Which Press for 338 LM?

M

Machineguntony

New member
I’m getting into shooting 338 Lapua Mag.

I’ve narrowed my press down to the Redding R7 or the Dillon 550c.

Downside of the Redding is that it’s a turret press. So for 100 rounds, I’m looking at 400 pulls of the handle (sizing, priming, seating, maybe crimping) for 100 rounds, not including charging.

Dillon 550c is obviously faster, but progressives aren’t usually the best for accuracy.

As to my experience, I own 4 Dillon presses, 1050s and 650. I’ve been relaoding for 25 years, btw. I’d prefer to get a conversion for the 650, but the 650 doesn’t handle 338 LM, and I don’t have room for another 1050 (I hate caliber converting the 1050).

I’m going to use a Chargemaster 1500 to accurately measure the powder. I don’t trust the Dillon to accurately charge.

Anyone have experience loading large rifle rounds on either of these presses?

Anyone have a recommendation for another press? I’m looking for speed and accuracy. I don’t think I could stomach a single stage.
 
Depends on what you're doing with the ammo. Personally I wouldn't use a turret press for match grade ammo. Although that's more about powdering and seating.
Buying a separate press at $500 for one cartridge is way out of my budget anyway.
 
The Dillion 550c Would be just a big mistake .
Buy a good Single Stage or new Ammo .
No way would load 338 on anything else .
 
Whatever press you decide on, I'd make sure that it has plenty of leverage for the depriming/re-sizing part. the biggest round I've reloaded so far is .30-06, and on my single stage Lee it's a real physical all-body workout. On my Redding T7, which is far more powerful, it's much, much easier.

I have no experience reloading rifle ammo on a Dillon, so I can't really speak to that. But like I said, you're going to want a press with tons of leverage for that big brass.
 
So I ended up picking the Redding T7 with Redding competition dies. First time I’ve ever bought a press where the dies costed more than the press.

BTW, I bought the Redding at Brownells. It’s on sale for 289, no sales tax, free shipping, and $30 off coupon. So it was $259. Too good to pass up.

I watched some YouTube videos, and I think I can live with a turret press.

I had a single stage once. I just don’t have the patience anymore for a single stage nowadays. I don’t even have the patience for caliber conversion.
 
I would never knock a progressive press for accuracy. Many people load high quality ammo on Dillon equipment and probably even a turret press.

The drawback to a progress press is the powder used. Stick powders are a pain so you end up using something that meters better. It's a trade off. I've only loaded .223 on my Dillon and I was very pleased with the quality.

Myself, I use a Rock Chucker for rifle. My largest case is a .300 H&H Mag.
 
I like loading on the Lee Cast Iron Classic. It has lots of room.
I have loaded lots of 338 LM on a Rock Chucker however you have to put the bullet up in the Seating Die and hold it with a finger, then slide the case on the shell holder under it.
In my opinion one at a time on a Single Stage is the best way to load Precision Rifle Ammo.

Bob R
 
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