Single stage press question

[ddeaton]

I currently load 45acp with my Dillon 650 and love it. I used to load rifle with a single stage rock chucker which I no longer have. I am thinking of getting a single stage to work up loads and load 308's. I am not looking to mass produce the rifle calibers like I do my 45's, and would rather prep all the rifle brass in stages and have it ready. I guess my main question is, what is a good single stage press and is this good thinking?

[Steve Koski]

Lots of folks keep a single stage around for just that purpose - rifle case prep and small batch work up. Go for it.

Last word was the Lee Classic Cast press was pretty decent, and the price is right. Of course the Rock Chucker is still one of the best, but will cost a bit more.

[JLarsson]

I have a Lee Classic Cast. Any good reputation it has is well-deserved. VERY solid.

[MakeMineaP99]

Hang the cost you're talking $100-$150 at most for a single stage. Buy it once and do it right.

[D. Manley]

I currently load 45acp with my Dillon 650 and love it. I used to load rifle with a single stage rock chucker which I no longer have. I am thinking of getting a single stage to work up loads and load 308's. I am not looking to mass produce the rifle calibers like I do my 45's, and would rather prep all the rifle brass in stages and have it ready. I guess my main question is, what is a good single stage press and is this good thinking?

I don't see where its ever a bad idea to have a single-stage around. Last week I dug out my nearly 40 year old Pacific, cleaned it up to use as a dedicated pulling station using the Hornady Cam-Locks. I still have an old RCBS in good shape...somewhere along the line I'll find a use for it too.

Side Note: I think Dillon stole their color from the old Pacific line...mighty close, anyway. After I cleaned that puppy up I gave it a fresh coat of Dillon Blue (A.K.A., "Old Ford Engine Blue") just so it don't feel slighted.

[ISUSteve]

I don't see where its ever a bad idea to have a single-stage around. Last week I dug out my nearly 40 year old Pacific, cleaned it up to use as a dedicated pulling station using the Hornady Cam-Locks. I still have an old RCBS in good shape...somewhere along the line I'll find a use for it too.

Side Note: I think Dillon stole their color from the old Pacific line...mighty close, anyway. After I cleaned that puppy up I gave it a fresh coat of Dillon Blue (A.K.A., "Old Ford Engine Blue") just so it don't feel slighted.

I have an old Bair single stage, its pretty close to Dillion blue.

[918v]

Hang the cost you're talking $100-$150 at most for a single stage. Buy it once and do it right.

There are plenty of good presses on Ebay for about $50.

Meacham makes a benchrest quality hand press for $100. It does not take-up any room on the bench and has tons of leverage.

[layusn1]

Co ax...?? Isn't that supposed to be one of the best when you can find one? I reckon a good RCBS single stage would work out just fine. I am using a Lee anniversary kit press right now because I haven't had the good sense to replace it after it broke two of the press arm linkages.

[ddeaton]

I just ordered the Lee classic cast with a set of Forstner 308 micrometer dies. My thoughts are the Lee will load 50bmg also and I might have one of the Bohica 50's upper in the future. I used to only use RCBS back when I used to shoot a lot. I heard they are cast in China now.

[dao]

I load a fair bit on single stages. My interests are mostly rifle. I do believe the money I spent on the Forster Co-Ax was worth it. It is a GREAT press for most common rifle calibers up to and including belted Weatherby cases. The inherent alignment of the die with the shell holder yields some very consistent results for me. Also, the jaws shell holder means no changing shell holders for just about any common caliber. The primer seater is clever too. It's more than enough press up to .460 WBY.

When I'm loading something that just doesn't fit in the Co-Ax (e.g. requires 1 1/4x12 threaded dies and more clearance) I use a Redding Big Boss. It is just solid, and can accepted larger dies. I think I paid about $140 new for it. I only really use it for large calibers.

I also keep an RCBS Partner Press around for odd jobs... sometimes, it's nice to be able to keep a set die in it while I am fooling around with the other presses.

So... Can't go wrong with a Co-Ax unless you are loading large. If so, I'd look at the Big Boss or a dedicated BMG press.

[Sixgun Symphony]

Check ebay for bargains on good, used single stage presses.