Author Topic: Reloading Press (Read 1134 times)

scratcherky · « **on:** January 07, 2010, 06:32:39 AM »

For years I have used an old Lyman Spartan press. I decided to update and bought a Lee Classic Cast press which I just can not seem to get used to. I finally figured out the reason being that the old Spartan press linkage toggles over center with ram at the top of its stroke and the new Lee press does not. It just contacts a stop and Lee says none of their presses toggle over center.
So I am looking for a good single stage press with linkage that toggles over center. I would appreciate some inputs or recommendations as to brand and model numbers.

necchi · « **Reply #1 on:** January 07, 2010, 06:42:22 AM »

RCBS Rock Chucker!
Big following of RCBS equipment locally, 80-85% of the guy's I meet at the local supply and show's have RCBS, I believe all of their single stage presses cam over.
I have a Partner I got off e-bay for 30$ (10 day money back if not happy deal),,I'm happy. Does my upto .308 just fine.

Uncle Harry · « **Reply #2 on:** January 07, 2010, 07:26:12 AM »

+1 on the Rock Chucker. Very well made heavy duty piece of equipment.

Sweetwater · « **Reply #3 on:** January 07, 2010, 08:08:10 AM »

All the RCBS presses; I've been very happy with my 1934 Pacific addition to my 1957 Herter's Super 3 and 1961 Pacific. The 1934 Pacific was a gunshow purchase for $5, the other two were inherited. I've used a rockchucker that belonged to a pal and it was great. Also, the RCII and RCjr are really good smaller presses, but larger than your Spartan. HTH

Regards,
Sweetwater

Buckskin · « **Reply #4 on:** January 07, 2010, 08:55:12 AM »

Rock Chucker without a doubt.

sk330lc · « **Reply #5 on:** January 07, 2010, 10:00:31 AM »

The RCBS Line of presses! the RC can't be beat. The Lymann crusher presses are good to.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #6 on:** January 07, 2010, 10:30:58 AM »

RCBS #1

stimpylu32 · « **Reply #7 on:** January 07, 2010, 10:40:44 AM »

Quote from: scratcherky on January 07, 2010, 06:32:39 AM

For years I have used an old Lyman Spartan press. I decided to update and bought a Lee Classic Cast press which I just can not seem to get used to. I finally figured out the reason being that the old Spartan press linkage toggles over center with ram at the top of its stroke and the new Lee press does not. It just contacts a stop and Lee says none of their presses toggle over center.
So I am looking for a good single stage press with linkage that toggles over center. I would appreciate some inputs or recommendations as to brand and model numbers.

Just wondering why you want a press to toggle over center ? Not sure I see any real advantage to it , I know thats what your used to and it worked for you , However even an old dog like me can learn new tricks ( went form Lee press's to Redding )

stimpy

scratcherky · « **Reply #8 on:** January 07, 2010, 11:33:03 AM »

I like the over center toggle because I feel it is much more positive at the end of the stroke when full length resizing cases. The Lee press has a stop and does not go over center and I feel it does not stop as positive. With the over center toggle there is no spongy feeling and once it goes over center it is I feel more repeatable. I size a lot of rounds for single shot break open guns and like to maintain a close headspace and I have found it is easier with the toggle over press although it is admittedly an antique.

calvon · « **Reply #9 on:** January 07, 2010, 12:06:53 PM »

I've had my Rockchucker since 1971 and my wife since 1959.

Wouldn't trade either for any other I've ever seen.

wncchester · « **Reply #10 on:** January 07, 2010, 12:22:58 PM »

"I am looking for a good single stage press with linkage that toggles over center. I would appreciate some inputs "

You asked.

Forget "toggle over", it means absolutly nothing to your reloading.

The postitive "stop" we get with any toggle over-press is just a stoping point on the lever link, felt well after the sizing has been fully done. What feels "spongy" is the same as my RC (or old Lyman Spart-T) feels if I stop with the ram fully raised. The hard stop afterwards only means we've gone as far passed full case-in-the-die insertion as we can go.

Your cast steel (not weaker, cheaper Chinese cast iron), made in the USA, Classic Cast is the superiour press. And, it's spent primer catcher system is much better than mine.

scratcherky · « **Reply #11 on:** January 07, 2010, 01:05:19 PM »

I disagree that toggle over means nothing to my reloading. It may not to you but I will not have another press without the toggle over feature. So it looks like the RCBS is the way I will go.
Guys, I really appreciate all the inputs.

gypsyman · « **Reply #12 on:** January 07, 2010, 01:57:37 PM »

All 4 of the Redding press's cam over center. The Boss,Big Boss,T-7 turret, and the Ultra-Mag. All have compound linkage to. gypsyman

Drilling Man · « **Reply #13 on:** January 07, 2010, 02:29:32 PM »

Quote from: calvon on January 07, 2010, 12:06:53 PM

I've had my Rockchucker since 1971 and my wife since 1959.

Wouldn't trade either for any other I've ever seen.

BUT, would you trade the 59 model for the 71 model??? lol

DM

41 mag · « **Reply #14 on:** January 07, 2010, 02:39:06 PM »

scratcherky,

I understand where your coming from on the cam over. I was brought up loading on an old RF Wells press that toggled over. My pop and I used it to load countless numbers of rounds. It was especially nice to have it set to top out right where it would break the tar sealant on the milsup '06 we pulled the bullets from. That way you knew you were finished and could raise the handle.

Good luck with your new press may it bring you years of happiness.

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #15 on:** January 07, 2010, 03:16:09 PM »

+1 for the Rock Chucker. My prefrence is the caming over the top.

Drilling Man · « **Reply #16 on:** January 07, 2010, 03:36:10 PM »

I think if you get use to it "camming over", then nothing else will do. But, if you haven't loaded much with a press like that, you won't miss it any.

DM

reflexhunter · « **Reply #17 on:** January 07, 2010, 05:03:06 PM »

I just bought a Hornady lock & load classic kit from Cabelas on sale for $299. It does toggle over, and comes with alot of good stuff. press, digital scale, powder measure, trickler, funnel, etc, etc. Looks like a good heavy press. I just started reloading and am really enjoying it!

ButlerFord45 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 07, 2010, 11:33:30 PM »

Quote from: Drilling Man on January 07, 2010, 03:36:10 PM

I think if you get use to it "camming over", then nothing else will do. But, if you haven't loaded much with a press like that, you won't miss it any.

DM

I'd have to agree 100%, 'cause ya just don't know what you're missing!!

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #19 on:** January 08, 2010, 02:14:26 AM »

had a orange crush lyman and presently have a rock chucker and a hornday lock and load. Of all three of them i like the lock and load the best. Its just as strong and smooth and the lock and load feature is very handy. Hornady was giving away free bullets with them when i bought mine. i had a neigbor come over about 2 months ago with a new lee press. What a pos! It felt like it was full of gravel. Nothing could be called smooth on that press. Dont know if it was a defective press or thats par for the course but i wouldnt give you 50 cents for it.