I'm looking at the Redding Ultramag and the RCBS AmmoMaster 2. It appears the RCBS press has more leverage for forming brass so, initially I'm leaning towards it. However, the ~6 inch stroke is a lot more then I need. The ~4 inch stroke of the Redding model seems more appropriate but, I don't know how it works out with large wildcats and the African rounds.

Should I consider an RCBS Ammomaster and make some shorter rods for it?

Sid - how is longer stroke a problem...??

You'll want the larger stroke and clearance when you load bigger cases. On a smaller press you'll have to stuff the bullet into the die with one finger while advancing the ram with your other paw due to the samll opening. If the longer travel in the handle bothers you then seat your dies lower in the top plate and the end result is the same.

The other advantage of the Ammomaster and the Hornady BMG presses is that they have more robust components. I load 2-Bore cases on the Hornandy with no problem.

The Hornady also comes with an assortment of Lock & Load components/tools which make changing set-ups a snap and it's about the same price as the Ammomaster.

Note that the main section of the AmmoMaster press is ALUMINUM. That's the weak point of this press. They took the base from the AmmoMaster progressive press and added the longer tie rods. I load 50bmg and the press does have some flex. However either of these presses have leverage enough to do heavy jobs. Haven't used the Redding but I bet it's a great press.

what calibers to you intend to load??
That would help in selection of a press.
I sold my single stage press years ago and now only load on a Dillon

Any press using stand-offs will have alignment issues. Several years ago these were documented for the AmmoMaster on one of these forums. I can't attest to what is experienced with current AmmoMaster production, but just on principle of design I favor the Redding. I'm also familiar with the quality of their products. See what kind of responses you get, but I can't foresee your having any issues with the UltraMag.

If you have any concerns regarding the UltraMag's capability with a particular cartridge, contact Redding. That press is configured to handle the large rounds. 1-607-756-3331 and techline@redding-reloading.com

Shortened stand-offs will compromise the leverage of the other presses. The linkage will be constrained long before maximum mechanical advantage is achieved. To avoid this situation, you would also need to shorten the length of the ram.

Thank you for all the support so far!

Regarding stroke length, the larger arc the load arm travels through is what I'm trying to avoid. When pulling from the top of the stroke, the leverage I have is not very good but, a third or more of the arc in "free space" gets old fast. 9mm Para/Luger on an old Rock Chucker got way to tedious with all the free travel I had with my dies so, I don't want to go with way too much travel but, retain some so that the leverage starts when the lever is starting to fall. I hope this makes sense!

I want the leverage to work 30-06 based wildcats and load classic African rounds. I do not load 50BMG. I have some shoulder issues so, I need the leverage a larger press will give me but, I also need to avoid excessive load arm travel (arc) if I'm going to load more then a handful of rounds at a time.

Have you considered the Lee Classic Cast single stage?

It's big and has a lot of leverage too but the lever is adjustable for both LENGTH and ANGLE, making it a bit more versatile with both long and short cases.

i duno but i do everything save 50's on a coax and that encompasses everything from 17 bee to 470 and something like 40 things inbetween

I load up to 470NE with my Redding Ultramag with absolutely no problems. If something were to happen to it, I would replace it.

I have the forster coax and the ultramag. I use the coax 99.9% of the time much smooooooother and tons of leverage. The ultramag gets used for the 500j just because it reqiures the larger thread dies. Everything else up to 416Rigby based stuff gets the coax.

Sid - I would never reload 9mm unless you're shooting competition (cheaper to buy it) and I would never reload small pistol calibers on a single stage. If you're gonna use it for 30-06 and LARGER cases including big nitro cases then get the Ammomaster or Hornady BMG press. Pulling the larger travel is easier than shorter travel and more force. If I were gonna do a lot of mid sized rifle cases with some variety - I'd look at the T-7 too.

What makes the Redding Ultramag twice the cost of an RCBS Rockchucker?

I've got a Dillion 550 now for high volume pistol stuff. At 20 cents a round, new 9mm is a little pricey for me not to consider reloading. I'm going to setup the Dillion for 5.56 too since I need high volume cost effective ammo for my M-16. Once my Uzi SMG gets through the system, my 9mm consumption will go up from the 500 round days with just a handgun to a higher round count I'm sure.

quote:

What makes the Redding Ultramag twice the cost of an RCBS Rockchucker?

Good question - I think it's a nicer press and $100 delta is no concern when the gear is gonna outlive the owner. You could spend a little more and get the smaller Corbin press which is even better...

quote:

Originally posted by Sid Post:
What makes the Redding Ultramag twice the cost of an RCBS RockChucker?

If the UltraMag had articulated links and were available in two sizes, its popularity would eclipse all competitors except the the Lee contingency. However, since it is competing on the basis of utility, the ergonomic card is not in play, and it must compete within a narrow market. If you need its capability, you gotta' pay the tariff. Volume is the difference.

Maybe Redding will change the game.

quote:

Originally posted by Macifej:
You could spend a little more and get the smaller Corbin press which is even better...

I'm not familiar with the Corbin. What makes it better and worth the extra cost?

The ammo-master does not have effective spent primer handling either. The Utramag does.

I use a co-ax myself, and am thrilled with it.

Andy

quote:

Originally posted by Sid Post:

quote:

Originally posted by Macifej:
You could spend a little more and get the smaller Corbin press which is even better...

I'm not familiar with the Corbin. What makes it better and worth the extra cost?

SEE HERE:

http://www.corbins.com/prcsp-1.htm

His prices have gone waaaaay up in the last year or so...this press was $349 the last time I looked at it...

If the long handle arc bother you for short round get an old RCBS Junior. It's simple linkage is much shorter and it is adequate for short rounds like the 30-30 on down. Use a larger press for larger rounds.

$600

It sure looks like a nice reloading press. At $350 I would consider it but, at $600 it's just too expensive.

Probably worth the money if you need the precision but for killing beasties with a bolt gun...the Ultramag or the T-7 are great. If you can get the Redding micrometer dies in your calibers - that will make more difference in the quality of your handloads then the press.

If you need to load something big go with the Hornady.