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Whats the best press for a newbie?
- Thread starter blkgld
- Start date
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
Whichever you can find in stock. I bought a lee kit on amazon. Overpaid by $40-50 from what they usually go for, but im an impatient bastard and wanted it now. Components are hard as hell to find right now.Im having to piece everything together from multiple sites.
Whichever you can find in stock. I bought a lee kit on amazon. Overpaid by $40-50 from what they usually go for, but im an impatient bastard and wanted it now. Components are hard as hell to find right now.Im having to piece everything together from multiple sites.
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
This is one of those questions where you'll get a bunch of different answers. I recommend a Dillon 550 or the Lee Turret press for your needs. I personally use a Hornady Lock N Load single stage press but all I do is match rifle ammo with 50 or so rounds loaded in a sitting. I'm thinking about loading for more calibers now and will probably be going with a Dillon 550 myself to reload pistol and .223 ammo a little faster.
FWIW my brother uses a 550 and loves it....
This is one of those questions where you'll get a bunch of different answers. I recommend a Dillon 550 or the Lee Turret press for your needs. I personally use a Hornady Lock N Load single stage press but all I do is match rifle ammo with 50 or so rounds loaded in a sitting. I'm thinking about loading for more calibers now and will probably be going with a Dillon 550 myself to reload pistol and .223 ammo a little faster.
FWIW my brother uses a 550 and loves it....
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
Most will agree you should start with a single stage but, I started with a Dillon 550. Whatever you start with take it slow, get into a good routine and stick with it. Read a lot!!!!
Most will agree you should start with a single stage but, I started with a Dillon 550. Whatever you start with take it slow, get into a good routine and stick with it. Read a lot!!!!
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: korykhunter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Most will agree you should start with a single stage but, I started with a Dillon 550. Whatever you start with take it slow, get into a good routine and stick with it. Read a lot!!!! </div></div>
Me too and I still have all of my fingers, eyes and teeth.
OP should look into the Lee Classic Cast O-frame press if he's on a budget and wanting to get a good SS press for not a lot of money.
Chris
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: korykhunter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Most will agree you should start with a single stage but, I started with a Dillon 550. Whatever you start with take it slow, get into a good routine and stick with it. Read a lot!!!! </div></div>
Me too and I still have all of my fingers, eyes and teeth.
OP should look into the Lee Classic Cast O-frame press if he's on a budget and wanting to get a good SS press for not a lot of money.
Chris
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
Dillon 550b or RCBS Supreme kit.
You will likely end up with the Dillon so if you are a go-getter just man up and get one. I keep up a single stage around for odd jobs. You can pick up a RCBS Supreme kit right now for about $280 from Natchez. Get a set of RCBS dies to get you over $300 and pick up the $50 rebate from RCBS.com.
Dillon 550b or RCBS Supreme kit.
You will likely end up with the Dillon so if you are a go-getter just man up and get one. I keep up a single stage around for odd jobs. You can pick up a RCBS Supreme kit right now for about $280 from Natchez. Get a set of RCBS dies to get you over $300 and pick up the $50 rebate from RCBS.com.
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
I would sugest a single stage or turret press kit (rcbs or redding) for starting out so you can reload all of the calibers you listed. im not saying it couldnt be done but i wouldn't load 338 lm on my progressive.
I would sugest a single stage or turret press kit (rcbs or redding) for starting out so you can reload all of the calibers you listed. im not saying it couldnt be done but i wouldn't load 338 lm on my progressive.
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: woowoo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wouldn't load 338 lm on my progressive.</div></div>
Why not?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: woowoo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wouldn't load 338 lm on my progressive.</div></div>
Why not?
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: woowoo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would sugest a single stage or turret press kit (rcbs or redding) for starting out so you can reload all of the calibers you listed. im not saying it couldnt be done but i wouldn't load 338 lm on my progressive. </div></div>
Loaded on a 550b, which works fine.
Chris
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: woowoo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I would sugest a single stage or turret press kit (rcbs or redding) for starting out so you can reload all of the calibers you listed. im not saying it couldnt be done but i wouldn't load 338 lm on my progressive. </div></div>
Loaded on a 550b, which works fine.
Chris
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: woowoo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">nothing against a progressive press, i have one and i love it for certian calibers but i get more consistent results out of a single stage press </div></div>
Why?
Chris
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: woowoo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">nothing against a progressive press, i have one and i love it for certian calibers but i get more consistent results out of a single stage press </div></div>
Why?
Chris
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
I don't know about reloading cases large than .30-'06, but all I've ever had to use is my secondhand Dillon RL550B. I have yet to come up with an application it won't handle, or that I'd seriously want to use a single stage press to accomplish instead.
As long as you can afford it, "Buy once, cry once" is a valid argument.
My only quibble about the RL550B is that the Dillon powder measure can be cranky to regulate and may have a larger range of charge weight consistency than some will tolerate. I will accept that consistency for applications that do not involve a potential for wounded animals or lost points, and will hand weigh the dropped charges for applications that do.
I would hand weigh match loads in any case, regardless of the metering device employed. Charge weight for match loads is not something I will leave unchecked. That's really not much of a chore at all with the Dillon.
After a couple or so decades of handloading, I am realizing that even my most demanding applications are not critical enough to require the sort of nitpicking exactitude that many will pride themselves over, and demand of themselves unquestioningly
Good enough is good enough.
If I'm not missing, there isn't any problem to fix. It's very reassuring to see triple digit consistency on metric devices, but the only metric device I depend upon unquestioningly is the target.
In combat, my life and the lives of those around me were dependent upon ammunition whose specs were nowhere near the consistency my Dillon RL550B will produce for me. In the end, goals need to be practical, which means (for me anyway) something I look forward to as I enter my loading workshop.
Occasionally, a recreational shooter at the range will look at my targets and shake their head. I will too, but we do it for different reasons.
Greg
I don't know about reloading cases large than .30-'06, but all I've ever had to use is my secondhand Dillon RL550B. I have yet to come up with an application it won't handle, or that I'd seriously want to use a single stage press to accomplish instead.
As long as you can afford it, "Buy once, cry once" is a valid argument.
My only quibble about the RL550B is that the Dillon powder measure can be cranky to regulate and may have a larger range of charge weight consistency than some will tolerate. I will accept that consistency for applications that do not involve a potential for wounded animals or lost points, and will hand weigh the dropped charges for applications that do.
I would hand weigh match loads in any case, regardless of the metering device employed. Charge weight for match loads is not something I will leave unchecked. That's really not much of a chore at all with the Dillon.
After a couple or so decades of handloading, I am realizing that even my most demanding applications are not critical enough to require the sort of nitpicking exactitude that many will pride themselves over, and demand of themselves unquestioningly
Good enough is good enough.
If I'm not missing, there isn't any problem to fix. It's very reassuring to see triple digit consistency on metric devices, but the only metric device I depend upon unquestioningly is the target.
In combat, my life and the lives of those around me were dependent upon ammunition whose specs were nowhere near the consistency my Dillon RL550B will produce for me. In the end, goals need to be practical, which means (for me anyway) something I look forward to as I enter my loading workshop.
Occasionally, a recreational shooter at the range will look at my targets and shake their head. I will too, but we do it for different reasons.
Greg
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
in the long run DILLON in that you can also hand load with the 550 if youlike , dropping each powder measure one at a time
Bill
in the long run DILLON in that you can also hand load with the 550 if youlike , dropping each powder measure one at a time
Bill
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
I truly think Dillon 550B is one the best all around presses EVER made, superb quality, dependable, excellent company standing behind it, and a Swiss Army knife of reloading--can swap between actively loading same primer size calibers in less than 5 minutes. Primer size swap will take longer.
Powder measure works great with ball powders but not accurate enough for long range--but will get you very close. I still individually weigh my humdinger handgun loads to verify as I go.
I load most all loads for my bolt-action guns on a single press still.
If single action press the the path you take, RCBS, Hornady, Redding--all good stuff. No complaints from my RCBS presses, but honestly I really like the looks of the Forster Coax. Want to play with one.
I truly think Dillon 550B is one the best all around presses EVER made, superb quality, dependable, excellent company standing behind it, and a Swiss Army knife of reloading--can swap between actively loading same primer size calibers in less than 5 minutes. Primer size swap will take longer.
Powder measure works great with ball powders but not accurate enough for long range--but will get you very close. I still individually weigh my humdinger handgun loads to verify as I go.
I load most all loads for my bolt-action guns on a single press still.
If single action press the the path you take, RCBS, Hornady, Redding--all good stuff. No complaints from my RCBS presses, but honestly I really like the looks of the Forster Coax. Want to play with one.
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Viking</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: woowoo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wouldn't load 338 lm on my progressive.</div></div>
Why not?</div></div>
While I respect all of your replies, and do not question those of you who use a Dillon for everything, I would like to add my experience here.
I got a Rock-Chucker Supreme, and am glad that I started with it. Reason being, as a newbie, it is easier to concentrate on one process at a time rather than trying to integrate all the stages of a progressive press all at once. When loading precision rifle rounds, I assume you would measure individual powder charges and weigh them, then introduce them to your press? I think, that this could introduce a possibility of missed charges for a beginner. This could be at least, a pain, and at worst a disaster at the range.
For what ever it is worth, I personally would by the single stage first, and then get the progressive later.
Yes, you could just put one die in the progressive press and use it that way, but why bother.
After all, I can knock out 45's and 9mm's a couple hundred an hour with a single stage---my powder dump is pretty accurate for those.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Viking</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: woowoo</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I wouldn't load 338 lm on my progressive.</div></div>
Why not?</div></div>
While I respect all of your replies, and do not question those of you who use a Dillon for everything, I would like to add my experience here.
I got a Rock-Chucker Supreme, and am glad that I started with it. Reason being, as a newbie, it is easier to concentrate on one process at a time rather than trying to integrate all the stages of a progressive press all at once. When loading precision rifle rounds, I assume you would measure individual powder charges and weigh them, then introduce them to your press? I think, that this could introduce a possibility of missed charges for a beginner. This could be at least, a pain, and at worst a disaster at the range.
For what ever it is worth, I personally would by the single stage first, and then get the progressive later.
Yes, you could just put one die in the progressive press and use it that way, but why bother.
After all, I can knock out 45's and 9mm's a couple hundred an hour with a single stage---my powder dump is pretty accurate for those.
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
I would suggest either the Rockchucker or the Hornady starter kits for a beginner. I still use my single stage press 20+ years after I bought it.
I would suggest either the Rockchucker or the Hornady starter kits for a beginner. I still use my single stage press 20+ years after I bought it.
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
I have loaded handgun and shotgun for about 18 years. I started out with a Dillion 650 and then to a 550. I only used them for loading pistol ammo. The 650 is quick but with the case feeder if you happen to get a 40 in a 45acp etc it SUCKS! The savings in time with the 650 was often offset by it getting out of alignment from a case inside of another case and locking up the machine or other little things and it would take a bit of time and effort to get it working like a clock again. So I went to the 550 and it is much simpler not as fast but I think since it doesn't have the issues my production is faster.
Now with all that said I recently sold my Dillion and don't regret it. I as well as 3 friends all in a couple month time had issues with our Dillion 550 locking up. You have to disassemble the machine to lube it (MAJOR PAIN THE ASS), when talking to them at shot show this year they now offer a kit so you can grease it but of course that cost more money to retrofit an older machine.
I am replacing it with a Hornady progressive press.
For rifle ammo I am using a single stage Hornady press and could not be happier!!! Personally unless you are simply looking for high volume you need two presses. Yes you can load single stage on a progressive press like a Dillion 550 but it is easier to just use a single stage and they are not that expensive. For pistol a progressive is great, for high production rifle a progressive is great, for as precise as you can get it's single stage country.
I have loaded handgun and shotgun for about 18 years. I started out with a Dillion 650 and then to a 550. I only used them for loading pistol ammo. The 650 is quick but with the case feeder if you happen to get a 40 in a 45acp etc it SUCKS! The savings in time with the 650 was often offset by it getting out of alignment from a case inside of another case and locking up the machine or other little things and it would take a bit of time and effort to get it working like a clock again. So I went to the 550 and it is much simpler not as fast but I think since it doesn't have the issues my production is faster.
Now with all that said I recently sold my Dillion and don't regret it. I as well as 3 friends all in a couple month time had issues with our Dillion 550 locking up. You have to disassemble the machine to lube it (MAJOR PAIN THE ASS), when talking to them at shot show this year they now offer a kit so you can grease it but of course that cost more money to retrofit an older machine.
I am replacing it with a Hornady progressive press.
For rifle ammo I am using a single stage Hornady press and could not be happier!!! Personally unless you are simply looking for high volume you need two presses. Yes you can load single stage on a progressive press like a Dillion 550 but it is easier to just use a single stage and they are not that expensive. For pistol a progressive is great, for high production rifle a progressive is great, for as precise as you can get it's single stage country.
M
milo 2.0
Guest
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
I think anyone starting out should start with a Rockchucker or similar type. Branch out from there, to progressive, co-ax or whatever suits you. You'll find out they will load more than sufficient ammo. If pistol is all you need, go progressive from the start.
I recommend not staring out with the co-ax first unless you buy all new brass, and keep the same guns for awhile. Sometimes a person gets brass from an oversized chamber and you have to cam over pretty hard, the co-ax won't last long doing this.
I think anyone starting out should start with a Rockchucker or similar type. Branch out from there, to progressive, co-ax or whatever suits you. You'll find out they will load more than sufficient ammo. If pistol is all you need, go progressive from the start.
I recommend not staring out with the co-ax first unless you buy all new brass, and keep the same guns for awhile. Sometimes a person gets brass from an oversized chamber and you have to cam over pretty hard, the co-ax won't last long doing this.
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
i use a lyman turret press, which is expensive, but i have 2 different heads that i use for loads so i don't have to adjust my dies every time.
i still check the first couple of reloads with a caliper when i switch heads
i use a lyman turret press, which is expensive, but i have 2 different heads that i use for loads so i don't have to adjust my dies every time.
i still check the first couple of reloads with a caliper when i switch heads
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
I got the Lock-N-Load Classic Kit to start out with. It was a good starting point with my reloading. I have added new components to my reloading set up like an RCBS charge master 1500 powder scale. And of course different dies and you want to reload different caliber. And of course a book to get some starting loading points.
I got the Lock-N-Load Classic Kit to start out with. It was a good starting point with my reloading. I have added new components to my reloading set up like an RCBS charge master 1500 powder scale. And of course different dies and you want to reload different caliber. And of course a book to get some starting loading points.
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
Lee is great and it has a long throw for larger calibers. I really like the spent primer catch tube it keeps the ram clean.
Lee is great and it has a long throw for larger calibers. I really like the spent primer catch tube it keeps the ram clean.
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
I run a rockchucker II and its what I would recommend for a single stage. As far as a progressive you can't go wrong with Dillon. Good luck on powder and primers right now.
I run a rockchucker II and its what I would recommend for a single stage. As far as a progressive you can't go wrong with Dillon. Good luck on powder and primers right now.
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
I like my Lee Classic Cast. I recently read that they are American made and that the steel is reclaimed railroad track. Beats the imported forgings, from the competition.
I like my Lee Classic Cast. I recently read that they are American made and that the steel is reclaimed railroad track. Beats the imported forgings, from the competition.
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rusk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like my Lee Classic Cast. I recently read that they are American made and that the steel is reclaimed railroad track. Beats the imported forgings, from the competition. </div></div>
Don't forget that they're made on US CNC machines!
It's really a sleeper press and while I'm happy with my 550b, I'll pick one of these up soon, just for shits and giggles.
It'll reload the 50 BMG, so that's a bonus.
Chris
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Rusk</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I like my Lee Classic Cast. I recently read that they are American made and that the steel is reclaimed railroad track. Beats the imported forgings, from the competition. </div></div>
Don't forget that they're made on US CNC machines!
It's really a sleeper press and while I'm happy with my 550b, I'll pick one of these up soon, just for shits and giggles.
It'll reload the 50 BMG, so that's a bonus.
Chris
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes, you could just put one die in the progressive press and use it that way, but why bother.</div></div>
Once you have a some experience you can use the progressive as designed without additional expense.
If you have a reasonable degree of mechanical aptitude a progressive will not cause mental or heart disease.
When I started I had never seen a progressive. If I were starting now, no question. 99.9 percent of the time it's the driver, not the vehicle.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Quote:</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Yes, you could just put one die in the progressive press and use it that way, but why bother.</div></div>
Once you have a some experience you can use the progressive as designed without additional expense.
If you have a reasonable degree of mechanical aptitude a progressive will not cause mental or heart disease.
When I started I had never seen a progressive. If I were starting now, no question. 99.9 percent of the time it's the driver, not the vehicle.
Re: Whats the best press for a newbie?
Lee Turret.
I do all my precision reloading on it, with great success. Change tool heads in seconds. All ya need.
Lee Turret.
I do all my precision reloading on it, with great success. Change tool heads in seconds. All ya need.
