How much does a press affect accuracy?

[hardertr]

I started reloading about 10 years ago.  My first purchase was a Lee Anniversary kit that included dies for a 357.  I only used it for 2 years before I got shipped off to Germany, and stopped reloading until this year.

The single stage press doesn't bother me.  I actually think I appreciate each shot a little more because I KNOW each round personally.

I'm not a match shooter, so precesion accuracy is not a major concern.  My question pertains more to the Lee brand than anything else I guess.  Should I expect decent accuracy?  Should I expect the same outcome if I use RCBS (or any other brand) dies in my LEE press, would it be the same as using all RCBS components??

As far as I understand, charge differences and seating depth play the largest role in determining how each individual round will fire (?)

[Robert357]

Should I expect decent accuracy?  

Should I expect the same outcome if I use RCBS (or any other brand) dies in my LEE press, would it be the same as using all RCBS components??

As far as I understand, charge differences and seating depth play the largest role in determining how each individual round will fire (?)

Yes, you should expect decent accuracy with a Lee Press and Lee dies.

My opinion (other folks have their own opinions) is that as long as your aren't reloading 50 BMG or some other exteme cartridges, and are not a match shooter, the Lee press should be fine.  Some presses are much stronger and some guarantee axial alignment better than a Lee, but it is still a reasonable press, although you may with heavy use need to replace some parts at some point.

As to the Dies.  My personal preference is "RCBS" dies for revolvers and "Lee" dies for semi-autos.  Almost all semi-auto bullets I load have close to a FMJ ogee (sp?).  For Revolvers, I go nuts and load semi-wadcutters, wadcutters, rounded/pointed bullets along with hollow points that are crosses of all of the above.  The RCBS dies I have come with various bullet seating stems for round, semi-wadcutter, and wad cutter shaped bullets.  This gives me much more seating depth control.

The Lee handgun dies bullet seating cup is a one size sort of fits all.  If the bullet has a round/pointed nose then it works just fine.

For rifle reloading, if it is a rifle that requires a "crimp,"  I usually buy the Lee dies with the factory crimp die included.  If the rifle cartridge doesn't require a crimp then it is a toss up between RCBS or Lee for me, with a slight preference for the RCBS.

My understanding is similar to yours in the powder charge and then seating depth for a given caliber & bullet are the two prime variables that impact accuracy and in the order you have given them.  

For handguns, I have found that on some, degree of crimp can be very important as well.  I am sure may folks could argue about run out, primer pocket reaming, trim length, neck pull, primer brand, and a host of other things

Sounds like you have things pretty well figured out and are just looking for some reassurance.  You sound like you know what you are doing, so just be careful and have fun.

[mountainview]

hardertr,

I've been using Lee equipment since July when I got into reloading for the first time. I'm using the relatively primitive Classic Loader setup but can get 5/8" groups from my 223. I've found that quality and consistency of the bullets, cases, etc have had a big impact for me. With due care, my reloads can be made quite consistent.

[jhalcott]

hardertr,you will have more accuracy problems from mixed brass and haphazard components than any press. I've used several Lee products and RCBS presses to reload ammo for plinking,hunting and sillywets. I ran a test on ammo one year. I got a bunch of 30-30 brass,mixed makers and unknown lots. I took 100 cases and just loaded them with my accuracy load.Another 100 cases sorted by weight and size to +/- 1 grain was loaded. The components were sorted for weight.No bullet or primer was over 2/10th grain different.Powder was weighed to +- 1/10th grain. The ammo was then checked for concentricity.This ammo was shot indexed on the case head, the other was just tossed into the chamber and fired.Results were surprising in that for hunting or casual plinking,either load would be okay.Keeping shots in an inch and a half group at 100 yards.They "good" ammo was good for sub MOA groups at the same range on the same day. A friend used MY brass and his components to load MY load on HIS press and got similar results.

[Questor]

It's more a matter of the condition of the press, not the brand of press. As long as the bullets go in straight and to a consistent overall length, then it doesn't mater what the press is. Lee presses can do that.

If there's a problem and you've eliminated all other variables, and the press seems to be a problem, then replace it. I don't think you need to worry for a while. I do, however, expect a Lee press to wear out faster than others  because of the materials used in construction.

On the other hand, a top quality single stage press costs $100 and lasts a lifetime. And you never question its integrity or value.  That's why I don't own a Lee press.

[PaulS]

Your Lee press will work well on straight wall cases for a long time. Using it to size bottle-neck cases will shorten its life considerably. The single stage Lee presses are great inexpensive presses for the shooter who loads a little and shoots a little but if you plan on shooting and reloading a lot of rounds you can save yourself some later aggrevation by getting a good strong press before you wear the little Lee out.
stay away from the Lee turret presses for any bottle neck cases - there is just too much deflection in the turret to get accurate loads. (my experience - yours may vary)

PaulS

[Catfish]

I will not buy anything that was made by Lee, it just don`t last if you load alot. I have set down and loaded over 5,000 rounds of ammo in a day befor so I need something fast and reliable, I load on a Dillon. That said if your Lee is working for you use it till you wear it out and then get a better press. As for dies I`ve had several sets of Lees and was not happy with any of them. For rifle dies RCBS are hard to beat unless your shooting bench rest. But for handgun, especially is your loading alot of cast bullets, Dillon die are far better than anything else on the market and easily worth the extra money you`ll pay for them.

[hardertr]

I have set down and loaded over 5,000 rounds of ammo in a day befor so I need something fast and reliable

MAN....I don't think I'll ever load 5,000 rounds in a lifetime!   :eek:

[jd45]

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving............I've been thinking about getting a single-stage press & wonder if ,say, an RCBS will enable me to reload rimless & rimmed handgun carts, (..38/.357,.40s&w,.44mag,,.45Colt) as well as rimless & rimmed bottleneck rifle carts....( .308&.303brit.)... Thanx,jd45.

[warf73]

jd45

A single stage press will do what you are asking. My Dillon 550 will do that also.

I'm not sure if there is a press that wouldn't do what your asking? Is this a trick question and I'm missing the trick part?

Warf

[ricciardelli]

If it doesn't seat the primers fully and evenly; if it doesn't resize the cases properly and uniformly; if it doesn't seat the bullets exactly the same; and, if it doesn't crimp each case identically ... it ain't worth a damn...

[ricciardelli]

Hope everyone had a good Thanksgiving............I've been thinking about getting a single-stage press & wonder if ,say, an RCBS will enable me to reload rimless & rimmed handgun carts, (..38/.357,.40s&w,.44mag,,.45Colt) as well as rimless & rimmed bottleneck rifle carts....( .308&.303brit.)... Thanx,jd45.

The RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme will load ANY cartridge on the market, other than the .50 BMG.

[jd45]

Warf, I assure you that my question was not a trick one, just one from a guy who has no experience with single-stage presses. I just wanted to be double-damn sure before I plunked my money down. Thanx, & thanx to Steve.........I think I'll go with the RCBS Rockchucker. jd45.

[Robert357]

Dear Hardertr

The RCBS is a very fine press and has great factory support.  I have a Lyman single stage kit and it was really complete (with the exception of buying Lee deburing tool, Lee case trimmer, and RCBS primer pocket cleaner brushes, and ultimately a powder measure).  Lyman also has a good Turret Press (I was able to buy one used at a gunclub swap meet for a song).

Either RCBS or Lyman have great kits you can purchase over the internet from places like MidwayUSA or Midsouth Shooter Supply.

The Lee kit isn't bad, but I really don't like either their scale or powder measure.  Until you get a good feel for what you like to do or until you deside to really do lots and lots of reloading, I would stay away from a progressive press like a Dillon.  Don't get me wrong, I have friend who own Dillons, but I dont' shoot that much to need a progressive, enjoy the time I spend reloading.  My opinion is that a progress is a fine way to make massive number of mistakes for a new reloader and that can lead to a dangerous decision to try to shoot them rather than pulling them.

[warf73]

jd45

That is a great choice in a press. Can't go wrong with a Chucker.

Don't forget when you buy dies that you will need the shell holder also(if buying RCBS dies)

Warf