BCM and Harrel Presses

[LRCampos]

I am considering start reloading at the range and would like to have a press that would fit my needs on reloading 6mmBR, .30BR and .308win calibers.

The best setup press I saw is this Italian made: http://www.bcmeuropearms.it/presse_eng.html

Two 7/8-14 Die station and one Straight Die,Wilson) station is everything I ever need.


There are other two presses that I a studying, both from Harrell:

Harrell Combo Press:

It has one 7/8-14 die station and one Wilson style die station.
The only problem I see is the price of U$275,00. With U$245,00 I can buy a Harrell Compact Press AND a Harrell Arbor Press...


Other option is the Harrell Turret Press:

This press seems to be very handy as it allow up to 4 7/8-14 dies ,ex: a full length sizer, a neck sizer, a seater and a decaping die).
On the book "Handloading for Competition" the author says lots of good things on this press.


So, I would like any opinion and experience about these 3 presses to reload the 6BR, 30BR and .308win calibers at the range.
Thank you in advance!

 

[Winchester69]

You do not want to perform more than one press operation at a time. Perhaps the mention of that will assist in your decision-making.

Another consideration is the value of having your dies permanently set up in the press.

I would not consider de-capping on one of these presses. A punch and base, to me, would be a better solution.

Beyond that, anticipate what your reloading process will be, and then pick the hardware that best fits that process. Your choice of seating die will be a determinant. Cost should be the least consideration,it has no influence on the results of the reloading process) unless it is prohibitive, and, if it is prohibitive, the decision-making is further simplified.

Two 7/8-14 Die station and one Straight Die,Wilson) station is everything I ever need.

Maybe you're well on your way. Confirmation of quality?
.

 

[LRCampos]

On the last hours I received some emails and PM about those press and one in particular was eye opening...

A gentleman from US who has the BCM press took a photo of the BCM press and a Hood press, side by side. And the BCM press is a BIG press!!!

It seems that it is not the best option to bring at the range as it is a big press... and very expensive: about 350 Euros in Italy. After shipping to US the price will be closer of U$700,00.


Now I would like some opinion on the Harrell Turret Press. Is it as good as the single die station Harrell press?

 

[spclark]

I have a Harrel's turret & love it. Also 2 Rock Chuckers, of different vintages.
I've hauled the former to the range before, many times. A BCM would never leave my bench.

I can't recommend decapping on quality presses. The resulting grit is too abrasive & nearly impossible to prevent getting into where it shouldn't be. I use a Wilson decapping pin & base for my reloading needs. Quick & easy and the grit stays off my presses & away from my reloading bench.

That you can get heads for the Harrel with 2, 3 or 4 die positions might be advantageous,they cost the same) if you don't always want room for 4 dies. Very easy to change.

Can't vouch for the Harrel's single but they take pride in their products so I'd guess they're as good as they can make them!

 

[memilanuk]

I have one of the Harrell's combo presses. As mentioned, it will decap, but keeping the mess from getting where it shouldn't is an issue. I tend to blow mine out at home w/ an air compressor, but decapping separately is certainly an option.

I believe - not certain, call 'em to verify - that you can get Harrell's to modify the press with a threaded hole for a seater die as well, and a plug insert for use w/ a hand die. Best of both worlds. I got mine used, and haven't ever gotten around to calling and seeing if they would do it retro.

This is just my personal opinion... but I've tried a number of portable presses, and I've never been happy with the feel of F/L sizing on any of them. I've tried Lee Reloader & hand presses, an RCBS Partner, and the Harrell's. Either the process is too difficult,press wanting to tip off the bench even when clamped down securely), or just doesn't 'feel' right. I think part of the problem is that I have plain old factory dies, not custom dies cut w/ reamers to match the chamber in a particular rifle, so my sizing process may be a bit more than these setups are really intended for.

YMMV.

Monte

 

[spclark]

I size cases on my RCBS presses. Seating or neck sizing only is done on the Harrel's. It might be up to the task of full-length sizing cases but it's not something I'd want to try....

 

[LRCampos]

I just got my hands on a Harrell Compact press .308 size, and looking at it I have doubts if there is enough space to size and seat bullets with the .308 win caliber.

I have no caliper,only a measure tape), shell holder and .308win brass on hand, but measure with a tape it looks like the space on the "C" is about 2,5 inches long. With the shell holder, it may be only about 2,3 inches long.
The brass is 2,110 aprox., and with a Redding Competition/Match seater with sleeve, is it enough to put a bullet and seat?

Anyone uses this press to seat a .308win caliber?

 

[rayjay]

Here is my set up for storing and transporting my Harell's Combo and most of the related junk needed to load at the range. I used foam from a laptop shipping box. Roughly cut it out with a single edge razorblade. I need to start remembering to take my cheap Lee C press for decapping.