Reloading press

[Kentos]

I need some opinions on single stage vs. turret for low volume reloading. I would guess 1000 rounds or less, a d likely multiple calibers, say, .38, .40 and .45ACP.

I like the fact that a single stage restricts you speed so you can check your powder levels and such. But I also know you can run the turret as a single stage as well.

Of I batch load 100 at a time is the single stage that much slower?

 

[Mack The Knife]

You want a progressive.

 

[auk1124]

IMO, turret or progressive if you are reloading pistol. I've tried reloading pistol calibers on a single stage press and it is a slow, tedious chore.

 

[Strokin04]

Dillon 550 is the answer.

 

[tinashubby]

I use a Lee turret without auto index. I perform one operation at a time in batches, I feel more comfortable with the amount of attention to detail I can give this way, rather than using it in a progressive form. I easily load 150+ rounds per hour with pre primed brass- I really like my hand held auto-prime. The big advantage of a turret rather than a single stage for me is that I do not need to install and re-adjust my dies anymore (time consuming PITA). I have an extra turret with dies in it and adjusted ready to drop in when I want to change calibers. My press uses the cheaper aluminum body, it is almost twenty years old and still works great. A couple drops of oil before every session will keep the wear to a minimum.

I personally have no desire to switch to progressive.

 

[simon1]

I have a RCBS Rockchucker from the '70s, and it is slooowww when loading up a lot of pistol ammo. A friend of mine, who was on the U.S. Border Patrol pistol team for a few years, had a Dillon progressive and it would really crank out the rounds. Much faster than a single stage when loading pistol ammo. It's not hard to keep an eye on the powder charge so you don't double charge a case with the progressive, and as you said, you could use it as a single stage until you get comfortable with it.

 

[Greg1911]

I have a Dillon 650 and love it. Use it for 45 acp and 45 Colt.

Magnum revolver rounds and rifle rounds are loaded on a Lyman single stage.

My dream reloading bench includes a Redding turret and a Dillon 550 dedicated to 40 S&W

 

[Kentos]

I understand the buy once cry once philosophy, but progressives like the Hornady AP and Dillon are a bit out of SWMBO's comfort level right now .

Seems a turret is the best compromise. I was thinking the Lee Classic.

Did all of you guys who use them start out on progressives?

 

[vtguy22]

I have a rockchucker, and an rcbs progressive. I'd recommend starting single stage until you are comfortable with what you are doing. There is a lot to watch with progressives, ie did the primer feed, did the powder drop right, etc. They are a pain when something goes wrong...

 

[Dacol]

I use a RCBS turret and loving it

 

[nortac]

The Redding T-7 turret press is the best that I know of and I use mine most of the time. I have several presses, a progressive is a must for high volume reloading, I use a Dillon 550 in several calibers. I also use a Bonanza/Forester Co-Ax single stage press. There are many good ones to choose from. Lee progressives are not up to my standards, had the Pro 1000 back in the day, glad it's gone!

 

[the_ogre25]

I started reloading about 2 years ago on a RCBS Rockchucker. I am going to upgrading to a progressive press in the near future though. I am glad I started on the single stage and I will still use it for my target loads for my rifles.

 

[Mack The Knife]

I've tried reloading pistol calibers on a single stage press and it is a slow, tedious chore.

I've used single stage RCBS presses since 1963. The only pistol rounds I load are 44 mag, for a friend. Being that I make super match grade rounds, his 1970 Winnie lever shoots better rounds that you can buy anywhere.

I can never recommend any Lee product, they are cheaply made Chinese junk. But then RCBS isnt far behind. Dillion is the only name in progressives.

I would use one of my 3 single stages before Id every touch a Lee

 

[Robert45]

I've used a Lyman turret since about 1980 and have never been unhappy. It has always produced consistant ammo quickly and efficiently and at far less cost than a progressive such as a Dillion, Hornady or RCBS.

 

[Pete_T]

I haven't started reloading, but my plan is pretty much the same, get a lee classic turret and go from there. I'd actually picked up some used dies in 9mm and .45, but things got delayed as I spent the money I was planning to use on reloading gear on other gear.

Anyway, its kind of funny, Lee presses are one of the few things I've seen that are supposed to get worse the more money you spend on them.

Just a note, you may be aware, it seems like most everything else shooting related, reloading components are being bought up and stockpiled right now, too.

 

[Goober]

I started off with Shotgun 30 years ago, with pistol I started with the Lee Turret about 6 yrs ago. Jan 12 I got a new Hornady lock n load and love it. The Lee Turret was a good started because you can use it without the auto index (like single stage) and then move to auto index later. I load 9mm, 38 spec, 40, and 45 ACP with the Hornady. I also have RCBS Rockchunker Single stage for rifle rounds that I will start loading shortly.

 

[Hawkeye5]

Don't believe that all Lee presses are trash. Their single stage cast iron classic is a very fine press.
I would suggest you go to Midwayusa and read reviews, compare prices.

 

[Kentos]

Thanks everyone!

I ended up getting the cast base Lee turret press. It's the same price as the cast single breech loader, so I figured what the heck. At 109.00 it won't kill me if I up grade in the future. My main reason for going with the Lee is that they have the factory crimp die separate from the seating die. I couldn't tell how well the 3 die Hornadys work, and RCBS was a bit more pricy. It is likely a non issue, but it seems a lot of pistol reloaders like and use the FCD.

 

[bhorsoft]

I started loading 45 Long Colt and 38 Special on the Lee cast turret press with Lee dies. You made a good choice. Works well and lets you get the mechanics down. Not great for high volume, though. When I was CAS shooting, it would take me quite a while to put together enough rounds for both me and the wife to shoot a match (about 150+ rounds for each caliber). After doing that for a year I went to a Dillon 550 progressive. Still using the Lee dies in the Dillon and I can really crank out the round with it. The Lee turret is still getting use for loading my 30-06 rounds now. The rifle rounds take more care and the turret is perfect for doing the short runs of the rifle bullets.

Yes, I like the separate crimp die from Lee as well.

 

[auk1124]

Lee's Classic Cast single stage press is awesome for rifle rounds, and their dies are good too (I also like their crimp dies). I agree with the previous posters - not everything Lee makes is junk.