Best compact arbor press?

[21PHX]

What is the best compact arbor press currently available? I have a tall K&M but thinking I’d be better served with a more compact press. What’s your opinion?

 

[MasterYoda]

21st century

 

[dannyjbiggs]

The vertical shaft on my Sinclair is only 8" tall and takes care of all my reloading needs.

 

[L.Sherm]

No complaints with my 21rst.

 

[divingin]

Sinclair and Bald Eagle (if you can find one) are roughly the same size - a couple/few inches shorter than the K&M. The BE is my go-to (never bought a Sinclair, and the BE is easier to adjust and pack than the K&M.) Plus the BE was like $40 when I bought it (&79 when I looked later. Couldn't find it on the Grizzly website last time I looked, though.)

 

[47WillysGuy]

I use a DIY press. Bullet seating is very sensitive with this press. And it’s has a very large adjustment screw for various seater die lengths .

 

[21PHX]

I use a DIY press. Bullet seating is very sensitive with this press. And it’s has a very large adjustment screw for various seater die lengths . View attachment 1497663

Looks a lot like one Jeff Summers uses.

 

[21PHX]

Being financially conservative [cheap! ], I'd just take the upright off the K&M you have now, and cut it off to the length you want-need. Order another upright from K&M to put back on, for those longer cartridges.

One less piece of equipment to manage, handle, and/or forget where you put it.

Finito!

SJ

Good idea!

 

[Hoot]

Not sure who made this as its on loan but it sure works good.




Hoot

 

[SmokinJoe]

Hoot, that is a Sinclair.

 

[urbanrifleman]

Not sure who made this as its on loan but it sure works good.

View attachment 1498441


Hoot

That's the same one I bought from Stick at S&S Precision and it would be the one I would recommend. I believe that's the same as the Harrells.

 

[urbanrifleman]

I use a DIY press. Bullet seating is very sensitive with this press. And it’s has a very large adjustment screw for various seater die lengths . View attachment 1497663

That's genius.

 

[JimPag]

What is the best compact arbor press currently available? I have a tall K&M but thinking I’d be better served with a more compact press. What’s your opinion?

Stick with the K&M. I have bought and sold at least a dozen different brands and all I have left is one K&M and one Hart that was on the cover with my rifle on one issue of Precision Shooting. You can't beat the K&M.

 

[PatMiles]

It isn't compact but this is my hybrid.

 

[SmokinJoe]

K&M is great except for changing height if you load a variety of cartridges. I have Sinclair and 21st Century, love 'em both but would give the edge to the 21st Century.

 

[Bottom Fodder]

I use a small bench top drill press. it’s maybe not the best but
works for me

 

[escopeta]

What I use. Never liked the units on the market. Small cast iron industrial unit that is very smooth and solid. Still make them, but not cheap. I use for PPC, BR and 308. Got this one used for $25.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

What is the best compact arbor press currently available? I have a tall K&M but thinking I’d be better served with a more compact press. What’s your opinion?

You have it already. Just cut it down.

 

[Fire Dog]

Yes it is, Joe. Very well made, easy to use and to maintain. Mine is about 25 years old, and in all those years has loaded and/or neck sized, thousands of cases. Like the old Timex watch ad . . . it has taken a licking, but just keeps on ticking!

SJ

Ya have to be of a "Certain Age" to remember that ad...

 

[Fire Dog]

What I use. Never liked the units on the market. Small cast iron industrial unit that is very smooth and solid. Still make them, but not cheap. I use for PPC, BR and 308. Got this one used for $25.

I recently saw exactly this type of press online and it was referred to as a Jewelry press...
Cannot recall exact price but under $50. The press was rated up to 500lbs force...!