I am looking for opinions on a reloading press. I do not mind spending a little extra on a good press or a reloading set. What is the top three brands to choose from? I am reloading rifle ammo only. I have seen several brands that offer package deals but do not know which is the best quality.
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Reloading Press Help!!
- Thread starter Robar498
- Start date
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
Do you have a budget? Think of initial investment and any upgrades you might be planning to make within say the first 3 months.
What do you want to do with the reloads? And how much do you plan to shoot?
With more money spent you will get better quality and also faster process.
Do you have a budget? Think of initial investment and any upgrades you might be planning to make within say the first 3 months.
What do you want to do with the reloads? And how much do you plan to shoot?
With more money spent you will get better quality and also faster process.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
I will be shooting atleast once or twice a week, 300-500 rounds a week. I am mainly shooting .308, .223 and 300 win mag.
I will be shooting atleast once or twice a week, 300-500 rounds a week. I am mainly shooting .308, .223 and 300 win mag.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
If you have a budget of around $700 go with the RCBS suprime chuck kit and a good set of dies. I shunned on ready to go kits until I actually looked into them. SO I bought one to try it out. Im actually really pleased. The set came with everything I needed besides a caliper and a case trimmer. another $80 later and im done and set yo go for a while.
Loading up some 308 SMK's came out pretty nice. Really pleased with it.
If you have a budget of around $700 go with the RCBS suprime chuck kit and a good set of dies. I shunned on ready to go kits until I actually looked into them. SO I bought one to try it out. Im actually really pleased. The set came with everything I needed besides a caliper and a case trimmer. another $80 later and im done and set yo go for a while.
Loading up some 308 SMK's came out pretty nice. Really pleased with it.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
Forster COAX is probably the best single stage. I am quite pleased with the performance of my RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme. I don't think I will be upgrading for a while.
Forster COAX is probably the best single stage. I am quite pleased with the performance of my RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme. I don't think I will be upgrading for a while.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
Forster COAX hands down would be my choice. Fast die changes with no die
bushings or shell plates. And you just about can't tear the base off a shell if
you stick one in your die.
Forster COAX hands down would be my choice. Fast die changes with no die
bushings or shell plates. And you just about can't tear the base off a shell if
you stick one in your die.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
Never used the Forster, so I can't speak to that, but I really like my Redding Big Boss II. Been kicking around the idea of adding the T7, but no "real" need, more of a want. I have been happy with all of my Redding products. Don't think you will go wrong with any of them and they have a lifetime warranty also.
Never used the Forster, so I can't speak to that, but I really like my Redding Big Boss II. Been kicking around the idea of adding the T7, but no "real" need, more of a want. I have been happy with all of my Redding products. Don't think you will go wrong with any of them and they have a lifetime warranty also.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
If you have $1300 go for the Hollywood otherwise one more for the Forester Coax
If you have $1300 go for the Hollywood otherwise one more for the Forester Coax
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
That Hollywood press is interesting looking.
My dad has an older press that is VERY similar looking to that Hollywood press except it accepts standard shell holders but it has a huge center ram like that with a threaded cap at the top. It's actually built a little more stout than that one and has a red cast iron base with a big thick machined steel, not cast, turret plate. I have no clue what brand it is and would love some help figuring out what brand it is. If my disrciption sounds famaliar to anyone I would love to know what brand it is.
That Hollywood press is interesting looking.
My dad has an older press that is VERY similar looking to that Hollywood press except it accepts standard shell holders but it has a huge center ram like that with a threaded cap at the top. It's actually built a little more stout than that one and has a red cast iron base with a big thick machined steel, not cast, turret plate. I have no clue what brand it is and would love some help figuring out what brand it is. If my disrciption sounds famaliar to anyone I would love to know what brand it is.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
that much ammo a week, you need the dillon 550 and the RCBS chargemaster, assuming you want match loads. This way you can spend more time shooting than loading, and with the quick caliber change toolheads, swapping from 223 to 308 is a snap.
hope this helps
that much ammo a week, you need the dillon 550 and the RCBS chargemaster, assuming you want match loads. This way you can spend more time shooting than loading, and with the quick caliber change toolheads, swapping from 223 to 308 is a snap.
hope this helps
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
A Dillon 550B is hard to beat especially if you want to make a lot of ammo. Mine is over 25 years old.
For less volume of reloads the Redding T-7 is an excellent choice. Mine is less than five years old.
I 'love' them both.
A Dillon 550B is hard to beat especially if you want to make a lot of ammo. Mine is over 25 years old.
For less volume of reloads the Redding T-7 is an excellent choice. Mine is less than five years old.
I 'love' them both.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
For larger batches of ammo the Dillon 550B.
For smaller batches the Forester Co-ax.
These are my top choices followed by Rockchucker.
For larger batches of ammo the Dillon 550B.
For smaller batches the Forester Co-ax.
These are my top choices followed by Rockchucker.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme gets my vote, especially if you're new to reloading.
Keep it simple starting off and then upgrade to a Dillon later on
Mike
RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme gets my vote, especially if you're new to reloading.
Keep it simple starting off and then upgrade to a Dillon later on
Mike
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: samson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That Hollywood press is interesting looking.
My dad has an older press that is VERY similar looking to that Hollywood press except it accepts standard shell holders but it has a huge center ram like that with a threaded cap at the top. It's actually built a little more stout than that one and has a red cast iron base with a big thick machined steel, not cast, turret plate. I have no clue what brand it is and would love some help figuring out what brand it is. If my disrciption sounds famaliar to anyone I would love to know what brand it is.</div></div>
That would be the 12 station Hollywood. It is made on the same platform as the one I have. It is the same size as these are the biggest that he made. Those are 1 1/2 inch dies. Kind of give it the illusion of being smaller than it really is.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: samson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">That Hollywood press is interesting looking.
My dad has an older press that is VERY similar looking to that Hollywood press except it accepts standard shell holders but it has a huge center ram like that with a threaded cap at the top. It's actually built a little more stout than that one and has a red cast iron base with a big thick machined steel, not cast, turret plate. I have no clue what brand it is and would love some help figuring out what brand it is. If my disrciption sounds famaliar to anyone I would love to know what brand it is.</div></div>
That would be the 12 station Hollywood. It is made on the same platform as the one I have. It is the same size as these are the biggest that he made. Those are 1 1/2 inch dies. Kind of give it the illusion of being smaller than it really is.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Robar498</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I will be shooting atleast once or twice a week, 300-500 rounds a week. I am mainly shooting .308, .223 and 300 win mag. </div></div>
trust me here my friend, you need a Dillon XL-650, i have one and reload an average of 500 .223/5.56mm rounds per week, shooting three calibers as you do, you need speed and accuracy, unless you want to spend 4 or 5 days reloading, changing calibers, changing powder and adjusting it, i went here
My Choice.., The Dillon XL - 650
and virtually built a custom machine, the cost was a tad over $1500.00
if you need help finding what you want, just whistle.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Robar498</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I will be shooting atleast once or twice a week, 300-500 rounds a week. I am mainly shooting .308, .223 and 300 win mag. </div></div>
trust me here my friend, you need a Dillon XL-650, i have one and reload an average of 500 .223/5.56mm rounds per week, shooting three calibers as you do, you need speed and accuracy, unless you want to spend 4 or 5 days reloading, changing calibers, changing powder and adjusting it, i went here
My Choice.., The Dillon XL - 650
and virtually built a custom machine, the cost was a tad over $1500.00
if you need help finding what you want, just whistle.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: zx14</div><div class="ubbcode-body">500 rds a week in 3 calibers? You definitely need a Dillon! Especially if your new, start out right.</div></div>
I personally think anyone starting loading should use a single stage press and get the basics of loading without having to much to think about. Concentration on correct (safe) reloading is of the utmost importance. Once you have loaded, fired, and reloaded some then go for the progressive. Even though I have progressives I will still use the single stage for some loading.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: zx14</div><div class="ubbcode-body">500 rds a week in 3 calibers? You definitely need a Dillon! Especially if your new, start out right.</div></div>
I personally think anyone starting loading should use a single stage press and get the basics of loading without having to much to think about. Concentration on correct (safe) reloading is of the utmost importance. Once you have loaded, fired, and reloaded some then go for the progressive. Even though I have progressives I will still use the single stage for some loading.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I personally think anyone starting loading should use a single stage press... </div></div>
if he uses a single stage press he will be spending about 4 - 6 hours every day reloading 500 rounds for those three calibers, he needs to go to:
Instructional DVD http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/pid/23803/catid/1/XL_650
and buy the Instructional DVD watch it a few times and he will be a real pro at reloading.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I personally think anyone starting loading should use a single stage press... </div></div>
if he uses a single stage press he will be spending about 4 - 6 hours every day reloading 500 rounds for those three calibers, he needs to go to:
Instructional DVD http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/pid/23803/catid/1/XL_650
and buy the Instructional DVD watch it a few times and he will be a real pro at reloading.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
The Mechanic, I did some looking around on the "net" yesterday and I believe it's a Texan brand turret press. It appears to be built pretty stout but I have no idea how good a press they are.
Anyone ever heard of a "Texan" brand, seven hole, turret press? Are they any good????
The Mechanic, I did some looking around on the "net" yesterday and I believe it's a Texan brand turret press. It appears to be built pretty stout but I have no idea how good a press they are.
Anyone ever heard of a "Texan" brand, seven hole, turret press? Are they any good????
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
Here is pics of a Texan's
Here is a version of a Hollywood called the Hollywood senior.
Here is pics of a Texan's
Here is a version of a Hollywood called the Hollywood senior.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
Rifle cartridges go single stage
Pistol go progressive (223 is OK but a lot of brass prep time so don't know if it's worth it)
Rifle cartridges go single stage
Pistol go progressive (223 is OK but a lot of brass prep time so don't know if it's worth it)
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
I just bought my reloaders and I got the Forster Co-Ax (for quality rounds) and the Dillon 550B (for plinking rounds and pistol). I have about $650.00 in both. Having said that, you are just getting started, so expect to spend another $1,300.00 on tools, dies, scales, adapters, conversion kits, and quick change kits. Then with around $2,000.00 in it, you are ready to buy brass, powder, bullets, and primers. It can get expensive but I don't regret it for a minute!
I just bought my reloaders and I got the Forster Co-Ax (for quality rounds) and the Dillon 550B (for plinking rounds and pistol). I have about $650.00 in both. Having said that, you are just getting started, so expect to spend another $1,300.00 on tools, dies, scales, adapters, conversion kits, and quick change kits. Then with around $2,000.00 in it, you are ready to buy brass, powder, bullets, and primers. It can get expensive but I don't regret it for a minute!
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
The Mechanic
Yes sir that's it. The turret style press in the middle picture is just like the one my dad has except his handle is different and the base is red.
Are they any good? Do you know anything about them? Any help and or information would be great.
The Mechanic
Yes sir that's it. The turret style press in the middle picture is just like the one my dad has except his handle is different and the base is red.
Are they any good? Do you know anything about them? Any help and or information would be great.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
I'm a huge fan and use the Forster Co-Ax. IMHO the best choice for a single stage precision press out there.
I use a Dillon 650 for pistol/subgun and .223 blasting ammunition.
I'm a huge fan and use the Forster Co-Ax. IMHO the best choice for a single stage precision press out there.
I use a Dillon 650 for pistol/subgun and .223 blasting ammunition.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
Robar, I prefer and normally suggest a single stage for any loader. It's much better for noobs and - usually - makes the better ammo, at least a little better.
For the volumes you mention you will almost certainly want/need a progressive. It can be a PITA to swap cartridges in progressives. Either seperate Dillon 550s kept set for each cartridge OR, maybe, a Hornady LnL AP with seperate turret heads.
You would still have many uses for the single stage so it won't be a waste. Considering that you are likely going progressive, a sturdy and well made but inexpensive press will do all you need it to do. For that you can't beat the Lee Classic Cast.
Robar, I prefer and normally suggest a single stage for any loader. It's much better for noobs and - usually - makes the better ammo, at least a little better.
For the volumes you mention you will almost certainly want/need a progressive. It can be a PITA to swap cartridges in progressives. Either seperate Dillon 550s kept set for each cartridge OR, maybe, a Hornady LnL AP with seperate turret heads.
You would still have many uses for the single stage so it won't be a waste. Considering that you are likely going progressive, a sturdy and well made but inexpensive press will do all you need it to do. For that you can't beat the Lee Classic Cast.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: samson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Mechanic
Yes sir that's it. The turret style press in the middle picture is just like the one my dad has except his handle is different and the base is red.
Are they any good? Do you know anything about them? Any help and or information would be great.</div></div>
They will get the job done. Texan went out of biz many many years ago. But they are still rock solid. The Hollywood is a bit larger with a larger shaft but all these presses are overkill. They require very little upkeep and the only real adjustment is to set the top plate for as little slop as possible and still be able to turn. The Hollywood has the one bar in the front that makes it not move but also not spin.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: samson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">The Mechanic
Yes sir that's it. The turret style press in the middle picture is just like the one my dad has except his handle is different and the base is red.
Are they any good? Do you know anything about them? Any help and or information would be great.</div></div>
They will get the job done. Texan went out of biz many many years ago. But they are still rock solid. The Hollywood is a bit larger with a larger shaft but all these presses are overkill. They require very little upkeep and the only real adjustment is to set the top plate for as little slop as possible and still be able to turn. The Hollywood has the one bar in the front that makes it not move but also not spin.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
You won't be reloading 300-500 rounds/week when you first start, so you might as well start with a single stage press until you learn the ins and outs of rifle cartridge reloading. The best available for the cartridges you listed is the Forster Co-Ax.
After you learn the ropes, and decide how accurate you want those 300-500 rounds to be, you may opt for a progressive press to reload them more quickly. I recommend the Hornady LNL AP for rifle reloading, particularly for the powder measure, which is better suited to rifle cartridge reloading than the PM on the Dillon 550/650. For a lot more money, you might want to look at a Dillon 1050, with a Hornady PM & linkage.
Andy
You won't be reloading 300-500 rounds/week when you first start, so you might as well start with a single stage press until you learn the ins and outs of rifle cartridge reloading. The best available for the cartridges you listed is the Forster Co-Ax.
After you learn the ropes, and decide how accurate you want those 300-500 rounds to be, you may opt for a progressive press to reload them more quickly. I recommend the Hornady LNL AP for rifle reloading, particularly for the powder measure, which is better suited to rifle cartridge reloading than the PM on the Dillon 550/650. For a lot more money, you might want to look at a Dillon 1050, with a Hornady PM & linkage.
Andy
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
I just got started in reloading, and after much wringing of hands and consternation, I settled on the Dillon XL650 progressive, and Forster Co-Ax single stage. I can load 800 rounds per hour of .40, 500 rounds per hour of 9mm, and I have yet to try the .223.
I'm loading .308 and .338LM on the Co-Ax.
I use an RCBS Chargemaster scale. I just ordered the Giraud trimmer, as well as a good set of Redding dies.
No regrets on any of them.
I just got started in reloading, and after much wringing of hands and consternation, I settled on the Dillon XL650 progressive, and Forster Co-Ax single stage. I can load 800 rounds per hour of .40, 500 rounds per hour of 9mm, and I have yet to try the .223.
I'm loading .308 and .338LM on the Co-Ax.
I use an RCBS Chargemaster scale. I just ordered the Giraud trimmer, as well as a good set of Redding dies.
No regrets on any of them.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JSTARSZ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">no love for a Dillon on here - shame. check out the RL 550B from Dillon
RL 550B </div></div>
Serious! I thought I was loosing my mind! Why would anyone suggest anything other than a Dillon. I've had several different loaders, but the Dillon is accurate, solid, and has the no-bs warranty. You can call Dillon with ANY problem and they're awesome to work with.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: JSTARSZ</div><div class="ubbcode-body">no love for a Dillon on here - shame. check out the RL 550B from Dillon
RL 550B </div></div>
Serious! I thought I was loosing my mind! Why would anyone suggest anything other than a Dillon. I've had several different loaders, but the Dillon is accurate, solid, and has the no-bs warranty. You can call Dillon with ANY problem and they're awesome to work with.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
Hornady LnL AP. Its every bit as fast as the Dillon 650, is less expensive and caliber conversions are less costly. As for the warranty, I've had a spring and a small primer feeder wear out, I called Hornady and they were replaced at no cost.
Hornady LnL AP. Its every bit as fast as the Dillon 650, is less expensive and caliber conversions are less costly. As for the warranty, I've had a spring and a small primer feeder wear out, I called Hornady and they were replaced at no cost.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jumper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hornady LnL AP. Its every bit as fast as the Dillon 650, is less expensive and caliber conversions are less costly. As for the warranty, I've had a spring and a small primer feeder wear out, I called Hornady and they were replaced at no cost. </div></div>
The Hornady is nice, but it's barely less expensive and the caliber conversion process is much more involved. I could be wrong, but that's how my LnL is. I do like that it has 5 stages, but that's the only benefit over my 550B. It's a great press, but the Dillon is better thought out - in my humble opinion.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jumper</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hornady LnL AP. Its every bit as fast as the Dillon 650, is less expensive and caliber conversions are less costly. As for the warranty, I've had a spring and a small primer feeder wear out, I called Hornady and they were replaced at no cost. </div></div>
The Hornady is nice, but it's barely less expensive and the caliber conversion process is much more involved. I could be wrong, but that's how my LnL is. I do like that it has 5 stages, but that's the only benefit over my 550B. It's a great press, but the Dillon is better thought out - in my humble opinion.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
I just got started reloading again. Had a RockChucker in the past. Got the Dillon 650... all smiles.
Most important in decision made... just make sure you have LOCAL support. I purchased a LNL online at a great price and then couldn't get the simple pieces I needed to get it going. (I am impatient and only looked locally for a coupe of days). I live in LA area and finally went to the local shooting range and found that they had every thing you could need for reloading (only not for Hornady). Traded it for Dillon and couldn't be happier. my .02
I just got started reloading again. Had a RockChucker in the past. Got the Dillon 650... all smiles.
Most important in decision made... just make sure you have LOCAL support. I purchased a LNL online at a great price and then couldn't get the simple pieces I needed to get it going. (I am impatient and only looked locally for a coupe of days). I live in LA area and finally went to the local shooting range and found that they had every thing you could need for reloading (only not for Hornady). Traded it for Dillon and couldn't be happier. my .02
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
The Forster Co-Ax is a fantastic press! It provides supreme precision in reloading and is fast for a single stage press (snap in die system and universal shell holder). Don't forget that it also seats primers, both large and small, and does a superior job for consistent depth and perfectly level.
The Forster Co-Ax is a fantastic press! It provides supreme precision in reloading and is fast for a single stage press (snap in die system and universal shell holder). Don't forget that it also seats primers, both large and small, and does a superior job for consistent depth and perfectly level.
Re: Reloading Press Help!!
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The Mechanic</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: zx14</div><div class="ubbcode-body">500 rds a week in 3 calibers? You definitely need a Dillon! Especially if your new, start out right.</div></div>
I personally think anyone starting loading should use a single stage press and get the basics of loading without having to much to think about. Concentration on correct (safe) reloading is of the utmost importance. Once you have loaded, fired, and reloaded some then go for the progressive. Even though I have progressives I will still use the single stage for some loading. </div></div>
I agree 100% there is way to much going on with a progressive
unless you are an expierenced reloader.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: The Mechanic</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: zx14</div><div class="ubbcode-body">500 rds a week in 3 calibers? You definitely need a Dillon! Especially if your new, start out right.</div></div>
I personally think anyone starting loading should use a single stage press and get the basics of loading without having to much to think about. Concentration on correct (safe) reloading is of the utmost importance. Once you have loaded, fired, and reloaded some then go for the progressive. Even though I have progressives I will still use the single stage for some loading. </div></div>
I agree 100% there is way to much going on with a progressive
unless you are an expierenced reloader.
