Which Press Do You Suggest?

[1911 Shooter]

Hi, I'm considering getting into reloading with my son. I'll be reloading the following: 45 ACP, 9mm, 38 special, 223/556 & shotgun 12 gauge.
Which press do you guys recommend and where is the best place to purchase it. I live in So Cal, Inland Empire but will travel.
Thanks for your assistance.

[Colt562]

Well, couple questions

1. Whats your budget?
2. Progressive or single?

For shotgun you will need a completely different press.

[1911 Shooter]

I'm open to suggestions regarding a progressive press. Budget around $100-300

[short circuit]

I use and recommend the Lee Classic Turret press, it does pistol and rifle with equal ease, about 150-200 round an hour. I prepare bottleneck brass size and trim in batches then tumble before loading. I use the Lee delux double disk powder dispenser on the press to drop the powder.

It is a good press with the advantages of a single stage and the advantages of a multi stage al in one, and the turret plate is very inexpencive (for caliber changes)

[Colt562]

A lee turret press kit would best suit your needs and budget. I would link you one but I'm on my phone

[drkphibr]

I'm open to suggestions regarding a progressive press. Budget around $100-300

I don't believe you will be able to find a progressive press for under $300 and that would just be the press...no dies or plates. Plus, you'll need an entirely separate set up (press) for loading shotgun. Auto indexing with a Lee Classic Turret will give you better than single stage functionality but not true/full progressive. I'm sure plenty more folks will chime in here on this. With the 4 calibers you have listed, you're already over $100 in dies alone (averaging $30 per caliber or so).

[short circuit]

For a progressive press at least 4 or 5 stations would be best. A powder drop test die will keep from having under/over filled cases from getting loaded. Also a 5 stage progressive can be used to lube/trim the brass automaticly is desired (and a lighter wallet)

The brand would depend on your wallet and the desired features.
Happy reloading

[short circuit]

I really do recomend the Lee Classic Turret, You can not go wrong with it. Do not get the Lee Delux turret press as it is for pistol only and would not work well for rifle,

[Wrangler John]

I suggest considering something such as this for a start.

http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/7524

Lee equipment is the best value for a beginner, for $116 you get a good starter kit. You'll need a set of dies for each cartridge. Shotgun shells are usually loaded on a separate press designed for the purpose. Peruse this site to make yourself familiar with what is available. Lee dies are as good as any and a good bargain. http://leeprecision.com/

You should first purchase a loading manual, such as Lee's Modern Reloading 2nd Edition, Lyman's Manual or one from any of the bullet manufacturer's such as Sierra, Hornady, Nosler, etc. Online load data is available at www.hodgdon.com for all the Hodgdon and IMR powders and it's free. There is an extensive catalog of manuals and videos at http://www.midwayusa.com/find?newcat...ensionid=13924

Do a Google search on reloading videos and many free examples popup such as http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP4p6HEEEUM

[BigBronco]

How much ammo you plan to laod every month? If not loading mas quantities. A single station like a rock chucker will serve you well.

[1911 Shooter]

Thanks for the help guys,the Lee Classic Turret has been highly recommended. However, a progressive is tempting as I don't want to be looking for another press in a year or two. I can raise my budget. Please let me know again your thoughts, stay with the Lee or move to a progressive press?
Thanks again

[call-in]

Lee turret press kit: http://www.cabelas.com/product/1374275.uts
Extra turrets: http://www.cabelas.com/product/740034.uts (optional: one for each caliber)
Dies: http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/brows...195+4294771112
Bullet Puller: http://www.cabelas.com/product/706430.uts
Cabela's coupons: http://www.slickguns.com/product/cab...rs-150-or-more
Caliper: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019O6OCO

Those along with components should get you started. If you're using range pickups you might consider a tumbler and media separator but those are not necessary.

[call-in]

Lee turret press kit: http://www.cabelas.com/product/1374275.uts
Extra turrets: http://www.cabelas.com/product/740034.uts (optional: one for each caliber)
Dies: http://www.cabelas.com/catalog/brows...195+4294771112
Bullet Puller: http://www.cabelas.com/product/706430.uts
Cabela's coupons: http://www.slickguns.com/product/cab...rs-150-or-more
Caliper: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0019O6OCO

Those along with components should get you started. If you're using range pickups you might consider a tumbler and media separator but those are not necessary.

[Wrangler John]

I suggest considering something such as this for a start.

http://www.grafs.com/retail/catalog/product/productId/7524

Lee equipment is the best value for a beginner, for $116 you get a good starter kit. You'll need a set of dies for each cartridge. Shotgun shells are usually loaded on a separate press designed for the purpose. Peruse this site to make yourself familiar with what is available. Lee dies are as good as any and a good bargain. http://leeprecision.com/

You should first purchase a loading manual, such as Lee's Modern Reloading 2nd Edition, Lyman's Manual or one from any of the bullet manufacturer's such as Sierra, Hornady, Nosler, etc. One line load data is available at www.hodgdon.com for all the Hodgdon and IMR powders and it's free. There is an extensive catalog of manuals and videos at http://www.midwayusa.com/find?newcat...ensionid=13924

Do a Google search on reloading videos and many free examples popup such as http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DP4p6HEEEUM

[Colt562]

Thanks for the help guys,the Lee Classic Turret has been highly recommended. However, a progressive is tempting as I don't want to be looking for another press in a year or two. I can raise my budget. Please let me know again your thoughts, stay with the Lee or move to a progressive press?
Thanks again

How much do you want to raise it? If you want the best go for a Dillon 550 or 650. (Waiting for yet another red vs. blue person). I have the 550. Now to get started with that its going to be around 600.