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Posted: 11/29/2011 9:41:27 AM EDT
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Looking at getting another press for doing small batches (400 rounds or so a year). For the cost of a caliber conversion and quick change for my 650 I could have a single stage press. Right now looking to reload 8mm Mauser and .30-30 on a single stage. I can get a Lyman T-MAG for $144 locally but have been looking at Lee classic turret or possibly the Lee Breech Lock Classic. Want to keep the cost at or below $150 for the press.
Suggestions? |
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Quoted:
Looking at getting another press for doing small batches (400 rounds or so a year). For the cost of a caliber conversion and quick change for my 650 I could have a single stage press. Right now looking to reload 8mm Mauser and .30-30 on a single stage. I can get a Lyman T-MAG for $144 locally but have been looking at Lee classic turret or possibly the Lee Breech Lock Classic. Want to keep the cost at or below $150 for the press. Suggestions? I have a Lee Classic Turret. It's a great press. The only problem I've had is wearing out the nylon ratchet every other year or so. It's a part that I keep a few extra on hand. When it wears, the press will stop auto-indexing, so it's still usable, but slightly less functional. I don't mind the cost of a $2 consumable part that lasts for thousands of rounds. Caliber changes are QUICK - pop out the shell holder and give the turret a slight twist and pull up. Replace the priming arm if necessary (small or large). That's it. It's a 60 second process. 120 seconds if you need to move your powder measure. Tip - don't let the primer catch tube get pull. If it does, it's a PITA to clear out the jammed primers stuck in the ram. Just empty it when it's 3/4 full, or just route the tube into a trash can. Given my level of satisfaction with the Classic Turret, I'd certainly consider a Classic Cast if I wanted a single stage. The only other I'd consider is a Hornady, and that's because I shoot with a bunch of Hornady employees. I've met and shot 3-gun with Steve and Jason Hornady and they're absolute gentlemen. Of course, it helps that Hornady puts out quality gear. |
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Tip - don't let the primer catch tube get pull. If it does, it's a PITA to clear out the jammed primers stuck in the ram. Just empty it when it's 3/4 full, or just route the tube into a trash can.
That does suck big time BTDT 
I fit a hose barb to a plastic soda bottle and use it with a longer tube |
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The Lee Classic Cast Breech Lock single stage is your ticket. Very hefty like the Classic Cast but with the additional advantage of breech lock feature allows you to change dies very quickly but does not have the small amount of play associated with the turret which I also have but only use for pistol reloading. With small scale precision reloading, you do not lose any speed advantage even compared to the turret since you can run one step at a time and use the breech lock to quickly change to the next step. I use this for precision rifle hand loading and love it. The only disadvantage is you have to get a whole bunch of breech lock quick change bushings since you will like it so much that you want all your dies on the same system – highly recommended. |
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Get the Lyman and don't look back. Being aboe to have several dies adjusted and ready to go is priceless if you just want to do a few rounds.
ProTip: Watch your local paper for auction notices with guns for sale. Very often if an estate has guns, they will also have reloading gear that gets tossed in a box by some lady that has no idea and can often go for ridiculusly cheap prices. Example: I got a Dillon 550, 5 heads, 11 sets of dies old case prep tools and 4k assorted primers for $50, and then a Lyman turret press in a box of other crap for $20... |
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RCBS Jr. for dirt cheap. There is one at a local pawn shop for $30, so they can be found cheap, and lifetime warranty.
I have loaded over 5k on a single stage in the last year, so I don't see the need to spend over $40 bucks for 400 rounds, IMHO. If cases are primed I knock out 400 in an afternoon of .223 on my Jr. |
Was ordering a quick change tool head from Brian Enos and decided to call him to see if he had a case gage for 8x57 Mauser, he didn't. On a hunch I asked him what parts would I need to switch out to convert from 30-06 to 8x57. Found out that all I would need to change is the powder funnel. So for a $15 part plus a tool head and powder die, another $38, I would be able to load 8mm Mauser on my 650. 
Will still want another press for .30-30 and eventually some other calibers, but I will be able to load the 8x57 before Christmas. Gifting 100 rounds to my brother for his present, with two little kids ammo isn't something he can spend much money on. Anyone know where I can find a case gage for 8x57? |
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A quick Google search came up with this,
8x57 Wilson case gauge at Graf's. As for a press, look around for something used, as you don't seem to be in a big hurry. Save some $$. |
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