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Posted: 9/16/2022 11:11:29 PM EDT
I am not looking to spend a lot what is the best single-stage press out there? Thanks in advance. Also, does it matter if the press is new or used if it's a used one that's been properly maintained?

Dies, which brand is the best to start out with? any problems with compatibility?

Which reference book, and reloading manual should I be looking for?
Link Posted: 9/16/2022 11:23:38 PM EDT
[#1]
RCBS or Redding press and dies
Horniday book
Find primers powder and brass before you start throwing money at this because it’s become quite difficult.
Suggest you start with one pistol caliber and carbide dies.
Rifle brass often needs trimmed horniday makes Lube in what looks like a small butter dish touch it and roll rifle brass between finger and thumb then size decap clean the primer pocket.
A good digital caliper helps check length.
A powder thrower with scale is needed.
Do not start with .223 with crimped mil brass or this hobby won’t last long.

Calibers that are fairly easy to load- straight wall handgun calibers.   .308 is easier than most rifles
Link Posted: 9/16/2022 11:28:22 PM EDT
[#2]
Look at the Lyman T mag press. It uses a turret that allows you to set the dies up once instead of every time you change  operations.
Link Posted: 9/16/2022 11:31:34 PM EDT
[#3]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
RCBS or Redding press and dies
Horniday book
Find primers powder and brass before you start throwing money at this because it’s become quite difficult.
Suggest you start with one pistol caliber and carbide dies.
Rifle brass often needs trimmed horniday makes Lube in what looks like a small butter dish touch it and roll rifle brass between finger and thumb then size decap clean the primer pocket.
A good digital caliper helps check length.
A powder thrower with scale is needed.
Do not start with .223 with crimped mil brass or this hobby won’t last long.

Calibers that are fairly easy to load- straight wall handgun calibers.   .308 is easier than most rifles
View Quote

the brass I have plenty of, I may have a source for the primers a friend has some, my only concern would be the powder I'll be shopping.
Link Posted: 9/16/2022 11:50:46 PM EDT
[#4]
You might mention which calibers for powder suggestions
Link Posted: 9/17/2022 12:00:05 AM EDT
[#5]
Not looking to spend a lot and what's the best single stage out there doesn't go together. Start with a Lee if you want to start cheap & learn your way.
get Lee dies nothing wrong with any of them.

I've got RCBS 4 I think it is. I form brass with it.
I'm a competition shooter so all of my stuff is done one at a time. I have competition dies from Harold's & Wilson.
I use seatera to seat the bullets.

I started years ago with a lee kit.
Link Posted: 9/17/2022 12:04:40 AM EDT
[#6]
I'm a big fan of RCBS dies.  

I learned on an RCBS Rock Chucker single stage press before moving to progressive.

Plus RCBS has great customer service.
Link Posted: 9/17/2022 2:46:20 AM EDT
[#7]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

the brass I have plenty of, I may have a source for the primers a friend has some, my only concern would be the powder I'll be shopping.
View Quote



Powder Valley, Natchez Shooters Supply, Midsouth, Midway, Cabelas/Bass Pro, Graf and Sons, Scheels, Brownells

Those are my go-to sources for powder and primers in descending order.

I'd recommend getting the latest Lyman or Hornady book or both.    If you go with alot of Western powders (Hodgdon, Winchester, Ramshot) go ahead and get their book, it's pretty comprehensive and its only $5.


For dies, really, any of the major brands are good.  I have dillon, redding, RCBS, Lyman, and Lee dies and they all work fine.  And a couple from CH4D, for that matter.  

If you don't want to spend a bunch but still want a great press that will last you a lifetime (or more) get an RCBS.    And yes, a well-maintained used one would work fine.

But honestly, if you come across a great deal on a used Lee, Lyman, or Hornady (or ponsess warren or other make for that matter) don't hesitate.
Link Posted: 9/17/2022 8:31:52 AM EDT
[#8]
I've got the same RockChucker from Christmas 43 years ago.
Link Posted: 9/17/2022 9:27:14 AM EDT
[#9]
I started with the Lee Challenger.  Perfectly fine for beginners (unless maybe for large belted magnums).  I still use it for ancillary jobs.  You will find a LOT of folks that bad mouth Lee stuff into the dirt.  For a few of their products it's justified.  But for the majority I think they give a fantastic value.
Link Posted: 9/17/2022 9:59:46 AM EDT
[#10]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
You might mention which calibers for powder suggestions
View Quote

.38 spl to begin with. I have quite a lot of brass. Any suggestions on dependable sources of primers?
Link Posted: 9/17/2022 10:21:03 AM EDT
[#11]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

.38 spl to begin with. I have quite a lot of brass. Any suggestions on dependable sources of primers?
View Quote

Keep checking the tacked "where to find" thread at the top.  Nothing is reliable right now with primers.  When you find em buy all you can.
Link Posted: 9/17/2022 10:38:16 AM EDT
[#12]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Look at the Lyman T mag press. It uses a turret that allows you to set the dies up once instead of every time you change  operations.
View Quote

Not made any more and it was only really okay with handgun loading.
The new American 8 looks looks like a knock off of a Redding T7.
But look stout.
Link Posted: 9/17/2022 10:40:20 AM EDT
[#13]
Get the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme Master Kit and it will out last your kids, properly taken care off.
A great value....in that you get mechanical scale, a versatile powder measure, a hand priming tool...
You will need calipers, a case trimmer, a means to clean brass of your choosing.
Dies and shellholders are extra
Link Posted: 9/17/2022 10:49:04 AM EDT
[#14]
Get a Lee press. See if you like reloading. The Lee press is good and well do everything you need and last for years.
Link Posted: 9/17/2022 10:55:10 AM EDT
[#15]
First go to Ultimate Reloader on Youtube. He done a comparison of single stage presses a couple of years ago. You may be surprised on his findings between presses costing $50 to $400.

Second do not buy a China made press.

My research lead me to a Lee Classic Cast Single and turret.

YMMV

Link Posted: 9/17/2022 12:23:12 PM EDT
[#16]
Quoted:
I am not looking to spend a lot what is the best single-stage press out there? Thanks in advance. Also, does it matter if the press is new or used if it's a used one that's been properly maintained?

Dies, which brand is the best to start out with? any problems with compatibility?

Which reference book, and reloading manual should I be looking for?
View Quote


Check out this kit on sale right now.

Hornady Lock-N-Load Classic Single Stage Press Kit, on sale for $261.71 this weekend.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012998011?pid=749997#reviews

Die brands are interchangeable these days.

Hornady dies have well designed bullet seaters.

Lee Factory Crimp Dies are useful for certain cartridges.

The dies and other tools rust easily, cleaning and caring for them is important, as is dry storage.

Damp garages and basements tend to be hard on them.
Link Posted: 9/17/2022 12:52:01 PM EDT
[#17]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

Not made any more and it was only really okay with handgun loading.
The new American 8 looks looks like a knock off of a Redding T7.
But look stout.
View Quote



What issues have you had with loading rifle with it? I have used it for .357, .44, .223, and .308 with no issues.
Link Posted: 9/17/2022 6:23:08 PM EDT
[#18]
RCBS supreme is $150 brand new.  I'd consider that for your lowest cost option.   RCBS quality is fantastic as is their warranty.   I've got a few RCBS single stage presses and they're great.  You really can't go wrong with one.

If you don't mind spending a bit more...

I'd consider either one of the turret presses people are recommending (Redding or Lyman) in the $350 range  OR

The Forster Co-ax.   Around $375.   The co-ax is a single stage press but swapping dies is literally less than a second or two operation because of the "floating slot" design.  Once you've set up your dies with lock rings (I'd recommend the split nut/clamping style), swapping dies consists of just sliding them in and out of the slot.  And because you aren't threading the die directly into the press and it instead indexes off of the lock ring, you can't put the die back in a slightly different position because you torqued it down slightly less or more than last time.

If it were me, knowing what I know now and I were starting out from scratch, I'd get the Forster Co-ax
Link Posted: 9/17/2022 8:58:32 PM EDT
[#19]
Any cast iron single stage press will last your lifetime.

Loading handgun ammo on a single stage sucks. Very slow and tedious. I own two Dillon 550 B's. One is set up for large primers, the other for small.

Your timing is horrible. He primers are currently priced at 300% above historical rates. Powders, even common varieties, are priced at Vihtavuori levels, even higher. Vihtavuori used to be considered ridiculously expensive.

Lee's Classic Cast press is a beast and not very expensive. RCBS's Rock Chucker is an industry standard and universally considered a great single stage.

All dies work, I like Forster because they will customize them for less than $15.

I consider Lee dies to be the bottom of the barrel, but they still work.

You want carbide or similar dies for handgun rounds, and use lube even though it's not "required". It eases the process considerably.

I crimp in a separate process, meaning I need two seating dies or a dedicated crimping die.
Link Posted: 9/18/2022 1:04:12 AM EDT
[#20]
RCBS Rock Chucker

https://www.midsouthshooterssupply.com/item/000449356/rock-chucker-supreme-press

learn the basics on the Rock Chucker.

Later, when you move up to a DILLON 750, you'll still have the excellent quality RCBS for other jobs, like sizing cast bullets, small jobs, and passing it on to your kids and grand kids. They are high quality.

Link Posted: 9/18/2022 8:36:02 AM EDT
[#21]
I started with a Pacific (Hornady), moved to an RCBs 20 plus years later and the found what seems to be the best - for me.

It's not truly a single stage but that's how I use it.  It's a Lee progressive press I use as a single stage.



I removed the stuff that make the disc the dies are mounted in turn.

One of the issues people run into with single stage presses is consistently setting up the dies each time they change from resizing, to case mouth expansion (straight walled cases) to bullet seating and then crimping.

I can set my dies up (four hole disc) to resizing and bullet seating and never change the resizing die (rifle) and only change the seating stem if I change bullets.  For handgun reloading I set up the resizing die and never mess with it again, I set up the case mouth expanding die and don't mess with it again, I set up the bullet seating die and only have to adjust the seating stem when I change bullets, and the crimping die stays set up, too.

When I change calibers I just change discs.  I keep .308 and .30-06 dies in the same 4 hole disc.  .223 and .300 BO were in the same 4 hole disc.  Each pistol caliber has 3 or 4 dies set up in their own 4 hole disc.

Been so easy changing calibers and changing steps (I usually run batches - resize a batch of brass, prime the batch - may do several hundred) and then when ready to reload I powder them 50 at a time, seat the bullets 50 at a time.  Ever run across a piece of brass that didn't get the case mouth expanded for the bullet?  I have.  I used to just set it aside and wait till the next time I was doing that operation.  Now I just turn the disc to the correct die, run the piece of brass through the die and then turn the disc back to the die I was using (usually bullet seating).  For me, the way I reload, it's been a really sweet set up.
Link Posted: 9/19/2022 8:45:36 PM EDT
[#22]
Get the Rock Chucker kit.
Everything included is of good quality and you will need all of it and save money

I don't care how many progressive presses you end up with you will always keep and need that Rock Chucker
If you are 20 and live to be 100 you will not wear it out

AS mentioned great customer service, lifetime warranty
Link Posted: 9/20/2022 9:18:30 AM EDT
[#23]
Quoted:
I am not looking to spend a lot what is the best single-stage press out there? Thanks in advance. Also, does it matter if the press is new or used if it's a used one that's been properly maintained?

Dies, which brand is the best to start out with? any problems with compatibility?

Which reference book, and reloading manual should I be looking for?
View Quote


There really isn't an objective "best" single stage press for all reloaders doing all things.

There are a number of different high quality, last several lifetimes single stage presses.  Some of these are set up to provide different features (size, extra leverage, etc.).

There are also a few junk presses.

RCBS, Hornady, Redding, Lee Classic (cast iron, not aluminum) would all make for a good choice.

Dies, once again, there isn't any specific "best".  There are better choices for specific jobs.  I have loaded 10's of thousands of pistol rounds with Lee dies.  I prefer Redding or Hornady for rifle dies.  But I have a set of RCBS 7.62x39 rifle dies I found at a ridiculously good deal that have loaded a couple thousand rounds without an issue.

For .38 Special, I'd suggest Lee dies.  However, almost all dies are interchangeable.  I have a 4-hole turret currently set up where I'm using a Hornady seater, a Lyman M-die expander, a Lee Powder-Thu die and then a Redding crimp die.  There are specific reasons why I selected each die, so it just shows you can go way down a rabbit hole.  

I'd suggest buying reloading books for the bullet brands you plan to load the most.  There are also free online resources for Speer, Nosler, Hodgdon, Western Powder, Alliant and probably multiple others that aren't coming to mind.  

I think it's important to have at least one or two actual manuals, and supplement with online resources.  I rarely consult a single manual and then start a new load.  Instead, i cross reference a couple of sources.
Link Posted: 9/20/2022 2:20:37 PM EDT
[#24]
Quoted:
I am not looking to spend a lot what is the best single-stage press out there? Thanks in advance. Also, does it matter if the press is new or used if it's a used one that's been properly maintained?

Dies, which brand is the best to start out with? any problems with compatibility?

Which reference book, and reloading manual should I be looking for?
View Quote


This is a single stage press kit, with a lot of useful accessories and the press uses quick turn die adapters, which saves a lot of time and adjustment when changing dies.

$261 for everything, but dies and possible small tools.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012998011?pid=749997&utm_medium=shopping&utm_source=connexity&utm_campaign=DeepLinks&utm_content=DeepLink&cnxclid=16636976801273610711210090301008005

You adjust the dies in the quick change adapters one time and then they swap out with a quarter turn or whatever it and the dies stay adjusted in the adapters.

The traditional single stage method would be to completely screw, adjust and completely unscrew each time the dies are changed to the different loading steps.
Link Posted: 9/20/2022 3:21:58 PM EDT
[#25]
Quoted:
I am not looking to spend a lot what is the best single-stage press out there? Thanks in advance. Also, does it matter if the press is new or used if it's a used one that's been properly maintained?

Dies, which brand is the best to start out with? any problems with compatibility?

Which reference book, and reloading manual should I be looking for?
View Quote


Like a lot of people have said, "Best" is subjective. Everyone has their preference.

You can't go wrong with a quality used press though. That's how I started out. Look at local estate sales, facebook and such, or even eBay and you'll probably find something inexpensive that will work for you. I've bought tons at estate sales. Pacific, Lachmiller, Redding, Lyman, RCBS.

Dies, just a quality brand. RCBS, Redding, Lyman, Hornady, or old Pacific. Even the old Hollywood gun shop dies work well.

Books, ABC's of reloading. Lyman 50 or 51. Any other quality manual. but those would give you 2 to start with.
Link Posted: 9/21/2022 10:26:51 AM EDT
[#26]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:


This is a single stage press kit, with a lot of useful accessories and the press uses quick turn die adapters, which saves a lot of time and adjustment when changing dies.

$261 for everything, but dies and possible small tools.

https://www.midwayusa.com/product/1012998011?pid=749997&utm_medium=shopping&utm_source=connexity&utm_campaign=DeepLinks&utm_content=DeepLink&cnxclid=16636976801273610711210090301008005

You adjust the dies in the quick change adapters one time and then they swap out with a quarter turn or whatever it and the dies stay adjusted in the adapters.

The traditional single stage method would be to completely screw, adjust and completely unscrew each time the dies are changed to the different loading steps.
View Quote

This is the kit I started with 15yrs ago and I have never looked back.

Link Posted: 9/23/2022 10:32:24 AM EDT
[#27]
looking hard at the Redding line. I like that they appear to be built like a tank and that they're made here in the US.
Link Posted: 9/23/2022 11:50:01 AM EDT
[#28]
Link Posted: 9/23/2022 2:25:13 PM EDT
[#29]
$ spent for what you get I feel like it's hard to beat this set up

Lee Kit at Midway

Get some dies and you are on your way.

Cheap enough that if you don't like reloading and never use it again you aren't out a ton of money.

Built well enough that if you like it you can always leave it set up for something else if you get another press.

Link Posted: 9/24/2022 10:21:53 PM EDT
[#30]
I started with a Lee and learned a lot from that press. Got a Hornady LNL AP and still have it and use it for the AR and pistols.

Got a Hornady LNL classic single stage for my rifle loads. I've used it for my Grendel and Creedmoor's. It has worked without a hitch and produces consistent and great performing rounds. It may be aluminum, but it's stout and never had an issue and performs very well. Also made in the US as far as I know.

There's been a lot of good suggestions here. My suggestion is this, get the one that catches your attention. You're looking at Redding, go with that. Good product. In addition it'll be what you wanted or were interested in and wrong have the lingering thought of "I should have got the .".

Link Posted: 9/24/2022 10:24:34 PM EDT
[#31]
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Quoted:
$ spent for what you get I feel like it's hard to beat this set up

Lee Kit at Midway

Get some dies and you are on your way.

Cheap enough that if you don't like reloading and never use it again you aren't out a ton of money.

Built well enough that if you like it you can always leave it set up for something else if you get another press.

View Quote

I did this thinking it would be a good starter press

10 years later I still use it as my main press. Over 100k rounds loaded on it.

$139 for the kit back then and I can load 200 rounds per hour and a caliber change over is 5 seconds.

I never found a compelling reason to upgrade.
Link Posted: 9/24/2022 10:41:56 PM EDT
[#32]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Get the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme Master Kit and it will out last your kids, properly taken care off.
A great value....in that you get mechanical scale, a versatile powder measure, a hand priming tool...
You will need calipers, a case trimmer, a means to clean brass of your choosing.
Dies and shellholders are extra
View Quote

This is good advice.

I started on a Lee Challenger kit and for pistol and 223 it is okay.  This was 30 years ago, and a friend and I ended up breaking the ones we bought.  Maybe they have improved some since then but both of us have gone to a Rockchucker.  I do like the Lee perfect powder measure and priming tool, and still use them.

That all said, if you are going to reload more than 50 of a caliber per month, I would look at a progressive, such as a Dillon 550.  They can be setup to be used as a single stage and then run as a progressive if needed.
Link Posted: 9/24/2022 11:13:22 PM EDT
[#33]
Any reputable press will be fine. I recommend Hornady dies. I myself bought the RCBS kit. Only thing it’s missing is a digital scale. Even if you want to use beam scale, a digital is almost necessary to get close to target weight.
Link Posted: 9/24/2022 11:28:37 PM EDT
[#34]
I'll add that if it wasnt for the hornady LnL bushings on my Redding big boss, I would probably have given up reloading.
I have a limit of what I am willing to do to effect a result.
I couldn't handle unscrewing and rescrewing dies.  
I would have had to buy a turret press but the single with the bushings has some advantages.  especially when learning and experimenting.  aka messing up.

Next stop XL750.  When it goes on sale!  lol.
Link Posted: 9/25/2022 12:08:29 AM EDT
[#35]
Dillon 550.  

I know you said single stage, but if you ever start getting into more "bulk" reloading, you will hate life with a single stage.  Atleast on the 550, that can act as 4 single stages.
Link Posted: 9/27/2022 5:19:22 PM EDT
[#36]
How is E. Arthur Brown to deal with?
Link Posted: 9/27/2022 6:01:33 PM EDT
[#37]
The Forster Co-Ax is not the cheapest route, nor is it for everyone. But Forster does sometimes put out their presses with minor cosmetic blemishes at a nice discount, which is how I got mine.

The die changes are very quick and very consistent, since you don't thread them in. Leverage is also excellent, though the design limits some options like some push through dies, etc. This is where I started on a single stage press, and I have no regrets.
Link Posted: 9/27/2022 11:48:54 PM EDT
[#38]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
The Forster Co-Ax is not the cheapest route, nor is it for everyone. But Forster does sometimes put out their presses with minor cosmetic blemishes at a nice discount, which is how I got mine.

The die changes are very quick and very consistent, since you don't thread them in. Leverage is also excellent, though the design limits some options like some push through dies, etc. This is where I started on a single stage press, and I have no regrets.
View Quote

looking at the Forster and Redding lines.......leaning towards the Forster Co-ax, yeah I know it's not a starter press like I was asking about. But the more I read the more I thought that buying the best I could right off was a pretty good idea. I'm finding them at auction right now and I can get them from a couple dealers for around $370 NIB. More than I was thinking of but Hell why not?
Link Posted: 10/10/2022 9:24:32 PM EDT
[#39]
I ended up buying a used Bonanza Co-ax....... for about $220.
Link Posted: 10/11/2022 12:21:14 AM EDT
[#40]
Link Posted: 10/11/2022 12:49:43 AM EDT
[#41]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Welcome to our hobby.
View Quote

thanks. I figured getting a Bonanza co-ax was getting the Forster co-ax progenitor
Link Posted: 10/11/2022 12:52:38 AM EDT
[#42]
Just about any turret press.. I use RCBS.
Link Posted: 10/11/2022 1:44:17 AM EDT
[#43]
Pretty much anything but the Lee ALUMINUM presses (the cheap ones).

I have picked up MANY presses / reloading gear at estate auctions, and now is the time because the farmers are busy...

Seriously you cant beat a solid iron press.    O presses are better.  Turret presses can be fiddly but will work well if you want to spend a bit more $$.


All that said, what I have advised every one of my friends that "just wanted to start on pistol reloading" is bite the bullet and buy a square deal and then learn on it.  Yes its more $$ but once its properly set up, its almost impossible to make bad/squib rounds - way more difficult to F up than on a single stage.
Link Posted: 10/11/2022 10:04:05 AM EDT
[#44]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
looking hard at the Redding line. I like that they appear to be built like a tank and that they're made here in the US.
View Quote

I am a big fan of Redding. I have their Big Boss II press and am very happy with it (or at least as happy as you can be with a single stage press). Its well made and built like a german tank. I really like its primer system (both decapping and priming if you buy the optional Slide Bar Automatic Primer System). Its can also be outfitted with a Hornady lock and load system (most O-frame presses can) that makes switching dies quicker.

That said, I did just get a Dillon 550 which in my limited experience is a very reasonable 1st press option. The fact that it doesn't auto rotate means you can move at your own pass or even use it just like a single stage press if you want? The only gotcha is you have to be careful not to double charge a case if you are using as a progressive and forget to move the index arm. It's kind of like a fancy turret press that functions more like a progressive press. If you'd like to reload more than 20-50rds at a time, it's worth considering IMO.

It really depends on what you want to load (precision rifle vs bulk practice ammo), how many rounds you want to load in a session and how much you want to spend?
Link Posted: 10/11/2022 10:15:20 AM EDT
[#45]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Pretty much anything but the Lee ALUMINUM presses (the cheap ones).

I have picked up MANY presses / reloading gear at estate auctions, and now is the time because the farmers are busy...

Seriously you cant beat a solid iron press.    O presses are better.  Turret presses can be fiddly but will work well if you want to spend a bit more $$.


All that said, what I have advised every one of my friends that "just wanted to start on pistol reloading" is bite the bullet and buy a square deal and then learn on it.  Yes its more $$ but once its properly set up, its almost impossible to make bad/squib rounds - way more difficult to F up than on a single stage.
View Quote


What, EXACTLY, is your gripe with aluminum Lee presses? You and a few others harp on them on here and curious to know what your concerns are.
Link Posted: 10/11/2022 10:31:11 AM EDT
[#46]
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:

I am a big fan of Redding. I have their Big Boss II press and am very happy with it (or at least as happy as you can be with a single stage press). Its well made and built like a german tank. I really like its primer system (both decapping and priming if you buy the optional Slide Bar Automatic Primer System). Its can also be outfitted with a Hornady lock and load system (most O-frame presses can) that makes switching dies quicker.

That said, I did just get a Dillon 550 which in my limited experience is a very reasonable 1st press option. The fact that it doesn't auto rotate means you can move at your own pass or even use it just like a single stage press if you want? The only gotcha is you have to be careful not to double charge a case if you are using as a progressive and forget to move the index arm. It's kind of like a fancy turret press that functions more like a progressive press. If you'd like to reload more than 20-50rds at a time, it's worth considering IMO.

It really depends on what you want to load (precision rifle vs bulk practice ammo), how many rounds you want to load in a session and how much you want to spend?
View Quote View All Quotes
View All Quotes
Discussion ForumsJump to Quoted PostQuote History
Quoted:
Quoted:
looking hard at the Redding line. I like that they appear to be built like a tank and that they're made here in the US.

I am a big fan of Redding. I have their Big Boss II press and am very happy with it (or at least as happy as you can be with a single stage press). Its well made and built like a german tank. I really like its primer system (both decapping and priming if you buy the optional Slide Bar Automatic Primer System). Its can also be outfitted with a Hornady lock and load system (most O-frame presses can) that makes switching dies quicker.

That said, I did just get a Dillon 550 which in my limited experience is a very reasonable 1st press option. The fact that it doesn't auto rotate means you can move at your own pass or even use it just like a single stage press if you want? The only gotcha is you have to be careful not to double charge a case if you are using as a progressive and forget to move the index arm. It's kind of like a fancy turret press that functions more like a progressive press. If you'd like to reload more than 20-50rds at a time, it's worth considering IMO.

It really depends on what you want to load (precision rifle vs bulk practice ammo), how many rounds you want to load in a session and how much you want to spend?

I am looking for a way to reload a box of 50 or two to take to the range. Speed is not really a factor. I went with the Bonanza because it is essentially the same as the Forster and I could pick it up cheaper. It has the advantage of quick die exchange and that I can eventually load precision rifle rounds........
Link Posted: 10/11/2022 1:04:47 PM EDT
[#47]
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I am looking for a way to reload a box of 50 or two to take to the range. Speed is not really a factor. I went with the Bonanza because it is essentially the same as the Forster and I could pick it up cheaper. It has the advantage of quick die exchange and that I can eventually load precision rifle rounds........
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That's cool. Got to go with what's right for you and your needs. I think a Forester (or clone?) is probably the right choice for those goals. (That and I posted before realizing you already picked something up )
Link Posted: 10/11/2022 1:20:26 PM EDT
[#48]
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Quoted:

That's cool. Got to go with what's right for you and your needs. I think a Forester (or clone?) is probably the right choice for those goals. (That and I posted before realizing you already picked something up )
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Quoted:
Quoted:

I am looking for a way to reload a box of 50 or two to take to the range. Speed is not really a factor. I went with the Bonanza because it is essentially the same as the Forster and I could pick it up cheaper. It has the advantage of quick die exchange and that I can eventually load precision rifle rounds........

That's cool. Got to go with what's right for you and your needs. I think a Forester (or clone?) is probably the right choice for those goals. (That and I posted before realizing you already picked something up )

Forster is an exact clone of Bonanza. They bought out Bonanza decades ago, about the only thing they changed was the trade name on the press.
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