Dusty Stevens
Shiner
That looks like an ad for lee products- send it in maybe theyll finish filling up your rack
Turret Press or Single Stage
- Thread starter Stud Duck
- Start date
Longtrain
Gold $$ Contributor
When I had shot XTC and need to crank out lots of basically the same ammo, I used a Dillon 550C, worked great. Now, I’m looking to make my ammo one at a time for FClass precision, and therefore a single stage works for me. Each die is set up, checked and then process ammo. Each round is as good as I can make them.
So many questions on this forum ask for choices, tough to answer, as each has its benefits and drawbacks. I use what I use because it works.
BTW I also use a Lee classic and my runout is under .001 with Lapua brass and Whidden dies.
So many questions on this forum ask for choices, tough to answer, as each has its benefits and drawbacks. I use what I use because it works.
BTW I also use a Lee classic and my runout is under .001 with Lapua brass and Whidden dies.
I tend to agree! Using the light weight Forster aluminum lock rings on all my dies, it really easy to swap the dies in and out. This is on a Rock Chucker press too.
Yes, the classic cast is strong enough to FL size just about everything. The heaviest work I have done is reforming 30/30 cases down to 25/35 Win. Worked fine.
and an inline fabrication Ultramount to switch back and forth. Quality single stage for precision, but hard to beat a turret for pistol (4 die sets). I know, I know...progressive might beat it...lol.Best to have all the options as you get into it - Single stage, turret and Progressive. Use the right tool for the job at hand.
Ponsness Warren Metallic 2 is worth a look.
Whisky Tahoe Foxtrot
Silver $$ Contributor
If you compare presses that only support 7/8"-14 threads, then you are sort of limited to single stage, turret, and progressive comparisons.
However, it your single stage press supports the larger 1"-12 threads usually with some threaded adapter you have more options. With the RCBS Rock Chucker for instance, you can remove the thread reducer at the top and replace it with Hornady's LocknLoad adapters. With that on your press, you can spin the die side adapter on your dies, adjust them once, and have as many dies ready to go. Drop in and twist to lock.
The T7 with multiple heads is a great solution but if you don't already have the T7, you can still get the flexibility of a turret with the economy of a single stage.
I have an older Redding T25 which should have been called the T6 as it has 6 die holes. I have my competition threaded seating dies in that press. Since the OP is only concerned with accuracy acceptable for hunting, he probably doesn't have or need competition seating dies. I haven't bothered with comparing accuracy between using the competition dies in a dedicated press or with Hornady LnL inserts, so I can't say there's compelling reasons one way or the other. I just assumed that the LnL might add a .001 or .002 of variability.
While testing that theory would be warranted, I haven't bothered yet.
For sizing, expanding, and seating hunting bullets, I use a Rock Chucker with the Hornady LnL inserts. Twist and lock in any die and I am ready to go. It's fast and I only have to adjust the die once. My son and I share my reloading bench and this setup allows us to have all the dies for my rifles and his pistols and rifles already setup.
Using a marker, I index the die after twisting it to lock. That tells me if it moves from the locked in position. Some have reported their inserts don't stay put. I haven't had that issue. I use the indexing with my bullet pullers mostly as they require turning CCW and CW to tighten and loosen the collets. That will require some attention to twist the die back to lock after releasing the bullet.
Amazon and Ebay are great sources for the 10 pack of inserts so you don't spend more than you have to.
While this setup isn't for everybody, it sure works great in my space-constrained reloading area.
However, it your single stage press supports the larger 1"-12 threads usually with some threaded adapter you have more options. With the RCBS Rock Chucker for instance, you can remove the thread reducer at the top and replace it with Hornady's LocknLoad adapters. With that on your press, you can spin the die side adapter on your dies, adjust them once, and have as many dies ready to go. Drop in and twist to lock.
The T7 with multiple heads is a great solution but if you don't already have the T7, you can still get the flexibility of a turret with the economy of a single stage.
I have an older Redding T25 which should have been called the T6 as it has 6 die holes. I have my competition threaded seating dies in that press. Since the OP is only concerned with accuracy acceptable for hunting, he probably doesn't have or need competition seating dies. I haven't bothered with comparing accuracy between using the competition dies in a dedicated press or with Hornady LnL inserts, so I can't say there's compelling reasons one way or the other. I just assumed that the LnL might add a .001 or .002 of variability.
While testing that theory would be warranted, I haven't bothered yet.
For sizing, expanding, and seating hunting bullets, I use a Rock Chucker with the Hornady LnL inserts. Twist and lock in any die and I am ready to go. It's fast and I only have to adjust the die once. My son and I share my reloading bench and this setup allows us to have all the dies for my rifles and his pistols and rifles already setup.
Using a marker, I index the die after twisting it to lock. That tells me if it moves from the locked in position. Some have reported their inserts don't stay put. I haven't had that issue. I use the indexing with my bullet pullers mostly as they require turning CCW and CW to tighten and loosen the collets. That will require some attention to twist the die back to lock after releasing the bullet.
Amazon and Ebay are great sources for the 10 pack of inserts so you don't spend more than you have to.
While this setup isn't for everybody, it sure works great in my space-constrained reloading area.
The Lee Cast Classic is plenty for full length sizing, even when doing light forming, but for major stuff like 9.3x72R(right) to 6.5x58R Sauer(center) a little more umph is needed.
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/924/6v77Cn.jpg
https://imagizer.imageshack.com/v2/640x480q90/924/6v77Cn.jpg
jonbearman
I live in new york state,how unfortunate !
I like my Dillon 550 because it isnt such a contraption as some progressive presses. I have had lee stuff and still do but their progressives to me seem like contraptions to me, its just an opinion because they do work well , just have to get used to them.
I'm with post#17 I started with the RCBS Single Stage Rockchucker for all my reloading , screwing in each die , no big deal , I'm not reloading large quantities . I'm a benchrest shooter only , 308 bolt action so I take my time at every stage , for accuracy and hunting I wouldn't thing turning out large quantities of reloads , unless time is the issue.
Back in the spring I think, the Bulletin had a deal of the week on the Lyman Brass Smith turret for $139 IIRC. Kicking myself now for not jumping on that deal.
That's a nice looking press and will serve you well, I am sure. As you get into it, you will start accumulating more equipment. It's a natural progression.
Good luck.
Good luck.
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.