Help choosing a press.

[Jason_A]

Hi, all. I'm a long time reader of AS but this is my first post. I am finally ready to jump into hand loading and would appreciate some opinions on presses. I am looking at the usual suspects Lee Cast, Rockchucker, etc.. But I am really interested in the Hornady LNL system, both the Classic and the Iron.

Have you guys found the Hornady LNL system to produce consistent straight ammo?

The quick change die system is appealing to me and I have found a really good deal on the Iron that puts in the same $$$ range as the Rockchucker when you consider having to buy a priming system separate for the RC.

I am not considering the Lee Breechlock at this point because I have read it is difficult to get repeatable results.

All opinions appreciated, thanks!

Jason.

 

[rockable]

I have a Lee Classic cast iron press and a RCBS RCII. Both do a good job but I am getting the itch for a Forster Co-ax. You will get a lot of recommendations for that one hrre.

 

[snert]

Buy iron...and look and see where it was really made...I prefer buying American. All that is green is not american, just so you know...

snert

 

[sbhooper]

Just getting into reloading, I would say to buy a simple, well-made, single-stage press. I still use a press that I got when I was 17 years old. It was made by a company in Lincoln, Nebraska by the name of Bair. It just shows that a good press is a lifetime investment.

 

[jds holler]

I am "old school", and I think that everyone should start out with a good, sturdy, "O type", single stage press. Learn the fundamentals on one of these, and then branch out to higher tech if you want to. Your old single stage press will always be handy to have around, and many folks never need more. jd

 

[jvw2008]

I have a Redding T7, a RockChucker, Hornady Classic, Hornady LNL, and a Forster Co-Ax. If I was just starting out and could only have one press right now, I'd go with the RockChucker with plans to pick up a Co-Ax later.

 

[ranger3]

For the first press, I would go Rock Chucker or Lee classic cast, Second choice or next would be Forster Co-Ax. Coax does somethings better than others and some things not so well, I wouldn't give mine up.

 

[germanlongbow]

Buy the Forester CoAx and don't look back. Have 22 years of reloading and hundred of thousands of loaded rounds. Never a hiccup. Have a buddy who is 85 this year. actually wore his first one out.

 

[slm9s]

+1 for Lee classic cast. I have 3 lined up and load many rounds up to 50bmg on them.
$116 shipped here: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000KK93DA/?tag=accuratescom-20

 

[SheepDog]

The RCBS Rock Chucker was originally made to swage lead bullets. It will handle all your reloading needs for at least one lifetime. I have been using mine fore more than 40years and it will go a lot longer than I will. If anything was to ever go wrong with it RCBS will repair or replace it with out question. (If you plan to reload for 50 BMG then you will need their bigger press)

 

[Wjesswheel]

I have a Redding T7, a RockChucker, Hornady Classic, Hornady LNL, and a Forster Co-Ax. If I was just starting out and could only have one press right now, I'd go with the RockChucker with plans to pick up a Co-Ax later.

Iam newbie and started with the Rcbs summit. Works in my opinion smother and easier then a rock chucker. And seems to be very consistent when measuring my cases

 

[wholman]

To start out rockchucker to size and a partner press to seat

 

[jds holler]

You could always go with the RCBS "Classic Yaller" Press, although they are hard to find. I picked this one up for 15 bucks at our local gun show. It had been used as a boat anchor I think. Sandblasting and a can of equipment enamel, and now it's one of a kind.

Hawk shops, yard sales, and gun shows are great places to pick these up for around fifty bucks. jd

 

[LHSmith]

If the Hornady LNL press is the one that uses those interrupted thread quick change inserts then I would not recommend it......it does not allow consistent shoulder bumping due to introduced slop in the system. (There are previous threads about this problem). I have several Rockchuckers and Redding Boss presses and much prefer Redding Boss presses. The Redding Boss presses allows you to mount the press to any 4-1/4" thick (3/4" plywood over 2x4 framing) benchtop without notching. The RC needs 3-1/2" max. top thickness for full handle throw. Also, I can remove the roll pin on the Boss so the ram returns downward after TDC eliminating press "cam over" which (IMHO is absolutely undesirable when attempting any consistency in sizing dimensions) causes undue wear on the press and produces non-repeatable results. The standard Boss works well for me because I use them to load at the range, however the Big Boss captures spent primers and a larger ram (adding more weight). I also would consider the Lee Classic Cast if money was an issue. The Coax is expensive, does not allow a means to tweak shoulder setback ( via die shims, or micro die -adjuster) which IMO is mandatory for accuracy work, and has small parts which tend to become lost when changing out the proprietary shell plates. The Coax's virtue is it allows the die to float allowing the case to center itself in the die.........which the same can be done on any single stage press by replacing the SH retaining clip with an o-ring.

 

[danny]

The Classic Cast is a lot of press for the money. I have one and a Co-Ax. It is probably as much press as you will ever need.

Danny

 

[Tommie]

Hard to beat the ol' Rockchucker for a first press. Great one to learn reloading and "if" you later find certain features you'd prefer in your next press, then you can make an experienced decision. But you'll always have plenty of uses for your Rockchucker even after you upgrade. Personally, I'm looking hard at the new MEC press. The self-centering feature looks very interesting.

 

[snert]

You could always go with the RCBS "Classic Yaller" Press, although they are hard to find. I picked this one up for 15 bucks at our local gun show. It had been used as a boat anchor I think. Sandblasting and a can of equipment enamel, and now it's one of a kind.

Hawk shops, yard sales, and gun shows are great places to pick these up for around fifty bucks. jd

Mine is green...but only after 40 years was it replaced with a T7 just for convenience.

 

[Jason_A]

Thanks for all the advice.

The reason I am considering the Hornady LNL is for the quick change bushing system on it, but it sounds like it has the exact issue I was worried about with introducing slop, which would likely equal inconstant results.

At this point I am leaning back towards the Lee Cast because it is the cheapest of the commonly recommended options. And later on down the road getting something more as needed. I will also check Ebay, etc., for used options.

 

[rockable]

Thanks for all the advice.

The reason I am considering the Hornady LNL is for the quick change bushing system on it, but it sounds like it has the exact issue I was worried about with introducing slop, which would likely equal inconstant results.

At this point I am leaning back towards the Lee Cast because it is the cheapest of the commonly recommended options. And later on down the road getting something more as needed. I will also check Ebay, etc., for used options.

If the quick change feature is important to you, go with the Forster. It has quick change and self aligning features. All in all, it is the best single stage press despite its quirks.

 

[savagedasher]

I have Two on my bench and 6 in the shead
On my bench both are red one is a coax the other is Lee classic cast . The cast gets used very seldom . All my dies are set to be snapped in . Don't load much down to a couple hundred a week . Larry