Reloading kit help

[ExtremeX]

You do have a point... I often times forget I never experienced that "frustration" of having to make pistol ammo on a single stage and or getting turned off by it.

If I had started with a single stage I would have probably bought my 2nd press pretty damn fast if I was making pistol ammo.

I went "deep end" when I decided to do it... I started on a 5 stage progressive making 223 rifle match ammo as my FIRST venture into reloading and I was having the time of my life learning... and half the fun making pistol ammo was the 1 round per pull slot machine operation.

That said, I have a friend and a neighbor who appear to be completely content reloading their pistol and rifle ammo on a single stage...

[Paseclipse]

That said, I have a friend and a neighbor who appear to be completely content reloading their pistol and rifle ammo on a single stage...

Lol.. Extreme this is so true!!

A few years ago my sisters and I split the cost and bought my brother-in-law an RCBS Pro 2000 auto indexing press for Christmas. He liked it and reloaded some rounds on it but not a lot. He ended up giving me the press because he’s perfectly happy loading handgun rounds (lately .25 ACP) on his Redding Big Boss. Like you write, some people are perfectly content with reloading everything on a single stage even if it takes them a lot longer.

[cavemanlrrp]

Three presses on my bench, 2 single stage and Lee cast turret.

The turret gets used the most, by far the most versatile. Dies all set in their own turret for each different round, 30 sec. to change turret, is the way to go. Extra turret with puller, universal decapper, crimp or what ever you want.
I also prime on it.
Use it single stage or round and round.

If I could only have one press because of space, etc. it would be a turret.
9mm, 223--- turret all day long.
YMMV

Best
caveman

[ExtremeX]

Some people just like it, some don't need the speed or volume, which is totally fine... My neighbors justification was quality, he liked the small batch processing ,and the mental simplicity of just worrying about 1 task at a time.

I very much like a single stage workflow for rifle ammo... but sometimes I do use my progressive when I have a larger volume of 223 ammo, but to keep the speed and quality up I actually use two separate competition seating dies on that press. One with a feeding port, and the other with a better seating stem and a bullet guide.

You couldn't pay me to make pistol ammo on a single stage press... the amount of brass handling is too much... for that I agree with the turret recommendation, even as a first press because you can still apply single stage workflows to it.

[briguy64]

How does this one work for a press? I'm looking for something that can produce in volume, and if I budget ~1k I feel like I still have enough money for other items I need as well

https://www.dillonprecision.com/xl650_8_1_23803.html

[hambam105]

Some 'Old Guys' type reloaders have discovered the Redding T7 press. Expensive for sure.

When the user uses words like, 'Produce' and 'Volume' it's time to see Mr. Dillion. And bring lots of money. I did, and the Dillions are worth it.

[Whitefang]

I appreciate all of your guys advice, cranking out ammo as fast as possible isn't much of a concern for me. I do not shoot as frequently as some of you might. Even if it takes a bit longer on a SS press I think itd be another hobby and something to do when I have free time.

I just picked up Lyman's 49th edition book and think I'll read that over.
I'll also go check out that place in Anaheim! Thanks a lot for your help fellas

[Che762x39]

I bought a Rockchucker kit to start off in 1977, most of the kit is still in use on my bench (I don't use the lube pad). I've since added a Dillon XL650, but the Rockchucker is still my go-to press for loading rifle rounds. Redding also makes a good press.

I got started on a Rockchucker kit in 1982. That is a great start to a great hobby.

[Lead Waster]

I "upgraded" my Rock Chucker by installing the Hornady bushing kit to it, now my dies plug and play into it.

[tonyjr]

I agree with stilly .
I have a Lee loadmaster [ ? ] 5 station .
To me Lee's auto primer sucks . I started years ago just hand priming .
When I bought the Lee , it was all they had in stock . Lee's warranty is terrible - bad enough that I just order what I break or wear out .
Presses are like cars - different people like for different reasons .
You should also check the prices of parts and if in stock .

[AirBoss]

So I want to start to get into reloading. I currently just plan to reload 223/556 and 9mm. I also wanted to start on a single stage press.

I've seen quite a few kits out there and thought I would settle on one by RCBS.
Only thing is there are like 3 different kits at different price points.

I was leaning towards one of the rockchucker kits.
I'm hoping someone here can point me in the right way

Single stage press is an excellent choice for beginners.

I started reloading with the Lee Reloader "C" Press but I out grew it in one year.

Single stage press was a good choice because it made me learn all the steps in reloading and how they work.

You can start with Lee Breech Lock Challenger press kit. It comes with everything you would need for reloading.

Currently Amazon has it for $128.

https://goo.gl/203po5

[lone shooter]

Tagged.

[sghart]

If you don't have your heart set on a Rockchucker then I would look at the Lee Classic Cast single stage kit.

I learned to reload on a Rockchucker in the early 70's. My older brother still uses it. But I have heard that the new RCBS presses are not as good. That may be internet BS, I don't know. I have a newer RCBS Turret press that I picked up used and it is okay.

I went with a Lee Classic Cast single stage to augment my reloading bench. I do the bulk of my loading on a Lee Classic Turret or a Dillon 450. I wanted a good single stage for full length sizing, etc. The Lee is impressive.

Just my $.02.


Steve in N CA

[lone shooter]

Definitely a lot of options out there.

[BB-Stacker]

I always liked the "RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme Master Single Stage Press Kit" as a good first time buyers press kit.

I agree as this was the route I took. Great kit to learn on. On this forum like most others, asking the question about which kit to buy is like asking which car is best. You'll get the Chevy guys (RCBS), the Ford guys (LEE) and the Dodge guys (REDDING) all recommending their preferred kits. (There's also Lyman, Hornady, Foster-Bonanza, etc) They all will make great reloads with some different bells and whistles in each kit. Luckily, you live in America so you have options. Read all you can, make a purchase, read the tech manual that comes with your kit, purchase another book (LYMAN?) so you can cross reference load data and go slowly. This can be a great hobby allowing you to shoot more often. Note, I didn't say you'd save money. That's a whole other discussion for another time.

Good luck and keep your powder dry!