Single stage shotgun reloading info needed

[problemchild]

I was thinking about getting a simple 12g (2.75-3") single stage press. I would like to load steel #2, slugs, 00 Buck.

Can anyone suggest a press that doesnt cost too much that would get the job done that isnt a piece of crap?

[ZakAttackMan]

I was thinking about getting a simple 12g (2.75-3") single stage press. I would like to load steel #2, slugs, 00 Buck.

Can anyone suggest a press that doesnt cost too much that would get the job done that isnt a piece of crap?

+1 I've been wondering which one to get as well???

[juelz919]

Lee Load All 2. Thats what i use.. it's perfect for stuff that you have to load by hand (00 and slugs)
its like $40.00

[mif_slim]

yup. Lee load all does a good job on slugs and other loads. Of course you might get harassed by some mec users but it's fine.

[mjsweims]

yup. Lee load all does a good job on slugs and other loads. Of course you might get harassed by some mec users but it's fine.

I'm a mec user. I don't know how well the Lee works. The shot sizes your talking about won't flow well through the mec. You would have to handload the the shot. Other operations could be handled by a mec 600jr.

[RaymondMillbrae]

ProblemChile,

look around. There are GREAT DEALS if you are patient and keep an eye out.

Before you do anything, get a good shotshell reloading book, and see what direction you would like to go in.

I would highly recommend THE LYMAN SHOTSHELL RELOADING HANDBOOK.

I have no idea where you are from, as there is no info on you in the upper right corner of your posts. (Hint, hint). But if you are a San Francisco Bay Area local, try Craig's List, or even the CalGuns Classifieds section.

In my opinion, if you are mechanically inclined, get a progressive press.

But if you are going into it for the first time, BE SAFE AND PURCHASE A SINGLE STAGE PRESS. (Too many things can be overlooked/go wrong if you do not have a good handle on what you are doing).

Below are two links that I found within 2-minutes of searching.

Best wishes, and keep on asking questions!!

In Christ: Raymond

PS: Target loads and shot can be loaded progressively. Slugs can also be loaded progressively (if you REALLY know what you are doing), but require a few added steps. Buck shot will have to be done manually.

PSS: I have never seen a video of a Hornady 366 press loading shot or slugs. Nor have a ever seen a video of the Dillon beasty being used. Maybe I will do this sometime soon.

CRAIG'S LIST

CALGUNS AMMO & RELOADING SALES

[Skoomamonster]

Personally I wouldn't recommend a progressive because you are going to be loading buck shot a and slugs which should be loaded in a single stage press. I would say give the Lee Load All a try if it can do 3" shells and if you like reloading then go buy a progressive or a single stage that is friendlier with #2 shot. I started reloading on a Mec 600jr that I got for $40 used and I found it very easy to use and learn on. Also get yourself a book first I also have the Lyman Shotshell Reloading Handbook, its a great book.

Good Luck.

[RaymondMillbrae]

Of course you can load slugs progressively. You just need to make sure you really know what you are doing, and have a good handle on everything that is going on.

But buckshot...well...that's a different story. (I agree with you on that one).

Check out my newest post: PROGRESSIVE SLUG RELOADING

Shoot with a purpose.

In Christ: Raymond

[wellfedirishman]

I have a MEC single stage 12 ga press, and it works great for slugs. I got it used here on Calguns for very cheap.

The Lee Load All looks pretty good too, for about $40.

Are you going to cast your own slugs? Try the Lee 1 oz slug mold, works great, and costs about $20. I have loaded and shot about 150 of them, with very good results.

[ireload]

Problemchild I have the Lee Load All in 12 gauge. I load birdshots and buckshots. So far the Lee has not given me any problem. Not bad for a loader I bought used for $30.

[Rizzle]

I'd stay away from the Lee. Get a MEC 600. I'm not a MEC user though, I run with the big boys. P/W 800+