Something satisfying about single stage batch loading.

[Chuck Jones]

In 1982 I went to the Chapman Academy and there were two guys from Ohio that loaded 7500 rounds of .45 ACP for the class on a single stage press.

I was in awe.

/c

 

[Rule3]

In 1982 I went to the Chapman Academy and there were two guys from Ohio that loaded 7500 rounds of .45 ACP for the class on a single stage press.

I was in awe.

/c

That's a lot! I can do about 100 rds/hr. Using that as a rough estimate 7500 rds would be 75 hours. Two guys 38 hours each. Almost 5, 8 hr days each. That's a lot of arm work!

 

[moxie]

It is therapeutic, and fun. I do 1000 round "batches" of 38Spl. and .45ACP. I use Blazer plastic trays for ammo blocks, and stopped using boxes years ago. Now I use Tupperware/Rubbermaid containers or large plastic vitamin bottles. I use a Lee Autoprime. And a trusty RCBS Partner press with RCBS dies. Other calibers I do in smaller batches, but employ the same process.Size the whole batch, prime the batch, drop powder with Uniflow, etc., etc.

 

[336A]

I've been using my RCBS Rock Chucker Kit since I got it as a Christmas present going on 20 years. Gosh it's hard to believe it was that long ago. I used it mainly to reload for my 7mm Magnum, then took up loading for the .38 SPL and .41 Mag and .44 Mag about 2006. I just deprimed and loaded up 40 of the 200 rounds I burned through this afternoon. Still use the arm on the press to seat the primers also

I got to get back to working on my 30-30 loads soon too.

 

[michael thornton]

I spend a good bit of time with my old rock chucker, just loaded about 50 45-70 for my deer rifle today,i realy enjoy it! no its not fast, but it gets the job done and i know its done right, i do want to get a dillon for 45 acp and 38/357 but as of now im doing ok!

 

[Engineer1911]

The Beach Boys or Neil Diamond make the best sounds when relaxing with my Dillons loading handgun ammo. The Rockchucker makes good rifle ammo.

 

[Skip Sackett]

And who makes a shell plate for a progressive for loading a .358 WSSM? And WHY do you need that much ammo? Since the best thing you can use this cartridge for is either target shooting or deer hunting in Indiana!

Take a look at this round!

RIGHT! I just got this tonight and got some brass, bullets and dies. This cartridge is going to be loaded on a single stage press, REAL SLOW AND METHODICAL! hahaha

MGM barrel on an Encore. Look for threads about this round!

 

[336A]

Now that is one interesting cartridge, looking forward to the range reports.

 

[C.S.63]

smith crazy - (Sorry this is a little off OP)
Interesting round there (358WSSM) how does it compare to the old win 358? No progressives for that wssm right
Wildest round Ive loaded on the single stage has been the 224TTH 75 grain a max 3500+++ FPS
ya cannot go wrong with a single stage slow steady and versatile

 

[G-Mac]

I learned how to reload on a Hornady 00-7 single stage press and I still have it. I've thought about getting a Dillon but never did. I've reloaded a lot of ammo, 50 rounds at a time, on the Hornady.

 

[rbmac52]

I got my RCBS Jr Press and Starter Reloading Kit in the early 70's. I still use it to this day, and have used it in many different locations through the years. Tens of thousands of rounds in .32 S&W Special, 9mm, .38 Special, .357 Magnum, 41 Magnum, .44 S&W Special, 44 Magnum, and 45acp. I can't imagine spending to upgrade when this is all I've ever known, and love it!

 

[Skip Sackett]

336 & C. S.,

Living here in the flatlands of Indiana, they have been very reluctant to have high powered rifles in the hands of most deer hunters. Up until a few years ago, all you could use was a shotgun and slugs or a muzzle loader or a handgun.

Then, several years ago, they made some pistol caliber rifles legal for deer. Most folks, and I was/am one that spent some time with the 500S&W Mag, 44Mag and the 45 Colt in various lever guns and single shot, mostly inexpensive Handi-Rifles, rifles. I just never had the desire for one of the other single shot firearms, those made by Thompson Center anyway.

The Contender just never impressed me and the subsequent versions didn't do much either. Then, I got to hearing about their 209x50 muzzle loader that was supposed to be a decent 200 yard gun with the right optics. I also found out that they were purchased by Smith & Wesson! (Had to put a plug in there! ) I didn't even buy my first 1911 until it could wear the S&W logo!

At any rate, back to the .358 WSSM: Ballistics are supposed to mimic the 358 Winchester. Case capacity is nearly the same, bullet size is. 225gr @ 2500fps "ish". With the 26" MGM barrel and the Encore, folks have been recording some phenomenal accuracy. One guy told me last night that he is getting 2" groups out to 400 yards! Now, THAT is impressive!

So, this round meets the criteria for our deer rifles here in Indiana. Next year though, they are supposed to lengthen the case specification to 1.8" maximum which will allow the 460 S&W Mag to be used. (That is the reason that MGM is making the barrels for them now!)

I suppose that the extra case length allowable next year will spawn a whole new breed of wildcat cartridges too. Oh, they are also making bolt guns with barrels on them too. Savage 10 & 110, Remington 700, Winchester 70 and others are being converted by the local store I got my barrel from.

I saw the mount of one that was taken at 350 yards with this round. Pretty impressive to say the least. DRT!

 

[J. W.]

I've been loading on a single stage setup for about 10 years. Much of my equipment is *gasp* Lee. Its worked just fine for me and has allowed me to produce a lot of quality ammo at a minimal price. Beyond the cost saving for the ammo I shoot a lot of, there is something quite satisfying about producing extremely consistent ammo where you know every case has been trimmed and charge weighted with precision.

I think your average shooter is quite well served with a quality single stage setup, be it from Lee, RCBS, etc. The progressive stuff is awesome if you shoot a lot, but I tend to shoot 300-400 rounds a month spread between a few different calibers. I just can't justify the cost of a progressive.

 

[williamlayton]

AW---heck-fire, if'n we all fell in love with the same woman it would be a heck of a fight for you fellers---I aint gettin in that frey.
Blessings

 

[bamacisa]

I still use a RCBS rock chucker press that I bought around 1977. I normally shoot about 50 only 38 Specials per week. I cast my own bullets. I enjoy reloading as much as shooting. I don't need a progressive press....would be wasting money. Quality wise, I will put my reloaded ammo up against any other reloads ( loaded on single stage or progressives.} If it ain't broke...don't try to fix it. I can also reload about fifteen other rounds that I have the dies for. It is hard to justify reloading 30-06 on progressive press ( at least for the amount that I shoot) I fully understand the need for a progressive press for those that shoot alot of rounds.....but that ain't me.