im gathering up supplies to get into reloading and will be loading .308 .223 357mag 40cal like what ive read on redding and that there all made in u.s. looking to buy best single stage press that will last me a lifetime thanks any input will be appriciated.
- Thread starter donniedee
- Start date
Redding makes stellar presses, like the Big Boss and Big Boss II. If money isn't a huge issue, the Big Boss II, will do the ultra super magnums, like the 338 RUM and 338LM.
Chris
If you want the best single stage press built, then go with a forster coax. You will not be sorry. It has several unconventional things about it that all work really well. the dies are floating which yeilds less run-out on loaded rounds. the primer is built into the top of the press and works great. The universal shell holder holds and works well. I even bought the second set of jaws for the 5% of rounds that aren't supposed to work in the original jaws and haven't used them yet even though i've loaded some of those rounds. I like redding products as well and use some of their dies, but as far as presses go, I would get the forster.
just got a catalog comming from forsters looks awesome, but do they make pistol die sets?
M
milo 2.0
Guest
If when pistol loading and looking for any speed, the co-ax will be extremely slow, you'll pretty much need the shellholder adapter for 357, no rim.
I use lee carbide 4 die sets for pistols. I believe in spending money when it makes a difference, but the lee dies are great for what they cost. I'm not trying to hit quarters at 300 yards with my pistols, so extreme accuracy is not important.
thanks guys, im not lookin for speed. stocking up on compontents now reload when i retire in 21mo!!!! long as i can use the forsters for pistols as well looks like ill be ordering one.
Forsters, RCBS, Redding, Hornady, and Dillion all make good products. You will not be disappointed with any of them. Like you have already seen here, each has their own following for different reasons. When it comes to presses, I'm a Hornady guy. But this is purely personal preference. I will suggest something though. Get a progressive loader for your high volume rounds and save the single stage for precision stuff.
Not true with the .357. I've loaded hundreds of rounds of .357 with the jaws that came with the press. They work just fine for .357. I usually load up about 100 pistol rounds at a time. It takes longer with the Forster than with a progressive, but I am not in a hurry. I enjoy reloading as well as shooting.
M
milo 2.0
Guest
I stand corrected, sorry.
I have a Forster Co-Ax and love it.
The speed and convenience of using it is excellent.
Plus, as mentioned some of the features are excellent .
But I only use it for loading rifle cartridges.
The speed and convenience of using it is excellent.
Plus, as mentioned some of the features are excellent .
But I only use it for loading rifle cartridges.
I understand the turret concept, but with the way the dies change out on the Forster, a turret is not necessary. Dies just slide in and out of the slot. They don't screw in as in a conventional press. The due setting is held in place by a standard die lock ring. Once the ring is tightened down, the die can be removed and repeatablly replaced in the press in about 1.5 seconds without tools.
I have a Hornady LnL AP for my high volume pistol loading. I have a Redding Big Boss II for precision stuff. I did install the Hornady LnL Bushing on the Redding BBII so I get the benefits of quick die changes (similar in speed to the T7). Still plenty accurate for me.
+1 for Redding and being made in the USA. First off, I don't reload for volume at all. About 50 rounds per session max. I use a Redding Big Boss II and Redding Comp dies for seating, neck sizing, shoulder bumping. I have a Hornady LNL, I only use it for decapping. I never liked the idea of a rubber o-ring with the bushings, I don't know it may be my OCD coming out. I can say that between the two, my Redding press is noticeably tighter than my hornady press. I think Redding has tighter tolerances.
Just my 2 cents......
Just my 2 cents......
I have a redding t7 and my dad has an ultramag press. His ultramag is better on full length rifle brass sizing than either my t7 or my RCBS. I think the big boss is just as good as the RCBS if not better with the spent primer system.
I don't do volume and use a Redding Boss press, their benchrest powder measure, scale, powder trickler, case trimmer, and only their dies. For precise priming I like the Sinclair hand tool. All USA made. No regrets.
I have a Redding Big BossII it's a great press. I've had both but needed the bigger press. I also have a Dillon Square Deal for my pistol reloading. It's a great starter proggresive that can load 500 an hour without breaking a sweat.
All precision cases are loaded on a single stage press.
I have a Redding Big Boss II press and love it, upgraded from a Lee, you just can't compare the two, Redding Rocks.
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