Reloading press

[RD57]

My Dad's RockChucker is still going strong since 1975 and mine from 1986 is too. Keep the rams clean and lightly lubed and they will last a very long time giving you very good performance. I also own a Redding T7 press which I use for all my pistol ammo and am very happy with it as well.

 

[Lenny Foffa]

I use my RCBS Rock Chucker or Crusher or some such name for about 50 Years,. It works just fine. IBut ) I use my RCBS Summit In Line Press with Forester Micrometer Seating Dies for bullet seating only. Works pretty good for me !!!!

 

[lotech]

I've never used a MEC. They're apparently not very popular, but a retired gunsmith friend about eighty years old has used one for many years and really likes it. He does lots of shooting and handloading and I'm sure he's used many other presses in the sixty or so years he's been at it.

 

[Michael Souther]

I had a RCBS RockChucker for 20 years, it was my first press and was second hand then.
Have had a Redding Big Boss II, RCBS Ammomaster, RCBS Turret and RCBS RockChucker Supreme.
Due to hand and shoulder issues, the Turret and Supreme press are all I use these days.
My Big Boss sits gathering dust, the throw of the handle is just too darn long for me and my shoulder fatigues within 10 minutes of use.
The Ammomaster was sold years ago.
I had a Lyman Orange Crusher I borrowed off a mate for several months when work took me interstate, it was a good press, albeit small in the window for cases like 375 Weatherby.

Cheers.

My Rock chucker was stolen years ago when I was working in Tucson. Along with everything in my shop. They missed my 550 Dillion some how. I have used an inexpensive Lee since for rifle loads. Works as good as any. The Dillon is good for pistol and 223, AR type loading 6 8 and grendel. But I need to weigh each load. For consistency. Depends on how much money you have. if you get consistency You're good.

 

[arrow179]

Area 419 zero press and that's the end of this discussion. Lol

It better be the best for $1200! Area419 makes some awesome products.

 

[Gater]

I have been using the RCBS Summit don't shoot service rifle do to reverse shoulder replacement the summit works great

 

[COmtnman1]

I am still using my Bonanza press. This is the forerunner of the Forster Co-Ax press and is at least 50 years old. It works as well as it did when new.

This is the same one I have. Got it new in the late 70's & never looked back. I've never had any problems with it. I can't say from personal experience how it compares to any others, since I've never owned any other SS presses.

 

[HunterMann]

Since downsizing, I have less workspace so I use 2 RCBS Summit presses mounted on a piece of 1 inch plywood. They don't hang over the edge, so I can reload on on any level bench or table top. I load 375 H&H and the 300 Weatherby with any problems at all. I recommend the shorter arm accessory as it provides all the leverage I have ever needed.

 

[30BR]

What is the best single stage reloading press?

Depends on what you want from a press.
I use a Lee Classic Cast, since Randy Robinette of BIB Bullets uses them to produce his projectiles. He found them to produce the straightest product. Good enough for me.

 

[Pointman]

Got my "Chucker" in early 1970. Looks a bit grungy but still works fine. I do like the newer finish RCBS is using but can't part with the old "Chucker". It's relegated to sizing rifle cases and loading pistol rounds now. I'm using the M.E.C. press with the floating shell holder to seat the rifle projectiles. I get better "run-out" readings on my long-range rifle ammo. Would I like another Chucker or a Forester? Sure, but do I really need one? No. I would consider a Dillon for handgun ammunition but I'm not a fan of progressives for precision rifle work. Just my opinion. Others, I'm sure have different thoughts on the matter.

 

[Muledeerfanatic]

I just got a RCBS Rebel a few months ago to replace a cheaper Lee. I can't believe how heavy duty and smooth this Rebel is. I'll never look back.

 

[Huntz]

I have been using a Rock Chucker since the late 60`s.Never had a problem with it.I also use a Dillon 550 and a Lee Square 4.If I was to do it over I would use a Forester Co ax.Probably the best press I have ever used.I would also go to all Forester Dies.

 

[john k]

I just got a RCBS Rebel a few months ago to replace a cheaper Lee. I can't believe how heavy duty and smooth this Rebel is. I'll never look back.

I added the Rebel to the bench last year and am really satisfied with the quality. Definitely not light weight which I like. Thought about going to the high dollar ones, but would not benefit for my shooting. Save the money for quality dies.

 

[dartem]

I have had one of those for several years but recently started having trouble getting cases removed from the jaws. I don't think open wide enough. I put new jaws and springs in but it didn't help.

What cases are you having trouble with? If fired from gas guns, the rims frequently get damaged and create issues for me on my Co-Ax as well as on my 650 and 550...
To seamlessly remove cases from the Co-Ax, try pulling them STRAIGHT towards you, either curving a finger around them or putting your index finger on the top of the case. Again, straight out...