Single Stage Press Recommendations

[Brad27]

Hi all,
I’ve recently started putting together a reloading set-up and am now looking for a recommendation for a single stage press. I probably won’t be able to swing a COAX for the time being so that’s off the table. I’ll be loading 6.5 CM, 308, and 38 special right now. I’ve looked around at some of the RCBS and Lyman presses, but would like your thoughts. Thanks in advance everyone.

 

[bfm1851]

RCBS has been a standard for a long time

 

[A.Huggy]

You won't go wrong with an RCBS.

I started with a Lee Breechlock Challenger and upgraded to a RCBS RC Supreme a couple of years ago. The increase in power, durability, and precision is remarkable. I still keep the Lee around for decapping but otherwise it never gets used.

 

[Brad27]

Thanks guys. Guess I’ll have to keep an eye out for a rock chucker in stock somewhere.

 

[PFG]

Been very happy with my MEC marksman

 

[sheepdog697]

take a look at the forster coax. Really nice setup. Msrp is high but I got mine for around $350. It’s nice to not have to screw dies in and out....

 

[rustyinbend]

My Redding Big Boss 2 is awesome ... hard to imagine anything built better.

 

[HemiPowrd]

I had a Rock Chucker and it worked very well. Produced consistent ammo with very low runout. I'm sure it would work very well for you.
I found this 14 press comparison very informative when I purchased it: http://ultimatereloader.com/2019/04/08/fourteen-reloading-presses-compared-single-stage-shootout/

 

[EM_556]

RCBS RockChucker
Hornady LNL Single Stage or Iron Press

 

[Dead Eye Dick]

I am impressed with the Redding Single Stage, but go with the Big Boss over the Boss. Nothing wrong with the Boss, but it is a touch small for .30-06 class rounds (.25-06, .270, .280, .30-06, .35 Whelen and almost all of the standard length and larger magnums).

The Big Boss is American Made if that is important (it is to me, because I live here) Not sure what the actual status on the RockChucker being replaced by the Rebel, but the RockChucker has the largest base of users of just about every single stage press ever built. So, it is a consideration.

 

[CK1.0]

Take a hard look at the Lyman Ideal, it's about as simple as it gets and it's cheap, but that doesn't mean it's not awesome. It looks little next to some other presses but it's solid cast iron and is heavier and made better than many of them.
It's cheap enough where even on a budget you can still buy a legit hand priming tool (FYI, all the single-stage-mounted priming tools suck ass) and proper mount too so you don't have to load like a caveman. I wouldn't trade mine for a Co-Ax or anything else really. I could buy something "better" if I thought I needed to. No bells and whistles, just a solid simple press that just works.

 

[proff49]

MEC Marksman. Not as popular as some of the others but a great press. Smoothest I've used.

 

[Brad27]

Thanks everybody. Found a rock chucker locally.

 

[n0glock]

Look at your local Wal Mart They have been on the shelf where I live, I have been using mine for 35 years, thought it felt loose several years ago, called RCBS I paid shipping one way and they completely rebuilt it.

 

[n0glock]

By it I am referring to a Rock Chucker

 

[Rathmatik]

I’d recommend the Redding T7. It’s technically a single stage, but with a turret. Built like a tank, great for precision, easy sizing operation, good decapping design in comparison to the RC, and it’s very convenient to have multiple dies set up simultaneously.

 

[MDof2]

Several single stage presses in my shop. The two I default to most are the Redding T7 and the MEC Marksman. An inline fabrication mount is a must.

 

[Downtown]

Anyone use a RCBS turret press? I've been using a old C-H press for rifle, though I load pistol on a Dillon. It's a little tiresome swapping dies and the turret idea looks attractive.

 

[Dead Eye Dick]

Anyone use a RCBS turret press? I've been using a old C-H press for rifle, though I load pistol on a Dillon. It's a little tiresome swapping dies and the turret idea looks attractive.

The only real way to make a Dillon work is to bite the bullet, spend the bucks and have a separate tool head, with all dies and powder throw mounted for each caliber loaded on it. Then, many of us found that one really needs two Dillon’s. One for large primers, one for small primers. Yep, it costs and I did most of my purchasing after retiring from one position with a retirement pension and starting on another career. Still, it is a one time purchase and the stuff lasts longer than the purchaser, so after twenty years of using my small primer dedicated 550, it is still my most used press and still works just like new.

 

[Moose]

Been running the Reeding Boss for a long time and like it a-lot.

 

[Downtown]

The only real way to make a Dillon work is to bite the bullet, spend the bucks and have a separate tool head, with all dies and powder throw mounted for each caliber loaded on it. Then, many of us found that one really needs two Dillon’s. One for large primers, one for small primers. Yep, it costs and I did most of my purchasing after retiring from one position with a retirement pension and starting on another career. Still, it is a one time purchase and the stuff lasts longer than the purchaser, so after twenty years of using my small primer dedicated 550, it is still my most used press and still works just like new.

Ha! You're right. Had two 550s for years, one large primer, one small. Have quite a few tool heads and powder measures. Got me though years of USPSA. Just sold one 550 and thinking to use the cash for a turret press, as I'm loading more rifle now. Sure looks great to just spin that turret between sizing and seating dies, instead of the old one hole C-H I have mounted.

 

[Downtown]

I realize I've hijacked the OPs thread, my apologies, but does anyone have an opinion on the difference between the RCBS and the Redding turret presses? About the same price, both hold seven dies, look very similar.

 

[Rathmatik]

I realize I've hijacked the OPs thread, my apologies, but does anyone have an opinion on the difference between the RCBS and the Redding turret presses? About the same price, both hold seven dies, look very similar.

The RCBS turret press only holds 6, while the Redding holds 7. I don't have experience with the RCBS, but I'm sure it works well. I'm not sure how well the priming works on either, as I prefer off-press priming for single stage presses. The Redding T7 is more popular and seems to have better reviews at various sites, but of course I'm also biased since I have a T7. I also use a ton of RCBS equipment, so I doubt you could go wrong with this one.