Which single stage press to buy?

[Clod-NC]

Hi gentlemen
First of all,I want to make an official warning,addressed to whom it may concern,I've been had,I suppose many others too,hopefully not that many,I know that all the big numbers here will keep away from this because they've already been through the "pay once cry once trip",that why they're sort of prominent here...To the point then:a while back I wanted to get a big old single stage press,but the prices sort of scared me off famed values such as Rock chucker,Lyman's crusher II,Redding's big boss,Lee's classic cast(whose price had made a jump from $76 to $98 in a matter of 2 months),you see what I mean;I came accross that thing at Nachez,a copy of the Lee Classi cast,going under the name of Smart Reloader XVI and got hypnotised by the price tag...I should have known but took the risk anyway,THIS THING IS A COMPLETE,UTTERLY OBNOXIOUS PIECE OF JUNK, definitely keep away from it,I'm not even sure the cast frame is good.....Well,that being said,I still need this big ram mama,but being accustomed to the LEE challenger press(anti cam over system)I'd like to get something similar in terms of efficiency,durability,ease of use;I still don't know where to fall,it's either Lee classic cast,Lyman Crusher II,or RCBS Rock Chucker suppreme,so I'm asking you gentlemen,to help me sort things out ,based on your authorised and documented knowledge.Thanks in advance for all possible advice and help.

 

[Erik Cortina]

Save your pennies and get a Forester Co-ax press.
Rockchucker would be #2.

 

[infantrytrophy]

Another vote for the Forster Co-Ax press.

There are a number of features that make the moderate extra cost very worthwhile. First, the dies with their lock rings instantly snap in and out of a machined slot. No big deal when you are chugging along sizing or seating dozens or hundreds of cases or rounds. However, when you are alternately or sequentially doing different operations or making serial adjustments, the instant die change feature is very handy.

The design of the slot holding the dies and the universal shellholder allows the case to "float" slightly in the horizontal plane, resulting in concentric cases and loaded ammo. Speaking of the universal shellholder - it works for most cases. I've never had to buy shellholders.

The enclosed drop tube for primers ensures that no spent primer residue fouls the press or workbench.

Even though the press is very rigid and can handle tough sizing jobs, it is still very smooth and accurate for fine work and small adjustments.

Randy

 

[Sully2]

RockChucker

 

[robotman]

I have a Lee classic cast. A new one that I just got from Midway. I reloaded some 22-250 rounds and it worked fine. I really like the bushing die holders. I got my seating depth, un-chucked the die and put it back in. I then seated another bullet. It was dead on using calipers and a Hornady comparator. For comparison I also have a Rock Chucker Supreme. It has way more power and feels more precise. I use it to resize my 7 mag and 260 Rem. I mostly seat the bullets with my old Pacific press. I bought the Lee because i was working out of town and needed to go shooting! Bang for the buck goes to the Lee and the bushing set up. It isn't in the league of the other 2 presses I own but it functions fine. I don't use micrometers though and am not a 1000 or even 500 yard shooter. I am still learning about how to make one hole at a 100 yds. If I had to have only one it would be the rockchucker. The old Pacific press is still going strong. The Lee primer collector system is the best of the three. I actually used that Lee to do everything from deprime resize to putting new primers in and seating bullets.

 

[Shynloco]

I've been down that same road years back and FEEL YOUR PAIN! Ended up buying first the Rockchucker (repeat of one I had thirty years ago) and then later the Redding Big Boss because of the larger center shaft and easier for large caliber and Magnum loads. And BTW, that piece of s#$t thing you referred to (which I too bought being the dumbest thing I've ever done in over 50+ years of shooting rifles and later, reloading my own loads) was given away to someone who needed a press, but had no money. Probably one of the more rotten things I've done to a fellow human being, but it got that piece of crap out of my sight. Funny thing, I saw that fellow a few weeks ago at a sporting event and I asked him how it was working out for him. He too thought it was a disaster looking for a place to happen. So much for promoting a certain company's "fine" products. But you cannot go wrong with a CoAx, RCBS Rockchucker or Redding Presses, not to mention a few others that are actually pretty nice and will do your basic thing. Kimda all depends on how much you want to spend. Good luck!

 

[Clod-NC]

Hi again

Thanks to all,much appreciated;Eric i know you're right but you have to know that the Co-Ax shipped to me here in New Caledonia would top out like this($250+$98 shipping+$100 customs)and I just can't afford it,even though I know it's the best I might ever buy;a single Rock Chucker will sell for $400(it's the only one you can find on the retailers' shelves anyway,when they have some);Robotman,I wanted to order one Lee classic cast but the whole thing jammed up for whatever reason with FS reloading and I got a bit fed up with it,still I know the press might need my requirements,I believe the Lyman is something serious too,anyone using this one and passing info down to me would much welcome...

 

[ronsroom1]

New Caledonia? Where the he!! is that? If UPS delivers there you are going to be all right.

It’s hard to go wrong with an RCBS Rockchucker. This is a good all-around press that many of us started reloading with and continue reloading with even as we progress to other reloading tools. It will handle most any reloading task. It is best used bolted down on a sturdy bench for stability. If you need something portable the Harrells press is a good choice. It is small, light, and can easily be transported around and stored away. But unlike the Rockchucker, it is intended for less forceful reloading tasks. It is designed for small cartridges (6PPC) and to be used in conjunction with an arbor press for bullet seating. The choice depends on your lifestyle and reloading needs. It’s nice to have both if you can do so, but if you can only have one the Rockchucker is the practical choice

LE Hanson

I have both like LE does.
My Rock Chucker is 35 years old and still in use.
Ron

 

[Scott Harris]

Sounds like a Lee Classic Cast might be a good choice for you. Lots of very positive feedback: http://www.midwayusa.com/product/317831/lee-classic-cast-single-stage-press

 

[jo191145]

Well, I see the price of the Lee Classic Cast Iron has gone up quite a bit from when I bought one.
Its the only single stage press I use. Built like a ships anchor!!!
It'll do anything you ask of it including 50BMG.

I've heard reports of some bullet makers setting them up instead of buying the ultra expensive bullet presses.
If you need something stronger than the Lee Classic Cast Iron I suggest you look into converting a log splitter ;D

 

[Mauserman]

Ive got the Lyman Crusher II and im happy with it, been using it for 10 years and its like new.
Its wery heavy and strong and able to handle all my loading needs with ease.

Saying that i only use it for shoulder bumping these days and an arbour press for the rest but the lyman press has never given me any issues.

 

[NorCalMikie]

The RCBS Rockchucker gets another vote.

 

[amlevin]

I've had a Rock Chucker since the late 70's. Just added the conversion kit for less than $20 that lets me use Hornady LNL bushings. "Instant Die Changes" now possible with my 40 year old press.

By the time this press wears out we'll be using "ray guns" instead of conventional "lead launchers".

 

[LHSmith]

The Rockchucker WAS a good press......now they're made in China.....maybe on the same production line as your Not-So-Smart press. A Redding Boss will handle all but the largest cases.

 

[nfhjr62]

+2 for the LNL die change kit

 

[wmdron]

I've had my Rockchucker since the early 80's, it never has let me down. But if they are now made in China I would go with the Forster co-ax or a Redding.

 

[jghoghunter]

I have to lyman orange crushers. The first 1 I buy an early ninety's. I have used both in 1000 yard competition. With reading dies they both produce extremely straight loaded rnds. They have done everything that I have ever asked of them.

 

[amlevin]

The Rockchucker WAS a good press......now they're made in China......

Has anyone here actually USED a Chinese made Rockchucker? I know the knee-jerk reaction to seeing a "Made in China" sticker is to run away like someone handed you a box of Horse Poop but just how bad can they screw up a casting with only one real moving part?

Remember when nobody wanted anything "Made in Japan"? Now their products are pretty much the gold standard when it comes to cars and electronics.

I know that my "Chinese Made" Chargemaster has worked flawlessly since I bought it 3 years ago. Many thousands of rounds loaded with it each year. I've had more problems with my "American Made" chronograph than any of my "Made in China" equipment.

 

[Alex Wheeler]

Who cares if the chinese can make a casting? If you can buy a similar product for similar money made in the USA from Redding. How many people do you know that make something for a living? Probably not many, they are in the unemployment line because people buy chinese products.

 

[.260 james]

I use a Lyman Orange Crusher my dad bought when I was about 8, thirty some years of use and it still produces consistent loads. only thing I have changed is to used mostly Redding dies. Poor press looks its age and the primer catching is piss poor at best. But when i load stuff I still see pop loading .30-06s on it to go shoot woodchucks.....................HAPPY FATHERS DAY TO ALL OF THE DESERVING FATHERS!!!!!