I have been using my Rock Chuckar but a longer press would make the operation much smoother. What press is "best for the bucks"?

JBoutfishn,

I have a "bit" of experience with this very problem. In looking for a press that would easily handle the 3.25" Nitro Express calibers I went through the large Midway press, the Lyman Crusher II, and others before settling on the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme. None were perfect, but the RCBS was the best compromise for the money at that time, and may still be.

Since then the Lee Classic Cast press has been introduced, and might be a good low cost alternative. If cost was no object, I would also look at the Redding Ultramag or RCBS Ammomaster.

Actually for most of my standard caliber loading I still use my old Rockchucker because I like the priming system better than the new Rockchucker Supreme which has no available automatic primer feed system (on occassion I also use an old Bonanza CoAx). The second main problem with some of the other presses that I tried was that the ram did not line up precisely with the hole for the dies, causing the case to touch more on one side that the other when sizing and seating (certainly did not help with concentricity ).

Good luck with your decision,
Jim

I have a Redding UltraMag. I has 4 1/2" of room. It really works well for the long cases. They are a bit spendy, but my grandkids will be using it until they are old and grumpy too.
JCN

i've tried a couple.. ended with the RCBS supreme.. and the bench mounting primer system

jeffe

Jim,
I looked into presses for my .470 quite extensively about six months ago and selected the Rock Chucker Supreme. It is longer than the one you have and works wonderfully for me.

Redding Ultra-Mag ( http://www.reddingreloading.com/pages/ultramag.html ) or Forster Co-Ax ( http://www.forsterproducts.com/Pages/press.htm ).



RSY

The only press that has satisfied me with the long Nitro Express cartridges is the RCBS A-2 single stage press, it has a lot of room to work in up to 50 caliber BMG...

I do reload a lot for double rifles, and just never found a suitable press until RCBS brought this one out and it will take any die even the 50BMG thread, by removing the collar.

I also like the RCBS AmmoMaster single stage press. I now use it for all of my handloading (rifle cartridges).

-Bob F.

Another vote for the RCBS Ammomaster. Their new RC has a taller window now.

Jim:

As I write this, there's a new-in-box Redding UltraMag on eBay currently at just $35. Could turn out to be a steal.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=71120&item=7115020865&rd=1

RSY

Best jump on that deal.
JCN

Thanks to all for your input. The Redding Press on E-Bay is up to $88, will see where it goes.

There was a thread a while back on a press I bought for the same reasons after looking at all of them I thought the Aussie made Zero was the biggest and strongest. Do a search and there is some pictures of it.