Which reloading press for competition?

[yooper70]

I'm wanting to get started in competition shooting,eventually out to 1000yds). I will try some matches this summer with my .223 and my .243. Eventually I hope to buy a Savage F-Class Rifle in 6.5 x 284 NORMA.

My question is will an RCBS Rockchucker be a satisfactory press or do I need one that will handle 1 1/4" dies.

The reason I ask is because I read the following paragraph on Chuck Hawks website:

"Most competition shooters load one cartridge at a time and have no need for multi-stage turret presses. As such, if you have a good single stage press you are in business. If not, I would suggest the Redding Big Boss II to handle some of the newer match dies with 1 ¼” threads. The Boss II is supplied with a steel bushing for use with standard 7/8” dies. The bushing can be removed to handle 1¼” dies. Alan Warner of Warner Tool Co is making a custom set of 6.5-284 match dies with 1¼” threads for my daughter’s new Savage F-Class rifle. Since my old Pacific press predates these new dies, I picked up a Redding Boss II to use with Alan’s dies."

Here's the whole articlce if you care to read it:
http://www.chuckhawks.com/reloading_F-Class.htm

 

[memilanuk]

The larger dies are pretty uncommon outside of custom made dies like those in the article, or ones for really big cartridges - like .50 cal. I don't think they are used very much otherwise - not a lot of need. Maybe I'm missing some hidden benefit of having huge gonzo,and I'm sure, expensive) 1-1/4" dies for reloading regular short action calibers?

I think a regular Rockchucker will work just fine. If you are buying *new*, several of the popular cast iron 'O' frame presses like the RCBS Rockchucker Supreme, Redding Big Boss, and Lee Classic Cast presses all have removable plugs to take the big dies.

As it said in the article: "As such, if you have a good single stage press you are in business."

Monte

 

[Winchester69]

I wonder if Mr. Warner finds some benefit in not utilizing the steel reducing bushing in presses so equipped?

For the calibers for which you are loading, any high quality press will suffice. Smaller size will provide more sensitivity.

 

[Forum Boss]

Here's a review of the Warner Die:

http://www.6mmbr.com/warnerdie.html

It's a spectacular piece of workmanship with unique capabilities using custom neck-shoulder bushings. But yes it's pricey:

 

[rstreich]

For three in a row, just get the press that has the features that you like the best. Personally, I like my Forster Co-Ax the best, but I also have a Lee Classic Cast that seems to be about the best value press out there.

 

[memilanuk]

Wow... that looks like massive overkill. Pretty sure I'm not being held back by my 7/8-14 dies in my Forster Co-Ax or Redding Big Boss II - but I want one :thumb:

Long list of things I 'need' before I get to that one, though.

 

[BigJim]

RCBS Rockchucker has the bushing for both size dies. That is a really really nice looking die.

How pricy is it??


Jim

 

[yooper70]

Thanks everyone, I figured this would be the best place to ask. It seems the Rock Chucker is an old American standby. Everywhere you look people love it. I'm thinking I will try the starter kit they offer.

 

[Winchester69]

It seems the Rock Chucker is an old American standby.

The old American standby is made in China now. Unless you're buying a used press, you're not getting what you think you are.

If you want a first tier press, look at Redding and Forster.

 

[memilanuk]

RCBS Rockchucker has the bushing for both size dies. That is a really really nice looking die.

No, but the Rockchucker Supreme,new model, been out a few years now) does.

How pricy is it??

Read the article. Then figure metal prices have gone thru the roof since then :,

 

[HPMike800]

I guess if I were buying my first press now I would go for the Redding Big Boss II. For the most part, stick to Redding and Forester. Hornaday has some good stuff too. Don't let price dictate you purchase, you will have this stuff for a long time.You never know, in 10 years maybe all quality dies will be an 1 1/4".

For me, I wanted the 1 1/4" option and I did not like the die clearance limitations of the Co-Ax. I needed a large sizing press so I got a Redding Ultra Mag, but, I would not get one for my only press as the O-ring type presses are more accessible.

Mike

 

[GoneBallistic]

HPMike800,

The third generation of Forster Co-ax presses are out now and I haven't seen a die that wont allow the handle to swing now. There's lots of clearance for competition type seating dies.

 

[BoydAllen]

If you are going to use a threaded die to seat, you might look at the Hornady Lock-n-Load. Working up loads at the range is by far the most efficient method, and an aluminum press,light to transport) that allows you to interchange dies rapidly without their having to be reset, would seem to be an excellent idea. You can also get one of their conversions for a good used Rock Chucker if you want to go that way.