More valuable for reloads

[Nofudd]

Which would you consider more valuable to produce quality reloads. A new press or new powder dispenser.
I have a harrells premium powder measure and rcbs beam scale( drop light a trickle)along with a lee single stage(depriming) and a redding single stage. I'm kinda tired of changing out dies so thinking about a redding t7 or an rcbs chargemaster supreme. Only reason I am interested in new powder dispenser is because of the "crunch " with the harrells.

 

[Mike Casselton]

I still can't figure out why so many people have issues changing out dies.
It takes 15 seconds to loosen, remove and install/tighten the next die.

I've always thought that if someone was in that big of a hurry, they really didn't have time to reload. Being in that mindset, one would be prone to making a serious mistake.

 

[Nofudd]

I still can't figure out why so many people have issues changing out dies.
It takes 15 seconds to loosen, remove and install/tighten the next die.

I've always thought that if someone was in that big of a hurry, they really didn't have time to reload. Being in that mindset, one would be prone to making a serious mistake.

It's not the act of changing them I guess it's feeling like it's not exactly the same as when you set it up. Yes I use the lock rings. I guess it's just trying to eliminate a variable. That's all. Was thinking also about getting a forster co ax. N

 

[HTSmith]

Was thinking also about getting a forster co ax

Get it!

 

[Doom]

FWIW, I use a Lyman T-Mag II and for the last 10years used a Charge Master 1500. Any Powder Measure will have a crunch factor with extruded powders to some degree. Using a turret press isn't much of a benefit for rifle in my opinion. I'm not convinced that ever the high end turrets buy much benefit over a good old single stage. As for Charge Masters, I have abandoned the 1500 in favor of a RCBS Quick Change Thrower and a trickier. I honestly doubt that either option would produce better ammunition.

 

[Ned Ludd]

Are your loaded rounds already consistent in terms of CBTO, and do they have minimal run out? If "yes", a new press isn't going to offer all that much in terms of the consistency of the final product. Likewise for a new powder dispenser, if your thrown charge weights are already consistent. Although each of these items might increase the reloading speed and/or reduce the effort by a small amount, you could spend a lot of $$$ and not end up with loaded rounds that are noticeably more consistent than what you're already producing. In terms of spending your money wisely to improve the quality of your handloads, try to determine what is the weakest link in your reloading setup chain, and address any shortcomings in that piece of equipment first.

 

[LHSmith]

Chargemaster. Precision reloads come from the dies ( one that matches YOUR chamber)-not the press. CM makes reloading less tedious-less chance for error.

 

[6Creed73]

A turret press will add convenience, but not sure it will be an upgrade as far as producing "quality loads". Imo, a single stage press makes the best ammo for precision.

If you don't like changing dies, you can always use the Hornady Lock N Load bushings with your existing press. I use them with my RCBS Rebel and switching dies is a breeze. For me, it's less about the time it takes to switch dies, and more about not needing to setup the sizing dies again. I also have a Forster Coax...also very easy to swap dies.

 

[Bill Norris]

A turret press will add convenience, but not sure it will be an upgrade as far as producing "quality loads". Imo, a single stage press makes the best ammo for precision.

If you don't like changing dies, you can always use the Hornady Lock N Load bushings with your existing press. I use them with my RCBS Rebel and switching dies is a breeze. For me, it's less about the time it takes to switch dies, and more about not needing to setup the sizing dies again. I also have a Forster Coax...also very easy to swap dies.

Lee makes a good set of bushings that enable setting the die and swapping out with a twist as well. Just need to replace the press insert to accept them. Fast and simple. Been using them now for several years and would not want to be without them.

 

[Nofudd]

Lee makes a good set of bushings that enable setting the die and swapping out with a twist as well. Just need to replace the press insert to accept them. Fast and simple. Been using them now for several years and would not want to be without them.

Yes I have them in my lee(depriming and swaging)

 

[wkndwarrior]

Can you implement a quick change set up on your press? I use Hornady lnl bushings on my rcbs press and it makes change outs easy. Almost as easy as the coax.

 

[Nofudd]

Can you implement a quick change set up on your press? I use Hornady lnl bushings on my rcbs press and it makes change outs easy. Almost as easy as the coax.

I'm not sure it's a redding big boss2. I know the bushing comes out because I over tightend a die and it came ot with die .

 

[JSH]

I have progressives and a RC and a Forster coax. Like tools in a tool box, depends on the task. Whittle it down to one, give me the RC.
Worrying about consistency, you would be using wilson arbor dies.

I have used arbor dies in years past from a friend. They made me and the rig at the time shoot no better or worse.

I am also of the thoughts if the bottom line of taking a few seconds to screw and unscrew a die, you may need to think about it.
As far as consistency, I check EVERY time just to double check each and every step.

 

[SSL]

Though I use progressives for all of my handgun loads, I use only single-stage presses for rifle cartridges. Maybe a bit silly of me, but I can't get used to the idea that a rotating head or shell plate will index perfectly at every stage to create the best precision rifle loads. Perhaps just me, but I want everything as perfectly in line and rigid as possible.

 

[snert]

I don't know if I can answer your question directly, but you seem to be on a path I walked, so I will tell you how I upgraded and why, and how it works. Walk a mile in my shoes, so to speak...

I started with a RCBS Jr press when I was 14. I am 60 now. I used that single stage for everything, including loading 1500 40SW and 1000 223 one winter. (I could do rt arm handstands when done!)

I use three different powder measures. All are Redding and all are specific to the load range I use (10X, 30BR and LR50) I do not have an electric trickler. I use stick and ball powders. All throw very well, and I throw a tad low and trickle up, unless it is ball and frankly, the smaller Redding measures are darned accurate.

I've always been pleased with this set up. However, I started loading in bulk and yet I wanted control over variables, so I bought a T7. It is as strong, accurate and works just as well as a single stage solid press. I see no issues at all, even with larger magnum cases.

What I love about it is I can set up two cartridges on it, plus I can set up a Redding Intant Indicator next to the seat die. I use Comp seat dies. I seat long, then click the turret over to the Instant indicator, run it up and measure, then wind the difference into the comp seat die, click back and full seat the bullet. This makes up for differences in the bullets.

I often load different cartridges in a sitting...sizing and prepping one, loading and seating others. The T7 has changed how I do everything. I love it and I would not sell it or give it away. I now use my Jr press for universal decapping only. I have a Dillon 550 that I use for plinking and bulk ammo, but when it comes to stuff that matters...T7.

 

[William Vogel]

Which would you consider more valuable to produce quality reloads. A new press or new powder dispenser.
I have a harrells premium powder measure and rcbs beam scale( drop light a trickle)along with a lee single stage(depriming) and a redding single stage. I'm kinda tired of changing out dies so thinking about a redding t7 or an rcbs chargemaster supreme. Only reason I am interested in new powder dispenser is because of the "crunch " with the harrells.

I bought the RCBS Matchmaster because I didn’t want to be disappointed with the Supreme and have to buy another. I was using a dropper and a beam scale. The scale on the Matchmaster is awesome for way more than loading powder.

 

[fkimble@charter.net]

more about not needing to setup the sizing dies again.

I have sizing dies that only get re-setup when the gun gets a new barrel. My gunsmith using my reamer minimizes the need for re-adjustments. The lock ring is locked, it doesn't change it's setting unless brute force is used. Just a good one hand snugging down and go!

Those quick-change bushings introduce another possible connection that can come loose and change your adjustment. The turrent presses need a little slack to be able to rotate. This slack can cause the die and case to have a mis-alignment.

You have the top of the line "thrower" style powder measure. They all crunch when using stick powder.

Better bullets and barrels is where I would be looking. And I know that feeling where you just want to "buy" something new. Car dealers love when people get that feeling!

Frank

 

[Mike Casselton]

It's not the act of changing them I guess it's feeling like it's not exactly the same as when you set it up. Yes I use the lock rings. I guess it's just trying to eliminate a variable. That's all. Was thinking also about getting a forster co ax. N

I have a witness mark on my press, one on the lock ring, and one (or more) on the die.

For bushing dies, I also have a mark on the top stem and the lock ring. I write the bushing diameter on the top of the stem.

I install the die, tighten it and look at the witness marks. They line up.

If for some crazy reason they aren't aligned, it's simple to realign and press on.

 

[jcm800]

I'd rate a F/L S die with a proper neck bushing and a good seating die near the top.
The RCBS/ Hornady drum measures crunch less than the Lyman slide measures.
If your using a trickler it dosn't matter. Turrent press seems like a step backwards.

 

[drop_point]

You can adapt the Hornady Lock-N-Load bushing system for the Redding Big Boss II if the couple of seconds it takes to change dies is a big concern.

A powder dispenser system doesn't enhance precision, but can speed up your process. In fact, you may be more precise with the beam scale.

For me, I'm always looking for a way to shave time off my loading process. I use a Super Trickler at the moment, and it can have a charge ready for me before I'm finished seating a bullet in the previously charged case.

What sort of trimming setup are you using? That may be your biggest block of time to save money, likely much more than the time it takes to screw dies in and out.