Best Single Stage Press for Rifle?
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ColtPythonElite
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A Rock Chucker has worked for me for 30 years. Never had a reason to look for something different.
troy fairweather
Member
If I were looking to get a new press it would be hard to pick between the rcbs rebel and the mec marksman, redding close behind.
AJC1
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What is the biggest you plan to load. Are we talking 300 ultra mag or 223. More information will get you a better answer.
thorswhisper
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The latest and greatest isnt always the "Best" press for you. They have made some really great presses over the years many of which have been discontinued.
I agree with AJC1, really all depends on what your parameters of reloading will be.
I agree with AJC1, really all depends on what your parameters of reloading will be.
Fine Figure of a Man
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Forster Co-Ax
45 long
Member
A couple of years ago I picked up a Lee Classic Cast from Midway for $117(with my birthday discount). That'll Do !
Kinda slow for handgun loads, but fine for rifle.
Kinda slow for handgun loads, but fine for rifle.
Legionnaire
Contributing Member
I can’t say which is “best.” I got a good deal on a Lee Classic Cast a while back and have been happy with it.
That would be my choice also
I have a Redding Big Boss that works well for me. I loaded everything before I got into progressive presses, now it loads rifle ammunition primarily.
You cannot go wrong with the Redding, Lyman, RCBS, or Hornady top of the line single stage presses.
The Forster Co-Ax is also excellent, probably better than the other listed but it has some unique systems and parts that make it not as compatible with the others that I mentioned. It is not a bad thing, the press is excellent, just understand that it has some differences in installing the dies.
You cannot go wrong with the Redding, Lyman, RCBS, or Hornady top of the line single stage presses.
The Forster Co-Ax is also excellent, probably better than the other listed but it has some unique systems and parts that make it not as compatible with the others that I mentioned. It is not a bad thing, the press is excellent, just understand that it has some differences in installing the dies.
GeoDudeFlorida
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The hardest case I work with is .303Brit. It’s got odd angles and a thin neck. And the rifles that shoot it have gaping mauls designed to feed a teaspoon of French clay with each cartridge so they tend to have expanded a lot. I’ve resized .303 with a Lee hand press and it’s not fun but works fine with good lube. I bought a RCBS Partner a few years ago and it works fine, very little effort resizing .303 with good lube. It’s light, compact, simple and well made. That makes it a good choice for me. YMMV.
I have a Hornady Iron Press, no complaints with it. It’s definitely sturdy, well built, and the largest caliber I deal with is 500 S&W mag for pistol and 300 Win Mag for rifle, very little effort is needed when sizing. You can’t really tell the difference effort-wise between a 223 case or a 300 case when sizing. I haven’t bought it (yet), but it has the attachment available to auto prime. Straight out of the box you can prime with the press but have to individually place each primer.
This is true. Instead of having to screw them in, you can just slide them in through the side...much faster and more convenient.
You also don't have to find the matching shell holder for the cartridge you want to reload either. The Co-Ax doesn't use shell holders...it has universal automatically adjusting jaws
kmw1954
Member
Loading 223 and just started with 243 and the RCBS JR3 works just wonderfully and I only paid $35.00 for it used.
rayatphonix
Member
I’ve settled on the MEC Marksman after using C4HD H press for years. The C4HD is also a very good press, but expensive these days.
dh1633pm
Contributing Member
Co-Ax. Lighter, takes up less room, no shell holders needed and dies just slide in.
JFrank
Member
Yep— a good O press
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Catpop
Member
I’m still pulling the handle on my 1973 Lyman Spartan.
But not sure if it’s still current production because Ive never needed to look for another single stage. It’s probably going to out last me!
But not sure if it’s still current production because Ive never needed to look for another single stage. It’s probably going to out last me!
Blue68f100
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Most any steel made O type press will work. I have the Redding BB II currently. The RCBS Rock Chucker has been around for decades. The new Iron press by Hornady is the beefiest I've seen. It use 3 supports vs the std O frame of 2.
AJC1
Member
The forester press gets a lot of love and may be a good fit for you depending on the type of dies you use. Some people have complained about die clearance depending on the type of seating die you choose. Specifically a 300wm seating die with add on micrometer top from hornaday dosent fit. Knowing your calibers and die preferences helps guide recommended presses. I use the same rcbs jr-3 that was listed above and many others use. My loads are currently limited to 308.
jmorris
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If I could only pick one, it would probably be one I almost never use.
I use the Co-ax more than the others but because the jaws are for a diameter range, I often just use a conventional shell holder/press if I am loading say .22 Hornet or 45-70.
I use the Co-ax more than the others but because the jaws are for a diameter range, I often just use a conventional shell holder/press if I am loading say .22 Hornet or 45-70.
For loading what, why and how many?
These two 100 yard groups were loaded on a dinky little used Lee Challenger Breech Lock press using Lee dies. Rifles nothing special and shooter was me.......who is really nothing special.
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