Help choose my next press.

[Bang!]

Forget the comparison between Harbor Freight and Lee. That wasn’t really accurate. AVE would be proud of your chinesium uasage. lol

Buy what you want to get started or buy up to what you will end up with anyway. Doesn’t cost anymore to go first class. Some things you can buy now and will always use. The Lee Classic presses are a good example. There will always be a need for a stout single stage on your bench and both the Lee Classic Cast Single Stage Breechlock and the Lee Classic Turret (primes just fine) will both fill that need. As will single stage presses from RCBS, Forster, etc... Pick your poison but forget the Harbor Freight thing. Oh, and Iraqiveteran8888? I wouldn’t let that guy sweep the floor in my reloading room.

I would use any Lee Powder Measure on my Dillon XL650 any day of the week to load thousand round batch after thousand round batch without any worry whatsoever, and have. Sometimes I’m lazy and they’re accurate, consistent, easy to use and setup. Used them on my Hornady LnL AP, too.

The Lee Safety scale? It works and is accurate, but it only goes to something like 100 grains. Not sure but just remember I couldn’t check bullet weights. My Dillon beam scale goes to 500 grains. The Lee scale also has a learning curve to read and setup. Good scale for what it is but an example of something you would probably end up replacing so just skip ahead to a better scale.

A couple of months ago I found some really good deals on the Lee Pro 1000. $100, so I bought two to play with. Have been really surprised at how well these work. I just wanted to play and see what all the hubub was about. They turned out to be really good gear. At that price I leave them setup to one caliber, bullet brand, and powder weight. Anytime I want those specific rounds I just add components and crank’em out. Too easy. Wish I would have known this years ago. Something to consider.

The Dillons are the best. But if you buy all that at once you’ll probably need a bank loan. If you find you like reloading give them a serious look. You won’t be disappointed. Reloading is a joy with Dillon if you reload to shoot. Yeah, there’s a difference between a reloader, a shooter, and a reloader that reloads to shoot. Knowing your category will help you decide. If you want trouble free reloading for the sole purpose of getting you out to the range then it’s Dillon.

You have a lot of good choices to get you started. Some choices depends on your skill, needs, personality, and budget. A lot of opinionated suggestions, some fanboy rivalry, just want you to have a fair chance.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Wow this thread did explode rather quickly. I somewhat expected the RCBS vs Lee arguments, but did expect someone to interject the completely off base recommendation of the Dillon...or any progressive...given the quantity you're expecting to reload.

Let me tackle the easy question first:

My only requirements are: must fit on a bench that is 14" deep. Must not overhang the front edge of the bench by more than an inch or so

You have two different ways to go on this.
1. If you're willing to go with a single stage press the RCBS Summit has a very small footprint and does not extend beyond the front of your bench at all
2. A more logical solution might be going with an InLine Fabrications Ultramount which would also move your press away from the front out your bench

Someone compared Lee to Harbor Freight, and that got my attention. I hate Harbor Freight. Their stuff is all Chinesium and it doesn't last.

This is an interesting choice of terms given that Lee Classic Cast presses are manufactured domestically while RCBS presses are manufactured in the PRC

 

[9mmepiphany]

I was the one who compared Lee to Harbor Freight And like i said it will work it's just not that great of quality I doubt that you could tell the difference of a bullet loaded by a lee press or a Coax but you sure can tell the difference when you make them

I actually looked deeply into this when looking for a single stage press to supplement my Hornady LNL AP. I had a RCBS Jr (the steel ones) that I got with my first AR, but it just didn't have the "right" feel, I ended up donating it to my local reloading club.

I found that the Lee Classic Cast single stage was highly regarded and considered stronger than the RCBS Rockchucker. It had a larger window , larger ram, and was capable of resizing .50BMG cases. I handle both while at the SHOT Show for a contemporaneous comparison. Both were capable of accepting the Hornady bushing system for quick die changes, but the deciding factor was the Lee's superior spent primer handling system.

This same system is also shared between the Hornady LNL AP, Forster Co-Ax, and Lee Classic Turret

 

[JO JO]

I always considered the lee classic turret press a decent press for the money it works well and easy to swap calibers, It may not be a Dillon but it is 1/4 the price and way simpler,
I also agree with the post above rcbs of today is not the same as rcbs of yesteryear, they are now a stock/investors company that imports the majority of their products from China if that matters to you, I think rcbs still has good customer service if you can get through their parent company vista and get transferred to an rcbs rep, the last time I called rcbs last month I had to wait 45 min on hold after vista transferred me, one thing about Dillon is if you call Dillon a Dillon rep answers the phone

 

[9mmepiphany]

At any rate, if I knew for sure which scale and powder measure to buy, I probably would go that route, as opposed to a kit, as I don't need a loading manual (I think those are going to go extinct anyway due to the internet.) and those three items seem to be the bulk of those starter kits.

For your stated use, you'd be hard pressed to do better than the Lee Classic Turret...I learned to reload on a LCT. You'd have to go all the way to the Redding T-7 to get a better turret press...and that is a bit out of your price range

For the LCT, the best powder measure is the Lee Autodrum. It is much easier to use than the Autodisc and leaps and bounds better than the Lee Perfect Powder Measure.

If you don't mind a digital scale, the GemPro 250 is highly recommended, but pricy ($145). I prefer something that runs on AC rather than batteries and am considering the Franklin Arsenal Platinum ($70) or the Hornady 15108 ($85)

 

[D.B. Cooper]

Soooo...

Someone said something to the effect of at $400, Lee is pretty much the only option. A few others have suggested not buying a kit, but rather, buying individual items. With that in mind, if I forgo a Lee LCT kit, I can buy an LCT press, safety prime set, auto-drum powder measure, and a Frankfort digital scale for about $10 less than the kit. I still have my Lyman manual, calipers, and brass tumbler. (Don't ask me how or why I still have a brass tumbler sitting in my garage for 20 years.)

Such a purchase would leave me half of my budget for dies and components.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Here's what I would get:
1. Press - $98
2. Powder Measure - $34
3. Priming tool - $26 + $3 for shell holder
4. Die set -$30

So < $200 to get you started

 

[horsey300]

Soooo...

Someone said something to the effect of at $400, Lee is pretty much the only option. A few others have suggested not buying a kit, but rather, buying individual items. With that in mind, if I forgo a Lee LCT kit, I can buy an LCT press, safety prime set, auto-drum powder measure, and a Frankfort digital scale for about $10 less than the kit. I still have my Lyman manual, calipers, and brass tumbler. (Don't ask me how or why I still have a brass tumbler sitting in my garage for 20 years.)

Such a purchase would leave me half of my budget for dies and components.

If you DO use the safety prime, please let me know how it works out for you, I skipped it, ram priming on the lct was enough, but if it does add that much value (must include the riser for powder if using the safety prime) then I'll haveta look into it lol.

 

[drband]

If you get the kit, you’ll get the Lee reloading manual, too. Just a thought. It’s a good source with useful data and a good general reloading section.

 

[thomas15]

An angel just got his wings. I heard the bell!

 

[RealGun]

<snip>

The Dillons are the best. But if you buy all that at once you’ll probably need a bank loan. If you find you like reloading give them a serious look. You won’t be disappointed. Reloading is a joy with Dillon if you reload to shoot. Yeah, there’s a difference between a reloader, a shooter, and a reloader that reloads to shoot. Knowing your category will help you decide. If you want trouble free reloading for the sole purpose of getting you out to the range then it’s Dillon.

You have a lot of good choices to get you started. Some choices depends on your skill, needs, personality, and budget. A lot of opinionated suggestions, some fanboy rivalry, just want you to have a fair chance.

I was enjoying your post until I got to this part. Dillon may be "the best", I wouldn't know, but you gave no hint that you have any experience with a Hornady LnL AP, with which I am proficient, financially committed, and pretty happy. For perspective, I use a case feeder and bullet feeder (MBF die with Bully Adapter) and deprime and prime on the press.

 

[Rule3]

Doesn't everyone know by now that these threads are all the same?

Since the invention of the internet, all "what is the best press" questions turn into a pissing match.
Regardless of the original posters message of how much ammo they load and how much money they want to spend it all comes down to the same nonsense.

These questions should be banned under religion or politics.

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

Soooo...

Someone said something to the effect of at $400, Lee is pretty much the only option. A few others have suggested not buying a kit, but rather, buying individual items. With that in mind, if I forgo a Lee LCT kit, I can buy an LCT press, safety prime set, auto-drum powder measure, and a Frankfort digital scale for about $10 less than the kit. I still have my Lyman manual, calipers, and brass tumbler. (Don't ask me how or why I still have a brass tumbler sitting in my garage for 20 years.)

Such a purchase would leave me half of my budget for dies and components.

I think the LCT will serve your needs well. I would probably buy the press and other items separately but the kit isn't a bad deal.

 

[Bang!]

I was enjoying your post until I got to this part. Dillon may be "the best", I wouldn't know, but you gave no hint that you have any experience with a Hornady LnL AP, with which I am proficient, financially committed, and pretty happy. For perspective, I use a case feeder and bullet feeder (MBF die with Bully Adapter) and deprime and prime on the press.

Replaced my Hornady LnL AP with the Dillon XL650. Couldn’t be happier with the change.

 

[Rule3]

For the OP. with amount of ammo you PLAN to load, any SINGLE stage press would serve your needs. It is minimal investment, you can always use it even if you turn into a ammo addict!

If you do not have all the needed accessories the RCBS KIT would be good. There is no junk. If you buy the Lee Classic Turret, get just the press, powder measure and primer. As you mentioned their scale is useless( actually accurate but a pain to use)
Happy New Year

http://www.cabelas.com/product/RCBS...VxBuBCh1mMAIEEAQYASABEgLjbPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

 

[ATLDave]

Another vote for the LCT. Just a great press, especially for the money.

 

[RealGun]

For your stated use, you'd be hard pressed to do better than the Lee Classic Turret...I learned to reload on a LCT. You'd have to go all the way to the Redding T-7 to get a better turret press...and that is a bit out of your price range

For the LCT, the best powder measure is the Lee Autodrum. It is much easier to use than the Autodisc and leaps and bounds better than the Lee Perfect Powder Measure.

If you don't mind a digital scale, the GemPro 250 is highly recommended, but pricy ($145). I prefer something that runs on AC rather than batteries and am considering the Franklin Arsenal Platinum ($70) or the Hornady 15108 ($85)

If the Redding T-7 doesn't auto index, it is not in the same class as the Lee LCT, a uniquely great piece of equipment.

 

[ATLDave]

Yeah, I don't understand the appeal of turrets (or progressives) that don't auto-index.

 

[RealGun]

For the OP. with amount of ammo you PLAN to load, any SINGLE stage press would serve your needs. It is minimal investment, you can always use it even if you turn into a ammo addict!

If you do not have all the needed accessories the RCBS KIT would be good. There is no junk. If you buy the Lee Classic Turret, get just the press, powder measure and primer. As you mentioned their scale is useless( actually accurate but a pain to use)
Happy New Year

http://www.cabelas.com/product/RCBS...VxBuBCh1mMAIEEAQYASABEgLjbPD_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

"I'm currently shooting about 150 rounds of 44 special a week"
I wouldn't wish a single stage on anyone to support 150 rounds a week. That's just too much fuss and time on a regular basis.

 

[drband]

"I'm currently shooting about 150 rounds of 44 special a week"
I wouldn't wish a single stage on anyone to support 150 rounds a week. That's just too much fuss and time on a regular basis.

That’s about 45 minutes on a LCT at my rate.

 

[thomas15]

"I'm currently shooting about 150 rounds of 44 special a week"
I wouldn't wish a single stage on anyone to support 150 rounds a week. That's just too much fuss and time on a regular basis.

See post #56

He has decided on the LCT!!! The lucky guy will get to pull the lever a measly 31,200 times per year on his new LCT. By making the wise purchase of the LCT he avoids pulling the lever a whopping 7900 times per year on a decent progressive. Good exercise, great value and you get world class control over the whole process! Another win for the LCT!!!

 

[ATLDave]

Another thought for the OP, though slightly drifting the thread:

If inexpensive digital scales weren't interesting to you 20 years ago, it may be time to re-investigate them. The cheap MTM scales (or other similar scales) have gotten very good. Are they as absolutely precise as lab-grade digitals or Japanese-made beam scales? No, but they're often good to within .1 or .2 grains, which is certainly good enough for most purposes. As an added benefit, you can very quickly zero/tare them to your primed, empty cartridge, so you can measure charges as thrown into the cartridge itself... no fiddly pouring powder back and forth from case to pan and back.

 

[Bang!]

Meh, just a starting point. He’ll have a progressive in six months. And a new scale. Everything else he’ll still use. It’s easier to go from the LCT to a progressive, too.

See post #56

He has decided on the LCT!!! The lucky guy will get to pull the lever a measly 31,200 times per year on his new LCT. By making the wise purchase of the LCT he avoids pulling the lever a whopping 7900 times per year on a decent progressive. Good exercise, great value and you get world class control over the whole process! Another win for the LCT!!!

 

[RealGun]

See post #56

He has decided on the LCT!!! The lucky guy will get to pull the lever a measly 31,200 times per year on his new LCT. By making the wise purchase of the LCT he avoids pulling the lever a whopping 7900 times per year on a decent progressive. Good exercise, great value and you get world class control over the whole process! Another win for the LCT!!!

A fair comparison is output rate, when single stage versus auto indexing turret. Personally, if I was shooting 150 rounds a week of one cartridge, I would certainly find a progressive appealing and consider it worth the cost. I would most likely be loading a whole box of 500 bullets in one session, probably with case and bullet feeders..

 

[thomas15]

Meh, just a starting point. He’ll have a progressive in six months. And a new scale. Everything else he’ll still use. It’s easier to go from the LCT to a progressive, too.

I know I just got caught up in all of the excitement!!!

A fair comparison is output rate, when single stage versus auto indexing turret. Personally, if I was shooting 150 rounds a week of one cartridge, I would certainly find a progressive appealing and consider it worth the cost. I would most likely be loading a whole box of 500 bullets in one session.

^^^ I actually agree, just having some fun!