Best single stage press and why

I have an RCBS jr 3 to load my 500 with I use it for small runs all Magnum. I got it on eBay for $45 best money I spent.... go RCBS oh by the way the press is 1973 and they sent me primer catcher for free..

Thewelshm
 
Lyman T Mag II Turret press vs Lee Handheld Press

If you want partout an single stage press I would suggest an mobile one like the Lee Handheld Press. Buy 3 of them and you can take your reloading to the balcony, outside or even on vacation-countryside. I ordered 4 of them but they did not arrive yet.

However I would start with an turret press like my Lyman T Mag II Turret press. Holds 2 calibers (2 times 3 die set) and is an awesome set up. It works flawlessly and the best set up for the Money (best value). I use it for reloading 38 spl/357 mag (RCBS carbide taper crimp 3 die set) and the other die set allways in place is 9mm Luger (Hornady carbide taper crimp II 3 die set). The turret press Speed things up.
As I am in Southamerica we can not get powder so I scavenge it from 12 ga shotshells. The whole reloading process is very Manual and so the best set up is an turret press (it Speeds things up a bit).
 
I can't say there 'is' a best. Mine is a Hornady press that I've had since the early 80s. Very satisfied with it. Still going strong. I've seen Rock Chuckers that seem to work good. Some swear by Dillon, or Lyman, or Redding or.... Pick one that meets your needs. About all I can say on this subject.
 
Want a new one, used one? Big one, little one, heavy, light, steel, aluminum?

To me it would come down to what do you want to do with it. Other than the big single stage presses I don't see what difference it makes which brand it is.

I watch ebay all the time and still see many very old C type presses that are still in very serviceable condition and are probably just as sturdy as many of the smaller O presses.
 
The Forster Co-Ax can be had for around $300 these days.

I have one and find it extremely useful along with my progressive press. I size my 308 and 22-250 rounds on it as well as prime (very easy to use and it's built in) and seat. Changing dies takes about 3 seconds and they are perfectly centered.

I have no loyalty to any one brand and use what works for me, your mileage may vary.
 
BTW; you fellers remember the guy that held the record for smallest group at 1,000 yards? He used a Lee Loader...
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Was he shooting a Lee rifle? And then I could ask but when I do that the answers usually make some bad turns. Bench resters just can not help it but when talking about world records there is always a refrain; goes something like; bench resters full length size there cases, and another 'and then' they have been doing it for decades. I guess bench resters just like saying that.

And then no one knows the Lee target model die neck sized only. So I could ask how the BTW shooter full length sized his cases with a Lee loader but I won't.

F. Guffey
 
And would give you the capability to crank out 'Match' grade ammo at 450+ rounds a minute, depending on press you choose...
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I thought I had some of the best equipped Dillon's one could have. I'll give you a kidney for one that loads 27,000 rounds an hour.
 
I also bought my first SS press in 1971, RCBS Rockchucker. I now have three SS presses (Rockchucker Supreme and Forster Co-Ax). The co-ax gets used the most but I love my Rockchuckers also. Mainly all used for Rifle loading. :D
 
"The Dillon progressives now have single round capability, are as ridged & powerful as any aluminum frame press on the market,
And would give you the capability to crank out 'Match' grade ammo at 450+ rounds a minute, depending on press you choose..."

Wow, after 15 seconds, I'm ready to head to the range. :eek:
 
There are many Options regards if someone assumes "Was he shooting a Lee rifle?".

He may mean Lee Enfield
He may mean General Lee from CSA and a rifle of his
or he indeed thinks Lee Presision makes nowadays a rifle. (This last Option would be a bit outdated or we speak of Insider info if Lee Precision has a secret proyect of a super rifle).

You see the distance from a dumb ass to a Genius isn't sometimes that big.
 
South, you just made me blow coffee out my nose! :D

GoJones, J Morris, TYPO!
Hour, minute, who's counting... :rolleyes:

Help Wanted: Proof Reader!
 
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"Was he shooting a Lee rifle?"

Maybe I missed your point but this is the dumbest thing I've seen you post.
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What press? I agree, that is about as dumb as greasing your bullets. And then there are reloaders that are impressionable, the BTW shooter story could lead a few reloaders to believe the old Lee dies could make all rifles shoot like bench rest. And again, "all of you shooters are wasting your time when going for accuracy by sizing because all of us bench resters full length size and we have been doing it for decades", and to that I say FANTASTIC!

FANTASTIC! is another point you will miss with no MAYBE about it.

The press is a tool, my presses serve me well, my presses have room above the press because I use man tools like the hack saw and file when forming cases, I also us the companion tool to the press the feeler gage. When I use the feeler gage I want room around the case head. So when choosing a press I want as much of the press below the bench as I can get, because of utility everything above the top of the bench is in the way.

And I am the one that said my Rock Checkers do not cam over, I also said it is difficult to keep the ram straight when pulling the handle meaning when the ram gets to the top of its travel it is pushed forward and at the same time the bottom of the ram is kicked back:eek:. Does that bother me?:rolleyes: NO.

F. Guffey
 
"Was he shooting a Lee rifle?"

Maybe I missed your point but this is the dumbest thing I've seen you post.
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I wasn't going to go there, but since you brought it up...

I didn't understand that post either. Who was talking about neck sizing vs. F/L sizing?What does a Lee rifle have to do with Lee dies? Did Lee mfg. long range target rifles? I mentioned the record shooter using a Lee Loader to say the high tech, big $$$ reloading equipment doesn't make record setting shooting any easier than an old fashioned tool used correctly and conscientiously.

Mebbe you could cut back on the caffeine Mr Guffy?
 
Having built several presses down through the years...
Take the maximum you are willing to spend X5 for materials/tooling,
Kiss 120 hours goodbye at the machine tools.

Buy one and grin like an idiot every time you think about it! :D
 
I have to go with Mr. Guffy on this one...
The guy spends his entire career shooting 'Splatter Boards', an 'Also Ran' mention when he attended enough shoots,
Has ONE good day at the range,
and suddenly every word that comes out his mouth is touted as scientific fact with tinges of the devine...

My grandpa said even a blind pig can find an acorn once in a while...
 
I have to go with Mr. Guffy on this one...
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Excellent choice JeepHammer. It is still sort of early in the weekend and it takes a little longer for the fog to clear for some.

The guy spends his entire career shooting 'Splatter Boards', an 'Also Ran' mention when he attended enough shoots,
Has ONE good day at the range,
and suddenly every word that comes out his mouth is touted as scientific fact with tinges of the devine...
Click to expand...

I could have put this into better words.

Also, your Grandpa was a wise man.

One of my Grandpa's was (so far) one of the smartest men I have ever known.

I think Mr. Guffey is in that class as well.
 
Guys shoot consistant groups, SLIGHTLY larger than one lucky day, match after match, year after year...
That's consistancy, and they are the ones I'm interested in...
 
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