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What press for a .416 Rigby?

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28 January 2003, 16:54
nextjoe
What press for a .416 Rigby?
Subject says it all. My previous handloading experience has been with a Lee Loader. I somehow don't think that it would work out too well for .416 Rigby reloading [Smile]

I'd like a press with a big enough window to make bullet seating convenient. I'm thinking about the Redding Boss but I'd like to hear what other options might be better.
28 January 2003, 17:16
N E 450 No2
I use a Bonanza Co-AX for "regular" rifle reloading... But for the big and long cases I use the big RCBS. Plenty of room for the 416 Rigby.
28 January 2003, 18:11
DavidReed
I use the Redding Ultramag. I found that my RockChucker was not quite long enough and I had to tip load rounds out from under the seater. About the only thing you can't load with the Ultramag is .50 BMG.
28 January 2003, 19:50
<GeorgeInNePa>
Now don't laugh, but I have been using a RCBS Partner press! Yep, the smallest RCBS. You have to hold onto the die body to get the leverage you need.

I'm getting .002" or less runout. I'm going to get myself a Redding with the removable bushing so I can use my .600 Overkill dies and I'll probably use it for my Rigby also.
29 January 2003, 00:39
waxman
I use the Lyman Orange Crush.
29 January 2003, 00:46
N E 450 No2
The Big RCBS will load 50BMG. there is plenty of room for even the 450 No2 and the 475 No2.
29 January 2003, 00:47
PC
I use the Rock Chucker but you have to tilt the shell in while holding the bullet but thats no biggie really it works fine.
31 January 2003, 05:36
Thomas M
I must admit using the Lee press for my 416 Rigby. It works but you have to put the bullet up the die when seating.

I ordered a Bonanza press in April and last week(!!!) they called and said it had arrived. I hope it will arrive at home till the weekend.

I dont know wheather this press is any good for the big stuff but I suspect it is a much better one than the Lee press.

The Lee press is not very good when fulllenght resising small cartridges like the 243Win, I have never tried fulllength on the Rigby case.

I suspect the Redding Ultramag is the best choise..?
31 January 2003, 11:37
PC
RCBS ammo master would also be a good one for the bigger stuff.
31 January 2003, 13:31
<Carlos>
I used a Bonanza Co-ax for my 416 Rigby and had no problems.
31 January 2003, 13:34
Atkinson
I use the RCBS Ammo Master single stage...It will load the really long ones..even the 50 caliber machine gun round.
31 January 2003, 14:29
<Mike Griffin>
I use a Lee Hand Press. Slip the bullet in teh bullet seating die atop the case and it will slide right in. I can sit at the dining room table and reload without my wife killing me.
31 January 2003, 16:03
RIP
I use the RCBS Ammo Master also. I can use the old Hornady 007 press too, but that means more fumbling with the bullets to shove them up in the die ahead of the case. Nothing special is really necessary, but the Ammo Master sure is easier to use. My best shooting ammo has come from the Ammo Master too. It's base threads will fit the 50 BMG dies, and it comes with a bushing to adapt to the standard rifle dies, like the itsy bitsy 416 Rigby.
31 January 2003, 16:36
Mingbogo
I use a Redding UltraMag for all my big bore cartridges. The UM although very strong but it is not as smooth as a RockChucker. Good luck.
31 January 2003, 16:51
nextjoe
Gentlemen,

Thanks for all the input. Looks like I've got an Ammo Master or Ultramag in my future.

Best,
Joe