Single Stage Reloading Press

[HiPower823]

I know people, especially one who is always doing something, whom have had the Rock Chucker for decades of service. Damn things are SOLID.

+1 They are solid, my dad has used one for over 30 years

[hawk1547]

AH! You guys are making my head hurt! I keep picking one and then someone says something that makes sense and I'm like "hmmm maybe I should look at that again". lol

+1 I'm in the same situation!!!

[pdq_wizzard]

just buy a Rock Chucker and your head will not hurt

[jwest]

http://www.dillonprecision.com/#/content/p/9/pid/25792/catid/1/BL_550_Basic_Loader

[kln5]

I know people, especially one who is always doing something, whom have had the Rock Chucker for decades of service. Damn things are SOLID.

+1 the rockchucker.....well it rocks.
I went thru about 300 .223 rounds on it and decided to get a progressive. I got the hornady lnl progressive and really like the bushing system they have.

[chim-chim7]

Rock Chucker. Will outlast all, most shops carry the accessories.

[natomasboy]

I was in the EXACT same boat you were a few years ago (asking knowledegable Calgun reloaders) . Well 7,000 reloaded rounds later I'll tell you they are all right! I still ask them my many questions!

This is what helped me:

1) Watch someone you know reload

2) Learn how the press works, changing dies, adjusting powder, lengths etc.. per a reloading book (which you should get first before a press)

3) Consider how many rounds you'll load (I underestimated how many rounds I would load in a year)

I ended up with a single stage Lee Classic (cast iron) Press. It is solid and worked wonderfully.

I then kept the single for odds and ends jobs, e.g. bullet pulling, resizing and bought a 2nd press being, surprise: a Lee classic turret press.

I've reloaded .40sw, 9mm, .45acp, and now starting .38spl.

The single-stage is a great way for you to learn slowly the essentials of reloading. Soon you'll send us an email about your shooting your first reloads and the excitement every shooter feels about shooting that first reloaded round.

The nerves, the shock, the surprise, the fear, and the excitement, "hey everyone I shot my first reload and it worked and my gun is still in one piece!"

There is nothing wrong with going with something affordable now. (btw, I bought one of my presses used from calguns)

Have fun and shoot safe.

[smilee]

Just wanted to say the read is great. I purchased the lee single stage kit last night. I have access to a dillon progressive but I only use it if it is set up for me so I chose to buy a singly stage so I can learn in more detail each step. I know that with buying a cheap kit I will have to upgrade many of the pieces in the kit : is scale and powder measure. Also I'll be double and triple checking everything for accuracy. Just wanted to say thank you to everyone and anyone who has taken there time to post anything here on CG. I have learned so much about alot of different things!

[natomasboy]

Congrats Smilee!

Also I'll be double and triple checking everything for accuracy.

That's good practice right der!

[smird]

Rock Chucker

[Lead Waster]

Congrats! Tell us how you like the hobby!

[Cowboy T]

just buy a Rock Chucker and your head will not hurt

But his wallet sure will!

For the cartridges the OP's talking about, a Lee Challenger Breech-Lock Press is already significant overkill and would do the job very nicely. A Classic Cast would be great if he wants that extra-beefy characteristic.

[ancora]

I have been using an RCBS single-stage press for over thirty years, loading .44 mag, .44 specials, .30 carbine, and 30-06 with never a failure.

[LGB Loader]

I purchased the lee single stage kit last night. I have access to a dillon progressive but I only use it if it is set up for me so I chose to buy a singly stage so I can learn in more detail each step. I know that with buying a cheap kit I will have to upgrade many of the pieces in the kit : is scale and powder measure. Also I'll be double and triple checking everything for accuracy. Just wanted to say thank you to everyone and anyone who has taken there time to post anything here on CG. I have learned so much about alot of different things!

Congrats on the purchase. I think you will enjoy the kit and will have alot of fun. I strongly believe that LEE is a great company with great products. I know of at least 2 people personally that bought the kit "to start with" but ended up never needing to upgrade the press. For the average handloader, they work just fine. That says alot about these 50th anniversary kits. 'enuff said.

LGB

[Lead Waster]

I think most presses will last a very long time. The mechanism seems pretty simple and by necessity they are built strong. You are also not using them all the time either (especially a single stage).

I think that, barring any glaring defect, any single stage press is great.