Wack a mole lee loader. Want better.

[divingin]

Optics Planet $75.00 cheaper than Midway. Back order but for 75 bucks I would wait

Lee Value 4 Hole Turret Press Kit 90928 Additional Features: Deluxe Turret Press Kit w/ Auto Index, 17% Off w/ Free Shipping​

Personally, I'd spend the extra $75 and avoid the Optics Planet backorder nightmare. I once waited about 9 months for them to get a neck bushing from Hornady (despite it showing back in stock after a couple), only for them to cancel the order. Since then, I try to avoid Optics Planet.

That said, if you're shooting a lot of pistol (say, more than 100 rds a week), a progressive will work well. The trick to setting them up is to work on getting one station correct at a time, in order. I use a Hornady AP for the 3 pistol calibers I shoot; works well, IMO. Never used a turret press, so no input there.

You can get by with a single stage press (it's actually handy to have even with a progressive, for those one off things that always seem to crop up); it's just more handle pulling.

 

[Homerange]

Thanks again guys. I may just end up deciding that a single stage is all I need. If I do want to upgrade later once I've mastered the single stage I'll move up to a multi-station turret press or progressive. As someone else stated the press should have some resale value.

I do like the beefiness if the rock chucker. A youtube review of several single stage presses said it was the press that produced the most professional factory like ammo. Or something to the equivalent.

I did see some of those o type presses but the rock chucker was available on Amazon for $180 shipped. Meaning that the price was right. Even presses are on backorder with some people on ebay price gouging.

And no I don't know it all. I know a little, more than some less than others. That's why I am here asking the community. Thanks for the help everyone.

RC IV is rock solid and bullet proof and you will probably never need another. Learning to set dies properly will be your next challenge to maintain case datum length (bumping shoulders) for brass to chamber easily.
With a handful of different dies you will need additional die lock rings so to have repeatability when refitting dies to the press. You can double up lock rings and snug them together however the split/clamping type or those with a locking screw are easier to get right without need to fuss with 2 spanners.
Have fun and enjoy the learning curve.

 

[JimSC]

Personally, I'd spend the extra $75 and avoid the Optics Planet backorder nightmare. I once waited about 9 months for them to get a neck bushing from Hornady (despite it showing back in stock after a couple), only for them to cancel the order. Since then, I try to avoid Optics Planet.

That said, if you're shooting a lot of pistol (say, more than 100 rds a week), a progressive will work well. The trick to setting them up is to work on getting one station correct at a time, in order. I use a Hornady AP for the 3 pistol calibers I shoot; works well, IMO. Never used a turret press, so no input there.

You can get by with a single stage press (it's actually handy to have even with a progressive, for those one off things that always seem to crop up); it's just more handle pulling.

I use my Lee as a single stage not as a progressive and just like the convenience of the die storage. See the thread I linked in a earlier post on the Lee 4 holers. The convenience of once my dies are set up I never have to readjust, just change the turret is priceless. My Rockchucker just gathers dust, I shouild sell it to someone who does not mind vacuuming all the spent primers off the floor after depriming.

As far as backorders go never order anything on backorder if you are in a hurry to get it. I have a couple of thousand rifle bullets on backorder from three major supply houses. Been backordered from one to four months. Luckily I have over a thousand of each type sitting on the shelf, so no hurry. When they get here they get here. Proper planning and all that jazz

 

[Pangab]

One question about dies you guys may be able to help me out with.

So availabilities an issue for dies as well. I'd rather get it now so my options are limited. For the 30-06 I have a choice the Lee ultimate Four die set.

The lee includes the shell holder and the factory crimp... or the two die set from RC BS which is full size resizing only.

The lee is at $70 the other is closer to 50.

 

[SSL]

One question about dies you guys may be able to help me out with.

So availabilities an issue for dies as well. I'd rather get it now so my options are limited. For the 30-06 I have a choice the Lee ultimate Four die set.

The lee includes the shell holder and the factory crimp... or the two die set from RC BS which is full size resizing only.

The lee is at $70 the other is closer to 50.

Crimping die is a waste of time, in my opinion. Good neck tension is enough unless you are dealing with tubular magazines or the really big "boomers". It also requires close attention to case length for consistent bullet release. I'd choose the RCBS and be sure to set up your seating die not to crimp.

 

[Mad_Charlie]

I would stick with RCBS. I started using my RCBS .30-'06 die in 1975, still works fine.
Keeping your equipment clean and lightly oiled works wonders for longevity.

 

[358WCF]

One question about dies you guys may be able to help me out with.

So availabilities an issue for dies as well. I'd rather get it now so my options are limited. For the 30-06 I have a choice the Lee ultimate Four die set.

The lee includes the shell holder and the factory crimp... or the two die set from RC BS which is full size resizing only.

The lee is at $70 the other is closer to 50.

Opinions are like certain body parts, but here's mine. I would stay far far away from anything with Lee on the label. Just personal preference & observation from a few decades back. A Lee 30-06 die set is the only die set I've ever just pitched in the trash. Long story, but suffice to say they were that far out of spec. Maybe they've improved since then. There is nothing wrong with 2 die RCBS rifle sets.

Keep it simple. You're just getting started. Go slow, go far. Walk well before running. Work up from the basics. Nothing is more discouraging than an $$ pile of stuff that doesn't do what you want it to do & you have no idea what's wrong or how to fix it after running 38 miles down that rabbit hole. I had a drawer full of gimmickery (neck sizing dies included) that I bought when 1st starting out that just sat there until it got sent down the road to likely sit in someone else's drawer.

A used RCBS or Redding set may likely be cheaper & work wonderfully. The classifieds here & other fora or even, choke, evilbay could be a resource. If you absolutely have to buy new, CH is US made & may be cheaper & quicker to get than any of the other big names at this point, although it seems RCBS & Redding are finally shipping stuff again. Lyman carbide pistol dies also work very nicely with the sets I've used.

 

[Pangab]

I ended up ordering the RCBS as well. It came out to $47. After watching a video reviewing both the Lee and the rcbs it seemed the rcbs better machining.

I'll probably end up returning the Lee dies. I am shooting the 30.06 in a bolt action.

30.06 is not even my favorite caliber but nothing is available in 350 legend or 9mm. The shell holder for 30 cal is hard to find too. Some place wanted double (16 plus shipping).

I just want to create something as close to factory bulk ammo as possible. The lee whack a mole produced less than stellar results.

Not to mention the only powder on my hands is h380 I only have cci 250 primers.

Supplies are limited it's like having hamburger but no buns.

 

[Pangab]

You guys think it's worth paying an extra 65 bucks for the rebel? I'd rather not if it's not a huge difference. Because the rebel does not have a primer seater that I will need. Are they really better? Besides having a zerk fitting what are the advantages?

The rock chucker should be enough for 30.06 probably won't go bigger than that anyway. Want to hear your guys thoughts before it's too late to switch orders around.

 

[brokeasajoke]

Rockchucker is great. It handles my 338 lapua as well as Winmags no problem. That press will probably out live you with care.

 

[Mad_Charlie]

Just go with the RockChucker, I have loaded many thousands of rifle and handgun ammunition on mine since '75.

 

[Pangab]

Thanks guys that's what I figured and I'm very happy to hear that I am going to stay with my rock chucker.

Also for those who are interested the 9mm dies are now available on rcbs's website!

 

[joshb]

Buy your pistol dies in Carbide! They’re a little more expensive but are SO much better. Rcbs is good. So are Redding and Forster.
One more thing to save yourself some big headaches! Buy a tin of Imperial Sizing Wax for sizing the 30-06.
Ya put your case in the shellholder, dip your index finger in the wax, rub your index finger on your thumb a little, the rub your case up and down a couple times, then size your case.