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Which reloading press to buy???

P

PharmShooter

Sergeant
Full Member
Minuteman
Nov 16, 2011
179
0
51
Muncie, IN
Guys,

I've decided to get into the hand reloading world. I am starting with a very basic understanding of the process, but I'm a quick learner. To get things started off, which press should I buy? Where should I buy? Books? Thanks for any help!
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

I like my RCBS rock chucker supreme. I bought the press only not a kit. The kits are good for starting but I don't use a lot of the stuff they come with. If you decide to get a kit the only other piece of equipment you'll need is a caliper
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

Thanks guys, any other thoughts? I saw on Ebay I can by the Rock Chucker kit from a dealer for $318 and send in a $50 mail in rebate. That sounds like a really good deal. However, I don't mind spending more money if there is a better value for something else. Obviously, I want to load the most accurate rounds possible. Thx
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

The rock chucker kit is an excellent bargain. I already had a uniflow, hand primer, and scale. The rest of the kit I wouldn't have a use for. After the rebate you couldn't buy the press, uniflow, hand primer, and scale for less. Not that thee's anything wrong with the rest of the kit just I have no use for it
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

I couldn't use it because of my cartridge choice but I wanted a Forester Coax.
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

You can't go wrong with a Rock Chucker. I've been loading quality ammo on mine for years. Get a good reloading manual like suggested above and get familiar with each step. Safety first!
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

RCBS rockchucker or Redding to size and an arbor press for seating.
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

The Rock chucker kit is a good one, you'll need a trimmer of some sort, as well as a caliper. I don't remember if the kit comes with a dribbler, if not, I would buy one, especially if you plan on loading extruded powder.
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

Midsouth has the Rockchucker kit for 300, so 250 after rebate. Throw a set of dies in and you're a trimming system away from ready to rock for about 300 or less depending on what kind and type of dies you choose. If you're on a budget the Lee trim system is cheap. Cutter, shell holder and stud will run you a total of about 12 bucks. It's not the best system but does work just fine until you can save up for something nicer. I chuck the cutter in my dewalt drill and have trimmed around 2500pc of 223 in the last couple months.
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PharmShooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Guys,

I've decided to get into the hand reloading world. I am starting with a very basic understanding of the process, but I'm a quick learner. To get things started off, which press should I buy? Where should I buy? Books? Thanks for any help! </div></div>

Get a Co-ax press, Forster FL sizing & Micrometer seating dies, RCBS Chargemaster, and the various case / head space/ measuring/ priming tools from Sinclair.
Throw in a Forster trimmer until you can get a Giraud, and a good corn cob media tumbler to start with.
And don't forget the Imperial sizing wax/lube.
grin.gif
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

if you are just getting started, hard to beat the RCBS kit for under 3 bills.
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???



Dillon BL 550 basic loader - $260 - a RL 550B without the automatic priming and powder systems, but those can be added as your experience evolves. Meanwhile, you will have a powerful press with interchangeable tool heads, and indexing capability that lets you prep cases fast.

1 Decap with universal decapper.
2 Size without expander ball and decapper removed from the sizer.
3 Expand with mandrel to preserve case mouth dimensions.

Then, set it up so you can manually prime in the first station, charge at the second station, seat at the third and the round is loaded. Now that your dies are set up in the tool head, remove the toolhead without unsettling all your dies. This might be the way. Check it out.
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

Okay, here's some real help; I've been doing this far too long to drink anyone's Kool-Aid and I grew out of emotional attachment to inanimate objects or brands before I left my 20s.

I prefer a single stage press for rifle reloading and that works well enough for the modest qualities of handgun I shoot. If Lee had made the Classic Cast when I got my Rock Chucker my main press would be red, it's a better tool. IF your primary focus will be handgun take a look at Lee's Classic Turret (without the breech-lock die gimmick).

I won't tell you all of what I use, that really doesn't matter to you! I use what <span style="text-decoration: underline">I</span> need but your needs are almost certainly going to be different from mine. Some of those who have been doing this for awhile can have definate opinions for what THEY need but that rarely translates into what other new guys need or will need. I suggest you start easy, keep costs reasonable and learn on a single stage press with basic powder measures, scales, trimmers, dies, etc, until you get well grounded. At that time you'll have enough experience to know what, if anything at all, you may want to add to load YOUR way and you'll still have needs for your original equipment even if you get fancy later so it <span style="text-decoration: underline">won't</span> be a waste!
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Casey Simpson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Dillon BL 550 basic loader - $260 - a RL 550B without the automatic priming and powder systems, but those can be added as your experience evolves. Meanwhile, you will have a powerful press with interchangeable tool heads, and indexing capability that lets you prep cases fast.

1 Decap with universal decapper.
2 Size without expander ball and decapper removed from the sizer.
3 Expand with mandrel to preserve case mouth dimensions.

Then, set it up so you can manually prime in the first station, charge at the second station, seat at the third and the round is loaded. Now that your dies are set up in the tool head, remove the toolhead without unsettling all your dies. This might be the way. Check it out.

</div></div>

+1
thou back when i purchased mine it was a 500AT IIRC
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Casey Simpson</div><div class="ubbcode-body">

Dillon BL 550 basic loader - $260 - a RL 550B without the automatic priming and powder systems, but those can be added as your experience evolves. Meanwhile, you will have a powerful press with interchangeable tool heads, and indexing capability that lets you prep cases fast.

1 Decap with universal decapper.
2 Size without expander ball and decapper removed from the sizer.
3 Expand with mandrel to preserve case mouth dimensions.

Then, set it up so you can manually prime in the first station, charge at the second station, seat at the third and the round is loaded. Now that your dies are set up in the tool head, remove the toolhead without unsettling all your dies. This might be the way. Check it out.

</div></div>

I couldn't agree more with this, then you have a higher speed press to do handgun, bulk .223 etc. Also you can get CNC'd billet tool heads with clamp into the press and get it extremely accurate. I do my precision .260 on there and I load them to the thousandth every time. I wouldn't look at anything other then a 550. Plus you can't beat the no BS lifetime warranty.
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

Thanks guys for all the advice...I'm sure this will evolve into my newest obsession. LOL!
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PharmShooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Thanks guys for all the advice...I'm sure this will evolve into my newest obsession. LOL! </div></div>

I guarantee it!
grin.gif
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

I use a redding t-7 and love it. Keep all my dies set up all the time. Rock solid
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

FW, thanks for all of your help. I am taking vacation and participated in my commpany's winter shut down over the next 3 weeks, so you many hear from me a time or two since I have some free time. Thanks again!
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: PharmShooter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">FW, thanks for all of your help. I am taking vacation and participated in my commpany's winter shut down over the next 3 weeks, so you many hear from me a time or two since I have some free time. Thanks again! </div></div>

You have my number.
Call or message me any time.
I hope you and your family have a very Merry Christmas!
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

I can grade my presses by how much I use them:

A) I use my co-ax presses the most.

B) I use my RCBS partner presses the next most often.

C) I use my RCBS Rockchucker and Lee reloader presses a little.

D) I use my Lyman true line Jr even less.

F) I never used the Dillon 550B and am giving to someone that might use it.

YMMV
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

I do all my pistol stuff on a Lyman All American turret, and my rifle stuff on an RCBS RS3, but I am a curmudgeon sometimes.
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can grade my presses by how much I use them:
F) I never used the Dillon 550B and am giving to someone that might use it.

YMMV </div></div>

I'll drive up and come get it!!!
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

Yes. I'll pay the shipping.

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I can grade my presses by how much I use them:

A) I use my co-ax presses the most.

B) I use my RCBS partner presses the next most often.

C) I use my RCBS Rockchucker and Lee reloader presses a little.

D) I use my Lyman true line Jr even less.

F) I never used the Dillon 550B and am giving to someone that might use it.

YMMV </div></div>
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

I found a home for the 550B last month.
I put it in the guy's reloading room.
I am hoping he will bond with it.
It is set up for 9mm and .223.
He does .223 on prairie dogs, so there is hope.
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

Forster Co-Ax for a single stage, Dillon 550 or 650 for progressive. With good components and working up a recipe you'll be loading up match-grade ammunition in no time.
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Wolfish365</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Forster Co-Ax for a single stage, Dillon 550 or 650 for progressive. With good components and working up a recipe you'll be loading up match-grade ammunition in no time. </div></div>

+1
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

My local gun range guru also recommended the RCBS Rockchucker, and specifically said to avoid the progressive press since we were discussing f-class match ammo. But I also plan on reloading 9mm, .40, .45 and 5.56mm loads and a Dillon 650 looks like the best value for my situation. But the Brian Enos forum recommends against a beginner getting a progressive for their first press, yet other forums swear by the Dillon progressives even for .308 match loads (while set up as a single stage press). With so many opinions... what to choose?
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

Yes, a progressive is not a good first press. The Dillon 550 can be used as a single stage and would work as a first press, but a progressive press that doesn't index, IMO, is pretty useless.

I am an experienced reloader and had a primer detonation the other day with my 650 because I had disassembled it to lube, removed the ejection wire, and didn't put it back. A live round double fed in my sizing die, putting a nice hole in the middle of the bullet on the live round where the decapping rod tried to decap my live round. I pulled out the round, which let the press advance a little bit, but not fully. When I went to seat the primer, it detonated (yes, I used too much force) causing the entire stack to detonate. Yes, Dillon is replacing my primer system for free, but I can't reload until those parts come in.

I am considering reloading rifle on my Dillon, but I'm not doing it yet. Right now, I am running a Co-ax for rifle and a Dillon 650 for pistol. If I had to do it all over again, I would do the exact same thing. The only thing I would change is that I would buy the ultramount from Inline Fabrication for my Co-ax and buy one of their roller arms rather than the short Co-ax arm. I could still buy these things, but as I am trying to move to the Dillon 650 for rifle, I am not going to invest any more into the Co-ax.
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

That information alone guarantees that I won't be getting the progressive press until I've put in some hard time on a single stage. That being said, would you have a recommendation between the RCBS Rockchucker or the Forster coax? What benefits does one offer over the other?
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

Someday you might get some fired brass from a freind, or rebarrel a gun, same cartridge, and find the brass won't chamber from being oversized.
Good luck getting it sized in the co-ax.
There seems to be quite a cult following for the co-ax.
IMHO it is unwarranted, and I own both co-ax and Rockchucker.
Good luck!
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

"...would you have a recommendation between the RCBS Rockchucker or the Forster coax? What benefits does one offer over the other?"

Effectively it's a toss up. The Coax has a little better leverage (if you're weak armed, that might matter), a 'universal' shell holder and a loose slot to hold dies by the lock ring that makes die swaps nearly instant (screw swapping dies normally takes about a minute or less). The Coax is costly without adding a thing to the quality of ammo that it makes. It has a great system for catching spent primers in a pill bottle so the ram doesn't get primer grit in it. The straight-out lever and it's long throw can be awkward to use but those who like it love it.

Rock Chuckers are exactly like the others of its class; no better, no worse than Hornady, Lyman, Redding or Lee's Classic Cast - if they look the same, they work the same. Like the others, it has a proven conventional design cast iron body and compound linkage that's offset to the right so they are a bit easier for some guys to use. Spent primers are poorly handled; it tosses a high percentage of them on the floor and spills a good bit more of whatever the cheap plastic primer catcher does collect when you remove it to dump. No one who wants a solid single stage press will ever need another (but that's also true of the others).
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

Thanks Milo and fuzzball. It seems to me that the smartest play is to stick with the most basic and generally acclaimed rockchucker. Learn it, use it and ultimately figure out my own likes and dislikes. I only plan on using it for precision rifle ammo at the moment. Once I've put in the time on it, then I can entertain the idea of a progressive for my handguns.

I'll check out the forum on loading basics, but aside from a tumbler, are there other "must-have" items that I'll need to make my life easier?
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

I started with a Lee Breech Lock to get the basics down and familiar with the process. Wore it out and got an RCBS press. I then bought a Dillon 650. I got the case feeder and powder alarm, powder check and I think it came with the low primer alarm. it's only set up for .223.

When you're ready for it to mass produce your own ammo, it's a worthwhile investment. For smaller quantities I use the RCBS for .22-250, .243, 7mmRM.

As noted earlier, when you have the money for a Giraud you will wonder how you got along without it.
 
Re: Which reloading press to buy???

Well count me among the fans of the co-ax. I also have a Rockchucker, had it first, and now that I have the co-ax I would just buy that if doing it all over again. The fast change out of the dies is important to me. It also let's the dies float a bit which I feel lends itself to making better (more concentric) ammo. I really like the shellholder and primer retention. It is definitely easier to set dies up IMO, and it sizes up to 416 RM cases with no issue. I find it easy enough to work from either side with either hand, I even use my left a good bit, which is saying something because my left hand was severely crippled last year from going into repiratory arrest (long story) with effects similar to a stroke.

I would lean strongly to a co-ax and load on that until I KNEW that I wanted a progressive.
 
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