Gonna start reloading, what press?

[shootnfarmer]

I want to start reloading this winter, probably just after the the new year. I plan to reload .45 colt, .45acp, .223, .270, .308, and 7mm rem mag or 300WM. I have had my eye on a Rock Chucker Supreme master kit, but have seen Hornady's Lock n Load classic I believe for a little less and include 500 free bullets(big fan of the A-Max). Or is worth it to go to a turret style press? Looking for some opinions from the knowing folks here that are familiar with both or all systems.

Thanks,

Shaun

 

[vman]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

I have the rockchucker supreme master kit and stand behind it.

If i could go back and get something different, after everything I have learnt I would probably get a forster co-ax

1) spent primers and gunk go into a nice little bottle
2) Has a floating shell holder
3) Dies snap in and out like the hornady
4) The press handle is in a more convenient location meaning to can stand in front of press, something I hate about my RCBS. When sitting on a chair reloading I need to sit on the side of the press so I can use the ram

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

There are two general schools of thought with regards to reloading kits.

One is to spend as little as possible to get a serviceable kit, then upgrade as and if needed. You get the advantage of minimal initial outlay, and a chance to use the tools to see what features you may want in upgraded tools. The Lee kits are a good choice in this regard.

The other is to spend more money, and get a better kit to start with. The tools are generally better, but are rarely the best. If you pride yourself in having very good tools, you'll still probably upgrade, but your initial investment will have been higher. The RCBS, Redding, Lyman and Hornady kits are in this category.

On the other hand, assembling your own kit can be rewarding too, since you can choose tools from different manufacturers (nobody makes best in class tools for every facet of reloading).

Whatever you do, get and read a reloading book such as "ABC's of Reloading", and a manual or two (Lyman and Hornady are well regarded). The former will give you a good rundown of the process and tools involved in reloading. The latter are more specific, and include load data for individual cartridges.

Andy

 

[former naval person]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

I have and like the Coax very much. However, the "eraser" (i.e., the bullet puller) is better on the RCBS or Hornady press. I like to have the coax if switching dies a lot, but I keep a cheap C type press set up if I need to pull some bullets...which, if you begin serious load workups, you will need. I'd recommend the Coax with a cheap used RCBS or Lee set up to the side for the pulling chores. A turret press is not really faster in production for pistol. For that, a progressive such as the Dillon is much preferable. JMHO

 

[VKC]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

I went with the hornady LNL progressive press. I like LNL because of the quick change bushing system which allows you to switch between calibers and different loadings quickly and consistently. Also if you are loading a lot, the progressive press is much faster. I have not found any decrease in accuracy with progressive press...and have confirmed that concentricity, primer seating, and bullet seating overall length is consistent. But powder charger with LNL isn't quite as accurate as I like, so I use a RCBS chargemaster instead.

 

[Retoocs]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

Might want to consider a Dillon 550 if you plan on reloading pistols, especially if you shoot a lot.

 

[Longshot38]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

I have a Hornady 007 press. The Lock-n-Load bushing system is nice and makes die changes a snap. The overall quality of the press is very good and it is solid piece of gear. The priming system is good but I do feel there are better ones out there. I did find one draw back to the press though. The ram stroke is not long enough to accommodate some of the longer cases. The press handled 338 Lapua cases fine, however 300 weatherby was beyond the presses capability due to it due to the length of the case.

 

[vman]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: former naval person</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I have and like the Coax very much. However, the "eraser" (i.e., the bullet puller) is better on the RCBS or Hornady press. I like to have the coax if switching dies a lot, but I keep a cheap C type press set up if I need to pull some bullets...which, if you begin serious load workups, you will need. I'd recommend the Coax with a cheap used RCBS or Lee set up to the side for the pulling chores. A turret press is not really faster in production for pistol. For that, a progressive such as the Dillon is much preferable. JMHO </div></div>

Will keep this in mind as I think a co-ax is in order

but the RCBS press will still remain on the bench

Even tho the RCBS work just fine I really find the operating of the lever annoying as It means I cannot sit directly in front of the press... not a big deal if your loading a handfull of rounds, but if you do over 100 and have a bench setup like mine, its frustrating moving back and forth between the measure and the press

 

[frankythefly]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

I do not recommend the LEE or Hornady presses unless you are looking for a steady relationship with the customer service.
Problems I have had with the Hornady is after a while the Lock-n-Load bushing system starts to get slop between the bushings and the press like an 1/8 of inch. Also the RCBS collet bullet puller wont work very well or at all on the Hornady because when you tighten the collet it unscrews the bushing. Lee works but not for the Heavy reloader it falls apart. I know a ton of guys who hunt and all use lee presses but they reload under 500 rds a year and dont have any complaints. I now use RCBS presses never had any issues other than the spent primer tray on one falls off all the time so you get spent primers all over the place, which isn't a big deal to me because I reload in the Garage.

 

[Hookman]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

I chose the Dillon 550B and a Lee turret press since I will be reloading for 9mm, 45, 223 and 308 for the most part. The Dillon with multiple heads makes it very versatile and easy to use. The Lee works like a single stage press for smaller batches or specific tasks like Decapping primers.

 

[johndoe]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

I take it that this your first venture into reloading? I would get a
single stage press or a Turret but not a progressive until you get
your feet wet. It's really hard to go wrong with Rcbs and Redding
presses.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

Get a Co-Ax, I have a RCBS Partner and JR press, the Co-Ax smokes them both

 

[Headgear]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

I have the coax and a Dillon 650. For accuracy, they say the coax produces some of the straightest rounds available and when I check for run-out I see that being true. I had a Rock Chucker years ago and I'll not have another. The coax is amazing.

The 650 is more for pistol, production type work although I run my AR food through it also. I had a small issue and called customer service and never had a response like that in my life with anything, period! They are the best people to work with I have ever run into.

I am not a big fan of the kits. There is always something that you are not going to use so much or something that you would rather have and it is not included.

From your post count, it looks like you have been around and read quite a bit. You probably have read the expression: "cry once". If at all possible, get the best reloading equipment that you can afford. We are all from different walks of life and can't always do that but if you can, you won't be sorry. On the other hand, if you have to skimp, don't skimp on anything safety related. If you are new to reloading, do like Andy said above and get several manuals and read them cover to cover. These will be your most important tools.

Get what you can afford, go slow, Be SAFE, and enjoy.

Good Luck,

David

 

[dvdt]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

I'm with headgear. Don't skimp on anything safety related. If that means you get frustrated or are too lazy to use a balance beam scale, get an electric.

I'm VERY happy with my Co-Ax press. I just got a 650 and I love that thing too. I do all my precision stuff on the Co-Ax and flat crank ammo on the 650 for handguns. I'm going to try .223 on it as well.

If you're looking for time savers and have the cash, I'd highly recommend the RCBS Chargemaster 1500 and from the reviews I've read here, the Giraud trimmer.

Also, make sure you have the right tools. Get a set of calipers, Hornady/Sinclair headspace and bullet comparators and you'll be able to take considerable amount of "guesswork" out.

Down the road I'd also look at getting on the Stainless Steel media bandwagon. I'm stupid happy with mine. But, I'm kinda stupid

 

[Chanonry]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

Shaun

An alternative view?

Use the cheap stuff unless it is real junk or impacts accuracy i.e. runout.

I have a basic Lee press and it works fine. If you want to produce good quality ammo buy good dies i.e. 'competition' types. Use a body die and a neck die. I have used Lee collet die (cheap and good results) and bushing neck dies (expensive, more controllable perhaps and good results)- for $30 or whatever you may want to try the Collet die first. Redding body die is cheap and works well.

Buy a concentricty gauge so you can see whether you are producing consistenly good rounds. This is the best bit of reloading kit I have bought. Save several years and buy one now!

Buy decent scales, I use balance beam (as I am not sure if there is an issue with electronic scales or not, and it does not improve the load quality so it does not get money thrown at it).

Other stuff such as trimming, chamfering etc I just use the cheap Lee stuff and it works just fine. Don't buy tricklers, loading blocks etc - waste of cash that could buy components

My view on the press is that it does not need to be top quality hyper engineered as a bit of slop that allows the case to centre itself in the dies is a positive benefit.

As I said it is an alternative view. People will disagree which is fine, other than the necessity for the concentricity gauge. If you start with that you can measure measure and measure some more until you can consistently produce rounds to the same tolerance. After that inconsistency in shooting lies somewhere else in the system

A

 

[samnev]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Retoocs</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Might want to consider a Dillon 550 if you plan on reloading pistols, especially if you shoot a lot. </div></div>

The Dillon 550B if you shoot a lot wether it's pistol or rifle and a RCBS ChargeMaster 1500 scale/dispenser.

 

[Longshot38]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: frankythefly</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I do not recommend the LEE or Hornady presses unless you are looking for a steady relationship with the customer service.
Problems I have had with the Hornady is after a while the Lock-n-Load bushing system starts to get slop between the bushings and the press like an 1/8 of inch. Also the RCBS collet bullet puller wont work very well or at all on the Hornady because when you tighten the collet it unscrews the bushing. Lee works but not for the Heavy reloader it falls apart. I know a ton of guys who hunt and all use lee presses but they reload under 500 rds a year and dont have any complaints. I now use RCBS presses never had any issues other than the spent primer tray on one falls off all the time so you get spent primers all over the place, which isn't a big deal to me because I reload in the Garage. </div></div>

Franky I have to disagree with you here. I have owned both Lee and Hornady products. While I'm not a big fan of Lee products they do make some very good products (and some very bad products). When it comes to Hornady I have nothing but good things to say about them. The only product I ever got from them that I didn't like was the run out gauge. However the problem with this product is the indicator not the over all design of the product.

I have never experienced any of the issue you describe with the Lock-n-Load system. I have found this system to be VERY good and well built. Like my original post stated the only issue I have ever had with the press is the small ram stroke. An extra half inch would be a huge improvement. Truth of the matter is that after getting my Hornady press I sold off everything else I had including my Dillon.

 

[patriotoutlaw]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

Forester. I recommend biting the bullet and making your own "kit", if this is going to be a lifelong endevour. Go buy the book 'The ABC's of Handloading' or something similar.

 

[Clark]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

Use all the time:
Bonanza co-ax press
Forster co-ax press
RCBS partner press

Use sometimes:
(3) Lee reloader presses
RCBS rockchucker press

Never use:
Lyman All American Press with shell holder adapter
Dillon 550B set up for 9mm and 223

 

[Fuzzball]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

"Lee works but not for the Heavy reloader it falls apart."

An oft heard or written comment on Lee presses but note there is neither supporting evidence nor mention of which of Lee's presses is being refered to. Since Lee makes some 8-10 presses, far more than anyone else, and they run the gamut from a tiny allum alloy single stage to a massive cast iron single stage and turret with a couple-three progressives and others in between, saying "the Lee press" isn't much guidence even if it was accurate! The intelligent thing would be to use our experience by sugggesting a press based on what it will be used for, not making a blanket snub against the brand. ??

No one who knows anything about the Lee Classic Cast, single stage or turret, could honestly suggest they are any less powerful, precise or durable than any other presses of their types. And they have the best combonation of excellant user features of anything else in their class, regardless of price.

My RCBS RC II press is old but still perfect, so far as that goes. But it's certainly no match in features against my young friend's Lee Classic Cast. He doesn't get spent primers all over the floor like I do, he can handle larger cartridges more easily than I can, his lever is fully adjustable for side, length and angle while mine does none of that. But, other than that, my RCBS is just as good as his Lee! (The RC costs a lot more for what is now made in China tho.)

 

[Tommy5.56]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

RCBS for my handloads and Dillon 1050 for blinking loads.

 

[Headgear]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

Dido on the RCBS Charge Master. If you are new to reloading, it is a good safe dispenser/scale. Plug in the charge, confirm that it is correct and done. No hand trickling or wondering if it is the correct amount. It dispenses a charge and while you are waiting for the next one, you seat the bullet. Never a chance to double charge a round. A great safety benefit as well as a convenience.

 

[shootnfarmer]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

OK, so if i decided to go with a Co-ax, what type/brand of dies would you recommend? Never had any intention of a progressive right now, as I am concentrating on rifle loading more than pistol

 

[shootnfarmer]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

Thanks for all the great info everyone! Top notch opinions is exactly what I was looking for!

 

[Longshot38]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

Redding makes very nice dies and they offer the most options. I also like Hornady dies. While they offer a more limited selection in terms of types of dies the quality of the dies is very good. And they have recently added bushing type dies to their product lines.

 

[Greg Langelius *]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

My first, current, and only press, for over two decades now, is a secondhand Dillon RL550B. Don't bother looking for a secondhand 550, they are like subatomic particles, they only exist for microseconds before they are snapped up by the cognoscenti.

It may not be the absolutely best press available for making penultimately exquisite ammo, but for pretty much all else, they do just fine.

After nearly a decade on this site, I have seen a lot of handloading questions, scenarios, and problems. It's pretty much always somebody else having the problems, my Dillon just keeps on keepin' on. It is the ultimate embodiment of the buy once, cry once principle.

Greg

 

[fw707]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

I switched over to a Co-ax press and Forster dies a while back. It all seems to be high quality stuff.

 

[fncannon]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

work2shoot:
Any dies will work in the Co-Ax, you just have to make sure that the die rings are compatible. The die slot is made for Forster rings, but the old RCBS rings work too.

 

[nhassey48]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

Rock Chucker supreme IMO

 

[fw707]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bbqncigars</div><div class="ubbcode-body">work2shoot:
Any dies will work in the Co-Ax, you just have to make sure that the die rings are compatible. The die slot is made for Forster rings, but the old RCBS rings work too. </div></div>

The Hornady lock rings are supposed to work really well too.

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

Hornady lock rings work great, but my favorite lock rings are Sinclairs.

 

[frankythefly]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

I just got a Forster Co-Ax press based on this thread and I am instantly impressed way better than the RCBS one in every way. Earlier I mentioned about having issues with the Hornady press, it was ok just had issues with the lock n load part of it and Hornady sent me a brand new one. I might of got a bad one, but sold the new one and picked up a RCBS one which I felt was better. But now that I have the COAX one this one really is the best that I have used.
I went from the LEE to the Hornady then to RCBS and now to the CO-AX, it seems I do this with everything including my dies, lots of money wasted but I just got what I could at the time and eventually just upgraded. Every company was great and always sent out new replacements in a few days and for free.

 

[Headgear]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

Now you're cooking! I went through a couple myself before getting the coax and holy cow! It's hard to explain to someone how one single stage press could be so much easier to use than others but it doesn't take long after owning one to see the difference. I'm sure that there are other really good presses out there but I don't see me ever changing.

 

[Jig Stick]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

all 5 of my benchrest buddies use rockchuckers when loading at the shop / home. They use custom portable presses when reloading at matches. If the rockchucker is good enough for these 5 fanatics then it should be good enough for me to use for handloaded hunting loads and target loads for my 300winmag. Im going with a rockchucker....

 

[AMOK!]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

Harrell's Combo Press for NO Sizing and bullet seating cases up to 30-06. Forester Co-Ax Press for FL-sizing (and NO by default) and bullet seating larger cases (ie. 300WM, 375H&H, etc.)

 

[catron]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

I have the Forster Co-Ax, the Redding T-7 and Dillon 550 and use them all. Every reloader should have at least one single stage press, and I encourage beginners to start with a single stage press, it makes learning the basics soo much easier, a progressive has so many variable it can be a bit much for some beginners, depending on mechanical aptitude, etc.

 

[Headgear]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Any dies will work in the Co-Ax, you just have to make sure that the die rings are compatible. The die slot is made for Forster rings, but the old RCBS rings work too.</div></div>

A friend recently bought some RCBS dies so he could load some 7mm Weatherby on my Coax and those rings didn't fit. Wonder if they have changed over the years?

 

[fish30114]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

Headgear, there is an adjustment to the detent that holds the rings in place on the coax, I have used every ring I can imageine and they all work fine in mine. The Hornady's )or others) with flats on them, may not index directly under the detent, in which case you just spin the die around a bit, but frankly it doesn't really matter--the die may a be a little more or less snug depending on the adjustment of the detent, but the die 'floats' in the co-as--another reason I love that press.

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

Re: Gonna start reloading, what press?

The original RCBS lock rings were of the cross-bolt design, similar to the Forster and Hornady rings. The original RCBS rings were thicker, like a Forster or Hornady. I pick them up used at guns shows etc., every now and then, and they work fine in my Co-Ax.


Then to save production costs, RCBS changed to a hex nut with a steel set screw, and ultimately to the current hex nut with a brass set screw. The hex nuts are thinner. The hex rings will work, sort of, but you have to pay more attention to them. Also, any single set screw will force the lock nut off-center on the die, which will induce it off-axis under reloading force.

The detent adjustment on the Co-Ax is just a spring loaded, ball-tipped set screw. If is is adjusted improperly, it will prevent the lock ring from laying flat up against the top of the slot when in use, which causes misalignment with the case and die. It should only be adjusted downward such that the ball protrudes from the top of the slot just enough to contact the lock ring, but not so much that it cannot be depressed flush against the top of the slot when the die is put under pressure in use.

Andy