Today's reloading presses

[rwsmith]

Thinking and shopping for a new press I notice that an awful lot of reviews say that their old "XXX" press was great, but the newer ones are poorly made junk. I gather that Dillon and Redding are top notch. What are your thoughts and feelings about the present quality of different makes of presses?

 

[alwslate]

If you're looking for a single station press it's hard to beat the RCBS
Rock Chucker.

 

[Zermat]

Buy a Dillon.....don't look back

 

[dwpmusic]

I love my Dillon 550. Just can't find any components to use it with lately.

 

[mitchjt]

I have two Dillon 550 presses, one set up on small primers and one on large primers. Also, large primer cases usually require the larger powder slide while the small primer cases usually require the smaller powder slide. Makes for quick caliber change over. Now there is plenty of time since there are no components to be had. When will this end?

 

[novalty]

Oh boy...

What are you reloading, and what kind of volume?

 

[mitchjt]

Right now I am reloading 45ACP. Done about 3,000 so far and about 500 to go. Some of the 45 cases have that darn small primer. Having two presses, one on large and one on small primers, all I have to so is move the tool head and powder measure from one machine to the other with no adjustment. I will be out of bullets today! Look at Berry's Bullets web site, nothing, they even say not to call.

 

[dwpmusic]

I've been loading Berry's also. Can't get them from anybody. For a good while I was really looking hard, every day. No more. I have nothing to reload. No bullets, very little powder, a few primers and lots of brass. I don't look hard anymore. Too disappointing and I know it won't be there. It comes back when it comes back. Really p*****s me off.

 

[steamloco76]

I'm still a single stage press guy. Started with my uncles ancient RCBS Reloader Special from the 1960's, which I still use for some rifle calibers. I then bought a Hornady Lock-N-Load. I liked the quick, no tools die swapping, however the o-rings that are to keep the dies tight often didn't. This caused minor variations in bullet seating and crimp which messed up my 45 ACP loads. Sold the Hornady and bought a Lee Breech Lock Classic Cast press. What a great press for the money! The breech lock inserts really stay put. I love the ability to adjust handle angle, length and side. Really speeds-up short case cartridge loading. The spent primer catcher works great too.

If I go progressive, it will be a Dillon. They have progressive presses down to a science.

 

[blujax01]

Love my Dillon XL650 Progressive.

Love my Hornady LnL Classic Single Stage.

RCBS makes good stuff as does Lee and Redding and anyone else I may have forgotten to mention.

It's all good.

Determine your needs/wants then vote with your money.

You truly do get what you pay for.

 

[brucev]

Thinking and shopping for a new press I notice that an awful lot of reviews say that their old "XXX" press was great, but the newer ones are poorly made junk. I gather that Dillon and Redding are top notch. What are your thoughts and feelings about the present quality of different makes of presses?

Finding an objective unemotional review of something like a reloading press is about as difficult as finding similar objective unemotional reviews of rifles, revolvers, pistols, cars, etc. There are always going to be those who see the past w/ through the proverbial rose colored glasses and who view the present with an assumption of suspicion.

The single-stage presses produced by the major manufacturers such as RCBS, Redding, Hornaday, Lee, etc. are excellent in every respect. There are differences which may better suit the needs of individuals. But do not be misled by those who opine that new presses are junk is without merit. I have used equipment produced by many manufacturers. I cannot remember a single negative issue ever experienced except when I first tried a progressive press (Dillion Square Deal) where I had to learn a new loading routine. That was my own fault. I've never had a mechanical issues with a single stage press.

Sit down and think about the reloading you want to do and the features which are important to you. You may end up w/ a press produced by one company and dies, accessories produced by another company. You may end up just going green... or orange... or red. If for any reason you do have questions, etc., the customer service of the major manufacturers is excellent. As well, willingness to listen and offer help at sites such as this one is outstanding. Have fun!

 

[novalty]

I've been loading Berry's also. Can't get them from anybody. For a good while I was really looking hard, every day. No more. I have nothing to reload. No bullets, very little powder, a few primers and lots of brass. I don't look hard anymore. Too disappointing and I know it won't be there. It comes back when it comes back. Really p*****s me off.

Cabelas has Berry's plated In Stock still.

Not sure if you are following it, but I started the **DAILY** In-Stock Reloading Items Thread. Berry's has appeared fairly regularly at Cabelas.

To the OP, if your concern is with RCBS RockChucker Supreme--if you ever had an issue with it RCBS will stand behind it. If you are overly concerned, just check your local swap & sell flyers or Craigslist for a RC or RCII. There are so many good presses, which will do the same job you just have to weigh the pros and cons that are specific to your situation. Or you could just take the advise to buy one of the most expensive presses out there, which may or may not be right for you--but it is one of the most expensive and they do have a "NO BS warranty."

 

[MichiganScott]

I've used a RockChucker since 1974 and have loaded ten's of thousands of cartridges. I view handloading as a hobby all to itself and a good way to spend my time during the long winter months after hunting season and before the snow melts enough to get back to the range.

I no longer can see iron sights well enough that I go through enough pistol ammunition to load it in quantity. If I did, I might entertain a Dillon, but I'd really have to think about it.

 

[SMSgt]

That^^ Still reloading on my Herters cast iron Single Stage press I started with in '75. I enjoy the process, plus I've got the time. I'd like to have a Hornady LNL but can't justify the expense at this time for the volume I reload.

It is mildly disappointing to realize, "Gee, I just shot up three hours of reloading in 15 minutes."

 

[Frank237]

Still use my old Rockchucker. Years back when I was bit by the accuracy bug bought a Bonanza Co-Ax press. Still use that one too for a lot of rifle loading. Great priming system on the Bonanza.

But have to say...pistol rds get loaded on he Dillon 550's. FAR quicker than the single stages.

I think that RCBS, Bonanza, Lyman and REDDING , STILL make hi quality presses. I especially like REDDING rifle dies.

 

[dwpmusic]

Cabelas has Berry's plated In Stock still.

Not sure if you are following it, but I started the **DAILY** In-Stock Reloading Items Thread. Berry's has appeared fairly regularly at Cabelas.

To the OP, if your concern is with RCBS RockChucker Supreme--if you ever had an issue with it RCBS will stand behind it. If you are overly concerned, just check your local swap & sell flyers or Craigslist for a RC or RCII. There are so many good presses, which will do the same job you just have to weigh the pros and cons that are specific to your situation. Or you could just take the advise to buy one of the most expensive presses out there, which may or may not be right for you--but it is one of the most expensive and they do have a "NO BS warranty."

Thanks for the heads up.

 

[dickttx]

Got back into reloading about three years ago using my 1960's C-H CHampion. Since I was/am only reloading handgun rounds now, it was pretty slow.
Did a lot of looking and acquired a Lee Classic Turret, along with the Safety Prime and Pro Auto Disk. After figuring out how to assemble it I started in single stage mode. I soon inserted the auto advance rod and was amazed at what a tremendous system that was. I usually shoot about 200 rounds per week and it was very easy to keep up with my needs.
However, by last September the 400 pulls of the lever to load 100 bullets was wearing on my 75 year old shoulder. After more research I bought the Hornady LnL AP, which reduced my lever pulls to 105 per hundred rounds. I simply transferred my Lee 4-die sets and Pro Auto Disk to the LnL. They work as well there as they did on the LCT. I also added an RCBS Lock-out die. I am not trying for speed and still just load my usual 200 rounds per week.
I have been very happy and impressed with both my newer systems.

 

[Cdog]

Many long established manufacturer's in any field lose their once highly prized attention to detail.

So many once family owned companies are now little more than the name being used for marketing outsourced products that the original owner would be ashamed of.

I've owned multiple presses from manufacturers and marketers like Lyman, RCBS, Lee, Pacific, etc. Yes there's some in this field that aren't what they used to be, and some that may be better. Judging the overall quality of a particular model or brand based on one or two presses or any other product is very subjective.

Features and characteristics of some suit my taste much better than others. Some features and characteristics I simply can't stand.

My advice, as near a blind test as possible. Forget what name's on it and just see which brand(s) feel right and suit your wants and needs best. Spending more doesn't mean you'll get a better press. One that I grew to near hate was one that I had a pile of money in.

I sold it and never looked back.

 

[mikld]

Just about any reloading press made today (except Smartreloader) will last many years of reloading. Personal opinions are just that; personal. Beware the "Lee Haters" 'cause they'll tell you anything that has the Lee mane on it is junk (even though they have never used that tool). And there are the "Loyalists" that will tell you that nothing on the face of the earth is as good as their chosen equipment. What I call "tool snobs".

I have worked as a mechanic for a large city utility for 25+ years and there are mechanics that are "tool snobs"; their particular tool choice (Snap-on, MAC, etc.) is the only tool to use and every thing else is junk. They wind up buying tools based on their price ("most expensive has to be the best"), or what their favorite NASCAR mechanic uses ("if it's good enough for Joe Wrench it's gotta be the best"), or what their favorite TV motorcycle builder uses ("if Sr. uses these tools they gotta be the best, right?"). Same with some reloaders...

I researched each piece of equipment before I purchased it in magazines, at gun stores (hands on), and catalogs (MidwayUSA, Cabelas, Herter's, etc.) 'cause I got started reloading pre-web. I tried to make my decisions on how the equipment works and if it would fit my needs, and I did OK. Every press I have purchased (Lee all aluminum Challenger to a Redding Boss) would have produced safe, accurate ammo at the pace I needed. Most would have lasted my reloading lifetime (I sold all my reloading equipment during a messy divorce and have replaced everything at least once).

So, try to filter out the "fanatical" opinions and use common sense and get a modern manufactured press that suits your needs and budget. You'll be rollin' yer own" for many years to come...

 

[FishingPilot]

Right now I am reloading 45ACP. Done about 3,000 so far and about 500 to go. Some of the 45 cases have that darn small primer. Having two presses, one on large and one on small primers, all I have to so is move the tool head and powder measure from one machine to the other with no adjustment. I will be out of bullets today! Look at Berry's Bullets web site, nothing, they even say not to call.

I've been able to get a LOT of bullets from RMR - Rocky Mountain Reloading

They have in stock right now:
.45 cal 230 grain Hollow Point PLATED $155/1000 shipped
.45 cal 230 grain PLATED $75/500 shipped