So I just bought an original 1873...

[golfish]

If you're new to handloading ammunition, you should NOT be concerned with speed of building your cartridges.

You will be best served (as will anyone else in your vicinity when shooting) by learning the process using a single-stage press, or, *if you must*, a turret press but the principles of setting up your dies to precise measurements still applies.

Please... just as in shooting: technique first, then accuracy, then speed. It takes some time. Be safe. Make really good ammo.

Well said my friend.... I've been working on 200 rds of 223 that my son and his friends shot 2 weeks ago. Deprime, tumble, size, trim, tumble, prime, charge, seat a bullet and crimp. All on a single stage press. It's so much fun

I know for sure it will be done right

[200Apples]

Great point... and to be clear, I wasn't wanting that because I want to rush or anything. I am very measured when I learn new things. Especially things related to firearms.

My thinking was more thinking about down the line, once I have my chops. Was wondering if it would be cost effective to just get one from the start.

Either way, I'll take your advice!

I understand what you're saying.

A single-stage press will always have value. It can be used in addition to any other type of press, for things like pulling bullets from handloads that other people have made and with with you'd like to use the components to build your own charges and/or your own bullets.

A turret press is simply a fancy single stage, allowing for die changes in less time, so there's that.

Although I've never set up and run a progressive press, it is my humble opinion that anyone who'd like to should first learn each step of the process *by hand*, using a single- or a turret press. Too, "historical" cartridges such as the .32-20 have brass that may be considered fragile to the reloading process. The cartridge deserves the tender ministrations of those who use the single-stage press with care and consideration.

[pennstater]

Chris, you're firing on all cylinders with your posts. Well said!
Just got back from Idaho. Pooped! Will yak at you guys soon.

MLC

[RNE228]

I've considered that press to go along with my trusty old Rock Chucker. Have also considered a Dillon progressive for 357M, 45acp and 223.

After years of reloading, I'll echo what is said on CGN often - go get a couple reloading manuals and read the instructions first.

I would do the 32-20 single stage. Have not loaded for that style, like the 38-40 and 44-40. But all my research indicates the necks are pretty fragile. Easy enough to reload, but you have to be careful in the process.

Ken Waters Pet Loads has some great narrative on those bottleneck cartridges...

That is good advice. Was my definition of turret correct above? I could do a handful of other calibers, so fast is good, but the 32-20 is the only ammo I shoot that is getting hard to find. That's a big driver.

I keep reading good things about this one...
https://www.amazon.com/Lyman-7810311.../dp/B071H4MLXW

[golfish]

Chris, you're firing on all cylinders with your posts. Well said!
Just got back from Idaho. Pooped! Will yak at you guys soon.

MLC

Pictures of a dead deer, pronghorn, elk, bear or moose please.....Fish are acceptable

[bonesurf]

yeah I mean almost everyone starts on a single stage or should anyways. i use a turret for like 9mm and 357 which is much less persnickety, but even with the turret I slow way down when I'm doing 32-20

[200Apples]

you're firing on all cylinders

I wish.

Coupla burnt valves here, worn rings there... it's a wonder I don't just sieze up. Oh, that's right: I do change the earl once in awhile.

Either way, thanks, Tom. Glad you're back. We have some lead-chuckin' to do.

[200Apples]

My thinking was more thinking about down the line, once I have my chops. Was wondering if it would be cost effective to just get one from the start.

I have neglected to mention this wonderful, portable! hand press. It's made by Buchanan Precision Machine, a shop which I have visited. I can attest to it's quality manufacture, but I have yet to purchase one. It's on the list!

Perhaps you might beat me to it:

It's in a post, here, where the topic is .45-70 but the subject matter can easily apply to .32-20 or any other cartridge. Check it out!




American made, and by a real American!

[prophei]

I have neglected to mention this wonderful, portable! hand press. It's made by Buchanan Precision Machine, a shop which I have visited. I can attest to it's quality manufacture, but I have yet to purchase one. It's on the list!

Perhaps you might beat me to it:

It's in a post, here, where the topic is .45-70 but the subject matter can easily apply to .32-20 or any other cartridge. Check it out!



American made, and by a real American!

That is lovely. The build looks incredible. Seems like working a press that way could get tiring as a sole press, so maybe that would be better in addition to something for home?

[200Apples]

That was my impression but I am told it is very easy to use. We'll see.

Next time I'm up that way I might bring some dies and some brass and test it.

[bigbossman]

That is lovely. The build looks incredible. Seems like working a press that way could get tiring as a sole press, so maybe that would be better in addition to something for home?

I acquired a press like that (not the same brand) a long time ago when I bought a box of "junk" several years ago for $50 (the box included two RCBS Li'l Dandy powder measures with two complete sets of rotors, primers, and other stuff).

I was planning to use it to make test loads while at the range, but it's currently lost in the closet somewhere.

[prophei]

Anyone have thoughts on the Dillon 550 press?

[bigbossman]

Anyone have thoughts on the Dillon 550 press?

Nice press. Might be overkill for what you're looking for.

[prophei]

Nice press. Might be overkill for what you're looking for.

It seems like good quality, which is a plus. I also figure that moving forward, it is a good platform for multiple calibers. I also shoot Mauser 8mm, 30-30, 308, 9mm, 556, and 7.62 x 39.

Any negatives with it? Or maybe something similar, also good quality, and cheaper?

[RandyD]

Congrats on getting the 1873. Hopefully, it will become a family heirloom.