Narrow down two choices on single stage press

[TTv2]

Of the two, I'd go with the Hornady. It has the lock n load feature which is nice and it's a beast, they've also been in the game for a while. I don't like the handle setup on the MEC and as for the floating head, I don't know if that's important. I mean, these presses are supposed to be straight and square, right? What's the floating head supposed to compensate for?

It compensates for cases slightly out of alignment with the die. It does improve concentricity which is supposed to improve accuracy.

FortuneCookie did a video on the MEC vs the Forster Co-Ax and some other presses and what the results were in terms of runout. Spoiler: the MEC outperformed the Forster.

 

[TTv2]

But every time that you do change dies, you're doing in in 1/20 of the time...so it's 80% faster

This isn't speculation, this is from experience. I use the bushings on a LNL AP and I change the position of the dies on the head at a whim because it is so fast compared to unscrewing them from my Dillon 750. On a single stage press, you'd have to change dies for every operation as you go through the different stages of the process, so we're talking 4-5 changes to complete the process. 5 times 80% is 400% faster

The math doesn't work that way, cumulatively you're still doing it 80% faster. 10 seconds vs 2 seconds extrapolated to 50 seconds and 10 seconds is still an 80% reduction in time.

I don't think $4 per bushing really falls under the category of "high priced." Even at $16 for a four die set isn't excessive...it would hardly buy a decent dinner out

This I agree with, if you have a few calibers you load for a lot then it's not a bad idea to consider the bushings as they are relatively cheap. In comparison to something like the Co-Ax press where to get that fast die change feature you're being set back $330, plus taxes and shipping.

 

[Walkalong]

When they first came out, I thought the LNL bushings were a waste of time/money, but then I started using them with my new LL (Upgraded from the old Projector), and I really like them. Yes, a bit of expense up front if you have a lot of die sets, like I did, no, it doesn't save a great deal of time, but it is faster, and really convenient. I have come to like it. They fit in most die boxes, although some take a slight bit of modding. They "float" a bit, which is good.

That said, I think I would be leaning toward the MEC without being able to look/handle both presses in person. Doesn't look like you could go wrong with either, and a tough choice sight unseen. I can see why the OP would want folks opinions who had actual experience with each press.

 

[Rule3]

Which leads "me" back to the Redding T7 but then some folks will say it only holds 7 and not 8, or buying another turret is a waste of money and you can screw dies in mere seconds.
As will all what presses to get, always go with the Dillon 650!

 

[jmorris]

I use the bushings on a LNL AP and I change the position of the dies on the head at a whim because it is so fast compared to unscrewing them from my Dillon 750. On a single stage press, you'd have to change dies for every operation as you go through the different stages of the process, so we're talking 4-5 changes to complete the process. 5 times 80% is 400% faster

Why would you use bushings on the LNL and unscrew them on the 750 when all you need to do is pull two pins and unhook the failsafe rod to swap them all? If the shell plate and priming system are common you can go from one caliber to another in under 30 seconds.



No press I have used is quicker to swap than the forster.

 

[Bill M.]

To the OP. I think you just need to pick. I cannot see how either one would not be just fine. You already have more presses than I ever will have and you know what you want. I am looking at a Redding Big Boss II because I want to prime on the press and it looks like they have a good system?

As to the LNL. I put the bushing in my single stage press. I love the system. My only problem has been getting some of the dies adjusted because of the extra length of the bushing. I had to take the lock rings off a couple of dies and screw them all the way down tight to get them in far enough. It took me a while to get each bushing adjusted on the die but now it is all slick and fine. I like the system so well it knocks me out of considering the T7 that I thought I wanted. My powder measure goes on the expander die.

I do not feel "stupid" for using the LNL system. For other things, yes, but not for that.

 

[TonyAngel]

It compensates for cases slightly out of alignment with the die. It does improve concentricity which is supposed to improve accuracy.

FortuneCookie did a video on the MEC vs the Forster Co-Ax and some other presses and what the results were in terms of runout. Spoiler: the MEC outperformed the Forster.

Which is my point. If the case is out of alignment, something is out of whack. A floating head is just a Band-Aid.

 

[TonyAngel]

In any case, just pick the one that looks prettier to you. Either will likely serve you for a very long time.

I think the Hornady looks prettier.

 

[MDof2]

Thanks all for the input! Continue on among yourselves with the debate on the LNL system. For reference, I don't use it, I won't use it, it's not a selling point for me and I'll replace the LNL bushing with a threaded one if I go with the Hornady. The reason for this, (mentioned earlier in the thread) is because I also use a Redding turret press, as well other single stage presses, and I don't / can't / won't convert all my dies to use the system.

Thanks again for the input from those who have either of the presses I'm considering.

 

[Blue68f100]

To the OP. I think you just need to pick. I cannot see how either one would not be just fine. You already have more presses than I ever will have and you know what you want. I am looking at a Redding Big Boss II because I want to prime on the press and it looks like they have a good system?

I have the Redding Big Boss II with the primer feed system. It's the best I've seen and used on a SS press. You do have to set the seating ram up at the height specified in the paper work. If not you will have feeding problems. I even but another primer slide so I could keep one setup for SP and the other LP. Makes a very quick change over.

 

[TTv2]

Which is my point. If the case is out of alignment, something is out of whack. A floating head is just a Band-Aid.

The results people are getting speak otherwise.

 

[TonyAngel]

The results people are getting speak otherwise.

Meaning what? That the press just makes good ammo or better ammo than the Hornady? Is the MEC a better press than the Hornady just by virtue of the floating head? We’re supposed to weighing the pros of each press against those of the other. I just don’t think that the floating head should be a big consideration.

 

[jmorris]

is because I also use a Redding turret press, as well other single stage presses,

What other single stage presses do you have and what about them and the Redding turret do you dislike or would like to change?

 

[MDof2]

What other single stage presses do you have and what about them and the Redding turret do you dislike or would like to change?

RCBS Rock Chucker, a RC JR, as well a Redding Turret and a Lyman Turret. There's nothing that I dislike about them. They do exactly as they should. The Redding Turret is the nicest turret on the market. Compared to my Lyman (which is also 40 years old) and others I've seen. In the workflow of my bench, what I load, clean, process, resize, decap, etc., I'm wanting to add another, and probably get rid of a couple. The RC I use for dirty work. Decapping, etc. Turrets for hand loaded pistol otherwise, a Dillon 650 for higher volume. Precision stuff is what I'm looking for with the addition on a single stage to compliment my Redding turret. They're easy enough to swap on and off a Inline Fabrication stand, and it's what works in my setup / workflow. Sounds weird / overkill to some, but it works for me. As I tell me wife, I don't have a hookers and blow hobby anymore, so I play with bullets, tools and such.

 

[MDof2]

Meaning what? That the press just makes good ammo or better ammo than the Hornady? Is the MEC a better press than the Hornady just by virtue of the floating head? We’re supposed to weighing the pros of each press against those of the other. I just don’t think that the floating head should be a big consideration.

I think where TTv2 is going with that may be in particular bullet run-out. Which is a large consideration with precision shooters. While I personally can't out-shoot .001 of run-out, I know some that will discuss it at great length and all the reasons why, how, and when. While I shoot F Class and some Bench Rest, it is a concern, but not a make or break deal for me. Some of the issue (as MEC is doing) an be handled by floating the shell, others (Redding, Honaday, etc.) do it by floating the bushings in the dies.
Many a threads on Accurate Shooter, 6mmbr, SH, and other forums on the topic.

 

[Typetwelve]

I'll say that my first press was a Dillon 550...I then bought a Rockchucker Supreme on super sale a few months ago for doing some assorted small batch loading.

Like my 550, I researched the poo out of it and people were talking about various fast swap methods, this is better than that, that is better than this. Personally, once I set the dies up and used a locking style ring, screwing them in/out of the press is super easy and takes seconds. I don't understand the beef with it vs say the Hornady lock/load stuff. It's really not a big deal.

I will say that single stage vs my 550? Oh, HUGE difference in time to load...but the 550 is more set/forget so if you want to swap projectiles, loads, etc, the 550 isn't the best for that. Single stage is much easier adjusted. Dillon really is for mass production.

 

[jmorris]

Precision stuff is what I'm looking for with the addition on a single stage to compliment my Redding turret.

I’d put the money towards good dies, they will bring more reward than another single stage will.

Sounds weird / overkill to some, but it works for me. As I tell me wife, I don't have a hookers and blow hobby anymore, so I play with bullets, tools and such.

If the goal is just more stuff, I understand that too, nothing wrong with that and if the alternative expenditure is illegal drugs and women of ill repute, I suggest you get both the Hornady and the MEC, as they will be cheaper right off the bat and better for you. We will be expecting a full review, of course.

 

[GW Staar]

So Mr. Morris, are you through buying new reloading presses for a while, or is that new Dillon 750 calling to you at all?

I think I'm done for a long long time. Even the new vapor press from RCBS isn't calling. Of all the presses that are fairly new, I'd be inclined to look at the Hornady Iron press a little closer.....not as much for it's LnL, but more for its beef and it's priming system. For me totally irrational since I like RCBS's APS bench primer really well.....and I still haven't warmed up to tube feeders at all.

Forster's press has never intrigued me....maybe because I'm on the short side. I like the Summit press I have, but I had to buy the short handle since don't like or need all the overhead reaching (right shoulder doesn't need that at my age).....I bought it mostly for the case prep operations anyway.....and now I have the case fed Lee APP for some of that....again, I think I'm done.

 

[MDof2]

I’d put the money towards good dies, they will bring more reward than another single stage will.

Yep / Agreed. Well stocked in that category. I learned early on good dies are worth their weight in gold.
$40 dies shoot $40 groups.

 

[TTv2]

I think where TTv2 is going with that may be in particular bullet run-out. Which is a large consideration with precision shooters. While I personally can't out-shoot .001 of run-out, I know some that will discuss it at great length and all the reasons why, how, and when. While I shoot F Class and some Bench Rest, it is a concern, but not a make or break deal for me. Some of the issue (as MEC is doing) an be handled by floating the shell, others (Redding, Honaday, etc.) do it by floating the bushings in the dies.
Many a threads on Accurate Shooter, 6mmbr, SH, and other forums on the topic.

Yes, that's what I'm talking about, but I also feel that a floating shellholder or die improves other parts of the reloading process with certain cases.
Given the OP's focus on rifle reloading, I suggest the MEC because it is excellent value and quality for the money.

As to your comment on $40 dies, I love Lee handgun dies because I'm not looking for long range precision with those and their price is great, but for rifle dies I agree that it's worth investing in good ones. I don't want people to think Lee dies are worthless or will incur a loss of 1 MOA vs more expensive dies.

 

[MDof2]

As to your comment on $40 dies, I love Lee handgun dies because I'm not looking for long range precision with those and their price is great, but for rifle dies I agree that it's worth investing in good ones. I don't want people to think Lee dies are worthless or will incur a loss of 1 MOA vs more expensive dies.

Agreed. It was a bit of humor and tongue in cheek. I use several Lee dies and single oddball dies for different things regularly.
Shooting long range matches or BR stuff, Redding ,Forster, etc.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I use several Lee dies and single oddball dies for different things regularly.
Shooting long range matches or BR stuff, Redding ,Forster, etc.

My most commonly used Lee die is their universal Decapper...it has been flawless since I installed a Squirrel Daddy decapping pin in it. I also have a 9mm FCD I use because I'm too lazy to set up another.

For my most common calibers, I only load handgun calibers, I've pretty much converted over to Redding because of the unique features they offer. I can't quite bring myself to spend $100 for a Mighty Armory sizing die...although it really isn't much more expensive than a Redding Dual Ring one.

 

[Walkalong]

$100 for a Mighty Armory sizing die

Very pricey for such a lame website with such little info. Is the 9MM sizer tapered? Do the rifle sizers use an expander ball?

Anyway, that's not the question, the question is which press. I am still leaning towards the MEC.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I think I'm leaning toward the MEC also...since the LNL bushings aren't a factor for the OP

 

[TTv2]

My most commonly used Lee die is their universal Decapper...it has been flawless since I installed a Squirrel Daddy decapping pin in it. I also have a 9mm FCD I use because I'm too lazy to set up another.

For my most common calibers, I only load handgun calibers, I've pretty much converted over to Redding because of the unique features they offer. I can't quite bring myself to spend $100 for a Mighty Armory sizing die...although it really isn't much more expensive than a Redding Dual Ring one.

Mighty Armory? The company I work for got an order from them two years ago to make their sizing dies for 9, 40, and 45. In fact I ran the machine that put the threads in for the decapping pin.

I looked at the print and didn't see much reason to want to buy those steel dies vs carbide ones. I didn't know that MA was selling them for $100 a pop tho, I was thinking they'd be closer to $50, but that's probably what we charged them per die.

IIRC we didn't use some uber high quality steel or anything, just standard 4140 that probably got case hardened to 60 Rc on the inside and was ground to size. I don't see where those dies are worth $100...

Very pricey for such a lame website with such little info. Is the 9MM sizer tapered?

IIRC, no, the sizer was not tapered for the 9mm die.

I remember specifically looking to see if it was because I was curious how we would have inspected that, but don't recall seeing a taper in the print, but if I'm correct in assuming that the dies were hardened and ground after we turned them the taper could have been ground.

I doubt we even had a way to measure the taper outside of gage pins. I don't think we made any go/no go plug gages for any of the dies because management doesn't exactly invest a lot of money into the company; you should see what the machines that made the dies look like.

Actually, I'll take some pics and post them when I get home Monday night.

But bottom line of if they're better dies than Redding or Hornady? Nope, I greatly doubt it.