I am just getting into reloading and I need all the help I can get. This will be the first of many questions. I shoot a new Savage 12BVSS 22-250 and it's mainly used for rabbits and 'yoties at about 300-400 yards. I thought the only way to go was a progressive press but my buddies dad, who does reload, said that we need a single press due to precision reloading needs. He said if you are spraying with a mini 14 or something, then the progressives are the way to go due to the rounds you go through. We might shoot 100-200 in a weekend, there for the assembly-line way of reloading is not the way to go. What do you guys think? I have no problem with a slower process if it will be more accurate and better suit our needs. It does seem like the single poppers are less expensive too. All thoughts and any direction would be greatly appreciated!!!!

You would be well served by an RCBS or Redding kit. I lean toward the rock chucker kit, but I wouldn't overlook Redding's turret as an alternative for speeding up production.

If accuracy is your game and you have the rifle/scope combinations capable of delivering long range hits, then the Bonanza Co-Ax has to be added to your list of possibles. Given this press and the competition dies needed for such accuracy, this combination would pay handsome dividends out in the hunting fields.

Last, don't overlook the Dillon 550/650. Anybody who says these are inferior products knows nothing of which they speak. Any possible drawbacks, if there are any, would be in the learning curve and usage of said press.

Having said that, my recommendation(s) would be based off of your existing and future gun purchases. For example, if you already own a heavy barreled varminter with good glass, I'd spend the money on a better press. Just avoid light-framed presses that will flex when pressure is applied, i.e. Lee. And for those who sought a bargain in the beginning, most wound up spending more in the long run as it was inevitable that they would be unhappy with their first purchase. Also, your buddy's dad can advise saving you a heap -all you gotta do is ask.

You don't need anything other than a single-stage, single-station press. And you don't need to spend a lot of money on it, either. Check ebay for an aluminum "C" press, or look at a Lee aluminum "O" frame. An RCBS Jr. press is perfect for the short .22-250. Any of these presses will do as well as the three hundred dollar jobs for precision loading .22-250.

The second press I bought (almost 40 years ago) was a Rock Chucker.

Have bought 4 progressives (C&H, 550B Dillion, 1050 Dillon, etc) and a Corbin since. The Rock Chucker is still in use for building precision rifle ammo from 308 to 470NE. Can't beat the return on that one!

Don't screw around ... get the Rock Chucker. You'll have a friend for life.

I have to agree with the advice of getting a good quality single stage press. It is definitely the better way to start reloading, and it will serve you for years to come. Hard to go wrong with a Rockchucker, a Redding (Big) Boss or something like that.

I personally use a Forster Co-Ax and absolutely love it. If you have an ample budget, that is also one press you won't be disappointed with.

- mike

quote:

Originally posted by mstarling:
The second press I bought (almost 40 years ago) was a Rock Chucker.

Is not the same press sold today. Comapare the new piece with a Redding for quality. Then choose the press that you like (the Co-Ax is fine, too).

I shall disagree with most of the others . Here is why . First YOU need to decide how much loading you'll be doing ?. Hunting or plinking bench rest shooting or just going to stick with one caliber 22-250 I believe is what you posted .

If one caliber or just light hunting and a little target practice Then a SINGLE STAGE is the way to go .

How ever Down the road perhaps a pistol or two another couple of rifles or 6 dozen ?.

Then buy a progressive loader to start with , YOU'LL BE A LOT HAPPIER YOU DID . Trust ME on that one .

I've owned near everybody's presses at one time or another and had no problems with Any of them .
How ever I purchased a Dillon Years ago and have NEVER looked back nor regretted it . It is still serving me EXTREMELY WELL .

It produces 17 different calibers I shoot on the SAME machine ( with different tool heads and dies of course ) . Simple rugged reliable parts and service persons . No I don't work for or have any affiliation too them what so ever .
I own their system components as well as RCBS & REDDING Dies . It will go too the deep 6 with me when I go !.

Oh yea and don't let anyone fool you about progressives not being as accurate as single stage . BS !. I've got the group sizes to PROVE OTHER WISE . So STOP and consider WHERE YOUR Going as far as reloading BEFORE PURCHASING ANY LOADER !.

Shoot Straight Know Your Target . ...

quote:

Originally posted by mho:
I have to agree with the advice of getting a good quality single stage press. It is definitely the better way to start reloading, and it will serve you for years to come. Hard to go wrong with a Rockchucker, a Redding (Big) Boss or something like that.

I personally use a Forster Co-Ax and absolutely love it. If you have an ample budget, that is also one press you won't be disappointed with.

- mike

Those Swiss know their stuff!

Thanks guys!!! I think I am going to stick with the single press. I just don't do enough shooting with my other firearms to justify major reloading. My 30/06 gets shot 2 or 3 times for sighting in and once for the meat. The only gun I'm going to reload for is the 250. My Savage .17HMR gets shot the most, but we all know how that goes. $10.99 a box with worth it to me. I just want the most accuracy possible from the 250. You only have to miss a dog once to get pissed with the cheap stuff and want to get er a tack driving sum gun. Thanks again. More questions to follow.

Forster/Bonanza press if I could only have one.

I have a Dillon 550 and have loaded thousands of rounds on it. However, I would get rid of it long before I'd get rid of my Rock Chucker.

quote:

Originally posted by dubs22-250:
Thanks guys!!! I think I am going to stick with the single press. I just don't do enough shooting with my other firearms to justify major reloading. My 30/06 gets shot 2 or 3 times for sighting in and once for the meat. The only gun I'm going to reload for is the 250. My Savage .17HMR gets shot the most, but we all know how that goes. $10.99 a box with worth it to me. I just want the most accuracy possible from the 250. You only have to miss a dog once to get pissed with the cheap stuff and want to get er a tack driving sum gun. Thanks again. More questions to follow.

Dubs,
Having read this thread over again, I'd still recommend the RCBS kit. Here's why: available almost anywhere, great warranty & reputation, priced right and most importantly, you can add on later without penalty. The Redding is every bit as good although not every dealer stocks it or the parts you're sure to break (read decapping pins).

Congrats on the 22-250! It's one of the best varminters going IMHO. You also mentioned the venerable 30-06, and nothing says 30-06 better then a custom hand load. My point? You own two of the best and most useful rifle calibres available and a few hours spent at the loading bench will reward you handsomely at the range.

Another great reason to hand load is the simple fact that manufactures change components and have been known to drop items that, in their opinion, don't sell well. What does that mean to you? Simply put, even if you buy ammunition in case lots there is no guarantee that you can buy the same exact item a few years down the road.

Lastly, I'd buy a chronograph too. Not only will it help keep you out of the danger zone as far as pressures are concerned, it will probably be compatible with a P.C. and give you much valuable information about ballistic performance and sight settings.

Thanks! You guys are scary smart about this stuff. This is why the internet rocks. I also belong to Team Camaro.net where they eat, sleep and breathe serious horsepower. This is going to be a good thing.

https://forums.accuratereloading.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/3221043/m/712100167

Here's a current example that makes my point.

If I were to buy a press right now.....
http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1195...catalog/classic.html

I use a rockchucker and it is over 30 years old and still going strong after loading millions of rounds. I also have a lee o press I bought and used a little it doesnt compare to the rockchucker for quality. I also have a new rockchucker sitting in the box under my reloading table in case my old one ever fails. I load about 20 different calibres and the rockchucker handles all easily everything from 22hornet to 8mm mag and several different pistol calibres from 38 to 500 s&w.

I would be surprised if, once you start loading, you aren't soon doing it for all your centerfire rifles. That's what happened to me....

A varmint rig like the 22-250 is a perfect fit for a progressive. Once you have found the load it likes you can make boxes of them very consistantly.

Even if you go with a single stage press (there are several good options!) you should consider getting a good powder measure. (I bought the Redding 3BR and love it.)

Welcome to a great if addictive hobby!

Cheers,

Dan

Get the Lee Classic Cast press and don't look back.

The CC is a very good press for a great price. It's not even in the same league as the cheap toy looking presses Lee makes, it's of much better quality IMO. I actually prefer the CC to the RCBS RC.

Good Luck

Reloader

I bought a Rock Chucker kit in 1975 and have used it a lot ever since. That press will outlive me by a bunch.

quote:

Originally posted by vapodog:
Those Swiss know their stuff!

What Swiss? Forster is made in America's heartland since 1938. Co-Ax since 1966.