I'm looking for a new reloading press and currently checking out the RCBS Rock Chucker and the Redding Boss. Any suggestions on these or any other like presses? Are the dies interchangable in all the presses? I'm a bit of a novice on reloading and could use some experienced insight.
Thanks,

Retrogun

I'm looking for a new reloading press and currently checking out the RCBS Rock Chucker and the Redding Boss. Any suggestions on these or any other like presses? Are the dies interchangable in all the presses? I'm a bit of a novice on reloading and could use some experienced insight.
Thanks,

Retrogun

Both are great presses!

I happen to have a Hornady single-stage...I like the Hornady because it's sturdy (like two you mentioned) AND I really like the LNL die-bushings...makes die change-out SUPER fast. That's a nice plus for me.

Welcome and good luck reloading. It's great fun and will save lots money over factory ammo.

Bob

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"Onward thru the Fog"

Look at the Lee Classic Turret press. There are videos on the Lee web page.

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I shoot, therefore I am.

This is just me, don't anyone get bent out of shape with me over this but, the only presses, in my opinion to steer clear of are the Lee progressives.

ALL other will performed like designed, the single stages with much more ruggedness than most progressives.

There is another suggestion I would make. Check out ebay for used equipment. They have a TON of reloading equipment available.

There is another press that you might find useful. It is the T-7 press from Redding.

Here is a picture:


I have one of the old Lyman Spar-T presses but it only has room for 6 dies. They are very useful presses as well. All manual but much quicker than a standard single stage.

Retrogun...what are you going to be using it for?? Rifle, handgun, both...need to make thousands of rounds or just a few hundred a year.

I have "too many" presses right now but if I were starting over again I would just have two...a Dillon 550 for handguns and the Redding T-7 for rifles pictured above...

Bob

The T-7 is a great press. The rock chucker and boss are also great. I have a Forster Co-ax Press and a rock chucker. The Co-Ax is a little pricey, but it doesn't use shell holders, and the dies swap out in seconds. It's my favorite single stage press.

Lee presses are cheap, but anyone that has a redding, rcbs, forster, or lyman, usually won't recommend them. The quality is no comparison, and IMHO it's worth spending the extra cash for the better product.

+1

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John

The folks at Sinclair know their stuff when it comes to reloading. You couldn't go wrong by buying one that they sell. Check them out at:
http://www.sinclairintl.com/pr...Stage-Turret-Presses

Bob,

I will be using it to re-load for my Model 10 .38 special and my wife's Model 60 .38/.357. I also plan on buying a Cooper .22 K-Hornet rifle in the very near future. I typically shoot 2-3 times a week although some of that time is spent on the bench w/ RF BRNO rifle.
Thanks for the input!

Retrogun

$285 for a single stage press? WOW, they are really proud of their products!

You get what you pay for. I would steer clear of used reloading equipment as a novice. Some used equipment might have missing parts or other problems. You don't need any problems starting out. Reloading presses aren't that expensive, in the greater scheme of things in the world of reloading.

The absolute "best buy" in reloading presses is the Lee Classic Turret Press. I have examples of presses from most manufacturers. My favorites are my two Dillon 550B's but I use my Lee Classic Turret press often for load work up and small quantities. It is a QUALITY press for small change. The entire die heads interchange in seconds leaving the dies set up (no readjusting when changing calibers, etc).

This press is a gem of engineering and manufacturing for a VERY reasonable price. I see NO downside.

Now, if you need volume (I do) then Dillon is my recommendation with my particular favorite being the 550B.

Dale53

I have never heard any complaints about the Rock Chucker. When I get out of my apartment and get a larger bench, I plan to upgrade to that. Right now I have an RCBS Jr which I do like alot. Never heard much on the Redding. Good quality.

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Vaya con Dios

I started out a couple months ago and went through the same thing you are. I got a barely used LEE single stage w/priming kit for $20 and a set of new Lee 22 hornet dies. It works great and forces us new guys to slow down and get it right. The press works great and takes little money to get started. I would get the kit that has the quick change die system although changing dies is no big deal. I now have a set of 38 special dies and can load a couple hundred rounds in a couple hours start to finish which works for me. Here are some things you will need one beginner to the other:

A reloading manual or two read them first then proceed to buy your gear.

Whatever press you choose I do not think you will go wrong with any of them but for starting out go for the Lee, then if you like it upgrade later. they are cheap money and operate nicely.

If the press does not come with a primer unit you will need a primer tool. The hand helds from Lee and RCBS are rated pretty high. Mine attaches to my press, it is slow but i do not need to make 1000 rounds per hour.

Die set for each caliber

Shell holder for each caliber unless your die set comes with one.

Case length gage and trimmer plus the cutter attachment

Powder for each caliber might be able to use the same powder for multiple calibers but be aware that is not always the case.

Bullets

Primers (good luck)

Primer tray

Loading Block or storage cases for each caliber

A scale

A micrometer

A powder dispenser (get the best you can afford this is where you spend a lot of time if you do not)

A bullet puller, either hammer type or collet.

Powder funnel

Deburring/Chamfering tool

Primer Pocket cleaner

Something to store all your components in, I use a large fishing tackle box which I am quickly out growing.

As far as a bench I mounted my press, powder measure, and case trimmer (zip trim) to a 2X10X12" piece of wood and clamp it to my table when I want to load.

Be diligent, meticulous, and neat when you load and store your gear, read as much as you can in this forum and others concerning safe reloading practices.

Be diligent, meticulous, and neat when you load and store your gear, read as much as you can in this forum and others concerning safe reloading practices. Stated twice on purpose.

Jump in it took me almost two years to finally pull the trigger if you will. it is fun and forget about saving money you will shoot up all your profits so just go into it as another hobby.

I got everything I needed for startup and one caliber for about $230, that was when primers were still cheap, my press as stated was 20 bucks and i had a powder measure that someone gave me. It included 1400 primers, 400 pieces of brass, 300 bullets, a pound of powder, and everything else stated above except manuals. I think if you buy one of the kits from Lee you could do it for about $250.

The only things listed that I do not use on a regular basis are the case trimmer and gauges, the deburring and chamfering tool. Mostly because I shoot a single shot rifle and a revolver and have not had my cases need trimming yet.

If you want more info on specific items send me a PM I would be glad to help.

Rick

Right, that and another $40 or so and you can get a Square Deal B, then you get something worth paying for!

You can get one of them from ebay for $200 bucks or so, send it directly to Dillon and for $40 more it will be completely gone through and updated!


I do agree with Dale too. Best thing going and you can get a progressive later if you feel the need. The Lee will always be good for anything in the future.

But if he gets a Dillon Square Deal, he is stuck with proprietary dies and can only load pistol calibers. The SD does have it's place in the world of reloading, but definitely not for someone starting out. A 550B would be a better suggestion for a progressive for someone starting out if someone is inclined to have a progressive as a first reloading press.

The best thing that Lee has going for it is that it is cheap. I've owned Lee products, Lyman, RCBS, Forester and Dillon, to name a few. I'm not a big fan of Lee.

Have had a RCBS rockchucker for over 35 years, 1000s & 1000s of rounds through it. 22 Hornet through 458 mag, no problems. Doing allmost all my handgun loads tho, through a Dillon 550 for the last 10 years, just for faster reloading. Still load off the rockchucker for hunting handgun loads, seems more precise.

Well, that's why they make all the different presses they do, Mike. Different strokes for different folks. Of course I could take your opinion, or mine for that matter, and $5, drive to Starbucks and get a nice cup of coffee.

I suppose you want to talk about what kind of car you think is best too, right.

One thing you didn't mention is that you had one of those expensive single stage presses you suggested. I find that odd.

I'm not a big fan of Lee either, except as an entry level tool to get folks into reloading. Once they are "hooked" THEN we will have them for life!

If you re-read my post, I never suggested that he get the most expensive press from Sinclair. They offer several different brands.

[quote]Originally posted by BE Mike:
If you re-read my post, I never suggested that he get the most expensive press from Sinclair. They offer several different brands.

smith crazy said- "Well, that's why they make all the different presses they do, Mike. Different strokes for different folks."

I was simply pointing out what a poor suggestion a Dillon Square Deal is for a first press. The SD has much less versatility than even a single stage press. Also, the OP did imply that he was interested in dies that could be used in different presses.

Here, think about this.

I've made my decision and ordered a new Redding Boss press and Redding Titanium Carbide .38 special Dies today along with appropriate shell holder. I've gathered all the rest of my consumables and should be reloading by the weekend. I talked to several reloading manufacturers and finally decided on Redding. Talking reloading with them was like talking to your shooting budding at the next bench over at the range. Thanks for all the input and assistance!

Retrogun

Good choice Retrogun! A single stage will always get use on your reloading bench even if you decide to go progressive later. Redding has a very good reputation amongst the reloading fraternity.

You picked a good press, In fact I think all of them are very good for what you do. Sinclair is more of a benchrest site for the one hole people. The Dillon is the Cadillac of reloader s. I would like to have a 550 but I enjoy reloading on a single and have the time so why not spend more time doing it. Besides I keep adding things to my reloading shed its getting kind of full.

I liked the people from Redding and the press is made in the USA. I was also impressed with their die construction & quality. People from Forster were great also and I'm impressed with their products but I'm a Big 3 retiree and with current events, I'm watching my budget for hobbies closely just in case my pension goes south with the birds.

I just finished a new re-loading bench and hope the press gets here soon!
Retrogun

The money that you will spend on them you can buy a Dillon and enjoy the easy way to reload. I have a 550 and a 650, and I like the 550 the best. Cheaper to set-up and easier to operate.