Newbie

[Tater]

Ok, I'm looking for a reloading press. I'm not exactly new to reloading but this will be my own first press. I need something easy to use and hopefully one that will last a while. I'd also like one relatively inexpensive. My buddy has an RCBS but I'd prefer not to spend that much on my first press. I don't need a progressive but I will need a press that will reload pistol and rifle. Any suggestions? Thanks


p.s. Lee seems to be the least expensive but how is the quality? I don't want to go cheap and have the damn thing fall apart on me. Thanks again

p.p.s Are the dies, etc compatible between brands or will I need to stick to the same brand as the press?

[skeet]

If you want a decent press in the Lee line get a Classic cast single stage press(I have one I use for making Gas checks and decapping. Made pretty well and Cabela's sell 'em for under a 100 bucks. As far as dies..Stick with the good ones such as RCBS or Redding. All the currently made main line dies are threaded 7/8 x 14...oh and a good scale if you don't have one. A RCBS 505 will be just fine if a little slow

[dovehunter]

RCBS makes some cheaper presses too. I have one - I believe it is called the JR - that I have been using from about 40 yrs. now with never a problem of any kind. I've never seen the need to upgrade to anything better or faster. There's no telling how many thousands of rounds I've loaded with it.

I like the Lee dies too. I have five sets of them now and I think they are as good as my more expensive RCBS and Lyman dies. All dies now seem to be the standard 7/8" x 14 (threads per inch) and should work in any press.

If you are planning on loading handgun rounds, you may want to consider getting a powder measure too. I have the Lee Perfect powder measure and it has worked great for me.

Good luck with putting together your reloading outfit.

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I have a LEE hand press that I bought 35+ years ago, with the idea that I would get a 'better' press and sell of the hand press. Well, I'm still using the hand press! I also use LEE dies (haven't had a problem yet), as well as RCBS and Lyman. The threads all match.
I have a RCBS 505 scale as well. It works for me.

[Jack]

The Lee Classic Cast press in cast iron is getting good reviews. Do keep in mind that a press is going to last your lifetime. I've been using the same RCBS Rockchucker since 1964, and I've loaded bazillions of rounds of rifle and pistol on it- never regretted getting the right press the first time. If I had to buy another press, it'd be another Rockchucker.
Dies are all common 7/8-14 thread, so any brand dies will work in any press.
I've used every brand die that's on the market now, and some that aren't. These days, if I buy a die set, it comes in a green box. Redding and RCBS use green boxes, and they make great quality dies, IMO. By the way, dies last forever, too, if you don't abuse them.
I have some Lee dies, and they are inexpensive, and they work. However, I never recommend them to a beginner. Every Lee die or die set I have, I've had to do some work to get them working right- removing burrs or polishing, or something. That's ok, if you have the reloading experience to figure out why your dies aren't doing what they should- if you're starting out, and don't have the experience to diagnose problems, that's a nightmare.
I know many will disagree, but that's been my experience.
Another factor to think about is customer service, after you make your purchase. RCBS is renowned, and rightly so, for absolutely terrific customer service.

[Gil Martin]

I have several RCBS RockChucker presses that have loaded numerous rounds since 1971. There are a lot of great presses available. I would suggest looking at a few gun shops for used reloading presses. I bought a like-new RCBS RcokChucker press for $40.00 last year. Hope this helps. All the best...
Gil

[Mr. 16 gauge]

I would suggest looking at a few gun shops for used reloading presses.

Don't overlook pawn shops, either.....found some dies, presses, ect. in those establishments as well.

[skeet]

Mr 16 is right. I go dumpster divin(pawn shoppin) every now and again in Billings and other towns. Got a Rock Chucker !V at a shop for 60 bucks. Just like new but missing the primer arm..Like wow. I never use 'em anyway. RCBS sent me a new one. Just loaded some 243s on it last week. Good call Mr 16..Gun shows around here are places too. Presses usually don't go too high.

[PJgunner]

I have the latest RCBS catalog and sad to say, the Rockchucker apparently is no more. No matter as they seem to last forever. I've had mine since 1973 or thereabouts and it's still going strong. About 6 or 7 years ago, I bought a bunch of reloading equipment from an estate sale. There was several boxes of stuff including a Rockchucker press in very good condition. It's been sitting in a drawer for all those years and I doubt I'll ever use it. I'd have to go look but it may or may not have a priming arm. I probably threw it away just like I did on my first press.
If Newbie would like it, he can contact me and we'll work something out. E-mail would be better than a PM but whatever works. It could be a few days but I will respond. I'll keep the price fair. Frankly, until this thread ame up I completely forgot I had it.
Paul B.

[skeet]

PJ..they still have the RC Supreme listed on their site. Only thing that is kinda against my religion is that the new RCBS presses are made in ...China..of all places