Two reloaders...Which one?

[kdsd731]

I would like to start reloading my various rifle ammo. My question is, should I get the Lee Classic 4 stage turret kit or buy the RCBS Rock Chucker press? The Lee kit has great reviews minus a few minor issues and recommendations and is nice it does multiple stages but I feel the quality is better with the RCBS and I pick exactly what I want this way. So lead a first timer in the right direction guys. Thanks.

[CSACANNONEER]

It depends on what and how much you are going to load. IF you are going to load bottlenecked cartridges, I'd suggest a single stage press. If you are going to load precision ammo, I suggest a single stage press. If you are just loading 1000 rounds of the same pistol caliber once a month, the Lee might be a better choice.

Right now, it's hard to say. You haven't given enough info. Your question is sort of like: I'm going to start fishing next month, what kind of rod, reeel and tackle should I get?

[kdsd731]

Well, I will be reloading .223 the most (maybe 2-300/mo), .30-06 (maybe 50-100/mo), .30-30 (50-100/mo). For now, it will be used mostly for plinking and target shooting to 100 yards. Eventually would like to join in competitions that are 200/600 yards. If you need more info let me know. Thanks for the reply.

[CSACANNONEER]

Sounds like a good single stage is going to be better for you.

[Bill Steele]

For rifle loading, I use a single stage press (Rock Chucker). Running things in batches, I produce about 100 rounds an hour. With proper lock rings it only takes a few seconds to change dies.

I have used a Lee Classic Turret for handgun with great results, but I think if you get to a point that you want to hold your OAL's fairly tight, then a single stage is a better choice. In addition, the steps I take with my rifle brass, I personally don't think a turret will buy you much time.

My Rock Chucker is over 40 years old and works like the first day, hard to beat that kind of quality.

Good luck and have fun.

[problemchild]

Lee is cheap junk. RCBS is good quality but slow. Buy the Dillion BL 550 and add on as you get cash.

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

[BigBronco]

I have had a rock chucker on my bench for over 30 years. You can't go wrong with one. In fact your grand children will still be using it after you are long gone. I loading for rifle progressives are not the way to go as you will need to measure the brass and may need to trim the brass length after resizing it before moving on to the next operation.

[Divernhunter]

RCBS Rockchucker all the way. As far as turret it take about 30seconds to change dies----so just how lazy are you??? Batch process brass and do not do each step one case at a time.
The best way is to batch process ammo and use a hand primer. The lee works but the RCBS will use the shellholder you have for the press. I have a couple lee hand primers since when I started using one they were the only on the market with the primer tray attached. They work fine but you have to get the shellholder that is used just in the primers tool. Be sure to lube the tool as the instructions say. I use auto grease after ruining one by not lubing it.
I prefer RCBS dies over lee but if you get lee then go buy real locking rings so you can change them and not have the ring move.
I have 3 single stage presses and a Dillon 650. I load for more than 35 different cartridges. If you are near me I would be happy to help you out and show you about reloading and some tips/tricks I have learned since I started in the 1960's.

[kdsd731]

Thanks guys. It is definately sounding like the RCBS press is the way to go. I look forward to my new hobby : )

[92greenyj]

Im in the same boat. I'm leaning hard towards the Lee classic Turret. Been comparing prices on kits from various places all day. I just like the features the turret offers over the single stage. I think it will suit me nicely for what I want to do now with room to build more rounds faster down the road

[One78Shovel]

I have been using my Dillon RL-550B now for 12 years. For pistol rounds in bunches, this press is outstanding. When I load 223 and 30-06, I use the progressive press as a single stage press since the various procedures are done at different times.

For instance, after de-capping in stage one when loading pistol cases, I immediately seat the primer. But when loading rifle cases the priming comes much later. I can get into specifics if you want but the point I am trying to make is don't put yourself in a corner thinking single stage when a progressive can fill many needs if you decide to load pistol down the road.

-178S

[wtkaiser]

First of all, the Lee is NOT "cheap Junk". As of tonight, the 3 stage turret (I'm old, what can I say?) is the only press I own, or foresee owning. It's true that it's made of aluminum, not steel, but so far that hasn't proven to be an issue for me. I just tonight sold off my progressive. I just don't use it enough to keep it. But like they say, it all depends on how much you expect to use it. The Lee will see you through if you shoot a few hundred rounds a month. Any progressive will whip it's socks off if you need more than that, but you should take the ease of changing calibers into consideration.

[kdsd731]

So, any of you guys with the lee kit have any must have additions or junk items in the kit that I need to know about before purchasing. Seems like everyone has opposite opinions on what to get. Lol.

[CSACANNONEER]

Why don't you take a reloading class before you buy anything. That way, you'll figure out what will be best for you at this time. I'll bet that after you find out how little time a progressive will save you with bottlenecked cartridges and how much more precise you will be able to load with a single stage press, you won't look at progressives right now.

[BigBronco]

The Lee powder measure in the kit will leave you waning a better one.