[WNC Seabee]

Hey all, I'm going to start reloading very low volumes of .30-.30 and .300 Savage. Maybe some .35 Remington. I already have a LoadMaster all set up for various pistol calibers.

Would I be better served with a new single stage press for these low volume rifle rounds, or just go ahead do them on the LoadMaster?

If a single stage is better, any particular recommendations?

Thanks,
Tim

[Clarence]

Personally I like to load my rifle rounds (low volume) on a Rockchucker and my pistol rounds (high volume) on my Dillon 550b.

[Marlin 45 carbine]

maybe you can set up 2 single-stage in tandem? that's what I have. once I have the seating/crimping die in the 2nd press set up my nephew runs it and we can crank out some ammo. easy 300 pistol rounds per evening(after priming and expanding/charging of course), about 2 hours little more.
I have a chucker for the sizeing and forming(if I do that) and a Lee Classic for the other dutys.
I got both at garage sales for cheap.

[ranger335v]

Any current single stage press will be more than sufficent for those cartridges. The Lee's will do you well. If cost is an issue, look at the little 'Reloader" presses. If you will spend a bit more to get something built for the ages, and up to .50 BMG, look at the Classic Cast.

[Landric]

I have a Rockchucker for small volume rifle. However, if I were going to buy a new press today for that task, I'd buy the Lee Classic Cast. Its around $80, which is cheaper than a Rockchucker, and it has a better on press priming system and a much better spent primer catcher.

http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=317831

[hydraulicman]

How many rounds is low volume?
I really like my rockchucker.

make sure you don't have a burr inside the ram. mine had a burr and once i knocked it off the primer system works great now

[WNC Seabee]

How many rounds is low volume?

Probably around 20-30 at a time. A couple times a year. These are hunting rifles, and I don't hunt much anymore, so it would just be for the ocassional range trip when I don't feel like taking the AR or M1.

[hydraulicman]

I think you could load them on your loadmaster. But a single stage is sure nice to have.

then you don't have to set up your load master for only 30 rounds

and a good single stage like the rockchucker supreme is nice and strong. I've heard good things about the lee classic cast but i've never used one.

[Randy1911]

I have a older Rock Chucker (the one before the Surpreme) and it has a "on press" priming system. I used it all the time back when I loaded rifle. I still use it every once in a while. In the last 26 years I have probably loaded over 50K rounds. It will last longer then I will live. If I take out the bushing, it will load 50 BMG.

[hydraulicman]

you might also consider buying a non press mounted powder measure. and powder trickler.

then you can throw your charges in the scale pan and trickle them up to the exact load.

[FROGO207]

All good advice. If you are patient the dies and a single stage press will show up used for a reasonable price. Might take some looking on your part. You also will find the other items needed. If you are in a hurry buy a starter kit from LEE or RCBS, all basics are included in it. Best non sale price I found was Natchez Shooters Supplies when I was in a hurry.

[oneounceload]

I've been using a RCBS Jr. press for ALL my metallic for over 25 years, from 32 acp to 7mm mag. Had a Dillon - too many issues......a single stage takes time, but then I've never had a bad reload due to powder or primer issues..........

[BigJakeJ1s]

On a budget, the Lee Classic Cast single stage press is really hard to beat.

Otherwise, the Forster Co-Ax is perhaps the best designed, best built single stage press available, especially for standard size dies (i.e. not 50 BMG or similar), which your cartridges use.

Andy