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Is a single-stage press practical?

lightsareout

lightsareout

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Full Member
Minuteman
May 12, 2011
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Clarksville, TN
#1
I want to eventually begin reloading rounds for my 308. I don't shoot an extreme amount so speed really isn't a huge concern for me; I can easily reload what i would need for the weekend each week. Is a single stage press practical for this? Is it complicated to set up your die depths and everything every time I would reload a batch?
 
#2
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

I'm pretty new to the reloading game myself. Only been at it for three or four years. I started off using a forester single stage co-ax press and it has been more than efficient for my needs. (Just reloading 308 and 223 in my bolt guns)

It is really easy to set everything up. Most components come with instructions on how to to set dies and such. As long as you can read and follow simple instructions then you will be fine.

There is some really good info in this forum. I would start with this thread. It is full of some very useful info. Spend some time reading it through.

http://www.snipershide.com/forum/ubbthreads.php?ubb=showflat&Number=96660#Post96660

If you need any help just let me know. I'd be glad to share what i've learned in my short time.
 
#4
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

single stage will work just fine for what you need in my honest opinion
its a good way to start, learn and grow
use a good set of lock rings and it will help you keep your depth setting between uses
 
#5
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

Thanks for the posts so quick!

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: kd185</div><div class="ubbcode-body">single stage will work just fine for what you need in my honest opinion
its a good way to start, learn and grow
use a good set of lock rings and it will help you keep your depth setting between uses </div></div>

I guess that answers my question I wasn't sure if there was a type of lock ring system or not.
 
#6
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

Single stage makes in my opinion the most consistant ammo. What kinda press do you have? I know Hornady has a quick change kit that can be retrofitted to RCBS presses(and others I think but I'm not sure) So either get the quick change kit or get the hornady locking rings, those things don't move once you tighten the allen screw down on the locking ring.
 
#7
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?


+1 on what jeremy said, get the hornady or Sinclair cross bolt rings, with allen head screws. Hornady getting the edge because you can use a cresent wrench on them.

Most people who run a progressive press also use a single stage one.
 
#8
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

I currently don't have a press, I'm starting to do a lot of reading and research to put together a list of equipment I need to get started this winter. A single stage is really sounding appealing now.

I was originally looking at a turret press but thinking about how much loading i'll do a single should fit my needs better i'm not looking to crank out 500+ rounds a week, more like 50-100 per month.
 
#9
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

I have a single stage and the Hornady progressive. I use the progressive for pistol (the powder measure is extreemly consistent and accurate for small measures). However for rifles, the measure develops too much variation for my liking to load anything except my stuff intended for close range varmint and for practicing shooting form. Any rifle round I know I will send far downrange or that will have a lot riding on it (elk hunt, etc.) I still hand measure each individual powder dump. When you are hand measuring and scrutinizing each primer install and trimming cases, and cleaning cases after resize....I find my single stage is actually faster.

So my answer is if you had to buy only one....the single stage should be the one. Save the AP's for later when you just want to pump out a ton of .223 and are only saving a few pennies on the round.
 
#11
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

I too like 9h recommends the Forster Co-Ax press, once the dies are set up, no loss of adjustment, quick change out of the dies, no shell holders to buy, superior spent primer retention, and more mechanical advantage than any other press, very few come up for sale used, they are truly a investment of a lifetime.
 
#12
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

+1 on split lock rings - the set screws on RCBS rings are iffy at best, even with some lead shot behind them.

I have some Lee pistol dies and like the o-ring approach. Don't know how long they'll last.

If you work in larger lots, production can be quite good out of a single-stage press.
 
#13
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

I just started hand loading a year or so ago and I started with the Lyman T-Mag II press. It's a turret-style press with room for up to 6 dies. I load .308 only, so this press can easily accommodate a full and neck sizing die, bullet seating die, and my powder charger (with room to spare).

You can also buy extra turrets, so you could have all of your .308 dies on one turret, your .338 dies on another, and so on, so you would just switch turrets when loading different caliber rounds.

I'm sure there are better presses, but I don't have any complaints about the Lyman.
 
#14
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

Very easy to do, I have both single and progressive. I split about 50/50 time on each depending upon what I'm doing. For personal use I've reloaded about 17,000rd since January this year.

Replace the RCBS and Redding lock rings with the Hornady/Forster style split rings.

And/or get the Hornady "quick lock" bushing retrofit kit and some extra bushings, just keep the dies completely setup in the bushings and you're ready to rock and roll.

It's pretty straightforward with a small amount of practice.
 
#15
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

I started out liking the Forster rings, then shifted my preference to Hornady rings but over the past several years I have really come to appreciate the elegance of the Lee O-ring design of their die rings. My primary presses are single stage presses, either a Redding Ultramag or Lee Classic Cast, and I make excellent ammo with both. I could not warm up to the ergonomics of a Forster press (sold it) and the Rockchucker I had was sloppy by comparison to the other presses (sold it). I'm not looking for an argument, just stating my experience. There is lots of good equipment available to the handloader. You simply have to take the time to learn to use it properly to make high quality ammo.
 
#16
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

i use two single stage presses on my bench a rockchucker and a lee cast
one for sizing the other for seating. when set up ya just leave em and reload
both are good presses.... i prefer the rcbs for sizing the lee is fine for seating
redding stype full length sizing die and hornady or redding for seating
 
#19
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

Looks like I'm the odd man out - again.

While the single stage will work just fine for your purposes, I'm a HUGE advocate of the progressive. It just makes life/loading SO MUCH EASIER! Particularly when it is fed by a casefeeder!

As far as consistency, no doubt a single stage does great, but anyone claiming the single makes more consistent ammo than a good progressive obviously hasn't used a Dillon 650 set up well.

I do weigh each charge, but necksize/bump, prime, expand and seat on the progressive and my headspace is consistent to .001", and my concentricity is .0015 or better...almost ALWAYS better.

Singles are great for newbies, but don't discount the progressive.
 
#20
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

I use a progressive for pistol loads, but I'm still using the RBCS RockChucker I bought over 30 years ago for rifle rounds (plus a second RC just like it). Even if you eventually went to a progressive, I'd suggest a single-stage when starting out. Too many things can go wrong in a progressive when you haven't yet learned what to watch out for.
 
#21
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: 427Cobra</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I too like 9h recommends the Forster Co-Ax press, once the dies are set up, no loss of adjustment, quick change out of the dies, no shell holders to buy, superior spent primer retention, and more mechanical advantage than any other press, very few come up for sale used, they are truly a investment of a lifetime. </div></div>

+1 totally agree
 
#22
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

Single stage is great. Only problem you will have is setting up dies over and over again. I wanted a single stage and opted for a Lyman Tmag2 with turret top. So I got single stage but dont have to set up dies everytime I switch callibers.
 
#23
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bsniping</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Single stage is great. Only problem you will have is setting up dies over and over again. I wanted a single stage and opted for a Lyman Tmag2 with turret top. So I got single stage but dont have to set up dies everytime I switch callibers. </div></div>

I'm confused.....As long as you leave the lock nut in position the entire die just screws in and out in literally 5 seconds. What's the "having to set up dies" you're talking about? You only have to set them up again if you break them down for cleaning.....hmmmm just gave myself a good excuse to buy a sonic cleaner
smile.gif
 
#24
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

"Is a single stage press practical for this?"

Given that probably 90% of all reloaders use single stages suggests they are.
 
#25
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bsniping</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Single stage is great. Only problem you will have is setting up dies over and over again. I wanted a single stage and opted for a Lyman Tmag2 with turret top. So I got single stage but dont have to set up dies everytime I switch callibers. </div></div>

Again this is not an issue with a Co-Ax, I have not readjusted my 308 dies in 5 years, set n forget, no loss of adjustment, 2 second die change outs, the dies float and the shells float, that feature helps to make straight ammo, from a beginner stand point get the Co-Ax because a lot of the mistakes beginners make will be elliminated, also every single person who has recommended another press is a person who has never used a Co-Ax, I reload 40s&w 45acp 223 308 30-06 and 260 on mine
 
#26
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

go for it, I did. I spent alot of time engineering the work area and studying bottle neck rifle reloading.if you do, get a good manual,like the lyman49.

I think having two presses is the way to go,for me personally and its been working out great for me. I would look around for used tools.I found a old lee three turret for $40. it was a little rusty and dirty....even had a 7.62 shell holder in it. well with a little rust remover and elbow grease it cleaned up like a champ. it now sits next to a rock chucker. the two really work well together. but keep in mind,some people spend $500 for a trim machine just by itself.....

I agree with the others.........clamp down rings on dies make a big difference!
 
#27
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

single stag is fine. I would recomend a electonic powder scale, and mabey even electric powder measure. Trying to use a beam scale for weighting brass and bullets will take to you forever. As well weighing out multiple weight loads (Ie ladder tests) can be slow on a beam scale.
 
#28
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

Single stage press is fine for your purpose. I run the forster coax and love it. My second choice would be the hornady single stage lnl. I say this because once you have the dies set up they just lock in and out and don't need adjusting everytime. The dies aren't hard to set up, it may take some time, especially the first time.

I almost got a progressive first but decided I didn't need that until I want to reload for 223 or handgun calibers. If you need to make load development rounds the progressive isn't going to help you because you'll have to keep stopping to measure the powder anyway. Of course, once you find your load it won't matter.
 
#29
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

If you are just starting reloading and not sure if you are going to like it, get the Lee Classic Cast with the quick change bushings. I think it is like $100 and it built like a TANK. and it has the quick change bushing already installed. The Co-Ax is kinda an expensive commitment if you are just starting out.
 
#30
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wbeard</div><div class="ubbcode-body"><div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: bsniping</div><div class="ubbcode-body">Single stage is great. Only problem you will have is setting up dies over and over again. I wanted a single stage and opted for a Lyman Tmag2 with turret top. So I got single stage but dont have to set up dies everytime I switch callibers. </div></div>

I'm confused.....As long as you leave the lock nut in position the entire die just screws in and out in literally 5 seconds. What's the "having to set up dies" you're talking about? You only have to set them up again if you break them down for cleaning.....hmmmm just gave myself a good excuse to buy a sonic cleaner
smile.gif
</div></div>

If you choose to "float" your dies on o-rings, you really oughtta "set" your dies each time they go in the press. Otherwise, there position is based on how tight you squeeze the oring....which will also change over time as the rubber stretches/compresses/creeps.

Die threads are 14 threads/inch. That means 1 full turn raises/lowers the die .071", which is .0002"/degree, which means .001" every 5°. I keep my headspacing (when sizing brass and bumping shoulders) precise to ~.0008"-.0013" so position of the sizing die is critical to me to about 4° die rotation.

Witness marks on your toolhead/die will do a fair job of maintaining the required precision. Presses that provide for dies being permanently installed into a bushing sure are nice.
 
#31
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

my Orange crush uses the standard shell holders seen on Lyman and RCBS equipment....but I don't use a rubber bushing...I just run the down to the lock nut; metal on metal and get the same results every time.

Now you have me worried though----should I be "floating" something for some reason?? Or is the shell holder I use taking care of that already?
 
#32
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: wbeard</div><div class="ubbcode-body">my Orange crush uses the standard shell holders seen on Lyman and RCBS equipment....but I don't use a rubber bushing...I just run the down to the lock nut; metal on metal and get the same results every time.

Now you have me worried though----should I be "floating" something for some reason?? Or is the shell holder I use taking care of that already? </div></div>

Can of worms...!

A lot of folks claim that having an oring between your toolhead and die lockring allows the die to "float" a little and yields better concentricity. To data, I don't recall seeing any quantitative evidence/data for this, but mabye it exists.

I float mine on orings, after reading lots of folks advocate it. I didn't have a concentricity gage before floating my dies, but do now. My Dillon 650 loads 308 ammo ALWAYS better than .0015" concentricity, and *almost* always better than .001. It is very common to get .0005 or better. The setup does so well, I haven't had any interest in tearing it apart to undergo an investigation of how much the orings actually do.

If you've got great accuracy, don't bother. If you're always looking for that extra tweak, try it out.
 
#33
Re: Is a single-stage press practical?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: Jeremybj</div><div class="ubbcode-body">If you are just starting reloading and not sure if you are going to like it, get the Lee Classic Cast with the quick change bushings. I think it is like $100 and it built like a TANK. and it has the quick change bushing already installed. The Co-Ax is kinda an expensive commitment if you are just starting out.
</div></div>

I disagree with this advice completely. The CoAx runs $250-ish, but is (whether anyone wants to argue it or not) the best single stage press out there by a mile. If you don't like reloading it would sell in no time for $200. That's a good return, how long would a Lee press take to sell, and how much would one get for it I wonder?
 
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