Different presses for specific operations?
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Re: Different presses for specific operations?
There are some presses which are better than others, but I can't think of any that would specifically be better at one thing, but worse at another, compared to another press, at least for different operations on the same cartridge. Some presses might be better on longer cartridges, and worse on shorter cartridges, or the other way around.
I really like the Forster Co-Ax for darn near anything.
Andy
There are some presses which are better than others, but I can't think of any that would specifically be better at one thing, but worse at another, compared to another press, at least for different operations on the same cartridge. Some presses might be better on longer cartridges, and worse on shorter cartridges, or the other way around.
I really like the Forster Co-Ax for darn near anything.
Andy
Re: Different presses for specific operations?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigJakeJ1s</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There are some presses which are better than others, but I can't think of any that would specifically be better at one thing, but worse at another, compared to another press, at least for different operations on the same cartridge. Some presses might be better on longer cartridges, and worse on shorter cartridges, or the other way around.
I really like the Forster Co-Ax for darn near anything.
Andy </div></div>
That's the one I had decided on. But then I decided that I wanted to sort, decap and tumble my brass in a separate area from where I was going to resize, measure and load. It was recommended that I get a cheap single stage Lee and use a Sinclair decaping die just for decaping. That made alot of sence, and after that I stared wondering if people had different presses for diffent operations. But if the Forester is the best at resizing AND seating I'll just stick with it. Thanks
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: BigJakeJ1s</div><div class="ubbcode-body">There are some presses which are better than others, but I can't think of any that would specifically be better at one thing, but worse at another, compared to another press, at least for different operations on the same cartridge. Some presses might be better on longer cartridges, and worse on shorter cartridges, or the other way around.
I really like the Forster Co-Ax for darn near anything.
Andy </div></div>
That's the one I had decided on. But then I decided that I wanted to sort, decap and tumble my brass in a separate area from where I was going to resize, measure and load. It was recommended that I get a cheap single stage Lee and use a Sinclair decaping die just for decaping. That made alot of sence, and after that I stared wondering if people had different presses for diffent operations. But if the Forester is the best at resizing AND seating I'll just stick with it. Thanks
Re: Different presses for specific operations?
I have a Co-Ax and highly recommend it, I also load in one room and tumble in another, I use a RCBS decapping die to punch out all the primers, the co-ax has the best spent primer retention system, the little cup holds around 500 large primers, I carry all my brass to the garage for cleaning, I think another press just to decap is not required because of the ease of slide in slide out die system the co-ax uses.
I have a Co-Ax and highly recommend it, I also load in one room and tumble in another, I use a RCBS decapping die to punch out all the primers, the co-ax has the best spent primer retention system, the little cup holds around 500 large primers, I carry all my brass to the garage for cleaning, I think another press just to decap is not required because of the ease of slide in slide out die system the co-ax uses.
Re: Different presses for specific operations?
I've been a happy Co-Ax owner for 43 years, but I use my Lee universal decapping die on my Hornady AP for those rounds I have shell plates for. The Forster requires me to insert AND remove the brass. The AP ejects the processed brass on it's own. It's a real time saver on a few hundred cases. I have a Walnut Hill press that is dedicated to full length resizing of .50BMG cases. The Lee Classic Cast press is reserved for priming and bullet seating for the fifty. The super cheapo (forgot the model) Lee press is used for bullet sizing. So yeah, I've got some dedicated presses. It works for me. YMMV.
I've been a happy Co-Ax owner for 43 years, but I use my Lee universal decapping die on my Hornady AP for those rounds I have shell plates for. The Forster requires me to insert AND remove the brass. The AP ejects the processed brass on it's own. It's a real time saver on a few hundred cases. I have a Walnut Hill press that is dedicated to full length resizing of .50BMG cases. The Lee Classic Cast press is reserved for priming and bullet seating for the fifty. The super cheapo (forgot the model) Lee press is used for bullet sizing. So yeah, I've got some dedicated presses. It works for me. YMMV.
Re: Different presses for specific operations?
I run a CoAx as well. Set your dies and snap them in and out. I batch prep, so I do one operation for a couple hundred pieces. Come back later and do the next step. The only thing I make sure I have ample time for is charging and seating. I have yet to have the NEED for something faster.
Josh
I run a CoAx as well. Set your dies and snap them in and out. I batch prep, so I do one operation for a couple hundred pieces. Come back later and do the next step. The only thing I make sure I have ample time for is charging and seating. I have yet to have the NEED for something faster.
Josh
Re: Different presses for specific operations?
"Do certain presses do specific operations better than others?"
No. The press may well be the least improtant tool used for accurate reloading tasks. Well, maybe more critical than which primer pockest cleaner to use but not a lot. Loading skill and methods vastly exceed the value of a press of any specific color.
"Do certain presses do specific operations better than others?"
No. The press may well be the least improtant tool used for accurate reloading tasks. Well, maybe more critical than which primer pockest cleaner to use but not a lot. Loading skill and methods vastly exceed the value of a press of any specific color.
Re: Different presses for specific operations?
Presses have different features that make them better tools for certain task. I have a Coax, T7 and Dillon 550. All the bases are covered this way. I appreciate the way dies snap in and out of the coax, the captured spent primer system and lack of shell holder required. On the Redding T7 I can mount various measuring tools, a couple different types of dies, and never touch them again.
I use the Dillon 550 for quickly loading batches of processed brass for my AR15's.
Your mileage may vary.
Presses have different features that make them better tools for certain task. I have a Coax, T7 and Dillon 550. All the bases are covered this way. I appreciate the way dies snap in and out of the coax, the captured spent primer system and lack of shell holder required. On the Redding T7 I can mount various measuring tools, a couple different types of dies, and never touch them again.
I use the Dillon 550 for quickly loading batches of processed brass for my AR15's.
Your mileage may vary.
Re: Different presses for specific operations?
I have three presses
1) Forster CO-AX for F/L neck sizing and mandrel expansion. Not having to use a shellholder and allowing the case to float gives me better alignment when centering brass in the die. IMHO benefit
2) RCBS partner press for seating and pointing. The small press allows me to feel the bullet and neck tension better then I can using the CO-AX. It has saved me a couple of times when I noticed I didn’t have enough neck tension.
3) Lee C press. This press is strictly for de-priming and breaking down rounds. I first heard of this through others and it made sense during the de-priming process abrasive and corrosive spent priming material will wear on the press ram and the $20.00 press is much easier to replace then the $200 CO-AX.
This is just me as I know far more people that use one for all operations to good affect.
I have heard others using a O press (pick your brand) for sizing and other activities and the Wilson arbour press for seating for more sensitivity and feel
Both the RCBS and Lee came from Ebay which considerable lessened the cost of the three press system.
Trevor
I have three presses
1) Forster CO-AX for F/L neck sizing and mandrel expansion. Not having to use a shellholder and allowing the case to float gives me better alignment when centering brass in the die. IMHO benefit
2) RCBS partner press for seating and pointing. The small press allows me to feel the bullet and neck tension better then I can using the CO-AX. It has saved me a couple of times when I noticed I didn’t have enough neck tension.
3) Lee C press. This press is strictly for de-priming and breaking down rounds. I first heard of this through others and it made sense during the de-priming process abrasive and corrosive spent priming material will wear on the press ram and the $20.00 press is much easier to replace then the $200 CO-AX.
This is just me as I know far more people that use one for all operations to good affect.
I have heard others using a O press (pick your brand) for sizing and other activities and the Wilson arbour press for seating for more sensitivity and feel
Both the RCBS and Lee came from Ebay which considerable lessened the cost of the three press system.
Trevor
Re: Different presses for specific operations?
What worked for me, before I moved, was running multiple presses. I was doing the opposite of others. I resized and decapped on the strongest press I have, and old C-H “H” press that was my fathers. I have several of the cheap Lee C presses for seating.
They are all in boxes waiting to be mounted on a bench I haven’t made yet. At least my new reloading room is twice as big as the last one, so that’s one step in the right direction. Reading some of the posts has me wondering if what I was doing was the most efficient method.
What worked for me, before I moved, was running multiple presses. I was doing the opposite of others. I resized and decapped on the strongest press I have, and old C-H “H” press that was my fathers. I have several of the cheap Lee C presses for seating.
They are all in boxes waiting to be mounted on a bench I haven’t made yet. At least my new reloading room is twice as big as the last one, so that’s one step in the right direction. Reading some of the posts has me wondering if what I was doing was the most efficient method.
Re: Different presses for specific operations?
When I seat bullets, I usually hold the co-ax handle near the yoke, for better feel and less hand motion. The smoothness of that press amazes me.
The co-ax spent primer disposal makes sure spent primer debris never gets near the "Ram"/press bearings.
Andy
When I seat bullets, I usually hold the co-ax handle near the yoke, for better feel and less hand motion. The smoothness of that press amazes me.
The co-ax spent primer disposal makes sure spent primer debris never gets near the "Ram"/press bearings.
Andy
Re: Different presses for specific operations?
I run three presses more out of a production line efficiency and convenience perspective vs. optimized function.
For a volume of multiple calibers it's just more convenient to have dedicated presses per each of those calibers. Caliber changes (on progressives) take time. "Re-loading is a necessary evil..."
I run three presses more out of a production line efficiency and convenience perspective vs. optimized function.
For a volume of multiple calibers it's just more convenient to have dedicated presses per each of those calibers. Caliber changes (on progressives) take time. "Re-loading is a necessary evil..."
Re: Different presses for specific operations?
I like the Dillon toolhead. While it is more convenient and quicker, the main advantage I appreciate is the one-time die setup the toolhead supports. It's more a matter of consistency than convenience for me.
Caliber changes don't have to take much time, even when the automatic primer feed has to be switched to support a primer size change. IMHO, it's just another part of the startup.
Greg
I like the Dillon toolhead. While it is more convenient and quicker, the main advantage I appreciate is the one-time die setup the toolhead supports. It's more a matter of consistency than convenience for me.
Caliber changes don't have to take much time, even when the automatic primer feed has to be switched to support a primer size change. IMHO, it's just another part of the startup.
Greg
Re: Different presses for specific operations?
Harrells Precision Combination Press (www.harrellsprec.com).
Rigid construction, portable, and engineered versatility. 7 pounds, 10.125in long, w/ C-clamp for interfacing press to horizontal surfaces / reloading bench. Stroke of 2.25in, making it ideal for sizing/seating up to 30-06 cases, including short mags. Dual rams. 1 for resizing (a la threaded dies) and 1 for seating bullets ( a la Wilson dies via arbor press).
I am planning to modify the existing press, IOT
size/seat 300WM. This is heavy-duty design in a compact/versatile package. Strongly recommended.
Harrells Precision Combination Press (www.harrellsprec.com).
Rigid construction, portable, and engineered versatility. 7 pounds, 10.125in long, w/ C-clamp for interfacing press to horizontal surfaces / reloading bench. Stroke of 2.25in, making it ideal for sizing/seating up to 30-06 cases, including short mags. Dual rams. 1 for resizing (a la threaded dies) and 1 for seating bullets ( a la Wilson dies via arbor press).
I am planning to modify the existing press, IOT
size/seat 300WM. This is heavy-duty design in a compact/versatile package. Strongly recommended.
Re: Different presses for specific operations?
I never use the Dillon 550B.
I never use the rockchucker.
I never use the Lyman All American
I do use the co-ax presses in the reloading room.
I do use the RCBS partner in the reloading room.
They are screwed to a board that can clamp to the bench.
I do use the Lee reloader press mounting in front of the computer, on which I watch TV. It can de cap brass. It can crimp handgun ammo. It is screwed to a board that can clamp to the desk.
I never use the Dillon 550B.
I never use the rockchucker.
I never use the Lyman All American
I do use the co-ax presses in the reloading room.
I do use the RCBS partner in the reloading room.
They are screwed to a board that can clamp to the bench.
I do use the Lee reloader press mounting in front of the computer, on which I watch TV. It can de cap brass. It can crimp handgun ammo. It is screwed to a board that can clamp to the desk.
Re: Different presses for specific operations?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I never use the Dillon 550B.
I never use the rockchucker.
I never use the Lyman All American
I do use the co-ax presses in the reloading room.
I do use the RCBS partner in the reloading room.
They are screwed to a board that can clamp to the bench.
I do use the Lee reloader press mounting in front of the computer, on which I watch TV. It can de cap brass. It can crimp handgun ammo. It is screwed to a board that can clamp to the desk. </div></div>
I'd say that ramp needs a touch of polish.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Clark</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I never use the Dillon 550B.
I never use the rockchucker.
I never use the Lyman All American
I do use the co-ax presses in the reloading room.
I do use the RCBS partner in the reloading room.
They are screwed to a board that can clamp to the bench.
I do use the Lee reloader press mounting in front of the computer, on which I watch TV. It can de cap brass. It can crimp handgun ammo. It is screwed to a board that can clamp to the desk. </div></div>
I'd say that ramp needs a touch of polish.
Re: Different presses for specific operations?
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: thefitter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I'd say that ramp needs a touch of polish. </div></div>
It got one.
The stock barrel would get guppy belly case bulges with powder charges 35% over max published. After TIG welding up the feed ramp and re cutting it, the feed ramp intrusion was reduced from .235" to .180". The 40sw case has a web .180" thick. This has allowed me to shoot 146% more powder than max published. Of course no production 40sw has the slide mass and/or the recoil spring volume capacity to deal with that much recoil.
<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: thefitter</div><div class="ubbcode-body">
I'd say that ramp needs a touch of polish. </div></div>
It got one.
The stock barrel would get guppy belly case bulges with powder charges 35% over max published. After TIG welding up the feed ramp and re cutting it, the feed ramp intrusion was reduced from .235" to .180". The 40sw case has a web .180" thick. This has allowed me to shoot 146% more powder than max published. Of course no production 40sw has the slide mass and/or the recoil spring volume capacity to deal with that much recoil.
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