Need press selection help for magnum rifle reloading

[ATLDave]

I'm a big proponent of the LCT as a great first/only press for people... but if I were focused solely on reloading magnum rifle cartridges for use in bolt guns, I'd go with something different. The LCT will surely work, but you're not going to be flying along with that stuff anyway in terms of reloading pace.... and you may not get quite as good concentricity as you would with super-rigid single-stage.

 

[Rule3]

perhaps take a look at the Redding T7??

https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/5...I1qCo6tWy2gIVlBuBCh0wqgALEAQYASABEgI_-vD_BwE#

 

[686shooter]

Great info everyone, thanks! As far as electronic powder dispensers go, will the hornady work ok or should I go Lyman or RCBS?

 

[Blue68f100]

I have the RCBS Rangemaster 1500, this unit has like 4 speeds it uses for dispensing powder depending on how much is needed. I know with 50 gr it only take around 10 sec. As one is being dispensed, I take the time to seat the bullet in the one I just filled with powder. So no chance of having one emptied. So the time is not wasted on waiting. The 1500 model has a memory storage system so you don't have to enter the load each time, if you want. You also have access to system parameters if you fair to fine tune for what your doing. You can speed it up by changing the ranges in which speed is used. The Lite model does not have storage, or access to the parameters if I recall. The Hornady unit does not retain parameters changes and has to be entered every time you use it. Don't know how the Lyman works.

 

[Varminterror]

perhaps take a look at the Redding T7??

https://ads.midwayusa.com/product/5...I1qCo6tWy2gIVlBuBCh0wqgALEAQYASABEgI_-vD_BwE#

The T7 really isn’t any more rigid than the LCT. It’s heavier built, but it pivots in the middle, which leaves the turret head to tilt. Mine deviate as much as my LCT’s - hence my T7’s are in storage, and my precision ammo is sized on a Couple of Forster Co-ax’s, seated in LE Wilson dies.

 

[NWPilgrim]

You may want to get two different presses, as the large magnum rifle cartridges are at one extreme (long, lots of friction, lots powder, relatively few cartridges needed per batch) and the eventual handgun cartridges are the other (high volume, no case prep, hardly any friction, short throw, low charge weights).

Any single stage press large enough for the cartridge should be fine. If you are looking for top quality and price is not an issue than all Redding gear would be excellent investment. All will work but I think Redding has many more options for fine tuning precision rifle cartridge loading. You will be neck sizing only probably, so get neck sizing dies not FL. I actually like the Lyman neck sizing dies because they use a carbide sizing button so no need for inside neck lube. But you can buy the Lyman stem with adaptor for RCBS and Redding dies, too. [BTW, I use mostly Lee equipment for my purposes but have some dies and tools from almost every manufacturer, so I am not a Redding fanboy by any means.]

The issue with powder measures is the diameter of the cavity the powder fills up. The more narrow it is the better for small charges like 3 gr Bullseye, but then not so good for 80 gr of magnum rifle stick powders. So you want a measure designed for large rifle reloading (I don't know which one, but it is important to match the measure to your needs). When you get around to loading .223 and pistols you likely will want a different measure along with a different press.

Basically, I recommend optimizing your set up for magnum rifle reloading and just figure you will need different press and measure to optimize for .223 and handgun reloading.

 

[686shooter]

I have the RCBS Rangemaster 1500, this unit has like 4 speeds it uses for dispensing powder depending on how much is needed. I know with 50 gr it only take around 10 sec. As one is being dispensed, I take the time to seat the bullet in the one I just filled with powder. So no chance of having one emptied. So the time is not wasted on waiting. The 1500 model has a memory storage system so you don't have to enter the load each time, if you want. You also have access to system parameters if you fair to fine tune for what your doing. You can speed it up by changing the ranges in which speed is used. The Lite model does not have storage, or access to the parameters if I recall. The Hornady unit does not retain parameters changes and has to be entered every time you use it. Don't know how the Lyman works.

This is great information everyone, thanks! I think I like the idea of the electronic powder dispenser. I found this batch of stuff on Craigslist for “$500 obo”. It has the Win Mag dies and 45 dies which I could use at a later date. Is it worth $500 or what do you think a fair offer is? Thanks!

 

[686shooter]

Basically, I recommend optimizing your set up for magnum rifle reloading and just figure you will need different press and measure to optimize for .223 and handgun reloading.

I think I’ve realized that this is probably the way to go, thanks!

 

[Ireload2]

You should never think about speed until you have learned the basics.
If you are in a hurry just to get ammo you do not have the right attitude for the detail good rifle ammo requires. You need to be interested in producing top quality ammo not how little work or how fast you can do it.
No one pours powder without a funnel.
You are the first person in 50 years I have ever heard say that.

This may sound stupid, but I'd like to avoid having to manually pick up a little measuring cup of powder and pour it into shell casings one at a time. Maybe this is the best method, but it seems slow, and I KNOW I will spill the powder occasionally, which would bother me. If that's the best way, I'll just have to get used to it.

 

[Blue68f100]

You don't always need a funnel. Depends on what your goal is. For decades once I had the powder dispenser set I would just put the cartridge under the dispenser and let the dispenser feed it. In fact most all AP do this. The use of taller drop tubes helps get the powder into cartridge.

It's normally the long range precision guy/gals that are weighting every grain/stick of powder.