Which Arbor Press?

[Hucleberry]

I'm new to BR shooting and will need a quality arbor press. I've researched the arbor press from K&M, Harrell, Sinclair, Hood, etc. They all appear to be quality presses. Which one do you recommend?

Also, what hand dies are the majority of the BR shooters using? you recommend?

 

[Forum Boss]

They are all well-made and will do the job.

The K&M is available with a bullet-seating-force dial indicator. I like that feature.

Otherwise, the Sinclair and Harrell's are easier to adjust vertically than the K&M, which requires you unscrew 4 allen bolts.

If you use a LOT of neck tension, you may want an Arbor with more leverage than the K&M, such as the Giraud:

link: http://www.giraudtool.com/prod04.htm

NOTE: if you have a drill press, that will do the job while you're shopping around for a portable arbor.

In terms of dies--if you have a standard chambering, it's hard to beat the Wilson Micrometer top seating die. For a PPC, your smith can also cut you a seating die with your chambering reamer.

 

[M700]

I thoroughly enjoy using my little Hart arbor press, particularly for bullet seating for the .25-06 and my .308 Winchester. Very nice, well made piece of gear that is very easy to use.

The above photo was lifted from RW Hart's web site. For more info on their press go to:

http://www.rwhart.com/store/agora.cgi?cart_id=6385371.3991*tO5gZ0&p_id=RWH-F-H16&xm=on&ppinc=search2

Regards, Guy

 

[Hucleberry]

I appreciate the info., thanks.

 

[AlNyhus]

I've had a K&M arbor press for quite a few years now and really like it. It has enough travel to use with most Wilson-type seating dies w/o having to loosen the Allen screws on the back for adjustment...one height on mine works with all Wilson seaters until you get to the 30-06 length dies. The I-beam style upright also resists flexing when using a lot of neck tension, as I do with several of my .30's. I also like the fact that I can take the handle off with one thumb screw for easier packing in my range box.

Lots of good one out there...can't go wrong with any of the ones mentioned.

Good shootin'. -Al