Time to upgrade my press. need advice.

[mpbarry1]

I have two rcbs jr. Presses which have served me many years. I am wanting a little stronger one for sizing cases. I have 200 bucks for a budget. What do you guys think? RCBS Summit looks interesting (space saving), RCBS Supreme is tried and true, or should I save money for a Forrester coax? Am I missing a better option?

[triggerhappy243]

get a slightly older rock chucker.

[FWest]

Lee classic cast, Redding Big Boss 2 will get rid of primers through the ram. The RCBS RC does not. Not sure about the Summit.

I have found myself using my Classic turret press from Lee more and more as a single stage. I have a Supreme RC and an older RC.

[DaveInFloweryBranchGA]

Lee classic cast, Redding Big Boss 2 will get rid of primers through the ram. The RCBS RC does not. Not sure about the Summit.

I have found myself using my Classic turret press from Lee more and more as a single stage. I have a Supreme RC and an older RC.

This is your best solution/bang for buck. An excellent single stage. My Lee Classic Cast single stage share bench space with my older USA made Rock chucker for three months. At the end of those three months, the Rock Chucker was sold off. The Lee is just a better design all around.

If you're just wanting to spend a lot of dough, the only press on your list I'd buy over the Lee is the Forrester (Bonanza) Coax. But they are not as ergonomic as the Lee.

[zuke]

I went with a Classic Turret. I use it as a single stage but only have to set up the dies once then switch turret's.

[ioon44]

One thing I would look at is the customer service track record for any brand of reloading press.

[timberhawk]

I've got both Lees and RCBS presses. The Lee didn't last very long before wearing out. The two Rock Chucker presses have lasted thirty years and are still going strong.
I agree with triggerhappy243, I'm sold on the Rock Chucker presses.

[Horse Knuckle]

I've got both Lees and RCBS presses. The Lee didn't last very long before wearing out. The two Rock Chucker presses have lasted thirty years and are still going strong.
I agree with triggerhappy243, I'm sold on the Rock Chucker presses.

Which Lee press did you have that didn't last? The Challenger or Classic cast?

[lightman]

The Co-ax is a real favorite with reloaders. Its ergonomics are different from the others, and its over your stated budget. I personally don't like some of its features that are selling points. My recommendation is to buy an "0" frame press with compound linkage, in your favorite color. C-H (CH4D), Hornady, Lee, Lyman, Redding and RCBS all make a good one. The C-H is over your budget, but its a big strong press and the Redding Big Boss will be crowding your budget. Good Luck with your decision, but there really is no wrong answer here.

[r1kk1]

I have four single stages that are very different from one another. Two of them are my monsters.

CH4D Champion

Cast steel frame.
The ram is solid, drilled for priming disposal and the 3rd largest in current production single stages followed by the RCBS Summit and CH4D RockCrusher.
Most ergonomic press I've owned or used.
Company occasionaly sells swaging dies for it.
This is my goto press for heavy duty case forming.
No priming provisions on current presses.
Can handle dies up to 1-¼" although the 1" and 1-¼" dies are threaded for 1-18" pitch, ⅞" dies are current production. The bushing for this press can swallow a Lee bullet sizer and if I use the press for this duty, i forego the lockring on the Lee sizer die.
30 lbs.

Forster COAX
Primer and waste disposal are captured in a bottle.
No shellholders needed. There is an optional shellholder plate available if needed.
Priming on the press is very accurate, setting depth at .004”, but slow since its one at a time.
I have a quick change plate that a poster on this forum sold me that works very well when switching plate assemblies for different cartridges. Fast and easy to use.
The least ergonomic press for me.
The press has a reputation with the accuracy crowd.
The original quick change die press, no LNL bushings needed.
It does not have a ram per se, but glides on twin posts.
Very good leverage.
Weight is 16 lbs.
Able to operate left or right hand.

RCBS Summit
Ram is 2" diameter and solid.
Primer cup catcher is very small.
Catches every primer!
Very compact.
Handles dies up to 1-¼".
Can be mounted farther back on the bench than other single stages.
No priming provision unless ram prime is used. (Same for the Champion).
I use LNL bushings in mine and arbor conversion for Wilson dies.
I really like using this as an arbor press.
Able to operate left or right handed.
The only single stage I have that allows for terrific feel using short handle kit and a couple of adjustments when seating bullets.
It retired my Lee hand press and travels with me.
Weight is 21 lbs.

Redding Ultramag
My other monster.
It weighs as much as my Champion although the ram is hollow for primer disposal and only 1" in diameter.
Can prime on the press.
Huge opening!
I use LNL bushings on mine.
It is only slightly taller than the Champion.

I couldn't give up any of these four. Each sit on Rock Docks.



The Summit resides on a C4M3RON portable bench. Pictured here in my RV. It goes to the range too.

Go pull the handle on a few single stages. Bass Pro Shops, Cabelas, gun shops and have fun! Don't forget some fine vintage stuff too!

take care

r1kk1

[jmort]

That is a great collection of single stage presses, all as good as it gets.

[lpspinner]

I recommend either an used RCBS RockChucker or a Lee Classic Press. Both are solid and will last.

I'm only going to mention a some cons....

RCBS - Primers fly every where, even with the flimsy plastic catch tray. Huntington still sells the Aluminum version.

Lee - Warranty is only two years, however, they do have an anytime trade-in where you send back your press and you can buy a replacement at half off. Customer service is no where near the level RCBS and Dillon has.

[Guncrank]

For strong press that'll last a lifetime, I went with the RCBS Summit...
https://www.wideners.com/itemdetail....ir=210|211|249

[r1kk1]

That is a great collection of single stage presses, all as good as it gets.

Thank you. I haven't found the perfect single stage for me. I'm intrigued by design differences of the presses. I do use at least two during a loading at home.

Take care

r1kk1

[mpbarry1]

Thank you for the advice everyone!

[MT Chambers]

If you are mainly just concerned about sizing, the Rockchucker would be my pick, but for all round reloading esp. if you are an accuracy buff the CO-AX is tops, my favorite press, hands down.