Why I think new reloaders should start with a single stage

[Bruce51]

Reloading is my hobby. That means I take the time to produce quality ammunition one round at a time.

The RCBS jr that I use was bought used in the 1970's.

I have never felt the need to buy another.

Hand priming allows one to feel when the primer is properly seated.

Checking the charged cases in a loading tray insures that each round is properly charged and the loads are safe.

Checking crimp and OAL means the loaded cartridges will chamber and fire.

I found an overcharged case recently. Dumping out the powder revealed a small lint ball from the tumbling process.

Must have hidden itself real good to make it to the loading block.

It just feels good to know that the ammo will perform.

On a side note I once pulled apart someone else's reloads.

I found the cases to contain both Herco and 4227

I guess they violated the only one powder on the bench rule.

BLM

 

[Kanewpadle]

Nope. Wrong. An auto-indexing progressive is the safest press. Single-stage is great for blowing up guns.

I've never met a noob yet who couldn't learn to turn out quality ammo on a progressive. A Dillon machine holds it's value much better than any single-stage.

If you like fondling each cartridge more than shooting - a single-stage is the right press for you.

No sir, you got it wrong. A progressive press is specifically designed to crank out ammo in larger quantity. They will never be as accurate as a single stage press. And a single stage press is not for the lazy.

My father has an old C&H single stage H press that he bought 50 years ago. He would laugh in your face if you told him it's not safe. He still uses it to this day. And of the thousands of rounds he's loaded with it, he's never had a problem. Sure mistakes are made. BUT THAT'S THE FREAKING POINT!! Single stage presses force you to slow down and pay attention to what your doing so you catch those mistakes. You can't do that with a progressive. At least not as easily.

 

[m657]

Great post Rule3 and I agree with many of your comments.

Of course, I've never had a single stage press of any kind and know squat about them.

What I do know, is I started circa 1980 with a Dillon 450 progressive, upgraded soon to a 550, and after 20+ years went to a 650.

My own style of learning curve somehow survived, I had no catastrophes, no blown up guns, etc.

I did learn how to think in more precise terms and come to understand the interrelated aspects of each stage of the process.

I was drawn into the rich history of ballistic science, arcane firearms laws & patent office rules, and the significant difference between an endless variety of seemingly identical powders, calibers, etc, just as would have been likely were I a single stage fan.

Respect for the process and the potential for havoc via hurried or carelessness is a demanding truth, whether single or other type of press is involved.

I enjoy seeing the various comments & observations.

There was a point in my early shooting hobby where time was limited, and learning to reload on a press that produced an in-spec round with each operation of the handle was the only way I could afford the time demanded for going to the range.

I have found ways at times, that I do choose to use my 650 as a form of single stage press.

After over 30 years at the loading bench, my trusty Dillon serves my needs very well. That all the various requirements of the process occur at the same time, is a satisfaction that has its own rewards for those who choose to do such.

I've helped friends make their own decision about "which" to start with....and it's about an equal portion that choose either.

I've helped a few who started on single stage decades ago, take a few sessions to learn whether they wanted to change. Some do, some don't.

We all meet at the range.

Thanks for your thoughts Rule3. I'm all for helping as many as possible learn how to safely reload. Some of us will be using a multistage press.

 

[fyimo]

I have survived reloading on a single stage press ever since I started close to 50 years ago.

I'm with you having started with a single stage press in 1984 and I'm still going strong with it and I'm 69 years old and I will still sit at the press and load 300 rounds at a sitting.

They are simple and fool proof with the only possible problem would be either double charging a pistol round or failing to drop powder in either a pistol or rifle round. But simple checks before seating a bullet in any of them will prevent either problem.

 

[blujax01]

As you say my friend, it is not a debate.

I'm glad it works for you.

Peace,

~ Alan

 

[Rule3]

C'Mon guys


its Ginger or Marianne

now if I say Marianne and you say Ginger we're good

but if you say Marinanne too - now we got a problem

As long as it isn't Mrs Howell (Lovey)

More into Mary Ann, Ginger was to high maintenance

 

[Jellybean]

OK, this is JMO. Not starting a debate over brands or styles of presses. That has been hashed and beaten to a pulp!

Apparently it hasn't been hashed and beaten to a pulp enough. Now what are your qualifications and credentials to make that undebateable opinion?

 

[brucev]

Re: Op. Agree completely. Reloading is not rocket science. However, reloading is not just simply cranking out a simple load for high volume shooting. There are times you are going to want to do some load development, etc. The plain hard facts are that the SS press is more useful for working up loads w/ a variety of powders, bullets, etc. This is especially true when working with both rifles and handguns. Those who disagree are welcome to their own opinions. That's why manufacturers offer different products. Not everyone wants or needs the same equipment. However, I have been loading since 1980 on both SS and progressive presses. And my opinion is based on that experience.

 

[silentflyer]

Have a Lyman All American bout in the 70's, still works great. The one thing I might suggest is to find somene who has reloaded for a while and have them give a new reloader some hands on advice at first.

 

[wheelgun28]

I would add that before you buy ANYTHING, you need to be honest with yourself. What is your level of mechanical ability, can you look at something and see how it works or do you smash your finger with a hammer when hanging a picture?

Next is how well can you read, comprehend and follow written instructions?

If your the kind guy that can't replace the windshield wipers on your car with out help, well Walmart sell ammo for you, and thats ok.

If your someone that can do things and can use tools but you wouldn't tune up you can by yourself. I'd guess you should start out with a single stage press. Do the reading get comfortable with the hows and whys. Then move slowly and methodically until you gain knowledge and familiarity.

However if your the guy that pulls the engine out of your truck and rebuilds it for fun. Then I would guess that a single stage will bore you to tears in very short order. Your the guy that can read the manual, understand why adjustments are made. You understand the steps and how each can change the end result.

To me everyone isnt an mechanical prodigy or engineer. They make different machines because they fit different needs and people.

The analogy often used is that you don't learn to drive in a Ferrari. Well this might be somewhat true, but folks that live on the race track a Ferrari is just a fancy car, nothing to be afraid of. To others its an over price over engineered complicated machine that still only gets you from point a to point b. It does the same thing as a moped, nothing more.

Progressives are unsafe, well not really. The factory makes in one day more that any of us will use in a lifetime. I don't think they make them on single stage machines?

To close my little story, different strokes for different folks.

Know your ability, know what your buying and how it works BEFORE you buy anything.

If I started with a single stage I would have given up in very short order. Thats just me...

Yes I do own and use a single stage, and several progressive presses.

 

[Maximumbob54]

Rule3,

Way to stir up the Dillon fanboys since they don't have a blue single stage press.

Let Dillon put out a single stage press and they will begin to agree with you.

 

[RussellD]

Dillon makes a Basic loader for those who are not yet ready for a full blown progressive press, and yet want to leave the ghetto of Lee products.

 

[blujax01]

... Next week, Rule3 and Maximum Bob explain why newbies should be required to make their load computations using a slide rule before they are allowed to use a calculator!

gotcha'!

 

[SMSgt]

After nearly 40 years of reloading countless rounds on a S/S press--with no squibs, no over charges, and only two duds, both a primer issue--I'm glad to hear my press is unsafe. I look right into that problem.

 

[lhump1961]

I consider myself mechanically inclined and capable but it has been my experience that most of us learn our lessons in life through the mistakes that we make...some mistakes carry a heavier consequence than others...bad loading is one.

It find the opinion that it is better to start on a SS very sound advice. (not required just better!)

Would you let a brand new rider take your Ultra Classic for a spin?

 

[Rule3]

Apparently it hasn't been hashed and beaten to a pulp enough. Now what are your qualifications and credentials to make that undebateable opinion?

Look who arose from the ashes! You only contribute when you want to bash someone or something. Go back into hiding.

I have no qualifications unlike you who are qualified in all things.

You do not post any helpful info for all these new reloaders. Their questions might have been avoided had they learned the basics to start with.

You can debate all you want, you do not have to agree (which you never do) so write your own thread.

 

[Rickkster]

... Next week, Rule3 and Maximum Bob explain why newbies should be required to make their load computations using a slide rule before they are allowed to use a calculator!

gotcha'!

Hahaha! Man I always hated my slide rules. Give me calculators with BIG buttons.

Cheers,

Rick

 

[Rule3]

The point if there is one, is that a single stage press alone will run $100 to $150. A really nice Rockchucker. It can be used for ever. It can be sold, it is a small price to pay when you consider how much you end up paying for all the equipment and components in reloading.

 

[lhump1961]

Apparently it hasn't been hashed and beaten to a pulp enough. Now what are your qualifications and credentials to make that undebateable opinion?

That's your idea of a thread contribution? Wow.

I guess that fits with the fact that in 7 years you haven't liked anyone's post.

 

[lhump1961]

... Next week, Rule3 and Maximum Bob explain why newbies should be required to make their load computations using a slide rule before they are allowed to use a calculator!

gotcha'!

Don't forget that a calculator rarely blows up in your hand.