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I have recently been bit by the shooting bug even though I grew up around guns. The cost of ammo is a concern, but due to recent surgeries, I need a new hobby more than anything. I have narrowed my choice of a single stage press to the RCBS and Hornaday. Does anyone have input that might help me make the choice. | ||
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| One of Us |
I would check out the Lee Classic Cast single stage press. It is made out of cast just as the others but carries a much lower price tag. It will serve you just as well as the other higher priced models but leave you with a little cash left to spend on components. NRA Life Member | |||
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+1 for Lee if you are looking for a great single stage press for a cheap price. I have the Lee Challenger Breech Lock Single Stage Press and it's wonderful. The Breech lock makes changing dies a breeze AND you can order one from Midway for $49.99. I'm a newbie to reloading (about 2 months). Most of what I have is LEE. Love the "Zip-n-trim" for sizing brass. LEE offers some great products that are easy to use for a very cheap price. | |||
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The type of cartridges you intend to reload might affect your choice. If you are going to reload only pistol rounds a light duty press will work. Rifle cartridges are easily reloaded with a heavier press. I have no experience with Hornady presses because I have been using a RCBS Rockchucker sine 1972. It is fine for the rifle rounds but more than necessary for pistol rounds. It has received very hard use forming rifle cases for obsolete cartridges. | |||
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+1 for the RCBS Rockchucker. I have been using it for almost 40 years now. | |||
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+1 rcbs had a lee it worked but mine was a very sloppy press not machined very well | |||
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my Rockchucker is only since 1967 so it not being broke in yet I'll reserve comment. | |||
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Another for the RCBS Rockchucker.I have had and used mine since 1972 for all kinds of calibers,handguns of all calibers and up to 375 rifle.Upgraded from a RCBS Partner. I have a brother in law that uses a Lee press as a backup and likes it but the shaft has to be guided by hand as it almost never comes up completely straight.His is used and new may be better but RCBS has held the lion share of presses for many years. | |||
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| One of Us |
If you do a Search, you'll find that the new Rockchucker (casting marked IV and with ambidextrous handle) has gained a reputation for having poor ram fit. The older Rockchuckers (casting marked II) were better presses if you can find a good used one. The Redding is a nicer press, but these days any mfr's product can have a problem. It's best to inspect before buying if possible; otherwise buy from a vendor who will stand behind it or a mfr who will make it good if needed. The Hornady has an aluminum frame, which is not a detriment, but cast iron is a more stable material. If you like the LnL bushing feature, other presses having a removable die bushing can be converted for LnL use. Many like the Forster press. It's expensive, has excellent quality, and has many unique features. It doesn't work with LnL bushings, but has its own quick-change feature. ________________________ "Every country has the government it deserves." - Joseph de Maistre | |||
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co-ax | |||
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i have 1 of each of the rcbs and they both feel the same but i am sure some have problems | |||
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I can see where a aluminum frame MIGHT be a problem if you happen to be resizing 55 gallon drums into 22-250 brass but for real life reloading, it's a non issue. That said, I've never had a Rock Chucker press nor in almost 50 years of reloading have I ever needed one. Of course, "mine cost more than yours" counts for a lot to some folks. I had a RCBS Jr press that I bought used 40 years ago and I now have 2 of the smaller RCBS presses as well as a Lee Champion that I bought just to see what they were like. So many folks like to trash Lee products. IMO, the Lee makes ammo as good as the RCBS presses do. And that's based on shooting and winning factory matches with ammo loaded on the Lee. I gave the old RCBS Jr to a young man just getting started in reloading. It was still going strong.  | |||
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20+ years ago I started with the Lee set. Since then all tools have been upgraded one piece at a time as money allowed. I don't regret buying that lee set. About 5 years ago I sold that lee stuff to a new handloading enthusiast. He loves it but also upgrades. Hopefully he will pass that stuff on as I did. ______________________ Are you gonna pull those pistols or whistle Dixie? | |||
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Redding is a nicer press for the money. Some times saving a couple of dollars is false economy. I also highly recommend Redding dies. Bill Member DSC,DRSS,NRA,TSRA A man who carries a cat by the tail learns something he can learn in no other way. -Mark Twain There ought to be one day - just one – when there is open season on Congressmen. ~Will Rogers~ | |||
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