what is the best reloading press for someone who is just getting into reloading? ive been looking around and i was thinking about the lee classic turret press or the lee 1000. what do you guys think? im mostly going to be reloading for 357 magnum
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what is the best reloading press for someone who is just getting into reloading? ive been looking around and i was thinking about the lee classic turret press or the lee 1000. what do you guys think? im mostly going to be reloading for 357 magnum
Out of those choices, I'd recommend the Lee classic turret. It can be used as a progressive or as a single stage. A very handy and versatile press, with inexpensive turrets that can be swapped out when reloading multiple calibers.
Don't think there aren't better options, such as a Dillon, but they come with a hefty price.
It's just like cars, how fast you want to go depends on how much you are willing to spend.
yeah i was looking at some rcbs presses but whew idk if im ready for that kind of investment. i kind of had my heart set on the classic turret i just wanted an outside opinion on it before pulling the trigger (pun intended) ;)
Go to the online places that sell them, Midway, Natchez, etc.
There are hundreds of reviews from guys that bought and use them.
Out of those choices the LCT. I have one and use it a lot. It’s one of the most versatile presses. But it’s not a progressive. It has auto advance which just speeds up production.
I’m not one to tell a new reloader they can’t learn on a progressive. I will tell you to not listen to anyone that tells you such. But that particular Lee press is going to be frustrating to use. If you want an easy to use progressive that won’t give you constant problems buy a Dillon. They’re worth the money and there’s a reason they have the reputation they do.
For a new reloader buy what you can afford and make it work for you. There will always be a need for a single stage. Any one w/ a compound linkage will work. The differences after that point are ergonomics and options. A turret press is a good intermediate step. But the Lee is the only one w/ auto advance. A progressive should be bought based on the volume of shooting you do. I won’t discourage someone from buying a Super 1050 if they shoot 100 rounds a year. Calling it overkill would be an understatement. But if that’s what someone wants then by all means buy it.
Natchez has a 10% off thru tomorrow.. just saved a bundle buying a Hornady LnL AP from them..
What else do you have ? Id suggest budget at least as much on calipers/ measuring tools and manuals as your first press. You’ll be a lot closer to accuracy than buying the most expensive press . When it’s time for your press to match your skill you’ll know exactly what YOU want in a press
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Personally I have recommended anyone to start out with a single stage press to begin with, to get used to doing things in a simple & systematic way to learn the techniques needed do do a safe & quality reloading process.
Then, move on to multiple die locations & operations, after the basics are figured out.
Of course, there are those who disagree, but so far it seems to me that there sure are a lot of folks who start out with multiple die presses & end up confused about how to set their dies, how the press works when there is an issue with some part of the operation, powder measure use & powder thru dies, bullet/boolit collating etc.. Many of which would be pretty simple to figure out if one started on a single stage press and had the basics down first & them progressed into more complicated processes to reload.
My own experience & thus opinion is based on learning on my own a long time ago, on a MEC shotgun press & a single stage RCBS press & so maybe I am jaded in my thinking the way I do.
I have taught several folks how to use the single stage first, and even loaning them a single stage to use, if they did not have one, and a couple of them already owned a turret press(Lyman Spar-T) or even a progressive(Hornady LockNLoad). They all told me since that learning the set ups for a single stage helped them later on, when using their multiple die presses.
The one with the Lyman Turret said even though it basically does the operations without having to change dies often, it helped if one had to change dies to adapt to another caliber to remember what to do to set the dies up in the first place & to adjust for different things such as different seating & crimp settings, etc.. The one with the Hornady LnL still is uncomfortable using it since he keep running into troubles with setting it up, so he went and bought his own single stage to use, rather than hanging on to mine, and so he could keep reloading rounds to shoot while he worked out the snags with the LnL.
So, while others may not see it the same way I do, my vote goes to having folks start on a single stage.
G'Luck! to any who have to make the decision on what to get for a press type! This is a great place to ask!
;)
Definitely a single stage and I cannot think of one better than the RCBS Rockchucker.
My choice for a beginner press would be what I learned on, that being the RCBS Rockchucker. Even better if you start with the package deal that includes the other basic tools. Powder measure, case trimmer, balance beam scale and misc. smaller items. RCBS tools will last a life time if cared for and are easy to get a good price for if you move on to one of the great progressives like Dillon. Gp
So I’m about 5 years in on reloading, so relatively a rookie compared to some around here and echo JBs advice on starting on a single stage. Learn and understand the basics first before heading down the progressive route.
Most everything you need to start on a budget can normally be found on the secondary market in places like the swap and trade here, Craigslist and eBay . The big parts- press, scale and primer, case trimmer and calipers are available and can be had for reasonable prices. Get the basics and once you decide to go full tilt and get a couple thousand rounds under your belt you will learn your weaknesses and know what needs upgrading. Stay with the major manufacturers and you should be fine.
Watch out for some of the older stuff such as Herters, older Lyman and a few others, they often take unique shell holders and replacement parts which may no longer be readily available.
The number one thing you need though are books and manuals, read the front end of Lee, Hornady, Lyman and so on manuals there are several pro videos and DVDs to be had.
Beware of the internet and “the best load ever” posts. Do your own math and learn the signs of ovepressure and other issues.
Most of all enjoy rolling your own and all the “savings” your about to reap
Any of the O types are my recommendation. You will forever use a single stage press when reloading for various tasks such as sizing cast bullets. Forming rifle brass etc. Plus loading on a single stage slows you down a little while you are still new, helps to keep you from blowing your hands and face off.
Just my two pennies.
Personally I don’t recommend a progressive press or even a Turret press for someone who is new to reloading. I think you need to use a single stage press before you use Either a progressive or a Turret press. By learning on a single stage you learn all the Processes involved in reloading ammunition. One at a time! You learn how to properly set up the dies, de- cap the brass, prime the brass, etc... With progressives and terret presses all the processes become a little too automated . To easy to make a mistake . And although reloading, if done properly, is very safe it can be dangerous if done improperly or haphazardly . With all that being said the Lee single stage presses offer a new reloader and inexpensive way to get started in a new hobby without breaking the bank. You can always upgrade to a turret or a progressive if you so choose at some point in the future . And there will always be a use for that single stage press that you started out with. I’ve been reloading since the 80s and most of the time I did all my reloading on a single stage press. I did upgrade to a Turret press some years ago for my pistol and small caliber reloads. For the most part my 30.06 are still done on my single stage press. For my needs I have no reason to go with a progressive Press! Unless you’re planning on shooting large volumes of pistol ammunition or maybe small caliber rifle (5.56/223) I see no benefit for me to have a progressive press. I can easily load 200+rounds of 9 mm or 9 mm Makarov on my Turret press in an hour. And I can use all the same dies and shell holders that I used on my single stage press.
Furthermore I suggest that before you invest in any other equipment you pick up a basic reloading manual ! I highly recommend “Modern Reloading Second Edition by Richard Lee” for a new reloader. It covers an introduction to reloading, types of equipment including a whole section on presses and all the processes involved in reloading. Granted it’s all about Lee equipment but that’s not a bad place to start out . It also has some pretty decent generic load data. It can be found on Amazon for about 24 bucks! That ain’t bad and it’s not a big expense to shell out when you getting started. The Lyman re-loading manual is also a good choice I just think the Lee has a little bit more general information especially for a new reloader. Anyway this is all just opinion on my part and I’m sure there’s plenty that will disagree with me but you asked I answered
Good luck, be safe, have fun
Single stage Rcbs rock chucker. They last a lifetime and more. But a used one, Rcbs stands behind their product. If your starting out and have time, it’s best to learn first. Other calibers will come and the chucker will do most all.
I really don't think there is a wrong answer to your question. If mostly .357 then just about any press will do.
If you see your self resizing rifle cases then I would go with a heavy single stage. Lee and RCBS puts together some package deals that are good if you want to jump in with both feet.
I would recommend a Lyman reloading manual first. It has good info on the reloading process and reloading information. Also go to youtube. Nearly every reloading company has videos on their products and how to use them.
I’ll also vote for a used single stage to start out with. Good scales, data manual and a good measure too. Lyman or RCBS products give good service and they stand behind what they sell.
Get the Lee classic CAST turret. If you are just starting out, remove the indexing rod and begin loading in single stages. I myself started with the Lee hand press learn the fundamentals. I then bought a Lee single stage cast press once I felt comfortable and this hobby was something more that I wanted to peruse and wanted the capability to load large rifle cases. Then after time, I moved on to the turret when pistol reloading came into play. The classic CAST will meet all your needs and not beak the bank.
As I was scrolling through the responses I was framing a response of my own until I read #8 from JBinMN. He said basically the same things I was thinking. As more of the posts unwound, the only thing I still feel I need to add. Although I personally acquired my extensive variety of equipment by swapping, hustling, inheritance and sheer persistence, if I were starting out on a budget and wanted the basic stuff I needed to begin the process, I would look very hard at Lee's basic Breech Lock Reloader Press or something equally basic. I probably would look at gun shows, yard sales, Craig's List, etc, and try to find something used, but I'm cheap. ;)
I admit I'm an equipment junkie, but in this particular case basic and simple will be the way to go. :mrgreen:
Froggie
I think if the OP defines their goals and their budget we can steer them to the best press(Es) for the job
I agree, the single stage press will get you started, especially with a kit type. You will never regret it, treat it right, learn all you can on that, then if you like reloading, get one that’s faster. But keep your single, its good for testing and load working, ladder testing etc. the progressive are harder to change something, there good for producing large amounts of ammo quickly.
Lee classic turret
I have been loading with the same lee classic single stage press for 40+ years. I did rebuild it a little while back and tightened it up better than new. Never saw a reason to change. I did buy a smartloader c press mainly because i wanted to see what a $13 dollar press looked like. I will admit it ain't the best but it does work and for thirteen dollars what the heck. I think a lee turret press is a good press. I like the single stage as i weigh every charge.
If you are just getting started you as has been pointed out you have many items you need in addition to a press ,manuals , a good scale , a few case prep items , powder measure , dies ,
Shell holder , you will want a press that will accept a primer feed or a hand priming kit ,if you maximum loads you will want a powder trickler.
I have 2 electronic scales but I have much more confidence in my old Lyman beam scale. A good scale is one of the most important items you need. I’m not a fan of the Lee scale.
The point of this ramble is you have to decide how much you want to invest to start.
The Lee classic cast turret is probably the most bang for your buck and many experienced reloaders keep and use them even after getting much more expensive equipment.
You can add a powder measure and primer feed to it and still be less than $200.00
A good scale will be another $100. + or - if you go with this press get the Lee 4 die set another 40 to 50.00
I went with a turret press from midwayusa.. Two years later in ready to upgrade to a progressive.
Start out with what you can comfortably afford. You can upgrade later, if you decide to really get into hand loading. I spent less than a $100 on a Rock Chucker press, Lyman balance beam scale, powder, primers, bullets. Of course that was 1975.
Of your choices the Lee Cast single stage press - it is strong, versatile, and doesn't dump spent primers all over the floor!
Start with a single stage press for the above stated reasons and one more - you will make mistakes. It is much nicer to recognize a mistake when you have loaded five or ten rounds. Much more of a problem when you are 100-300 rounds in.
All of my currently used presses were purchased used. They basically don't wear out. My only new press is my Buchannon - and I'm about to loan that to a friend to learn on! Unfortunately prices on e-Bay are such that you will spend as much on a used RockChucker as the Lee press new and still have spent primers going everywhere - thus the advice to get the Lee new.
Lee single stage anniversary kit. You don't need a turret until you know exactly what happens at which stage of the reloading process and can observe the quantity of powder that is dropped, etc. Reloading is not a show of strength, nor is it a race to see how quickly you can get done.
Been using one for decades, but have never used it as "progressive". The advantage to me is changeovers. To change to a different chambering all you need do is swap out the turret. To change processes all you need to is twist the turret. The only disadvantage is primer ejection as many wind up on the floor. The Lee breechlock press has a much better primer system and is still pretty quick to change processes if you get the bushings.Quote:
classic turret press
Any used single stage cast iron press with compound linkage and a primer arm. This press you will keep forever. By the time you get loading figured out you will know what you want next. That and a decent manual scale and a couple (or more) of loading manuals, dies and shell holder and you can start loading. There are more items that you will want but get started so you can figure out what you will want to make loading easier and faster.
Not many of us have just one press. I grow weary loading high volume ammo on a SS, and a turret wouldn't be quick enough. So the short-sighted view asks which press. The long view is what is the right path to presses that will cover all bases.
New loaders have a very narrow view. They don't realize that mission creep is real. How many of us load for far more cartridges now than we envisioned when starting out?
This is why I recommend a good SS kit like the Rock Chucker master reloading kit. A good SS is invaluable. Always useful. And the accompanying gear is great.
Then as the reloader gains experience and context, the path to a higher volume companion press is better informed.
I started a little over two years ago reloading for the first time. I read several books including the Lee Manual before I started to see if it was what I wanted to do. A friend gave me a life time loan of a RCBS Rock Chucker to load 9mm. After about 1000 rounds I moved on to a Dillion 550c because of the amount of ammo I was using per month. (You don't save money reloading you shoot way more!) I still have the Rock Chucker mounted to my bench and use it for any number of reasons. My friend was smart enough and had enough experience reloading to know he was not getting that single stage press back. You will not go wrong by starting on a single stage press because it will show you step by step how to reload. Another benefit of a SS press is you will always use it in the future no matter what type of progressive press is in your future. Get several good manuals, follow them, be save and the very best of luck to you!!!
My thoughts exactly. I wasn't sure how much I would like reloading, or not like it all, so I didn't want to invest a lot of money for stuff that would just be abandoned and neglected. The Lee single stage filled that bill very nicely. 6 years later, that press is still serving all my needs. I may eventually add a second press, but I doubt I will ever feel the need for a turret or progressive press.
I would never recommend a SS press unless you know you will need one for a specific caliber. Otherwise after you move on you will keep it dedicate it to a function that you can do on your new press. They become " My First Press " trophy.
The Turret Press is superior in that you can complete a round without changing dies.
The Lee self indexing designs are excellent for handgun calibers. The ability to manually index is often preferred for rifle calibers.
The Lyman 8 station & Redding 7 station turrets are manual indexing and great for all Rifle & handgun Calibers.
The Dillon 550 is a pseudo progressive / turret since you must manually index them. It is a time tested & proven design.
The year old Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro is an interesting design that does not fully fit into the which type of press box. It seems it is closest to a Dillon 550 than anything else. The first station is directly over the ram so it is great for anything you might need a single stage for. The other three stations make it a progressive in the sense that it will make a completed round with each pull. It does not produce the output of a fully progressive press as priming & case feeding is manual s it comes out of the box.
I've cured 99% of the primers on the floor on my old Rockchuckers by putting a short piece of McDonald's drink straw in the ram, it channels the primers down and lets them drop neatly into the primer catcher.
I think the new Rockchucker drops the primers out the back of the ram into a redesigned primer catcher. Still like RCBS.
Everyone has 2 cent so here is mine.
In your very first post you clearly state that you will be loading mostly 357mag., not rifle which in my mind makes a difference. I started long ago on a Single stage press and also was only loading for 357. While the single stage press was simple, safe and adequate it was slow and tedious for doing large amounts of pistil rounds. The because of life changes I retired from shooting for a long time.
A few years ago I found myself back to shooting which once again lead to reloading. From past experience I already knew I did not want to do it all over again with a single stage press. Today I have 4 presses; a single stage RCBS JR3, Lee 3 hole turret, Lee Pro1000 and a Lee Auto Breech Lock Pro. They all end up with the exact same finished product. Put 4 boxes of the same load on the shooting bench and I could not tell you which press they came off of! The difference is in the time it takes to produce those boxes.
I see absolutely no difference in use between a single stage press and any turret press other than a turret press one can mount all the dies at one time. They still only get used one at a time, this is not a multi station progressive press. So if you feel the need to batch load then do it. To me the decision between a single stage or a turret press is a non-issue. Just buy one of the mainstream presses and it will last for years regardless of Brand.
As to actually buying equipment I have to agree with a few others here and spend the time to look in the used market. As stated it takes a lot to wear one of these presses out and an abused one will show it with broken or missing pcs and covered in dirt or rust. 3 of the 4 presses I have were all purchased used and at a fraction of the cost of new. Also by looking used at times you will come across a bundle sale with the press and a bunch of other stuff included. Then if you find a nice used single stage press for cheap, buy it, use it and keep looking for that next used press, be it a turret or a full blown progressive.
Good luck and keep us informed of your results!
+1 Get a single stage. If you become an avid reloader you'll always find it handy, even if you buy the most expensive progressive.
+1 Check for used to save $$. It would be very hard to ever wear a press out. Besides, all major brands have ridiculously good warranties!
...enough said JIMHO!
lee hand press.
You will learn every step intimately, have to pay attention, and your entire kit will be mobile and compact.
Once you upgrade to a bench mounted press, your dies will transfer, and you will STILL have a mobile setup.
I learned on a used Dillon 550. made a lot of mistakes that could have been avoided if I had started with the hand press, or a simple single stage press.
A lot of avid loaders tilt new reloaders towards what they wish they had done from the first. Thing is, only a few new guys will ever be picky or high volume loaders. IMHO, every new loader will be best served with basic tools and simple presses, i.e., single stages; I'd guess that 90% (plus) of loaders will never need a turret, progressive OR a high dollar press of any kind. That leaves us with single stage presses.
Now, which SS to suggest to noobs? Well, some happy advisors will tout their 30-50 year old RCBS Rock Chuckers that still do good work.; I'm sure they're correct in that. My own RC II, which was purchased in 1990, is as good (or bad, due to it's poor spent primer catching) as new but ... I've used a lot of presses over the last 50 years and don't think RC's have a single advantage over any other maker's heavy built single stage press, at any price. No matter how heavily anyone gets into reloading he will always have occasional need for a single stage so it's not money wasted.
IF I had to replace my trusty old RC II tomorrow I'd get a Lee Classic Cast and I suggest it to all new reloaders. Lee's massive cast iron CC is the best dollar value single stage press on the market. It has a much better auto-prime feed system, and spent primer catcher system than others AND it has a fully adjustable lever. New guy or old guy, what's not to love?
Wellll ... I don't care for any maker's current fad of a "quick twist" die holder system, including Lee's. Hand tightened dies can be quickly swapped and there's no need to wrench them down anyway. I'd pay extra just to have the plain ol' 7/8" x 14 threads in a press.
First I will say Welcome to this madness. I use the Lee classic turret. I see you are in Michigan, what part? If you are just getting started maybe someone close by will give a hand showing you the ropes. I use the extra space for my powder cop die to check the powder throw with. Before I had that I would measure every charge before charging the case. I load for different hand gun calipers so the turrets are easy to change once they are set up. When I get home I will check around the bench to see if I have a spare Lee single stage press laying around. If I find one you can have it. I will pm you if I find it so that I can get an address to mail it to.
One take on buying used.
I see 2 main reasons for used equipment. One being that the owner purchased the stuff, loaded for a while and either lost interest or found that reloading wasn't for them. The others are caused by upgrades and people need more space on the bench.