Re: Is single stage press the way to go for precision?
If it's your first reloading setup, I would definitely go with single stage. As mentioned above, you can control every step and also get a 'feel' for what you are doing with each step.
I still use the same $29 Bonanza press I bought in high school. Countless rounds loaded on it, though I bought a big Lee press a few years ago for .50 BMG, the Bonanza just keeps working.
I would rather invest in the best dies.
For those shooting a lot of rounds, especially pistol rounds, my friends who have Dillons swear by them and they are pretty slick. But even they all have single stage presses for load development and short runs. So you will have a single stage one way or another.
But to start... go with good single stage (RCBS Rock Chucker is a great one) and work your way up.
Cheers,
Sirhr
PS There is a lot of good info in the Reloading area of the forum including an outstanding Primer.