Press choice for rifle?

[pepperbelly]

After reading the thread about which progressive press to load a rifle caliber with I have a few questions.
I have always used a RockChucker single stage for rifle since there are a few steps in brass prep that makes a progressive less than progressive. Since a bottleneck rifle case has to be lubed and trimmed it is slower than loading a pistol caliber on a progressive.
I have a Dillon SDB for .45acp, and a Dillon 550B in addition to the 'Chucker. I have thought off and on about using the 550 for .223 or .308, but the brass prep, plus the powder measure not being as accurate as weighing a charge has stopped me so far.
I had an idea though. I also have an old Lyman turret press. I was thinking I could set the dies up and leave them on the press. I wouldn't have to set them up for each use so it might be a little quicker, and more consistent. I would still have to weigh each charge and trim brass, but would a turret be any solution? Are there better options, or is this a case of just finding what works best?
Before anyone mentions the Lock N Load bushings, I know they are good, but I have the turret on my bench. It has 4 stations. I had planned on keeping 2 other calibers set up on it but I won't be loading one of those for a while. Does anyone keep 2 calibers setup on a turret?
I am not looking for speed, but it would be nice to streamline things as much as possible.

Jim

 

[MontanaMarine]

Re: Press choice for rifle?

I really like my Redding T7. I keep dies set up in it for 223, 308, and 30-06, plus a bullet puller.

Having the dies set up and not having to switch them all the time keeps things going pretty fast for the volume I load.

 

[dighawaii]

Re: Press choice for rifle?

I have a Redding T7 and it works for me. I use it for .223, .308 and .300 WM. For any individual work like crimping, etc. I will use the Forster Co-Ax. This combo works really well and make excellent ammo.

Your turret press should work well for you.

Tom O.

 

[RTH1800]

Re: Press choice for rifle?

+1 on the T7. I have two and 4 additional turrents, which change out quickly, so die setting is a one time think, unless the load changes.

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

Re: Press choice for rifle?

Take a look at the Forster co-ax press.

If you are going to load batch style (resize a batch, prime a batch, etc.) A turret will not save you any time, and if you have more than one turret's worth of dies, you have to buy additional turret heads (and find a way to store the dies in the heads), or swap out dies anyway.

The co-ax has a floating snap-in/out die system for accuracy and convenience, and the dies still go back into their own box for storage. The universal shell holder jaws also float for accuracy, and don't need swapping for most cartridges. The co-ax ensures 100% of spent primers and debris are deposited in a catch bottle for a clean press, bench and floor, and it keeps the abrasive debris well away from the ways.

Andy

 

[427Cobra]

Re: Press choice for rifle?

Pepperbelly go to Cabelas, in the reloading section is a man named Marty, he has a handle bar on his face, let him show you the Co-Ax.

 

[aqualung]

Re: Press choice for rifle?

Yeah, and get him to show you the price first!

Been turning out 0.25MOA reloads on my Lee for years!

N

 

[pepperbelly]

Re: Press choice for rifle?

I am not looking to buy another press. My dad bought this old Lyman back in the '60s and it still feels tight. He didn't use it much. I would enjoy turning out good ammo with it, but the key word is accurate
I have the other presses that I use and have plans for the turret but I will load on my Rockchucker if that is the best option. It's slow but accurate.

Jim

 

[aqualung]

Re: Press choice for rifle?

<div class="ubbcode-block"><div class="ubbcode-header">Originally Posted By: pepperbelly</div><div class="ubbcode-body">I am not looking to buy another press. My dad bought this old Lyman back in the '60s and it still feels tight. He didn't use it much. I would enjoy turning out good ammo with it, but the key word is accurate
I have the other presses that I use and have plans for the turret but I will load on my Rockchucker if that is the best option. <span style="color: #FF0000"><span style="font-size: 11pt">It's slow but accurate</span>.
</span>
Jim </div></div>

There ya go!

Neil