I am in the market for a new single stage press. Not particular to any brand. I already have a Lee Challenger press and a classic cast turret press. Right now I load a variety of pistol and rifle calibres up to 30-06. I want something that is a bit more precise. I don't prime on press, so that's not an issue. I like the idea of the RCBS summit, but am not quite sold on it. I am not loyal to brand, but would like to keep it below $250
Steer me toward a new single stage press.
- Thread starter plmnkoqaz
- Start date
Barnes_270
Regular
- Location
- Langley, BC
Just use your cast turret without the indexing rod if you want single stage - works like a charm. The LCT is a good press.
- Location
- West Quebec
The Forster Co-Ax is a great single..
ultimate_monkey
CGN Ultra frequent flyer
- Location
- victoria BC
iv got an RCBS rock chucker and a co-ax. quick and simple both work great, i do a fair bit of brass prep ( anneal, trim, chamfur, neck turn) for 308/.284/6br for both sizing and bullet seating using the rcbs i have .001" run out or less, same procedure in the co-ax i would need a dial that reads in 1/10000" to be able to tell you accurately the run out.
im using redding competition micrometer bushing neck dies, and comp micrometer bullet seater dies
as it stands i mainly use the rcbs for forming operations and bullet pulling and the co-ax for sizing/seating
im using redding competition micrometer bushing neck dies, and comp micrometer bullet seater dies
as it stands i mainly use the rcbs for forming operations and bullet pulling and the co-ax for sizing/seating
- Location
- West Quebec
+1 I have had good success even with Lee dies with minimum run out and my Forster
There are many very good single stage presses out there, and it would be difficult to slag any of them.
However, one SS press stands head and shoulders above the competition - The Forster Co-Ax. I have been using mine for 30+ years now [It is still marked "Bonanza", not Forster.]
How many rounds it has loaded, I have no idea, but well into the 10's of thousands. Nary a glitch during this time. A good cleanup and lube periodically, and good to go.
I like the universal shell holder plates, and the complete spent primer control of the Co-Ax. I also like the precise seating, and quick change die system. [5 seconds]
The Co-Ax also has a very favorable mechanical advantage in the mechanism, so forming cases is a snap.
A bit spendy up front, and sometimes harder to find one, but if you buy one, you will wonder why you did not get one much sooner.
Regards, Dave.
However, one SS press stands head and shoulders above the competition - The Forster Co-Ax. I have been using mine for 30+ years now [It is still marked "Bonanza", not Forster.]
How many rounds it has loaded, I have no idea, but well into the 10's of thousands. Nary a glitch during this time. A good cleanup and lube periodically, and good to go.
I like the universal shell holder plates, and the complete spent primer control of the Co-Ax. I also like the precise seating, and quick change die system. [5 seconds]
The Co-Ax also has a very favorable mechanical advantage in the mechanism, so forming cases is a snap.
A bit spendy up front, and sometimes harder to find one, but if you buy one, you will wonder why you did not get one much sooner.
Regards, Dave.
Rory McCanuck
CGN Regular
- Location
- Middle of Manitoba
I also have a Co-Ax, and well, yeah, they are that nice.
More than your $250 for a new one, though.
Everything I've read from people that have the RCBS Summit has been very positive.
A couple had a bit of an issue with alignment/play when they first set it up, but even so they rave about them.
I really want to get a CH Champion. I have the old style with the toggle link, but the newer one looks like an absolute beast.
More than your $250 for a new one, though.
Everything I've read from people that have the RCBS Summit has been very positive.
A couple had a bit of an issue with alignment/play when they first set it up, but even so they rave about them.
I really want to get a CH Champion. I have the old style with the toggle link, but the newer one looks like an absolute beast.
- Location
- West Quebec
The last I checked they were around $319 I paid a little less so not a biggy in my book
x2.^
I have a 2 press setup. A Lyman Chrusher for all my sizing and case forming and an O-mag for bullet seating and any bullet pulling. I very much like the long throat of the Lyman presses which makes loading the long H&H and ultra mags so much easier. If I had to replace them tomorrow I'd get the same presses.
I use a Redding (I think it's the Big Boss), works great and is big enough to load my 338 Lapua, I wish it had a little taller opening but it's not a problem and would be great for any cartridges shorter than or up to 338 Lapa.
My cast press is fine for bulk pistol or rifle rounds, but the die plate has a ton of play in it and the seating depths can be very inconsistent. The is at least 0.020" of play between when the press is at rest and when full contact with the die is made.
