Which press?

Grizz Axxemann

Grizz Axxemann

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Ok, I'm new to this, and I've given up on the progressive notion.... for now.

I'm looking at a single stage for my reloading needs in the not so distant future... It'll be doing rifle and pistol until I have the space for a progressive for handgun...

So I'm looking at the Lee presses... Mostly for the bang for the buck factor. It'll most likely be either a Challenger, or a Reloader. I'm also entertaining the idea of the hand press, too (yep, I'm pretty sure I have to upper body strength to cycle that one.)

Other than price tag and basic shape, are there any ifferences that the uninitiated like me should be aware of? And what's the difference (other than the glaringly obvious price) between the challenger, and the Classic Cast Press?
 
Grizz Axxemann said:
Other than price tag and basic shape, are there any ifferences that the uninitiated like me should be aware of? And what's the difference (other than the glaringly obvious price) between the challenger, and the Classic Cast Press?
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The Challenger will break, due to the pot-metal linkage. Mine has been stuck on de-prime duty since I bought the classic cast. The Classic cast is one of the best single stage presses, and perhaps the most solid I have ever seen.

Classic cast gets my nod.
 
I used a Lee for about 18 years and loaded thousands of rounds on it. Last year I went to a Redding Big Boss then found out how crappy the Lee really was.:p At least compared to the Redding. I was going for a Rock Chucker but the Big Boss was on sale and ended up cheaper.
 
esquif said:
you will at some point anyway
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Here we go... you may read my dillon/lee comparison here.

But, since you aren't looking at a progressive now anyway (good decision), of the presses you mention the Classic Cast is cast iron, the other Lee presses are aluminum - the CC should have a much longer lifespan. The CC also has superior spent-primer handling, and is reputed to be quite smooth. Have a look at the Midway reviews. Although we can't buy anything from Midway anymore, it's useful for reviews and other research.
 
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Lee Classic Cast Press

I can't speak for the cheaper Lee presses, but the Classic Cast is a very nice press. Smooth, and seems built for the long haul.

Priced right too, good value. When I started getting set up for loading, the best of the best was out of reach, so I bought the best that I could afford. I decided the CC was worth the extra and still think so.
 
If all you're planning on loading is that 22-250 and neck sizing only, you really don't need much of a press at all. Anything would work, really.
 
Here's another vote for an RCBS Rockchuker. I've had mine for 25 years and have never had a reason to change. If I loaded a great deal of pistol ammo, I'd probably look at something different, but as far as single stage presses go, the Rockchucker is pretty much the industry standard.
 
Don't want to try to cross any lines here, but I have an excellent Rockchucker for sale on the Equipment exchange forum for about ½ price. Check in Reloading supplies. Regards, Eagleye.
 
Right now I have an RCBS Ammomaster, but if I was starting over, and buying new stuff, I would get a Lee Classic Cast.

Well built, just as strong a Rockchucker for a lot less cash.





 
I just went form a Challenger to a Classic Cast, it's like night and day. Challenger flexed when I leaned on it, at first I was crunching cases with the Classic cast, it's great.
 
Rockchucker. Sold mine years ago and wish I still had it for rifle loading. For pistol a progressive is the only way to go for volume and you are talking Dillon then.

Take Care

Bob
 
Eagleye said:
Don't want to try to cross any lines here, but I have an excellent Rockchucker for sale on the Equipment exchange forum for about ½ price. Check in Reloading supplies. Regards, Eagleye.
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damm go get this;) later you can add a piggy back.. ( a unit to make it into a multi stage press)
 
Rockchuckers are under $100.00 new from the US.....why would anyone comprimize on something so proven as the R.C......Mine is 40 years old and still going strong.
 
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