

As far as a new press goes, the ones you list are OK but the one you have is better. I still use a RCBS Jr. press for most of my stuff and I have 6 different presses. on my bench. They are virtually indestructable and reliable. Many people seem to forget to lube them though. They, like all mechanical equipment, require lubricationto operate smoothly.
As far as single stage presses go, you have one of the best already, why would you go to something of lesser quality?

 

[mike shickele]

btw on another note between a lyman accu-trimmer for 61$ or the lyman universal trimmer for 95$ which one would you recommend... is it really worth the extra $$ for the universal trimmer

I use the Lee trimmers, and I like them. I wouldn't want the setup time thats needed for the lathe-style trimmers.
Mike

 

[HKMark23]

A lot of guys sell their old kit when they move to a progressive.

Not to pick nits, and I really haven't checked this out at all, but the notion surprises me ! I figured most guys keep their SS presses.

Looks like a good excuse to run a poll .

 

[bearhunter]

polls are a pita

 

[BrotherRockeye]

btw on another note between a lyman accu-trimmer for 61$ or the lyman universal trimmer for 95$ which one would you recommend... is it really worth the extra $$ for the universal trimmer

if you trim lots of calibers then it's worth it,no collets to buy just the pilot and it comes with 9 of the most popular.
if you have lots of trimming to do,like trimming 44spl to 44Russian length then it's worth having a horizontal trimmer.
I use the Lee case length gauges and a cordless drill for my routine trim to length when reloading.They are cheap and it's fast.

BTW I've used my RCBS Jr. for seating .338...they're a good press.