Author Topic: Which single stage press? (Read 1716 times)

sagegrouse715 · « **on:** January 15, 2010, 07:22:42 PM »

I recently purchased a 1977 Marlin 444 which has the 1/38 twist. Because Hornady is no longer making the flat nose 265 grain cartridges that I would like to shoot and because of the interesting time I had reloading with a friend, I have decided to get into the reloading game. My friend and I both retired this year. He has been reloading for over 40 years and I am going to start out reloading under his guidance, but I can see doing this on my own. I can also see adding reloading for my 223, 270, 30-30, 30-06, and 35 as I enjoy shooting and now have time to do more. My friend has several single stage presses that he uses for the different loading steps. My intention is to purchase one single stage press. I have been doing somehome work on Midway for this purchase and see the cost is between $80-$120 for one that is in cast iron. As I believe these are all in cast iron, I am considering a Hornady LNL, Lee Classic, Lyman Crusher, Redding Boss, and RCBS Rock Chucker. Although I like a good value, I don't see the price difference between these presses significant enough to be the deciding factor. Do they all provide good customer assistance? Are they USA made? Any problems attaching them to a bench? Will any manufacturers die work in them? Do any of them have any undesireable usage features? I have been lurking here and am impressed by the reloading experience that is on this site. I will be very appreciative of any insight and advice that can be offered. Thanks.

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #1 on:** January 16, 2010, 01:18:19 AM »

There are a ton of Rockchucker presses out there... great press
Redding makes top notch equipment... no worries buying the Boss
Hornady is a first rate company pluss the free bullets.

you cannot make a wrong choice.
The Lee and Lyman I have not put my hands on. Personally my progressive presses are Hornady and also mounted on my bench is a Rockchucker.

Lloyd Smale · « **Reply #2 on:** January 16, 2010, 02:12:17 AM »

Ive had a couple rock chucker through the years and a lyman orange crush and just got a hornady lock and load. There all fine presses that will last a lifetime. I bought the hornday because with the free bullet offer your getting it for about half price. I found the lock and load feature real usefull to boot. Is it better then the others? personaly i think its a toss up between the three of them.

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #3 on:** January 16, 2010, 02:14:37 AM »

The Lock and Load is a very nice feature if you change calibers often... I overlooked that (my presses and maybe BRAIN are old school!)!

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #4 on:** January 16, 2010, 03:27:35 AM »

I use a newer Lee classic cast. It is made in USA, It will take any standard die set, three bolts fasten it down, I personally have had great service from Lee. I really like mine and think it is very easy to use.

It can handle any cartridge including .50BMG (Need adapters for the .50cal) and I use the Hornady lock n load bushing in mine.(great things IMHO).

I think any major brand will serve you fine but the Lee works for me.

LaOtto222 · « **Reply #5 on:** January 16, 2010, 03:47:55 AM »

I have an old Rock Chucker that has and is serving me well. I think about getting another press; maybe the Hornady LNL or a Boss, but there is nothing wrong with the one I have and cannot really justify buying another one. I really do not think you can go wrong with any of them. Get the one with the features you like and can get at a good price (on sale maybe) - just make sure it is cast iron.

wncchester · « **Reply #6 on:** January 16, 2010, 03:59:45 AM »

"Badnews Bob" has given you the good news in a nut shell. Listen to the man or waste money better spent on components.

rdmallory · « **Reply #7 on:** January 16, 2010, 04:02:14 AM »

Lee Classic turret and use it like a single stage.

That way you only have to change the disk to change calibers.

It is cast iron and steal.

Doug

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #8 on:** January 16, 2010, 04:08:02 AM »

A press that will handle 50 bmg is great if you will ever reload a 50bmg
If you have no need it is wasted press stroke which will equal fatigue as you age
If I was to get a 50 bmg I would get a seperate press just I did not have the long ram stroke all the time especially for pistol calibers

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #9 on:** January 16, 2010, 06:11:20 AM »

Quote from: Hairtrigger on January 16, 2010, 04:08:02 AM

A press that will handle 50 bmg is great if you will ever reload a 50bmg
If you have no need it is wasted press stroke which will equal fatigue as you age
If I was to get a 50 bmg I would get a seperate press just I did not have the long ram stroke all the time especially for pistol calibers

The Lee converts to long stroke to do the BMG otherwise it is the same as any other full size press.

johnjohn · « **Reply #10 on:** January 16, 2010, 06:35:37 AM »

I have the Lyman Crusher and like it. I think it's all Ford Chevy Dodge type thing. Ya pay your money and take your choice.

wncchester · « **Reply #11 on:** January 16, 2010, 08:50:28 AM »

"I have the Lyman Crusher and like it. I think it's all Ford Chevy Dodge type thing."

John, you are right, at least in one way. There really is little effective difference between presses of the same general type. Problem is we are, in effect, paying for Cadilliacs with all of them but the Lee and still getting Ford Chevy Dodge types. We are actually getting the superiour press, in user features, with the Lee Classic Cast while paying for a Pinto!

Most of us love what we "have", understandably I suppose because they all work well. But, while I have/use a Rock Chucker, I know the Classic Cast (steel) is actually the better built and stronger press.

Oh yeah, the Hornady press body is a cast alum alloy but that really doesn't matter, it's good enough.

Hairtrigger · « **Reply #12 on:** January 16, 2010, 10:13:43 AM »

I have seen threads on people arguing that the Rockchucker is made in china, not sure if just the casting or the assembly too.

Great press where ever

wareagleguy · « **Reply #13 on:** January 16, 2010, 01:39:04 PM »

I have the Lyman Turret press. Works great and only have to setup dies one time and you are done.

Yankeefan · « **Reply #14 on:** January 16, 2010, 04:06:53 PM »

I have a RCBS Rock Chucker and love it. But like others have said I don't think you can go wrong with any of those single stage presses. RCBS has great customer service as does Hornady; I don't have any LEE products. In the end it may come down to what, if any, "extras" the press may come with.

3006softpoint · « **Reply #15 on:** January 16, 2010, 04:51:11 PM »

Well at cabelas they had a few out of the box mounted and i opted for the rock chucker surpreme! Due to the length of the stroke handle 13 3/4 inchs long! I don't think there is a easier working press! My 10 year old son can resize a 7mm rem mag case without a problem on the Rock chucker supreme!

qajaq59 · « **Reply #16 on:** January 17, 2010, 02:03:33 AM »

You can almost pick one by the color you happen to like, so long as it's a single stage, and made of cast iron. They don't have any gadgets that can go wrong. And if you give them even miminal care your great, great, grandson will be able to use it too. I have several and the one I still use the most is a Herter, which is probably older them half the guys in here.

luckydawg13 · « **Reply #17 on:** January 17, 2010, 07:34:39 AM »

i use my dads old lyman gotta be 60+ years old

sagegrouse715 · « **Reply #18 on:** January 19, 2010, 04:52:12 AM »

Thank you for all your responses to my question. I appreciate your experienced opinions on loading presses. It is good to know that I really can't go too wrong with any of the brands. I have come away with this summary:

RCBS Rock Chucker- POSITIVES: made by the industry giant, solid and strong, cast iron, great customer service, very popular with cult like following. NEGATIVES: most expensive, now made in China

Lee Cast- POSITIVES: best buy, value loved by many, very serviceable, cast iron, made in USA, loyal following. NEGATIVES: considered by some as lower quality

Lyman Crusher- POSITIVES: stong, solid press, cast iron, made in USA, old line company, 4 1/2 inch press opening. NEGATIVES: weak customer service reputation

Hornady LNL- POSITIVES: made in USA, great customer service, innovative bushing system. NEGATIVES: cast aluminum weaker than cast iron??

Redding Boss- POSITIVES: made in USA, cast iron, good company reputation. NEGATIVES: 3 1/2 press opening, no passionate following on this forum

Please correct any misconceptions that I have. I intend to choose a color soon. Thanks again for your advice.

mdi · « **Reply #19 on:** January 19, 2010, 06:22:32 AM »

As stated earlier, you probably won't go wrong with any of the presses mentioned. A good single stage press will last your reloading lifetime easy (I still use a C-H press that, I think, was made in the early 50s). I'd get a Lee and use the left over $$ for dies.

A lot of what I see is what I call "tool snobbery". I've been a HD mechanic/electrician for more than 30 years and see guys buying tools solely for the name; the snob value (Snap-On, MAC, etc.) or what their favorite NASCAR team uses. I too see press purchases for the same reason. "So and so gun writer uses RCBS (or Lyman, Redding, or Dillon, etc) so it's gott be the best". So you have done your research and the decision is up to you now

You shouldn't have any trouble with the presses you mentioned.

P.S. I had a Redding for a few years, and the 3 1/2" opening wasn't a prob. with my reloading (mostly pistol and .223 and 7.62X39). It costs a little more than the RCBS so maybe that's why it isn't as popular.

Old Fart · « **Reply #20 on:** January 19, 2010, 09:01:34 AM »

If you can take your time you can usally score a decent deal on a used one in the classifieds here.
No need to buy new as these things will outlast your grandkids.

Like everyone else you really can't go wrong with any you listed.
I've used them all over the years and haven't had a problem with any of them.
Right now today I have mounted on my bench, my original RCBS RC, an old pacific, a midsized lyman, and a lee progressive.

the jigger · « **Reply #21 on:** January 19, 2010, 09:27:18 AM »

I have Lee and RCBS. Both get the job done. I prefer RCBS because their customer service is OUTSTANDING .
I bought a used RockChucker that was missing the threaded die bushing. I called RCBS,explained the situation,
and asked " how much for the bushing ". The young man on the phone said " No Charge ", took my shipping info
and said" Thank you for calling RCBS!" It doesn't get much better than that.
GOOD LUCK and GOOD SHOOTING!!!

Steve P · « **Reply #22 on:** January 19, 2010, 10:08:35 AM »

My presses are either blue (Dillon) or green (RCBS). Four are set up in my reloading room right now. Had a few of the others. Went back to the lifetime and no BS warranties. I loaded 10s of thousands of rounds on an RCBS Jr. Press. Dad retired and gave me his Rock Chucker. My press when to a fellow shooter and new reloader. That Rock Chucker is still chuckin' along after a lot of years and a lot of rounds. Can't beat the warranty and service.

Steve

wncchester · « **Reply #23 on:** January 19, 2010, 11:21:06 AM »

"Lee Cast- POSITIVES: best buy, value loved by many, very serviceable, cast iron, made in USA, loyal following. NEGATIVES: considered by some as lower quality"

You have it exactly correct. But, it's worth mentioning that "considered by some as lower quality" is only a consideration, not a fact that can be supported. I have always found it fasinating (and intellectually dishonest) that so many "price equals quality" snobs equate Lee's small alum alloy presses with other makers larger cast iron pressses as if that were a valid comparison. It is not.

Some praise their Rock Chuckers long life, and with truth but, it's really not an issue. My first cast iron Lyman press was purchased in '65 and still as good as ever. That's all I got to say 'bout that. ??

Even the big iron presses can be and are broken by some owners who think the only solution to a difficulty is to put more pressure on the lever. I've seen several photos of RCs with snapped top bars and one broken lever toggle link. Sure, they probably got fixed for "free" but there is NO vaild reason for the users to have ever broken them. Lee's Classic Cast press body and links are steel, not cheaper, weaker/more brittle cast iron.

And believe it or not, life-time warrantees for "free parts" isn't as great in practice as it sounds. First, the free parts aren't free at all, you pay a bunch for them in the purchase price. IF you are ham-handed enough to break a press you may need that but, if you aren't, you will only pay for those who are. Lee's tools are warranteed for two years, plenty long enough to find any flaw and often longer than that IF you encounter a valid manufactoring defect as opposed to dummy user damage. But, even if you ARE ham-fisted, you can buy three or more Lee Classic Casts for the cost of a Rock Chucker; what kind of "real deal" is that?

I DO have an RC II, not a Lee. But, if I had to replace it tomorrow it would be with a Classic Cast, it's a better press. And it ain't made in China.

The RCBS big press is a Rock CHUCKER, not a "Crusher", that's a Lyman.

woodchuckssuck · « **Reply #24 on:** January 23, 2010, 05:19:05 AM »

LEE classic cast. I have the Lee challenger press, but someday will upgrade to the classic cast.

LEE will take very good care of you if you need something or if something isnt right. I recently had a .35 rem die that had the decapper clamp buggered up and the threads didnt look right to me, it was like that when I got it. Sent them the die back and they had it back to me in 5 days total from the time i put it in the mail!

All of my metallic reloading supplies are LEE. I cant really justify anything more expensive. I am happy with everything of theirs that I have, and they are very friendly if you have a problem, just be friendly yourself with your contact and they will return with good customer service!

flashhole · « **Reply #25 on:** January 23, 2010, 06:30:46 AM »

Sagegrouse - all good advice and I'm glad to see there is no brand bashing in this thread. I favor the Lee Classic Cast single stage over the Rockchucker (it should be clarified it is cast steel, not cast iron), never owned a Lyman press, I also like the Redding Ultramag single stage. I noticed you are going to load 444. I load for 45-70, very similar, and I use a Lee Classic Cast Turret as shown in the top photo below. You will end up with a mix of brands of equipment no matter what press you buy. In the Lee press I have a a Hornady expander die, a Hornady Seat die, and a Redding Taper Crimp Die. I size the cases on a Redding Ultramag (incredible mechanical advantage). You cas see I also outfitted the Lee turret press with another manufacturers funnel for charging. This allows me to use Lee Dipper Cups. I'm not a big fan of auto charging devices. I like to be sure the case is properly charged. Others love the auto charging mechanism and my comment is not intended to flame anyone, I just don't trust them.

Badnews Bob · « **Reply #26 on:** January 23, 2010, 10:22:30 AM »

Nice looking setup Flashhole. The Lees suit me just fine BTW.

millwright · « **Reply #27 on:** January 24, 2010, 01:05:48 PM »

I have a lyman and an rcbs single stage both mounted on my bench for different functions. I like them both. If I buy another press it will be the lee classic turret just for the convenience of changing dies for different calibers. I currently load for 22-250, 243,308,30-06,270,44mag,444,45-70,7mm mag,and 44 spcl. In my opinion, you can't go wrong with any of them. I have been at this for well over thirty years and I know that you will enjoy this hobby very much.

sagegrouse715 · « **Reply #28 on:** January 25, 2010, 08:38:24 AM »

Flash, I am impressed by your bench set up. Very nice!

Again, thank you for sharing all of your thoughts and knowledge. I am visiting a Scheels tomorrow. I want a hands on look at the different presses. My next step is to get a bench built. I have a friend who is a shop teacher and he tells me students are always looking for projects (I have no shop skills or the right tools!) I will pay a good shop student to build me one. In the mean time I am going to continue my reloading apprenticeship. When my bench is completed, I will order a press from Midway. I won't rush into spending my money. I have heard of reloading press shortage.

SHOOTALL · « **Reply #29 on:** January 25, 2010, 08:45:26 AM »

My bench is a very heavy wood and steel one from Sam's club. The top looks like butcher block about 1.5 inch thick , legs are 3 inch sq tube . I added a couple 2X8's to make a shelf about 10 inches off the floor . It is a little over 6 ft. long by 20 or so inches wide just right for standing at or using a stool . It is not attached and has no movement due to its weight .

Author Topic: Which single stage press? (Read 1716 times)

sagegrouse715

sagegrouse715

sagegrouse715