I need some advice on a loader

My simple answer for the OP is that if want to go single stage, get a press that is big enough right from the start. Smaller ones are great for pistol rounds, but when you get into larger caliber pistols, and especially bottleneck rifle cartridges they can become a real workout. I started with an RCBS Partner press and loaded a lot of rounds with it, broke the handle once (RCBS replaced it free) but today it is relegated to holding my powder measure, or using my ram prime die.

If you get the RCBS Rock Chucker, Lyman crusher, or Hornandy 007 or similar larger press, they will cover everything well.
 
Not much to add, it looks like everyone else pretty much has it covered. I think you are wise to start out on a single stage. I don't think it's ever a good idea to start out on a fully auto progressive.

Some have mentioned turret presses, which I do like. One that I don't think has been mentioned that is worth looking into is the Lyman T-Mag. It's holds 6 dies and is manually indexed.
 
I have been reloading for over 30 years. The RCBS Rockchucker single stage press is serving me well. I may reload 25 to 50 rounds at a time. I am a bench rest shooter, load only for accuracy. The Ruckchucker Press you can't go wrong with.
 
Allot of good advice above. My vote for a great starter press is always the same. Lee Classic Turret. It works fantastic, allows for descent speed once you are loading with more confidence and won't break the bank.

I have some nicer presses such as the Hornady LNL ammo plant with case feeder and the Dillon 1050 Super with Forcht autodrive and "if" could only have one press factoring in all of the +'s and -'s I know of with the other presses including cost I would pick the LCT.
 
"I have been reloading for over 30 years. The RCBS Rockchucker single stage press is serving me well. I may reload 25 to 50 rounds at a time. I am a bench rest shooter, load only for accuracy. The Ruckchucker Press you can't go wrong with."


Rockchucker is my choice also. I had 2, one for reloading pistol and rifle and another reworked by Ferris Pendel to swage benchrest bullets in his dies. The rockchucker is the choice because there is no stretch or give due to its construction so the end result is more consistant ammo. BR ammo though was loaded with hand dies.
 
If you are interested in the Lee Classic Turret, have a look at Kempfgunshop.com. They put together their own kit with the LCT press, primer arm, disk-type powder dispenser (with an optional upgrade to the Pro series affordable and recommended), and your choice of die sets. They throw in some ammo boxes and leave out the Lee scale, which doesn't seem to have a big fan club. Add a scale of your choice, a mounting site, and components, and you are up and running. I went that way a bit over a year ago, after doing a lot of reading and comparing, and I have been completely satisfied. I took my time and did the mounting and setup over a couple of evenings after supper and was making satisfactory pistol ammo at the end of the second evening. I felt like it was a good value.
 
Since you will be doing some loading for rifle calibers, it is important to choose a press that is solidly constructed. Although I don't have one, those recommending the RCBS Rock Chucker seem to be making a good suggestion. I'm using the very heavy and massive Herter's model 3 press from days of yore but unfortunately presses like that are hardly to be found anymore unless at a gun show or maybe via the net. My Remington Ultra Mag calibers require that type of a heavy duty press and I would never try them on most progressives. But the bottom line is, get a press that is solid for the rifle loading. Any press should easily handle handgun calibers.
 
Back
Top