Looking for a new press

Just a question.

What is your Hornady press not doing well that a different press would do better if only loading a few hundred rounds a year?

I am in no way trying to tell you NOT to get a new press.

Went to a T7 a couple years ago, glad I did, they are great. I was hesitant about trying a turret press thinking they might be inconsistent or have a little movement in the turret but this one is solid. One head per two cartridges seems to be sufficient.

I know it hasn't been mentioned, and lots of people will thumb their noses at it.
But have you even looked at the Lee 4 hole turret press?

I'm loading for over 20 different cartridges, 2 i use for matches (short range Benchrest and 600 yard F-Open) with mine for over 10 years now.
I also do some forming with it. 7mm Rem Mag to 6.5mm Rem Mag is one i've formed.

Why pay more money for a name when something else works?

I have a coax and Redding BB2 and find myself using the BB2 more and more. In fact I'm taking the coax off the bench soon. I switched my BB2 over to Lee breech lock bushing and die changes are fast and easy. Some yrs back I loaded test loads on both presses using same dies and components to see if there was a difference. I found no difference at all on target.
Never used a Lee press but I'm loving their beam scale and deluxe powder thrower. My Hornady and RCBS powder throwers and my M1000 and 10-10 scales are sitting on the shelf now.

lancetkenyon said:

Just a question.

What is your Hornady press not doing well that a different press would do better if only loading a few hundred rounds a year?

I am in no way trying to tell you NOT to get a new press.

Click to expand...

Its fine I guess. Just want something different.

Ordered a T-7 W/ the Creedmoor head and the removable die wedges. Ill report back after I run it a bit.
Thanks for the replies.

Ryeguy said:

Ordered a T-7 W/ the Creedmoor head and the removable die wedges. Ill report back after I run it a bit.
Thanks for the replies.

Click to expand...

Get the inline roller handle for it... it's so awesome. Very interested to hear about the wedge inserts

I bought a T7 a few years back. I looked at the Forsters and Lyman as well. I liked the turret concept better. I like my T7. It's solid.

I really like the MEC, smooth and consistent. But, I only load small batches at any given time. Plus they have a good military discount on expertvoice. Forster website sometimes sells cosmetic blems for a great price, I would like to pick one up as well but can't justify it.

Stadoc said:

I really like the MEC, smooth and consistent. But, I only load small batches at any given time. Plus they have a good military discount on expertvoice. Forster website sometimes sells cosmetic blems for a great price, I would like to pick one up as well but can't justify it.

Click to expand...

The MEC has been excellent for me. It is really a stiff precision tool. Sounds weird, but stiffness, lack of slop and no cam over are what you want. MEC does this all! ….or I should say for me it has

Your choices are all fine, but are trading volume/speed for sloppiness, cam over, etc.

I will chime in and throw a third vote for the MEC. I have considered getting a t7 to try out just to see what it's all about.

I have been very pleased with the MEC so far. Very tight press with no slop. I do all my precision stuff on it and everything else goes on the 750.

A long time ago a good friend said to me , "go buy the Forester co-ax". I've been using it ever since and love it's simplicity and excellent results. Once you set the dies, all you do is pop them in and go to work. No screwing them down and unscrewing them out. They float so alignment is always spot on. You won't regret it!

Ryeguy said:

Need to upgrade my old Hornady L-n-L single stage press.. Reloading for precision rifle, 2-3 calibers, 100-200 rds each, a yr as of now. Top choices so far..

Redding T7 w/ creedmoore sports head.
Forster Co-ax, if they ever come back in stock
Dillion 550
SAC Nexus (when it comes out)
Anyone have any insight on either of these? Pros and Cons? Or another option to look at? Zero press is outta my price range..
Thanks

Click to expand...

I do not think you can go wrong from your list. I have not set it up yet, but I purchased a MEC Marksman last year to try/add to my presses.

The nexus and zero are cool. But I don't think you're going to make better ammo on them, for the significant cost. Out of all the variables in making a good shot, the press the ammo is loading on, is not nearly as significant as many of the others.

My vote would be a 550 or T7. I think they would be the most versatile.

Reloading equipment is one of the few industries that there is still a great selection of American made components. I just can't see buying a Chinese Franklin press to save a few bucks.