I friend who will be at SCI has asked me to get him a reloading press that will handle 3" .500 NE cartridges. I know there are a number of good presses out there for the job -- I use a Lee Classic Cast -- but he needs one that does not weigh a ton to pack for the airline trip home. Most of the cast iron presses seem to weigh 18-20 pounds shipping weight. Any ideas on a cast aluminum press that will handle the longer cartridges like the .500 NE? Thanks!

Mike,

I have a Rock Chucker Supreme and I absolutely love it to reload for my Merkel .500 NE. It has provided me with years of flawless service. It simply just works GREAT!
LLR

The RCBS Partner press is light and small. I think it will handle the 500NE fine.

Lyman Crusher 4.5 inch throat opening for a three inch casing and bullet above it.

Mike

Redding Ultra-Mag.

JM

I am sure the Crusher and the Chucker Supreme are wonderful, but they are both cast iron and are going to be heavy. Need something lighter. I will check out the Partner, need to find the shipping weight.

I read some reviews about the Lee Aluminum Classic, not as sturdy as the cast but the reviews sounded good for a light big "O" frame press.

Malek
Good hunting/shooting and God's best

Correction, it is the Aluminum LEE Challenger Breach Lock Press not the Aluminum Lee classic, Lots of praise.

Malek
Good hunting/shooting and God's best

Precisely the one I ended up ordering. Thanks.

quote:

Aluminum LEE Challenger Breach Lock Press

I don´t know if you have tried a 500NE cartridge in that press, the cartridge is 3,75" long and the pres has a travel of 3,5". Maybe it is wiser paying a bit of cash for excesive luggage and stick to the Classic Cast press...