Single Stage Press
- Thread starter mikept
- Start date
- Location
- Winnipeg,Man.
buy the single stage press...the rest is in the dies you buy for reloading. i personally reload for all my rifles of different calibers (13) and each rifle has its ownnload it likes. I use only a single stage for resizing and depriming and another single for installing the bullet.
Most regular presses will handle .338LM (as far as I know) - have a look at the specifications on the max opening and compare to the oal you expect. Regarding desirable features, here is a read for you: https://squibloads.wordpress.com/reloading/whats-the-best-single-stage-press/
reloaders.ca has only the Lee classic cast and Hornady lock-n-load, and it looks like there's also the RCBS, Redding, and Forster to choose from elsewhere. I'd really like to buy this once and have it last a lifetime. I know it's no guarantee, but if you had to pick one that has the best chance of lasting 50 years, which would it be?
There seems to be about a $300 range of price, but is that because of better build quality, duability, precision, etc. or because of extra features?
Thanks for your input, folks.
There seems to be about a $300 range of price, but is that because of better build quality, duability, precision, etc. or because of extra features?
Thanks for your input, folks.
There really isn't that much difference in the "O" frame, cast steel presses, Lee, RCBS, Hornady. The quality is similar for those three. For example the RCBS is now cast in China, and finish machined in the US.
However the Forster is in a league of it's own.
That said, you won't go wrong with any of them.
For single stage presses, I have an old Hornady (named Pacific from that era) that is around 40 years old, and a Lee Classic Cast for loading 50 BMG. But have my eye on the Forster.
However the Forster is in a league of it's own.
That said, you won't go wrong with any of them.
For single stage presses, I have an old Hornady (named Pacific from that era) that is around 40 years old, and a Lee Classic Cast for loading 50 BMG. But have my eye on the Forster.
having no clue of the quality and what not of forster, lee, rcbs, hornady and dillon (not sure if they make single stage) all have extremely good warranty support and then some.
if the body of the press breaks or the handle snaps, etc i would be surprised if any of them refused to replace it.
if the body of the press breaks or the handle snaps, etc i would be surprised if any of them refused to replace it.
I have a forster and I love it. Before buying I was wondering about loading the 338 lm on it. I found lots of people on the net that said it's too small. The fact is it it handles the lapua just fine, just be sure to get the second set of jaws for the press or you'll be s.o.l. People also complained about the priming system but it's all I use and I find it reasonable quick and very consistant. Get the co-axe, you wont regret it.
I have an old Texan turret single stage that is now 60 years old and still going strong. No idea how many thousands of rounds, from 38 special to 460 Weatherby it has loaded.
If I was buying today, Lyman or Redding Turrets. Having multiple die holes means you can size, seat and crimp without ever having to switch dies. You can even mount a powder thrower so you can charge on the press. Very handy.
For a true single stage, the two top quality are Redding or Forster, but I prefer being able to use shell holders of different thicknesses for precision loading so I would buy the Redding.
If I was buying today, Lyman or Redding Turrets. Having multiple die holes means you can size, seat and crimp without ever having to switch dies. You can even mount a powder thrower so you can charge on the press. Very handy.
For a true single stage, the two top quality are Redding or Forster, but I prefer being able to use shell holders of different thicknesses for precision loading so I would buy the Redding.
