[EHCRain10]

I am going to start reloading soon if you guys can help me out.
I would like to reload shotgun, rifle and pistol from the same press.
I know that I should start with a single stage to get used to the flow of things and make sure that I can handle reloading.
If I remember correctly, reloading puts alot of pressure on whatever is being used as a bench. The best available bench that I have is a very sturdy desk would that work?

I plan on buying the suggested books and I have already made plans to begin reloading with a family friend who has much experience in the field.

Thanks for the help guys.

[David Wile]

Hey EHCRain10,

In all my experience, I do not know of any practical solution to the idea of reloading metallic as well as shotshell cases on the same press. I know there have been machines made to do just that, but I do not think any of them proved to be effective.

As far as what can be used for a bench goes, a sturdy desk certainly can work. Most of the force applied in reloading is usually on the downstroke of the handle. However, on some occasions, the upstroke can also require great force, and that is when a heavy as well as sturdy bench or desk is of greater value.

And a big "Amen" to the idea of starting with a single stage press. For a "first" loading manual, I have been recommending for the last forty years that the latest Lyman manual be chosen for its most complete wealth of information for a beginner.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile

[tlen]

Good luck in your search. Shotshell reloading is considerably different than reloading pistol & rifle cartridges.

[mwinston]

At one time RCBS has a shotshell kit for use with a single stage press like the Rockchucker. You might check their website to see if it's still available.

[qajaq59]

I know there have been machines made to do just that, but I do not think any of them proved to be effective. He's correct.
Save yourself a lot of aggravation and get a separate shot gun press.

[ranger335v]

Shot shell dies for conventional presses are outrageously expensive, if you can find them at all. Plan to get seperated systems for each type of reloading, it will likely be just as cheap and much easier to reload with.

I think the Lee Classic Cast (iron) press is the best deal for the money, maybe the best at any price. One of the MEC shotshell presses is perhaps the best deal for that job.

[DEDON45]

As the other posters have stated, get a separate shotgun press (MEC makes good ones, every serious shotgunner I know uses one) ... for pistol / rifle, I'm partial to Hornady products, but Lyman or RCBS are good choices as well for single stage presses... for progressives, Hornady, Dillon, or RCBS will fit the bill.

[jfrey]

Spend the extra money and get separate presses. Get a MEC for shotgun. You can run a lot of ammo on a MEC and it is easy to do. Then, get a Dillon progressive and load the rest. The Dillon presses are definitely worth the money and once you get started, you will want to load more than you expect right now.

[mswestfall]

A progressive MEC press like the 9000GN can be used to load one shell at a time. The shell will automatically move to each of the six stations with each pull of the handle. Pull the handle six times and get one finished shotshell. This is essentially the procedure that you would follow to set up the press when new. It allows you to check each station; depriming/sizing, priming/powder, wad/shot, pre-crimp, crimp, neck sizing. There is a shot/powder bar "stop" that automatically keeps the bar from dropping powder (at station 2) when the shell is under the shot funnel; station 3. It automatically releases the next time a shell is in station 2.

As you become proficient you can just add a shell at station 1 and a wad at station 3 with each pull of the handle.

If you are going to shoot more than 1,000 shotshells per year I would recommend the progressive MEC. You will get tired of pulling the handle.

[MMCSRET]

RCBS markets a set of dies for 12 ga. that will fit a Rockchucker. In Midway catalog.

[EHCRain10]

Can one shotgun press reload both 12ga and 20ga?

[David Wile]

Hey EHCRain10,

Yes, one shotgun press such as a MEC single stage loader can change die sets from one guage to another. However, when you change die sets on a shotshell loader, it is very complicated to make all the intricate adjustments before you can start loading shells. In addition, during the adjustment process, you are likely to ruin a bunch of shells getting the final crimp die adjusted properly. A die set change will cost you about $60 or more to buy new. When you can buy a used MEC Jr. on E-Bay for less than $80, it just does not make sense to be changing die sets.

Best wishes,
Dave Wile

[darwin-t]

I'd suggest starting with a turret press, like the Lee Classic Turret Press. Remove the indexing rod and use it like a single stage press. The advantage is that all your need to do to change dies is manually turn the turret 1/4 turn. Further, you can have separate turrets for each caliber and caliber changes are very simple.

It will save you a LOT of time and effort getting the dies changed and adjusted. Plus, later you can install the indexing rod and increase your production. Four pulls of the handle and you have a loaded round.

[lgbloader]

IMO, a Lee Classic cast and a MEC 600 Jr would be good and cost around $200.00 for both presses. You'll still have to buy all the neccessities (Scale, Books, Calipers, Dies, and the list of wants goes on forever from here)
You can then get a progressive later as a good single stage press will always be needed.

I just Put a Dillon AT500 on layaway yesterday that also may be a good. I don't know yet. I will have to try it out. But the price was too good to walk away from. $190.00 brand new, in box at my local gun store!!! I hate myself for it as I have 2 XL650's, a 550b, a Redding Turret T7, and a Lee Classic Cast Single stage already but I thought this AT500 might be good for mobile. Trips to the range and when I go out of state, things like that. I figure I will keep it in the Motor home. Sorry to ramble...

Cheers

[SASS#23149]

If you are looking to save money by loading shotshells,the savings are pretty slime,what with bags of shot hitting 50 bucks and up these days.

[lgbloader]

Tell me about it!!! 50 Bucks !!! I have'nt even been shooting shotsells lately.

[scrat]

i read a post a few months ago. Since then i have about 2 gallon size full of 7 1/2 shot.

On saturdays and sundays drive around your neighborhood. Im sure you will see someone with a yard sale. Stop by. If you see someone selling those ankle weights that were once popular buy them. They contain 7 1/2 shot. i thought it was too good to be true. but i tried it. now i have a lot of shot. As for the presses. im not into spending 200.00 for something that can be made with crude materials. Yep. i have reloaded shot gun shells with a #2 3 inch penny nail. 3/4 dowl hammer. 5/8 socket. My presses include 2 410 lee loaders, 2 12 guage lee loaders. and a lee load all jr. I have not shot shells in a while i probably have about 300 ready to shoot right now.