Single stage press recommendations

[Bhobbs]

I’ve been looking to start reloading again and want to upgrade some stuff. I currently have a Lee challenger single stage press and a Lock n Load AP progressive. I want to upgrade the single stage for more precision loading. I currently load .30-06 for my Remington 700 Long Range. What would be a reasonable single stage press? Budget wise, I’d like to stay around $300, if possible.

[JackEllis]

Purely out of ignorance I have to ask: what are you expecting a "better" single stage press to do that your Lee press won't? Does the Lee press not make consistent rounds?

[Bhobbs]

It’s not that there’s anything inherently wrong with it. It just feels a little bit loose, and I want to eliminate as much error as possible.

[NoHeavyHitter]

I load on a pair of RCBS "Rock chuckers". Lee's iron press is about the only Lee press that I'd consider owning. My friend had one of the other Lee presses and it would always flex a lot when sizing anything bigger than a 9mm or .38 and eventually broke when he was trying to size some .308 shells. It helps to use a good case lube like Imperial die wax or mink oil.

If you're patient, you can find good quality single stage presses sold at estate sales.

[middleofnowhere]

I’m looking for a press right now too.

I was originally planning on going big with an Area 419 press.

I’ve been watching all the “Ultimate Reloader” videos comparing presses and I really like the Hornady Lock and Load Iron press.

I ruled out all of the RCBS products because they are cast/made in China.

Another press I like is the MEC Marksman and of course the Coax. I would be upgrading from a Lee hand press.

[tabascoz28]

I have an RCBS supreme, but others swear that a self centering Forster Co-Ax is the cat's meow. I've heard that there's only so much that can be done accuracy wise with .30 bullets anyway. I might try a better powder drop system, scale, and calipers and different bullet types before buying a new press.

[baih777]

RCBS Rebel
Forster co ax. But $400

[heavyhaulin818]

Go FORSTER...you’ll be glad you did.

[QED]

For rounds like 30-06 or smaller, the Redding Boss and RCBS Partner presses are compact and work well. I use the former for sizing and the latter for bullet seating. I use a decapper die and hand primer tools so I just leave off the ancillary primer feed parts. Makes for great, high precision ammo, if that's your goal.

[Bhobbs]

RCBS Rebel
Forster co ax. But $400

For rounds like 30-06 or smaller, the Redding Boss and RCBS Partner presses are compact and work well. I use the former for sizing and the latter for bullet seating. I use a decapper die and hand primer tools so I just leave off the ancillary primer feed parts. Makes for great, high precision ammo, if that's your goal.

[pennstater]

OP, look at presses at Midwayusa.com. They have several to choose from.
RCBS, Redding, Lyman. Lot of different models. Usually around $300 or less.

MLC

[baranski]

Rockchuker here has been 100% issue free.

[Bhobbs]

OP, look at presses at Midwayusa.com. They have several to choose from.
RCBS, Redding, Lyman. Lot of different models. Usually around $300 or less.

MLC

[AAShooter]

https://www.loaddevelopment.com/best-reloading-press-accuracy/

[DGoodale]

I'm happy with my Hornady L-n-L single stage. I'll crank out 22-250 and .243 and use a mic seater to dial them in.