- Thread starter Ulpian
- Start date
Re: single stage press
Take a look at the RCBS rock chucker supreme. They also have a conversion to use the hornady quick change die system. I was recently at cabelas and they had RCBS kits on sale.
Take a look at the RCBS rock chucker supreme. They also have a conversion to use the hornady quick change die system. I was recently at cabelas and they had RCBS kits on sale.
Re: single stage press
At the top of the thread list for the Reloading section there are many threads that explain the process of reloading for precision. They are quite extensive and informative. Many here would suggest to make copious amounts of decent quality ammunition to allow you more time and money to get adequate practice since (if you are a new shooter) the ammunition would not likely be your source of accuracy limitation. Once your ammunition was the source of limitation, you could then begin to upgrade the quality of your ammo. Producing the most accurate ammunition possible can be very expensive (in components and equipment) and extremely time consuming.
How many calibers do you plan to reload for? Some SS presses have bushings that allow you to change dies more quickly. It can save you time to have these bushings, but not a requirement by any means.
How much are you wanting/willing to spend? A good SS press is always useful, even if you get a turret or progressive press later, so don't go too cheap. Redding, RCBS, and Hornady would be my first choices, although there are others that would work well. There are also co-ax presses.
At the top of the thread list for the Reloading section there are many threads that explain the process of reloading for precision. They are quite extensive and informative. Many here would suggest to make copious amounts of decent quality ammunition to allow you more time and money to get adequate practice since (if you are a new shooter) the ammunition would not likely be your source of accuracy limitation. Once your ammunition was the source of limitation, you could then begin to upgrade the quality of your ammo. Producing the most accurate ammunition possible can be very expensive (in components and equipment) and extremely time consuming.
How many calibers do you plan to reload for? Some SS presses have bushings that allow you to change dies more quickly. It can save you time to have these bushings, but not a requirement by any means.
How much are you wanting/willing to spend? A good SS press is always useful, even if you get a turret or progressive press later, so don't go too cheap. Redding, RCBS, and Hornady would be my first choices, although there are others that would work well. There are also co-ax presses.
Re: single stage press
I already have a Dillon 650 for pistol caliber and just getting into rifle shooting. Wasn't planning to reload rifle rounds until later, but my last range trip I shot 2 boxes of same ammo, 1 box the best I can do about .5" and finish the box within 1.5". However the other box just fly every where, the closest I can get about 1" and finish the box 5"+. Therefore I want to make more consistent ammo.
I already have a Dillon 650 for pistol caliber and just getting into rifle shooting. Wasn't planning to reload rifle rounds until later, but my last range trip I shot 2 boxes of same ammo, 1 box the best I can do about .5" and finish the box within 1.5". However the other box just fly every where, the closest I can get about 1" and finish the box 5"+. Therefore I want to make more consistent ammo.
Re: single stage press
I run a Redding T7 press, works great! check it out
I run a Redding T7 press, works great! check it out
Re: single stage press
depending on how many calibers you are running, both redding and RCBS are good choices. I like the Rock Chucker for RCBS, I like the older model though that did not have the ambidextrous arm because of the angle of the arm compared to the new ones. I also really like my T7 because I can have sizing, seating, and whatever else you want set-up all in one press. The hose primer catch is kind of a godsend also.
depending on how many calibers you are running, both redding and RCBS are good choices. I like the Rock Chucker for RCBS, I like the older model though that did not have the ambidextrous arm because of the angle of the arm compared to the new ones. I also really like my T7 because I can have sizing, seating, and whatever else you want set-up all in one press. The hose primer catch is kind of a godsend also.
Re: single stage press
Any discussion about single stage presses must include the Forster Co-ax. The floating design allows the die and case to self-center and die changeovers are very fast and simple.
It is a favorite around here for the above reasons.
Any discussion about single stage presses must include the Forster Co-ax. The floating design allows the die and case to self-center and die changeovers are very fast and simple.
It is a favorite around here for the above reasons.
Re: single stage press
Learn something new everyday, I don't know Fotster co-ax before this thread, it looks like a very sturdy reload press. Question for people who use it. The die just slide in and out of the press, will there be alignment problem? Is there anything on the press "snap" the die in place? Repeatable will be important for consistent ammo making, will this press repeatable?
I google it and seems all round good review, is there anything "bad" I should aware of?
Thanks in advance
Learn something new everyday, I don't know Fotster co-ax before this thread, it looks like a very sturdy reload press. Question for people who use it. The die just slide in and out of the press, will there be alignment problem? Is there anything on the press "snap" the die in place? Repeatable will be important for consistent ammo making, will this press repeatable?
I google it and seems all round good review, is there anything "bad" I should aware of?
Thanks in advance
Re: single stage press
The only "bad" about the Forster Co-ax is the price, and you get over that. Everything else about it works as advertised, consistent, repeatable.
If the price is prohibitive for now, then a Lee Classic cast iron single stage (or Turret) is my next choice.
The only "bad" about the Forster Co-ax is the price, and you get over that. Everything else about it works as advertised, consistent, repeatable.
If the price is prohibitive for now, then a Lee Classic cast iron single stage (or Turret) is my next choice.
Re: single stage press
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Question for people who use it. The die just slide in and out of the press, will there be alignment problem?
</div></div>
No
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Is there anything on the press "snap" the die in place? </div></div>
No
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
will this press repeatable?
</div></div>
Yes
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I google it and seems all round good review, is there anything "bad" I should aware of?
</div></div>
Not that I'm aware of.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Question for people who use it. The die just slide in and out of the press, will there be alignment problem?
</div></div>
No
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Is there anything on the press "snap" the die in place? </div></div>
No
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
will this press repeatable?
</div></div>
Yes
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I google it and seems all round good review, is there anything "bad" I should aware of?
</div></div>
Not that I'm aware of.
Re: single stage press
a lee challenger is kinda cheap but it works
with the removable bushings it works pretty good for 1 or 2 calibers
i think the quality of the dies is more important than the quality of the press
a lee challenger is kinda cheap but it works
with the removable bushings it works pretty good for 1 or 2 calibers
i think the quality of the dies is more important than the quality of the press
Re: single stage press
Humm... Everyone is out of stock, but it's only about $250 and looks like it can last forever, guess I can wait
. How's their own brand's dies, any good? Or I should stick with RCBS dies? BTW, I read that the Hornady brushing ring works better than the original.
Humm... Everyone is out of stock, but it's only about $250 and looks like it can last forever, guess I can wait
Re: single stage press
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Humm... Everyone is out of stock, but it's only about $250 and looks like it can last forever, guess I can wait . How's their own brand's dies, any good? Or I should stick with RCBS dies? BTW, I read that the Hornady brushing ring works better than the original. </div></div>
All of my dies are Forster, except the calibers that Forster doesn't make. They work fine for me.
The Forster lock rings used to come with a crappy Phillips head locking screw. The new ones have an Allen-head screw.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Humm... Everyone is out of stock, but it's only about $250 and looks like it can last forever, guess I can wait
All of my dies are Forster, except the calibers that Forster doesn't make. They work fine for me.
The Forster lock rings used to come with a crappy Phillips head locking screw. The new ones have an Allen-head screw.
Re: single stage press
The only dies I consider buying now is Redding Type S Full Length Die and Redding Competition Seating Die, with those 2 dies and a quality press like a Co-Ax or a RCBS, and a sound technique the very best match grade ammo can be made. I have both, I consider the Co-Ax as my go to press, it simply does every thing better than my RCBS except make quality ammo, both are equal there, both require different techniques, the Co-Ax is just easier to do it with.
The only dies I consider buying now is Redding Type S Full Length Die and Redding Competition Seating Die, with those 2 dies and a quality press like a Co-Ax or a RCBS, and a sound technique the very best match grade ammo can be made. I have both, I consider the Co-Ax as my go to press, it simply does every thing better than my RCBS except make quality ammo, both are equal there, both require different techniques, the Co-Ax is just easier to do it with.
Re: single stage press
The only bad thing about the CO/AX is the availability...
But once you get one you will never go back. In my opinion it's the baddest ass SS press out there.
The only bad thing about the CO/AX is the availability...
But once you get one you will never go back. In my opinion it's the baddest ass SS press out there.
Re: single stage press
The other thing you need to be aware of with the coax is die clearance. It clears a redding competition seating die but if you plan on using it with a die type bullet puller it can get tricky. Other than that its a terrific press. Much better build quality than the lee classic I used to run although it was also good press in its own right.
The other thing you need to be aware of with the coax is die clearance. It clears a redding competition seating die but if you plan on using it with a die type bullet puller it can get tricky. Other than that its a terrific press. Much better build quality than the lee classic I used to run although it was also good press in its own right.
Re: single stage press
I've on my third single stage press. I started with a Lee which I gave to a friend after it developed some play in the ram. It did the job, but I lost confidence in the press. I bought a Redding Big Boss and got tired of the primers being ejected everywhere except the primer basket. I also wanted to use Hornady's lock and load bushing and couldn't as the threads are cut into the press not a replaceable bushing. I now have a CoAx and it's great. I never have to wonder if I screwed the die in just like I did when I set it up and primer collection is awesome. No more primer guts on my carpet. Also, it has much more mechanical advantage than any other press I have tried. My nine year old son loves to use it, and he didn't like resizing on anything before it. It took to much effort for the bigger stuff. Anything to get my kids to hang out with me is worth the extra cost and I'm passing on a great tradition in my mind. You should just forget about the rest and buy the CoAx. Look at the designs of the competing presses and you will see the CoAx is the only one that's really different. The rest are variations on the same theme and some different colored paint.
I've on my third single stage press. I started with a Lee which I gave to a friend after it developed some play in the ram. It did the job, but I lost confidence in the press. I bought a Redding Big Boss and got tired of the primers being ejected everywhere except the primer basket. I also wanted to use Hornady's lock and load bushing and couldn't as the threads are cut into the press not a replaceable bushing. I now have a CoAx and it's great. I never have to wonder if I screwed the die in just like I did when I set it up and primer collection is awesome. No more primer guts on my carpet. Also, it has much more mechanical advantage than any other press I have tried. My nine year old son loves to use it, and he didn't like resizing on anything before it. It took to much effort for the bigger stuff. Anything to get my kids to hang out with me is worth the extra cost and I'm passing on a great tradition in my mind. You should just forget about the rest and buy the CoAx. Look at the designs of the competing presses and you will see the CoAx is the only one that's really different. The rest are variations on the same theme and some different colored paint.
Re: single stage press
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I already have a Dillon 650 for pistol caliber and just getting into rifle shooting. Wasn't planning to reload rifle rounds until later, but my last range trip I shot 2 boxes of same ammo, 1 box the best I can do about .5" and finish the box within 1.5". However the other box just fly every where, the closest I can get about 1" and finish the box 5"+. Therefore I want to make more consistent ammo. </div></div>
I use my 650 for everything except 6.5-.284 and a specialty load for .223. I don't use my 650 for those two since I don't shoot that many of them.
Checking the powder throw weights of the Dillon shows that it's plus/minus about 1-tenth grain. In 44 grains in my .30-06 and .308 match loads, this is not noticeable across a chronograph.
If you're getting erratic results from your 650, I would check very carefully to see what else might be causing the problem.
Note that I tend to use Redding and Forster competition dies in my 650.
All that said, my single-stage press is the RCBS Rock Chucker. And I still have the smaller RCBS press I bought circa 1972. Haven't been able to wear out either one.
Cheers,
Richard
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I already have a Dillon 650 for pistol caliber and just getting into rifle shooting. Wasn't planning to reload rifle rounds until later, but my last range trip I shot 2 boxes of same ammo, 1 box the best I can do about .5" and finish the box within 1.5". However the other box just fly every where, the closest I can get about 1" and finish the box 5"+. Therefore I want to make more consistent ammo. </div></div>
I use my 650 for everything except 6.5-.284 and a specialty load for .223. I don't use my 650 for those two since I don't shoot that many of them.
Checking the powder throw weights of the Dillon shows that it's plus/minus about 1-tenth grain. In 44 grains in my .30-06 and .308 match loads, this is not noticeable across a chronograph.
If you're getting erratic results from your 650, I would check very carefully to see what else might be causing the problem.
Note that I tend to use Redding and Forster competition dies in my 650.
All that said, my single-stage press is the RCBS Rock Chucker. And I still have the smaller RCBS press I bought circa 1972. Haven't been able to wear out either one.
Cheers,
Richard
Re: single stage press
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fw707</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Question for people who use it. The die just slide in and out of the press, will there be alignment problem?
</div></div>
No
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Is there anything on the press "snap" the die in place? </div></div>
No
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
will this press repeatable?
</div></div>
Yes
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I google it and seems all round good review, is there anything "bad" I should aware of?
</div></div>
Not that I'm aware of. </div></div>
I didn't care for the ergonomics of the Forster press. I didn't find any of its "features" that made ammo more or less accurate than proper use of other presses. My opinion is it is not friendly to large cases like 300 Win Mag or 7mm RUM. Got sick of pinching my fingers so I sold it. I've been reloading for a lot of years and have seen lots of presses come and go. This is my bench now and it will remain this way for a long time. I load for rifles (221 Fireball, 223 Rem, 25-06 Rem, 7mm Rem Mag, 45-70) and one handgun (40 S&W). I get excellent results.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: fw707</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Question for people who use it. The die just slide in and out of the press, will there be alignment problem?
</div></div>
No
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
Is there anything on the press "snap" the die in place? </div></div>
No
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
will this press repeatable?
</div></div>
Yes
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I google it and seems all round good review, is there anything "bad" I should aware of?
</div></div>
Not that I'm aware of. </div></div>
I didn't care for the ergonomics of the Forster press. I didn't find any of its "features" that made ammo more or less accurate than proper use of other presses. My opinion is it is not friendly to large cases like 300 Win Mag or 7mm RUM. Got sick of pinching my fingers so I sold it. I've been reloading for a lot of years and have seen lots of presses come and go. This is my bench now and it will remain this way for a long time. I load for rifles (221 Fireball, 223 Rem, 25-06 Rem, 7mm Rem Mag, 45-70) and one handgun (40 S&W). I get excellent results.
Re: single stage press
Flash hole: <span style="font-style: italic">"I didn't care for the ergonomics of the Forster (Coax) press. I didn't find any of its "features" that made ammo more or less accurate than proper use of other presses. My opinion is it is not friendly to large cases like 300 Win Mag or 7mm RUM. Got sick of pinching my fingers so I sold it. I've been reloading for a lot of years and have seen lots of presses come and go."</span>
Ditto.
If Lee had made the Classic Cast when I bought my Rockchucker II my main press would be red.
Flash hole: <span style="font-style: italic">"I didn't care for the ergonomics of the Forster (Coax) press. I didn't find any of its "features" that made ammo more or less accurate than proper use of other presses. My opinion is it is not friendly to large cases like 300 Win Mag or 7mm RUM. Got sick of pinching my fingers so I sold it. I've been reloading for a lot of years and have seen lots of presses come and go."</span>
Ditto.
If Lee had made the Classic Cast when I bought my Rockchucker II my main press would be red.
M
milo 2.0
Guest
Re: single stage press
I have 4 presses, 3ss. A Rockchucker, Redding T-7, and a Forster coax. I get no better runout numbers with the Forster than I did with the T-7, never checked the rockchucker.
If I was starting over, I'd buy the rockchucker and not look back. or further.
I'm sure the Lee cast or Hornady will work also, the money saved will buy a set of competition dies.
Is all buying the coax did for me was cost me $400.00, because I supplemented my purchase of it with a set of Redding comp dies that wasn't needed.
Spending the most money doesn't guarantee you'll have the biggest dick on the block.
I have 4 presses, 3ss. A Rockchucker, Redding T-7, and a Forster coax. I get no better runout numbers with the Forster than I did with the T-7, never checked the rockchucker.
If I was starting over, I'd buy the rockchucker and not look back. or further.
I'm sure the Lee cast or Hornady will work also, the money saved will buy a set of competition dies.
Is all buying the coax did for me was cost me $400.00, because I supplemented my purchase of it with a set of Redding comp dies that wasn't needed.
Spending the most money doesn't guarantee you'll have the biggest dick on the block.
Re: single stage press
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hello everyone, I'm looking to get a single stage press, to reload for precision rifle shooting. Any recommendation? </div></div>
i don't think you can do wrong with any of them but my preference would be the RCBS rockchucker or the Hornady LNL.
i have had 2 Rockchuckers in 34 years and found them to be very good and dependable.
the Hornady LNL i just like the features it has with the different collets that lock in the press when you wish to change calibers.
i now have an Lee press and like it, it does what it should and does it well.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Ulpian</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Hello everyone, I'm looking to get a single stage press, to reload for precision rifle shooting. Any recommendation? </div></div>
i don't think you can do wrong with any of them but my preference would be the RCBS rockchucker or the Hornady LNL.
i have had 2 Rockchuckers in 34 years and found them to be very good and dependable.
the Hornady LNL i just like the features it has with the different collets that lock in the press when you wish to change calibers.
i now have an Lee press and like it, it does what it should and does it well.
