Single stage press
- Thread starter Isaiah
- Start date
jwrowland77
New member
That's about like asking Ford or Chevy.
Several are good and several are brand loyal. I personally like Hornady but I also have a RCBS single stage. I mainly use Hornady dies, but I also have other brands that fit my needs better.
Several are good and several are brand loyal. I personally like Hornady but I also have a RCBS single stage. I mainly use Hornady dies, but I also have other brands that fit my needs better.
YARDDOG(1)
New member
I'm a tight wad,,, I think Lee works just fine 
single stage & the dies work great also. JMO ; )
Y/D
single stage & the dies work great also. JMO ; )Y/D
Marco Califo
New member
I have a Redding Big Boss, and it is a great piece of equipment. But I use my Lee Hand press a lot more. I also have a Lyman turret press, but use the Lee a lot more.
They all load accurate ammo.
They all load accurate ammo.
jwrowland77
New member
I bought my RCBS "Reloader Special 2" in 1984. It is the only press I have ever used or owned. After what must be hundreds of thousands of cycles, it still operates like the day it was made. I will probably never own - nor have any desire to own - any other single stage press. The current production model is the Reloader Special 5 and retails for about $130.
As for dies: RCBS; naturally.
As for dies: RCBS; naturally.
4runnerman
New member
Post #2 says it all. IMHO- I like RCBS press and Forester or Redding Dies. Not that they are the best, but just where I go.
Last edited:
For the money... That's really a toss up.
Hornady and RCBS both make great single stage presses.
Lees cost substantially less but still gets the job done.
What are you really looking for in a press?
High return on investment?
Ease of use?
Speed?
Ergonomics?
Precision?
Everyone has a different way of ranking value for me precision, ease of use, and speed are the top three factors in choosing any tool with a very large bias toward precision over any other variable.
That is why, for me, the single stage that all others get measured against is the Forster Co-Ax.
It costs significantly more than your standard single stage press.
You get what you pay for though. Die swapping is in and out as fast as swapping a brass case. Great leverage makes sizing cake and more importantly for me case forming much more tolerable. The universal shell holder design is just so simple and effective that it's just one of those "how did I ever live without" it type of setups. Lastly the way that the press is designed to keep the shell from canting, while also allowing the shell and die to float relative to one another on the X and Y axis allows for better concentricity than your typical single stage press.
Should any of this matter to you? Probably not, lol. I'll be honest when I say that it's way more precision than I am as a shooter, but I don't see anything wrong with that.
What I can tell you is that even with a Lee Classic, you can learn to create ammo that is as good as what manufacturers market as premium match grade ammo. Every one of the presses mentioned so far are extremely durable.
Quite frankly, you have to get very nit-picky when choosing the right press for yourself because they all get the job done.
Hornady and RCBS both make great single stage presses.
Lees cost substantially less but still gets the job done.
What are you really looking for in a press?
High return on investment?
Ease of use?
Speed?
Ergonomics?
Precision?
Everyone has a different way of ranking value for me precision, ease of use, and speed are the top three factors in choosing any tool with a very large bias toward precision over any other variable.
That is why, for me, the single stage that all others get measured against is the Forster Co-Ax.
It costs significantly more than your standard single stage press.
You get what you pay for though. Die swapping is in and out as fast as swapping a brass case. Great leverage makes sizing cake and more importantly for me case forming much more tolerable. The universal shell holder design is just so simple and effective that it's just one of those "how did I ever live without" it type of setups. Lastly the way that the press is designed to keep the shell from canting, while also allowing the shell and die to float relative to one another on the X and Y axis allows for better concentricity than your typical single stage press.
Should any of this matter to you? Probably not, lol. I'll be honest when I say that it's way more precision than I am as a shooter, but I don't see anything wrong with that.
What I can tell you is that even with a Lee Classic, you can learn to create ammo that is as good as what manufacturers market as premium match grade ammo. Every one of the presses mentioned so far are extremely durable.
Quite frankly, you have to get very nit-picky when choosing the right press for yourself because they all get the job done.
Every single stage press made by RCBS and Lyman and especially Redding and certainly by Forster are phenomenally tough, well built and long lasting machines. The "partner" press is not as stout as I would choose, but any Rock Chucker is absolutely a "lifetime" kind of tool.
Lee also makes some very good presses along with some cheap ones, but if the question is truly "what is the most tough and hardcore single stage press FOR THE MONEY" then I really don't see how anything currently produced and on the market now can match what the Lee Classic Cast brings to the table.
Hell for stout, extrememly user friendly, upgradable to handle .50 BMG and just check the price! What can do better for similar money?
Lee also makes some very good presses along with some cheap ones, but if the question is truly "what is the most tough and hardcore single stage press FOR THE MONEY" then I really don't see how anything currently produced and on the market now can match what the Lee Classic Cast brings to the table.
Hell for stout, extrememly user friendly, upgradable to handle .50 BMG and just check the price! What can do better for similar money?
A pause for the COZ
New member
I have used a few RCBS, Lyman, Hornady.
Sold them all. Purchased a LEE Classic cast press.
After trying them, Lookin, shoppin.
Your not going to find a better value for your money. Think of any feature you would like in a single stage press.
The LEE has it.
Has the room for the bigger Magnums.
Can swage.
Has the best spent primer set up.
Priming arms work.
Can set the handle left or right.
Tough as a tank.
Cost 2/3 rds of any comparable press. Used to be 1/2 but the others have had to lower their price to compete.
OH and it 100% made in USA.
Since LEE has experienced the success of the Classic cast single stage and the Classic cast turret press.
They are now producing a very high quality line of products.
They still have their cheap stuff. But now they offer the next step up.
Here is why I liked that I could set the handle ether side. I can work both presses on the same run.
Size on the left and load on the right.
Just my opinion, but I am not selling mine.
Sold them all. Purchased a LEE Classic cast press.
After trying them, Lookin, shoppin.
Your not going to find a better value for your money. Think of any feature you would like in a single stage press.
The LEE has it.
Has the room for the bigger Magnums.
Can swage.
Has the best spent primer set up.
Priming arms work.
Can set the handle left or right.
Tough as a tank.
Cost 2/3 rds of any comparable press. Used to be 1/2 but the others have had to lower their price to compete.
OH and it 100% made in USA.
Since LEE has experienced the success of the Classic cast single stage and the Classic cast turret press.
They are now producing a very high quality line of products.
They still have their cheap stuff. But now they offer the next step up.
Here is why I liked that I could set the handle ether side. I can work both presses on the same run.
Size on the left and load on the right.
Just my opinion, but I am not selling mine.
^That post backs up my thought also, but you forgot one feature in your list -- besides left/right swappable, the angle or position of the handle is also quick and easy to adjust for the select purpose of finding exactly the sweet spot for certain jobs that require either leverage or for having the handle swing in a particular space for a particular job.
I do brass prep on a separate machine now, but back when I did my batch loading on the Classic Cast, it was great to move the handle position to make it perfect for particular jobs.
I do brass prep on a separate machine now, but back when I did my batch loading on the Classic Cast, it was great to move the handle position to make it perfect for particular jobs.
LOL
To the ham and eggs project, the chicken is dedicated, but the pig is committed.
Committed believers:
Ford vs Chevy
9mm vs 45acp
Progressive press choice
Dedicated after seeing compelling evidence:
Single stage press choice
I personally at this time like RCBS partner presses and Forster co-ax presses.
I have others I use, and I use other people's odd single stage presses on hunting trips.
4runnerman
New member
Clark- I am like you. I started with a partner press and until last year when it broke that was all I needed. RCBS replaced for free but I had a Match coming up and could not wait for them to ship me another one. I ended up buying a Rock Chucker. Same as partner Press, just more heavy duty. Have still not seen a need for a progressive yet. RCBS Customer Service is second to none for sure.
Lost Sheep
New member
One excerp from my "10 Advices" post
Advice #2 All equipment is good. But is it good FOR YOU?
Almost every manufacturer of loading equipment makes good stuff; if they didn't, they would lose reputation fast and disappear from the marketplace. Generally you get what you pay for and better equipment costs more. Cast aluminum is lighter and less expensive but not so abrasion resistant as cast iron. Cast iron lasts practically forever. Aluminum generally takes more cleaning and lubrication to last forever. Just think about what you buy. Ask around. Testimonials are nice. But if you think Ford/Chevy owners have brand loyalty, you have not met handloaders. Testimonials with reasoning behind them are better. RCBS equipment is almost all green, Dillon-blue, Lee-red. Almost no manufacturers cross color lines and many handloaders simply identify themselves as "Blue" or whatever. Make your own choices.
About brand loyalties, an example: Lee Precision makes good equipment, but is generally considered the "economy" equipment maker (though some of their stuff is considered preferable to more expensive makes, as Lee has been an innovator both in price leadership which has introduced many to loading who might not otherwise have been able to start the hobby and in introduction of innovative features like their auto-advancing turret presses). But there are detractors who focus on Lee's cheapest offerings to paint even their extremely strong gear as inferior. My advice: Ignore the snobs.
On Kits: Almost every manufacturer makes a kit that contains everything you need to do reloading (except dies and the consumables). A kit is decent way to get started. Eventually most people wind up replacing most of the components of the kit as their personal taste develops (negating the savings you thought the kit gave you), but you will have gotten started, at least.
On building your own kit: The thought processes you give to assembling your own kit increases your knowledge about reloading. You may get started a couple weeks later than if you started with a kit, but you will be far ahead in knowledge.
Lost Sheep
p.s. see post 42 in this thread for the other 9
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=545957&highlight=advices&page=2
Advice #2 All equipment is good. But is it good FOR YOU?
Almost every manufacturer of loading equipment makes good stuff; if they didn't, they would lose reputation fast and disappear from the marketplace. Generally you get what you pay for and better equipment costs more. Cast aluminum is lighter and less expensive but not so abrasion resistant as cast iron. Cast iron lasts practically forever. Aluminum generally takes more cleaning and lubrication to last forever. Just think about what you buy. Ask around. Testimonials are nice. But if you think Ford/Chevy owners have brand loyalty, you have not met handloaders. Testimonials with reasoning behind them are better. RCBS equipment is almost all green, Dillon-blue, Lee-red. Almost no manufacturers cross color lines and many handloaders simply identify themselves as "Blue" or whatever. Make your own choices.
About brand loyalties, an example: Lee Precision makes good equipment, but is generally considered the "economy" equipment maker (though some of their stuff is considered preferable to more expensive makes, as Lee has been an innovator both in price leadership which has introduced many to loading who might not otherwise have been able to start the hobby and in introduction of innovative features like their auto-advancing turret presses). But there are detractors who focus on Lee's cheapest offerings to paint even their extremely strong gear as inferior. My advice: Ignore the snobs.
On Kits: Almost every manufacturer makes a kit that contains everything you need to do reloading (except dies and the consumables). A kit is decent way to get started. Eventually most people wind up replacing most of the components of the kit as their personal taste develops (negating the savings you thought the kit gave you), but you will have gotten started, at least.
On building your own kit: The thought processes you give to assembling your own kit increases your knowledge about reloading. You may get started a couple weeks later than if you started with a kit, but you will be far ahead in knowledge.
Lost Sheep
p.s. see post 42 in this thread for the other 9
http://thefiringline.com/forums/showthread.php?t=545957&highlight=advices&page=2
Last edited:
Lost Sheep
New member
Welcome to reloading. Thanks for asking our advice.
Aside from eye protection and manuals, you only need three things (physically) to load good ammo. (Of course, you would be severely limited in some ways, but capable of producing one round at a time, but safely.)
Press because fingers are not strong enough to form metal
Dies because fingers are not accurate enough to form metal to SAAMI specs
Scale (or calibrated dippers) because eyeballs are not accurate enough to measure out gunpowder.
A set of calipers would be a good idea, too, just to verify dimensions.
Everything else can be done without, substituted for or improvised until you can afford to buy good, quality gear.
But it is more efficient and cost effective to get equipment that fits your needs now and for the near/foreseeable future.
We could target our advice better if you shared some information about yourself: (What I use has no relevance to you if our needs are not similar.)
What gear to choose depends on what its purposes will be. What are yours? So, I have some questions for you before I can be more specific.
What calibers/chamberings will you be reloading?
What quantities will you be reloading for those calibers? (Per month)
How much time will you be willing to devote to those quantities?
How large of production runs before swapping calibers?
What is your budget for the initial purchase? (Not components, just the equipment)
Will you want to get your entire setup at once or, after an initial setup that does all you need, add accessories and conveniences as your experience suggests and finances permit?
Will you be putting your gear away after each session or leave it set up permanently?
How much space will you devote permanently to a loading area, if any?
Do you want it to be portable?
What are your shooting goals? Cheap ammo? Ultimate long-range accuracy? Casual plinking, Serious competition - what kind? Cowboy Action Shooting? Strictly hunting? Personal defense? Skills development?
Lost Sheep
Aside from eye protection and manuals, you only need three things (physically) to load good ammo. (Of course, you would be severely limited in some ways, but capable of producing one round at a time, but safely.)
Press because fingers are not strong enough to form metal
Dies because fingers are not accurate enough to form metal to SAAMI specs
Scale (or calibrated dippers) because eyeballs are not accurate enough to measure out gunpowder.
A set of calipers would be a good idea, too, just to verify dimensions.
Everything else can be done without, substituted for or improvised until you can afford to buy good, quality gear.
But it is more efficient and cost effective to get equipment that fits your needs now and for the near/foreseeable future.
We could target our advice better if you shared some information about yourself: (What I use has no relevance to you if our needs are not similar.)
What gear to choose depends on what its purposes will be. What are yours? So, I have some questions for you before I can be more specific.
What calibers/chamberings will you be reloading?
What quantities will you be reloading for those calibers? (Per month)
How much time will you be willing to devote to those quantities?
How large of production runs before swapping calibers?
What is your budget for the initial purchase? (Not components, just the equipment)
Will you want to get your entire setup at once or, after an initial setup that does all you need, add accessories and conveniences as your experience suggests and finances permit?
Will you be putting your gear away after each session or leave it set up permanently?
How much space will you devote permanently to a loading area, if any?
Do you want it to be portable?
What are your shooting goals? Cheap ammo? Ultimate long-range accuracy? Casual plinking, Serious competition - what kind? Cowboy Action Shooting? Strictly hunting? Personal defense? Skills development?
Lost Sheep
Brotherbadger
New member
Most of the major brands all make very good single stage presses. You honestly don't go wrong with any of the major choices. Personally, I went with the Lee Classic Cast, and love it. It's heavy duty, the linkage is strong and if I ever want to reload 50 BMG, I can.