Single Stage Reloading Press

[CEDaytonaRydr]

I can't decide what press to get. I'm just starting reloading. I'll primarily be reloading .223 and 9mm, then maybe .45. I want a single stage.

If that's all you plan on doing, a Lee hand press would work fine...

[Lead Waster]

If that's all you plan on doing, a Lee hand press would work fine...

Well, those calibers tend to be "high volume" calibers. Even the little "Lee Loaders" will work, it's a matter of time and ease of use. The little "Lee Reloader Press" costs about the same as the hand press. Just easier to mount a press IMO.

In fact, even though I have the Rock Chucker and a 550b, I sometimes look at the Lee Classic Turret because in terms of efficiency, I think it beats the Rock Chucker (for rifle rounds) since you process each cartridge from start to finish, rather than batches. And caliber changes are way cheaper than on the 550b. In terms of "work and movement efficiency" the turret definitely beats a single stage.

But I guess it depends if you consider reloading to be "work" or "relaxing".

[Cowboy T]

For me, it's "relaxing, fun work." The LCT is fast enough for me with what I ask it to do (mostly .45 Colt Magnum). The other stuff--.38/357 and SAAMI-spec .45 Colt--gets made on the progressive.

[SKSer]

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!

The Lee kit is awesome for a starter. For a new loader, not even knowing what you want or need, it saves alot of headaches, and gets you started with the basics for an extremely reasonable price.

The scale and the powder pour actually work really good on powder that meters well. I still use them and have not felt the need to upgrade. A buddy of mine got the kit, and also bought a Hornady digital scale as well and he ended up tossin digital scale and going back to the Lee Scale.

The only thing I feel I need to upgrade is in the case trimming department. The Lee lock stud cutter works great, and suprisingly has lasted a long time (at least 3k rounds and works just as good as when new), but it is very slow and tedious. I chucked it in a drillpress which made a huge difference, but then you still have to debur. Im not sure what Im going to do just yet.

Congrats on the press and have fun loading, it is awesome.

[CEDaytonaRydr]

Well, those calibers tend to be "high volume" calibers. Even the little "Lee Loaders" will work, it's a matter of time and ease of use. The little "Lee Reloader Press" costs about the same as the hand press. Just easier to mount a press IMO.

In fact, even though I have the Rock Chucker and a 550b, I sometimes look at the Lee Classic Turret because in terms of efficiency, I think it beats the Rock Chucker (for rifle rounds) since you process each cartridge from start to finish, rather than batches. And caliber changes are way cheaper than on the 550b. In terms of "work and movement efficiency" the turret definitely beats a single stage.

But I guess it depends if you consider reloading to be "work" or "relaxing".

Yeah... No one will dispute that progessives are faster but not everyone wants to invest that much into reloading. Most of what the OP listed were pistol cartridges, with the exception being .223. If you're using Carbide dies and a single stage, you can still go pretty fast. I did 500 rnds of .45 ACP on a rainy day with a Lee hand press once.

I will say, though. My fingers were pretty sore after that session...

[iddie]

I just picked up the rock chucker kit the other day. Its still sitting in the box right now. Need to do some more reading before i attempt to start reloading. But i am excited to try.

[homemade]

i started with the rock chucker kit many years ago and its a great kit.
I scored a brand new one last year off of a fourms for 50 dollars and just sat it in the closet as a spare.
Pretty much any kit you buy will be a good kit they are all well made and just clean and take care of them and they will last you a lifetime.
Happy reloading.

[r3dn3ck]

Have had my Lee SS press for about 14 years now. It's been used a LOT. The little wood ball came off the handle but it's otherwise been great. Take an opportunity and have a seasoned handloader give you a quick teaching session. Don't forget a micrometer. You need one.

[popeye4]

Herrell's is not mainstream, but their gear rocks! I've got a Rock Chucker that I've had since 1977 and it is still going strong, but I'd probably buy a Harrell's if I had to replace it now.

http://www.harrellsprec.com/