Single stage presses?

[zoner]

Since you are new to reloading i highly recommend that you learn to load your rifle and pistol rounds with the single stage press before you move on to the progressive press.....for safety

[tylenol9999]

Another vote for the Lee Classic cast. Love that workhorse. It's a beast.


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[wpod]

I started with a Lee turret.
It can be used as a single-stage, great for learning, or turret mode for increased volume.
Not as precise as a dedicated single-stage, not the volume of a true progressive.
It meets my needs for 9mm, .38spl/.357mag, .44spl/mag, and .223/5.56. Son bought a .45acp, so he can get his own dies.

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[Recon-01]

Thank you guys for all the wonderful info. I don't plan on using the Dillon until I get comfortable with all the processes on a single stage, which might be some time. I'm all about safety first.
My plan was to get a single stage press first but my wife surprised me with the Dillon.
I know I have tons to learn and you guys gave me more to think about. I've been reading this section for quite some time and reading some manuals. Would really like to find a reloading class or something local to me.

[baih777]

RCBS, Redding big boss, Hornaday, like other said the quick remove bushing is nice. there is also a adapter to use the Hornaday bushing on RCBS.

but I think this will be my next single stage.

http://www.ch4d.com/products/equipment/presses/044000

[wpod]

Thank you guys for all the wonderful info. I don't plan on using the Dillon until I get comfortable with all the processes on a single stage, which might be some time. I'm all about safety first.
My plan was to get a single stage press first but my wife surprised me with the Dillon.
I know I have tons to learn and you guys gave me more to think about. I've been reading this section for quite some time and reading some manuals. Would really like to find a reloading class or something local to me.

I was looking for some instruction/mentoring when I started, had someone local willing to help.
I went ahead and started on my own (single-stage mode).
Easy peazy

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[Air]

I've never figured out why people are enamored with turret presses.

If one needs volume... Creating high end ammo has been proven doable on progressives, it's money vs time. Not the wives tales that it's not possible.

If one doesn't need the volume... it seems like the vast majority of people promoting turrets have never used a Forster Co-Ax. There's plenty of discussion about why that's easy to find including self-centering alignment (excellent concentricity), adaptive jaws (aka no buying shell holders ever), trivial/instant and consistent die changing (no need for multiple turret heads no matter how many calibers you load for), clean spent primer handling, excellent leverage (center pull), etc. All adds up to a well deserved reputation.


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I prefer turrets over progressives BECAUSE it's faster than a Single Stage and slower than a progressive...You can get carried away on a progressive and stop paying attention to detail. This is precisely why I prefer the leisurely 'fast enough' pace of a Turret press.

[Air]

There is a reason that you use a single stage. And that is precision.
So, the lock n load and ANY turret is out. Wouldn't even consider them.
There is slop in every turret and bushing set-up. You just can't avoid it.

You obviously have never seen a Harrell's Turret Press.

And IMO, high end Dies are more important for concentricity than the actual press...

[357magnum]

I use the LEE Clasic for de-priming and re-sizing, everything else is done on the RCBS Rock Chucker.
LEE Classic is the best for spent primers, but the RCBS Rock Chucker just feels more solid.

[NorCalFocus]

I own a Lee Classic Breech Lock. The bushings work fine just like the Hornady. The press is cheap and works very well. One of the best features of the Lee is being able to postioning the handle in different spots. That way you can change the throw of the lever.

If you want a buy once cry once the best single stage is the Forster Co-Ax. If your really want to make match rounds the floating die design helps a ton. You get quick die change, without having to buy bushings. With the over the top handle pull, if your loading on a desk height bench, you don't have to worry about the lever going so far down and/or your legs being in the way.

[wbunning]

You won't go wrong with either the Lee or the Rock Chucker. Both have their merits. If you don't plan on doing competetive shooting..either one will serbe you well for the .223 as well as for pistol rounds in those cases where you don't want to set up the Dillon for just a few test loads. I actually use a Hornady s/s now, but for no particular reason other than I got it cheap, and I also have their LNL progressive.
I'd say just pick a color you like and look for a sale, or even a used unit. If you don't like it, off it here or CL and try something else. Or keep it and get another one. It's pretty easy to find a job for a second single stage... like a dedicated decapping station with a Lee universal decapping die in it.

[ar15barrels]

I'm looking for a single stage press to do my 223 and 308 match rounds on. Any thoughts?

I have an older Pacific (pacific turned into Hornady) single stage press I'm selling for $50.

[tonyjr]

I have the Lee loader , Lee hand press , classic single and the load master .
Lee turret - needs to be mounted on bench , leaving dies in tool head - good way to bend decapping pin . It needs to be mount on bench - for me the primer system sucks - I deprime and prime by hand . One tool head is fine for pistol cases . Rifle / bottle necks - 2 tool heads . [ I probably have 20 or so tool heads ]

Classic single needs to be mounted on bench also . It is a PIA to keep changing dies - But you can use the Lee powder drop [ if you use it get the newer one - not the one with disks ] A lot faster than weighting each one once set up .

Lee hand press - this uses a bushing , so you will need bushings for each die . Good at range for building loads - scale needed for powder tho .

Lee loader this is / was my go to for hunting loads . While I have at least one for all my calibers [ except 25 ACP - loaded out and never returned ] , now they are used mostly as case gauges . I have gotten into watching ebay for Lee loaders - I want at least 2 for every caliber I have .

Go to places like midway , cabellas - whatever and buy something cheap . They will start send flyers - circle what you want and leave in bathroom . I have plenty of socks and ties

[Abenaki]

One nice thing about the Rockchucker is if you want to convert brass from one caliber to another.

Take care
Abenaki

[Recon-01]

Thanks guys, this is why I love Calguns. So much useful info. Almost done building the bench in the garage. Can't wait to start this! Also, I'm going to the gun show tomorrow, yeah I know, not like they used to be but I just like wondering and checking things out. How are the prices on reloading components and equipment?