SINGLE OR MULTI STAGE PRESS?

[jwc]

my single stage has served me well

i generally do batches of 100
i size/decap 100 cases drop in a box, prime/expand100 cases,drop in the box, then charge and seat each one and drop them in the box

pour the box in a ziplock write down my charge primer and date put in the closet

i dont do extreme loading marathons i just do a batch of 100 every now and then and it sure builds up

That is how I do it too and I am able to make 100 rounds without rushing in less than an hour including case gaging each round.

I have owned turret and progressive presses, but keep going back to single stage reloading because it gives me a chance to carefully inspect each round at every stage and consistently provides better results.

I find the process of reloading relaxing and enjoyable and seldom shoot more than 200 rounds a week. If I did not like spending time reloading or shot more I would consider going back to a turret or progressive press.

gemini1 - you may find uses for a single stage in your shop even if you end up using a turret or progressive more, so I don't see how you can go wrong starting out with a single stage press.

The Lee Breech Lock Classic Cast Press is a very good value. It is well made, makes changing dies quick and easy and decapping/sizing/priming is great with the optional Primer Feed:

http://www.leeprecision.com/cgi/catalog/browse.cgi?1298317827.72=/html/catalog/breechlockclassic.html

Whatever you decide, I trust you will find this aspect of the hobby rewarding.

[gemini1]

Guys, thanks for all your input/advices.
Let me make sure if I get it right. Is the 4 hole Lee classic turret press considered progressive?

Also, if those of you guys started out with a single stage press, why did you later on moved to those multi hole/stage or progressive press? was it because you were loading more that you were doing so with the single stage? or was it for the convenience?
If I were to just reload 100 rounds a week, would not a hand press even be enough for me if I would only be reloading 223 and 9mm rounds?

[Bill Steele]

The Lee Classic Turret is not progressive. The turret turns around (either automatically or manually, your choice) and does each operation required, one pull at a time. It takes four pulls of the lever (when you are using 4 Lee dies) to produce one round. A progressive press produces one round per pull (once you get it primed).

I think starting with a simple single stage press is a great idea. Not that you can't get a Classic Turret right away, but for 100 rounds a week, a single stage will work great. I got my first single stage press when I was a teenager. Decades later, I still have that press mounted to my bench and used it last night for some things I was doing. It won't go out of style.

[bumpo628]

Guys, thanks for all your input/advices.
Let me make sure if I get it right. Is the 4 hole Lee classic turret press considered progressive?

Also, if those of you guys started out with a single stage press, why did you later on moved to those multi hole/stage or progressive press? was it because you were loading more that you were doing so with the single stage? or was it for the convenience?
If I were to just reload 100 rounds a week, would not a hand press even be enough for me if I would only be reloading 223 and 9mm rounds?

The 4-hole turret is not a progressive. The Lee Pro 1000 is their progressive press for around $170. They sell Pro 1000 kits in several calibers, including .223. You can use the same press for other calibers by buying dies and a shell plate. I don't think anything else is needed, but someone who owns one might need to correct me.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewproduct/?productnumber=347040

If you get the 3-hole turret first then upgrade to the Pro 1000, the turrets are interchangeable.

[oddjob]

I started with a RCBS Jr press. I loaded handgun and 22-250 rds. I then went to the Dillon 550, 1050 and so on. I can load 160 different calibers on that 550 and I have the Dillon 1200 trimmer too. The trimmer is mounted on a 1050 right now. My point is I have a variety of calibers/functions with the 550. I still have the Jr press (two of them) somewhere and they have not seen daylight in over 20 years!

To answer your last questions....Yes...I started loading more and time was against me with a family and all. Then I got the Dillons and I can load like there is no tomorrow!! Just to give you an idea....I have five gallon buckets that hold the brass I load for different calibers.

Gemini 1....send me a pm if you want a smoking deal on a jr press.

[G lock]

is this a good deal?

http://www.amazon.com/Breech-Challenger-Press-Bushings-Anniversary/dp/B00162RM3E/ref=pd_sbs_sg_5

not too sure about it because a beam scale seems outdated

[SKSer]

Guys, thanks for all your input/advices.
Let me make sure if I get it right. Is the 4 hole Lee classic turret press considered progressive?

Also, if those of you guys started out with a single stage press, why did you later on moved to those multi hole/stage or progressive press? was it because you were loading more that you were doing so with the single stage? or was it for the convenience?
If I were to just reload 100 rounds a week, would not a hand press even be enough for me if I would only be reloading 223 and 9mm rounds?

Just keep it simple and affordable for starting out, get a Lee anniversary kit:

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=423081

-dies (if you get RGB dies you need a shell holder for that caliber as well)
-Case length guage and shell holder for your caliber
-Digital calipers
-components
-a loading manual
-A tumbler if you want your brass to be shiny, if not, clean with soap and water and then put them in the oven in a disposable lasagna tin at the lowest setting for a couple of hours, or set them out in the sun to dry.

With the breech lock design, die changes literally take about 3-4 seconds
and if you buy additional breech lock bushings for each die you have ($6.50 for 2), you can set them and forget them forever.

I personaly dont see the advantage of a turret over single stage, I am very comfortable with my single stage Lee kit. I load .223, 7.62x39, .308 and 45 Long Colt. It has paid for itself 10 times over and everything still works great

[freonr22]

started on a lnl progressive with case feeder. im still a newb. the case feeder makes life eaisier once setup... ymmv


25-06, 30-06, .45, .223

[ronas]

If reloading rifle rounds for shooting tight groups at 200 rounds I use single stage or progressive. Single stage are usually better.


For shooting 600 to 800 yards single stage only. Each charge weighed, etc.

[CSACANNONEER]

A good single stage press is a must for any serious reloading bench.

[submoa1]

I run a Redding T7 Turret and do just fine @ 600 to 1000y yards. I would highly recommend that if you do go turret skip the Lee and go RCBS or Redding.

[gemini1]

@oddjob, thanks for the offer, I just pmed you, but I forgot to asked, what kind of RCBS JR press is that? I just googled it and saw theres like 3 models.

@SKSer, the link you provided on the Lee challenger, the tech specs says under priming features: NO, what does this mean? if I were to guess, is that the container where primers are placed and is then mounted on the press which you can then push and a primer goes under the casing?

[CGK60]

I have a lee turret and really like it. Started with an RCBS single stage.

[Cowboy T]

@oddjob, thanks for the offer, I just pmed you, but I forgot to asked, what kind of RCBS JR press is that? I just googled it and saw theres like 3 models.

@SKSer, the link you provided on the Lee challenger, the tech specs says under priming features: NO, what does this mean? if I were to guess, is that the container where primers are placed and is then mounted on the press which you can then push and a primer goes under the casing?

I think that "NO" is a mistake, because that kit comes with the Safety Prime. Furthermore, the press that they're showing has the primer catcher on it.

That would be a very good kit for you to start with, but I would refine it a bit more. Personally, I'd go for the kit with the hand-held Auto-Prime XL instead of the Safety Prime. If I'm doing single-stage, I prefer to prime by hand (Classic Turret, I'll use the Safety Prime, though).

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/default.aspx?productNumber=121744

- T

[xfer42]

Go for progressive if your intent is to save money.
It doesnt matter if you start with a single or progressive. A single is too much of a pain and too much work when you are reloading for semi auto plinker rounds. It will take a lot of time and your wife will hate you for it. Jump right into the latest and greatest progressive press. They will work just like the single stage.

I have the green light from my wife for a Dillon 650, but Im waiting for my LoadMaster to completely fail me. Its got problems... but they are always easily fixed and I cant justify the $600+ for the Dillon switch over.