Hey guys, so I know this topic has been beat to death on here and I did read through all the old threads I could find, but I still felt that it was worth resurrecting. I had a lee breech lock challenger press about ten years ago when I was in high school that I loaded 270 on that did great for me. I liked the breech lock die collar system, the auto prime dispenser worked well enough, and the primer catching system worked just fine without having to put on a big tray or spraying spent primers all over the place. Unfortunately my mom sold the house I grew up in and got rid of a lot of my stuff when I was off at college. Now I’m getting into building “precision” AR’s for coyote hunting, and I’m eager to get back to reloading both for accuracy and also to possibly dabble in some mild wildcatting (223 AI, 22 Nosgar, 22 hellcat). So I’m looking for good single stage press with similar functionality to my old Lee Challenger, but maybe something with a greater capacity for precision. Thanks guys!
Best all around Single Stage press?
- Thread starter Kaianuanu
- Start date
jghoghunter
Gold $$ Contributor
I've been using a Lyman Orange Crusher for almost 30 years and very happy.
nwmnbowhunter
Silver $$ Contributor
I've bought/used 5 presses in the past year.
All were extremely consistent. None were bad. I consider shoulder bumping consistency and seating depth consistency most important. All were within 0.001 over 50 cases and runout was the same on all of them.
Rcbs rock chucker iv [been using for 20 years] solid press, primers spill often when decapping.
MEC marksman with inline roller handle- smoothest press I've used, awesome front access. No priming. Maybe 1 of 100 primers spilled out.
Redding big boss ii. Big, solid, sturdy, good primer chute through ram. Good access. Bomb proof. Was the most consistent by the smallest of margins.
Redding T7 with roller handle. Really really good press, basically as good as the big boss but with 7 turret head.
I'm teaching a new guy to reload and encouraged him to get T7. He loves it. I let him try the others and he chose the t7.
For simple bomb proof single stage i would get Redding big boss ii.
All were extremely consistent. None were bad. I consider shoulder bumping consistency and seating depth consistency most important. All were within 0.001 over 50 cases and runout was the same on all of them.
Rcbs rock chucker iv [been using for 20 years] solid press, primers spill often when decapping.
MEC marksman with inline roller handle- smoothest press I've used, awesome front access. No priming. Maybe 1 of 100 primers spilled out.
Redding big boss ii. Big, solid, sturdy, good primer chute through ram. Good access. Bomb proof. Was the most consistent by the smallest of margins.
Redding T7 with roller handle. Really really good press, basically as good as the big boss but with 7 turret head.
I'm teaching a new guy to reload and encouraged him to get T7. He loves it. I let him try the others and he chose the t7.
For simple bomb proof single stage i would get Redding big boss ii.
Shooter13
Gold $$ Contributor
"The Best" will depend on what you want it to do, Ultimate Reloader has a great 14 press review, the RockChucker was second only to the $1000 prezipress. I have 2 of them, I also added a Rebel and that thing is a TANK and does a great job, the primer dispenser is lacking but a few guys have "kits" to put on and they work really well, @The German makes one I think. I shoot competition benchrest and all work really well, checking runout is more on your dies than your press. I think if I add another press it will be the prezipress or the Area 419 Zero.
topclass2017
Gold $$ Contributor
Started with a rockchucker, went to a progressive, back to the 'chucker, tried a turret...and went back to the 'chucker. So for me, I recommend to people that ask, "try a rockchucker". I've added Hornady lock 'n' load bushings which make die changes quick and easy.
Some people like chocolate and some vanilla ice cream. And for the same reason everyone will have a favorite single stage press.
Some people like chocolate and some vanilla ice cream. And for the same reason everyone will have a favorite single stage press.
Outrider27
Gold $$ Contributor
Been using the same Rockchucker since 1972, no complaints what so ever.
Started with a Lee “Whack-a-Mole”back in the 60s. Yeah I know, I am old
Went to rcbs rockchucker in early 70s
Got a forstner in the 80s
(Got Dillon and hornady progs in the 90s)
still use R/C for lots of case prep
Still use Forstner for accuracy loads
like said prior post-chocolate or vanilla, all good
Went to rcbs rockchucker in early 70s
Got a forstner in the 80s
(Got Dillon and hornady progs in the 90s)
still use R/C for lots of case prep
Still use Forstner for accuracy loads
like said prior post-chocolate or vanilla, all good
Mine has the same birthday, but I do seat with Wilson dies on a PSECO arbour press I inherited.
Pseco Arbor Press
www.thebarn.net.au
Yeah hard to get a precise answer on this one. A few friends use the RCBS Rockchucker, never hear of any complaints. I started with a Redding Big Boss II - it was good but I sold it to friend who wanted to get into reloading. Bought a MEC Marksman press and extremely happy with it and would recommend to anyone. If I was ever to upgrade, the only thing that looks interesting is the Area 419 Zero press. Looks bomb proof and and just exudes quality - for a price of course.
Jager
Gold $$ Contributor
No doubt if you (the OP) still had that old Lee Challenger press, it would serve just fine to build those "precision AR" loads you have in mind.
There are things that matter in making top notch ammo... and things that don't. Barring some niche requirement (like loading in the field), the brand of press you use is way down the list of things that are ever going to make any difference downrange.
There are things that matter in making top notch ammo... and things that don't. Barring some niche requirement (like loading in the field), the brand of press you use is way down the list of things that are ever going to make any difference downrange.
I used a Rockchucker for 50 years but was getting some flop in a few places so it was retired.
Now I have a pair of Redding Big Boss 2's which I love. They are 100% made in the USA, heavily built and have a primer catching system that's not in the way and actually works.
Now I have a pair of Redding Big Boss 2's which I love. They are 100% made in the USA, heavily built and have a primer catching system that's not in the way and actually works.
garandman
Bolt Gun Bodacious
Rockchucker. With Hornady L-N-L quick change bushings works well. For me.
For seating bullets, I use LE Wilson chamber type dies. Less than 0.001 runout. Use with K&M Precision arbor press. I do wish the actuator arm was a little longer / beefier. The arm is so short it's actually hard to get a feel for neck tension. I suppose I should get the gauge that goes with it.
I prefer hand priming... again, for the "feel" it communicates.
For seating bullets, I use LE Wilson chamber type dies. Less than 0.001 runout. Use with K&M Precision arbor press. I do wish the actuator arm was a little longer / beefier. The arm is so short it's actually hard to get a feel for neck tension. I suppose I should get the gauge that goes with it.
I prefer hand priming... again, for the "feel" it communicates.
Last edited:
Upgrades & Donations
This Forum's expenses are primarily paid by member contributions. You can upgrade your Forum membership in seconds. Gold and Silver members get unlimited FREE classifieds for one year. Gold members can upload custom avatars.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.
Click Upgrade Membership Button ABOVE to get Gold or Silver Status.
You can also donate any amount, large or small, with the button below. Include your Forum Name in the PayPal Notes field.
To DONATE by CHECK, or make a recurring donation, CLICK HERE to learn how.