My dad has a old Herters press he wants to give me to help me get in to reloading. Are the presses universal for dies? Or is it a better idea to just drop the 250 for a RCBS Rock Chucker Master Kit?
Are presses universal?
- Thread starter Gage2408
- Start date
Re: Are presses universal?
Use the Herters for now. Most of the "usual" calibers use dies that are pretty much universal at 7/8 inch dia. If you want to go bigger (like the Cheytac or .50 BMG), then you'll need a different press with a longer stroke.
Use the Herters for now. Most of the "usual" calibers use dies that are pretty much universal at 7/8 inch dia. If you want to go bigger (like the Cheytac or .50 BMG), then you'll need a different press with a longer stroke.
Re: Are presses universal?
For normal calibers (i.e. not the long stuff like 50BMG and such) you'll do just fine fitting any off-the-shelf dies and shellholders.
50BMG dies are different threads, depending on who made the press or die. Some longer calibers (Cheytac comes to mind) -- dies will fit but you lack sufficient space to fit the bullet above the case for seating.
For normal calibers (i.e. not the long stuff like 50BMG and such) you'll do just fine fitting any off-the-shelf dies and shellholders.
50BMG dies are different threads, depending on who made the press or die. Some longer calibers (Cheytac comes to mind) -- dies will fit but you lack sufficient space to fit the bullet above the case for seating.
Re: Are presses universal?
Excellent. Thanks guys. Calibers I'll be reloading are 223 308 300 WM and probably 45 ACP
Excellent. Thanks guys. Calibers I'll be reloading are 223 308 300 WM and probably 45 ACP
Re: Are presses universal?
Single stage press from just about anybody will work just fine for you.
Words of experience -- lube your case necks just prior to sizing.
Single stage press from just about anybody will work just fine for you.
Words of experience -- lube your case necks just prior to sizing.
Re: Are presses universal?
The only potential 'problem' with your Herter's press may be the shell holders. Herter's used three different types over the years, only one of which is today's 'universal' snap-in type.
When you prepare to size rifle cases you better lube more than just the necks, that's not where they get stuck.
The only potential 'problem' with your Herter's press may be the shell holders. Herter's used three different types over the years, only one of which is today's 'universal' snap-in type.
When you prepare to size rifle cases you better lube more than just the necks, that's not where they get stuck.
Re: Are presses universal?
Seems I misspoke -- lube the body and neck.
I have used and don't care for the Hornady one-shot, I use a liquid lube on a ink pad, similar to the RCBS case lube pad.
I would also suggest you invest in a stuck case removal kit. Whether you buy one or put one together, you will end up using it eventually.
Seems I misspoke -- lube the body and neck.
I have used and don't care for the Hornady one-shot, I use a liquid lube on a ink pad, similar to the RCBS case lube pad.
I would also suggest you invest in a stuck case removal kit. Whether you buy one or put one together, you will end up using it eventually.
