Arbor Press

[moondog]

I bought a set of custom dies from a member here for a caliber that is not "off the shelf"
I'm just waiting for the parts and pieces to get it built. I have fire formed brass.
Question is, the seater is an arbor type. I could do a Whidden or, I could just get an
Arbor press. Which one? never used one before and know jack about them.
All my other Dies are 7/8-14 in a Harrells or RCBS.

 

[Mulligan]

I suggest you get an arbor press.
The difference in bullet seating force is telling. It has helped me to recognize and therefore fix most of the bigger flaws in my brass prep.

It also makes loading at the range a bit easier.
CW

Edit
For what is worth, I have a K&M with the gauge thingy and it works very well.
CW

 

[nmkid]

I use the Bald Eagle arbor press. It's $75.00 and works just fine. This is the only arbor press I own so, I don't know if it's OK or not. However, I'm shooting some very good groups seating bullets with it. For my type of shooting I can't see spending more. Don't let the "pinkish" color scare you. LOL. Actually it's not that bad in person. The previous 2 sentences are what was relayed to me when I was asking about the B E arbor press.

 

[Falfan2017]

Spend a bit more and get the km with force pack.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

I like the k&m if youre not measuring force. Any of the arbor presses do the same thing so its just a personal pref thing

 

[TIMO]

The arbor press is the way to go. Here is mine, an old shotgun press I believe.
Works very well.
Tim

 

[Mikemci]

I seat for pistols with the Rockchucker press, but for my rifle, the 21st century arbor press is my preferrence. You get a much better feel of seating pressure.

 

[JFrank]

I have a Harrell's I like very much.
Can't comment on other brands

 

[#40Fan]

Anything that pushes straight down will work. I have a beer bottle capper that I use, but in a slightly different way.

 

[Dusty Stevens]

Anything that pushes straight down will work. I have a beer bottle capper that I use, but in a slightly different way.

Your hand will work too

 

[tn6br]

Homemade one I cobbled together with an eight dollar clamp and scrap iron. Have a harrells now I bought used and I'm not sure which one I like more.

 

[#40Fan]

Your hand will work too

I've done that a few times. Using my palm. Left a bruise, but didn't hurt any. Took a couple of months for it to go away. Then I did it again.

 

[AlNyhus]

Love my K&M.

 

[mikeinct]

Homemade one I cobbled together with an eight dollar clamp and scrap iron. Have a harrells now I bought used and I'm not sure which one I like more.

Lovin' It.!!!mike in ct

 

[tn6br]

Lovin' It.!!!mike in ct

works well. I get better feel with this one than Harrels. Bolted together for adjustability and portability.

 

[1shot]

I've got the 21st century with the PSI gauge. It is miles above seating with a conventional press in terms of feel, not to mention making really straight ammo. With the gauge it gives you a numerical value to reference, but any good arbor press will work just as well.
I hope this helps.

Lloyd

 

[moondog]

Thanks to all for the info, Arbor it is

 

[mike06]

I have the K&M with Wilson Seating Dies no gauges seems to do real well getting a nice straight load.

 

[rjtfroggy]

Harbor Freight $59.99. It aint fancy or pretty but it works.

 

[Twicepop]

I use a B-Square, it's strong enough for case sizing with Wilson dies, and transmits good "feel-back" (lack of a better term) when bullet seating.