Recommendtion on Reloading press

Nelsdou · January 19, 2009, 09:16:13 PM

I'm in the market for a new reloading press and want to move up to something beefier to handle case forming; something like a RCBS Rock Chucker, Hornady, or Redding. The 'ol Lee Challenger has served me well but I'm getting tired of breaking the handle linkage, always at the most inconvient time. No need for progressives or quick-change setups, just need somethin' more heavy duty. Any recommendations?

Nels

gitano · January 19, 2009, 10:17:44 PM

sakorick · January 20, 2009, 03:33:37 AM

If price is no object I would buy a Dillon 650. That said, My Rock Chucker is 35 years old and still cranking them out so what's the point in spending $650 dollars? I like to take my time and enjoy weighing every charge....case prep is the big time consumer anyway. However, if I were into competitive bench rest shooting then speed would be import and I would probably own a Dillon. Regards, Rick.

klallen · January 20, 2009, 03:40:00 PM

I like RCBS rockchucker presses. I've got an rcII that's been working for a long time. It's been on several benches. At the time of purchase it was nicely priced and has proven very sturdy over time. Mounted a newer (and larger) rcIV to the bench a couple years back. Same thing. Nice price, nice product. Not a condemnation against anything else. Just an opinion on what I've enjoyed using. Later. klallen

recoil junky · January 20, 2009, 04:48:47 PM

If you want beefy, ease of operation, ability to handle case forming, I'd go with a Forster COAX. Dad got the one I have a good 30+ years ago and it's still IMO better than any other color of press. They are not cheap. I think the last time I looked they were $185-200. Mine has handled anything I've ever put in it up to the 300RUM which I still full length resize.

They are "smaller" than most presses as far as outside dimensions but there's plenty of room and power to do the 300RUM's and 45-70's., which are the biggest cases I work with. Ther's plenty of clearance to get components in and out as well.

The quick change die rings a litterally a snap to use. Now more wasted time screwing dies in and out! I get enough of turning things witht threads on them at work. The only draw-back is you have to get Forster lock rings for all of your dies, but they are only $4 apiece. I got a dozen from Midway last time they were on sale.

My 2 pennies.

RJ

Nelsdou · January 20, 2009, 06:07:46 PM

Thanks all.

Paul, what is that small Lachmiller press? Is that for priming?

Nels

Nelsdou · January 20, 2009, 06:22:56 PM

Never heard of the COAX, but it appears to be a clever design.

"This single stage press features "Snap in and Snap out" die changing. Press also features dual floating guide rods for perfect alignment, a unique top mounted priming device and a spent primer catcher. The design of this press provides 3 times the mechanical advantage of an ordinary "C" press and easy operation for either right or left handed operation. The primer seater has adjustable jaws to hold the brass cases and it's adjustable for depth."

I take it the "adjustable jaws" are the shell holder. I like the way the handle is oriented to be up out of the way. Alot of positive reviews on MidwayUSA.

Nels

recoil junky · January 20, 2009, 06:52:04 PM

The jaws are opened by a pin that comes up through the bottom, between the shell plates. No need for fumbling trying to get the shell in the shell holder as the jaws open and close automaticaly. The case will also open the jaws if you get in a hurry and pull the handle down to soon. I don't recomend doing it that waywhile seating nullets though. :o

There are three sets of jaws to handle vitually any case from .25 ACP to the larger rimmed cases like the 50-90. The primer seater is pretty easy to use as well if you like seating primers individually. The only other drawback is that you have touse Forster shell holders for priming. I'm not sure if green shell holders will work. I do know for sure that red ones (Lee) won't unless you drill them out to accomadate the Forster primer holder thingy.

RJ

gitano · January 20, 2009, 07:06:38 PM

Quote from: Nelsdou;89019Thanks all.

Paul, what is that small Lachmiller press? Is that for priming?

Nels

Yup.

Are you interested in that set of "stuff"? I'd sure like to see someone at THL get it.

Paul

Paul Hoskins · January 20, 2009, 07:09:33 PM

I have several presses including turret presses but almost always find myself using the old Herter U9 single stage press. I bought it new from Herters many years ago and it is still my favorite. I saw a used one in Hooksett, New Hampshire a few years ago for 40 dollars. Compound linkage gives you more power to form cases tho. ...........Paul H

Nelsdou · January 20, 2009, 08:57:12 PM

Interesting collection of "stuff" on that Lachmiller, Paul. I've been looking it over closely but its configuration isn't going to work for how I have my bench set up. Have at it.

Paul H, there's a Herter's model 81 on ebay that's quite a brute, dual rams. Anything like a U9?

Nels

sakorick · January 21, 2009, 03:45:18 AM

Another bonus of the jaws style press is that the dies are always sitting at exactly a 90 degree angle so perfect resizing and bullet seating is achieved. I believe all the competition shooters use this style press. Regards, Rick.

Autonomous Citizen · February 03, 2009, 04:33:53 PM

I have a dillon 650. Phenomenal. For the price (it can be pricey with all the extras if you want them) it does everything I need, is really easy to change die's (get extra plates, you can change cal's by pulling 2 pins and that's it).