New guy question re: type of press for beginner

[volgunner]

Began shooting handguns three years ago and currently own S&W 686 and 642. Do not currently own any centerfire rifles, and don't have much interest in acquiring them.

I'd like to start reloading and have been doing a considerable amount of reading here and on other sites. I think I understand about the various types of presses (progressive, turret and single stage). From what I've read, seems like either a single stage or a turret would be the way to go. At this point, I can afford either, I'd reload only a moderate amount (I probably shoot 100-150 per weekly range session), I'd start out reloading .38 sp/.357 mag. (but I'd like to get into other handgun calibers in the not-to-distant future), and I'm really interested in learning well all the fundamentals before being able to increase speed appreciably.

Which type press (turret or single stage) would you recommend or why?

Of the two, Hornady Lock 'N Load (single) and Lee Classic Turret (obviously, turret) look promising. What do you think of these and others for a beginner.

Thanks for your help, and I look forward to your comments.
Russell

 

[bluestringer]

Lee also makes an excellent single stage press. It has the breech lock system so you don't have to screw the dies in when changing them. It also has a mount for the Lee primer system.

I used a single stage for years, and have just upgraded to the Lee Classic Turret. Just getting started with it, but I know I'm really going to like it. I'm only loading 2 calibers, 45 and 38 special for now.


bluestringer

 

[ranger335v]

"Which type press (turret or single stage) would you recommend or why?"

Get the Lee Classic Turret, seems it's made for guys like you.

No other "turret" press has an auto-index feature to sequence the dies. It's NOT a "progressive" but that feature adds a lot of speed. Lee's heads are inexpensive enough to have one set up with the dies for each weapon, ready to use and they are quickly/easily exchanged without tools. The steel press body is large, strong and can handle any sporting cartridge made. And the auto-index can be disabled to make learning to load easier. Like anything with moving parts, including other turrets and progressives, it has a learning curve but it's certainly not difficult for most folks to operate.

I'm a low volume rifle shooter (mostly) and a single stage is the way to go for me but my press choice has NO advantage for handguns and does have a speed disadvantage.

All any kind of quick-change die system can do is speed die changes, it's still not instanteanous. For a four die set it might cut 90 seconds from a loading session (dies do NOT need to be wrenched in place, finger tight is plenty).

 

[Kentucky_Rifleman]

A lot of reloaders have started out with Lee (and several have remained with Lee).

With the volume you describe, I would say either a turret or single stage would be fine for you. The single-stage is easier to learn, and if you ever go to reloading rifle cartridges, you may want the single stage. (I reload rifle only on a single stage, and I'm not alone).

My best advice is to buy carbide dies for the handgun loads. These will eliminate the need for lubing cases, and lubing takes some of the fun out of reloading for all but the hard-core gun cranks

KR

 

[Grumulkin]

I started with an RCBS single stage press which I still have and use frequently.

I also have a Redding T-7 turret press which I love. Since it has 7 die stations, I can have it set up to load 2 or 3 different cartridges and it's built like a tank. If you're planning on loading more than one cartridge, it's the one I'd get.

 

[mongoose33]

Good initial choices--a single-stage is the way to go for learning. A turret also can be effective that way, it's essentially a single-stage with a way to quickly switch dies.

Don't focus on speed, focus on quality.

An indexing turret will be faster than a single-stage (though about the same speed as the LnL when not indexing, as it's just about as fast to switch dies in the LnL as it is to turn the turret), but if I were you, I wouldn't focus on that feature.

Frankly, I think that initially you should be focusing on each step in a batch form. Use a loading block to keep track of what you're doing, and charge each case individually, then when they're all in the loading block, double-check that your loads are all the same and match the weight you're supposed to have.

And if you think that you might get a progressive at some point, I'd advise you toward the LnL press; it uses the same bushings as the LnL AP progressive press, and you get free bullets as part of the purchase of both.

 

[The Bushmaster]

"Which single stage press is best"....Save a lot of writing/typing and read the thread that is posted as "Which single stage press is best"...

 

[kostyanj]

Might want to take a look at this site and see how long it will take for you to recoup your money from either press:
http://www.10xshooters.com/calculators/Handgun_Reloading_Cost_Calculator.htm

 

[Luke G]

I would recommend going with the turret. For all practical purposes it's a single stage that changes dies for you, and will allow you to increase production quite a bit after you get the hang of it.

With the Lee, you can easily deactivate the auto-index (I believe it's the only part of the instruction page that makes sense, but dont quote me on that) and use the press as a single stage, but you can still manually index the turret after decap/size - expand..etc if you choose.

I have had great luck with mine and feel it is a very well made press. The machining on mine was well done, a little rough in some cosmetic areas, but very mechanically sound. Plus, midway seems to have the turrets on sale for less than ten bucks every other week.

Check out youtube, there are a ton of videos on all the big name presses out there.

Luke

 

[UltimateReloader]

I wrote some articles that should be helpful:
Before selecting a press: http://ultimatereloader.com/?page_id=193
Types of presses: http://ultimatereloader.com/?page_id=199
Choosing a press: http://ultimatereloader.com/?page_id=305
What you need to load pistol: http://ultimatereloader.com/?page_id=332

There's also a ton of HD reloading press videos showing single stage, turret and progressive presses.

Hope that helps!

I'll also be adding Lee Classic Turret videos soon (have in the shop)

If you're mechanically inclined, don't rule out a progressive. In a couple days you'll be over the worst of the learning curve, and you can pick up a lot from this forum, videos, etc.

Reloading pistol on a non-progressive is slow. May still be the way to go, but consider all of your options.

 

[Walkalong]

Do check out the videos at Ultimite Reloader. They are excellent. Too bad there wasn't internet and good stuff like that when I was trying to choose my first press. Nothing like seeing them in action.

 

[pmeisel]

I bought a Lyman turret press for a starter in 1987. It's still the only one. If I needed another press today I'd buy the Redding T-7.

Turret and single stage are the way to go for a beginner, but the turret (or the Lock n Load) save set up time. You really need to shoot a lot or be a gadget freak to make a progressive worth your while, IMO.

 

[volgunner]

Thanks for the input

Thanks to all of you for taking the time to send your ideas. Lots of good info to think about. The most important "take away" seems to be to concentrate on getting the charge right regardless of what type press/die is used.

I'm going to order a couple of reloading manuals, read them, and then see how things look after that. I have a hunch that knowing a bit more about the process will help in deciding what equipment I need (and what I don't).

Regards to all,
Russell

 

[Chasing Crow]

I decided on a Lyman T-Mag Turret for my first press. I figured I could always have room to grow in the future. It was a good choice. I have versitility in how I do things. In a very short time I started buying separate heads for each caliber. Set up time is quick and easy. I love it.

 

[jmortimer]

+1 Lee Precision Classic Turret Press. Get Lyman's manual and Modern Reloading by Richard Lee if you end up using Lee Precision equipment. I use my turret press in "single stage mode" (deactivate auto index) and use the Lee Powder Dippers and use the Lee Auto Prime hand held primer. Simple system that works well for me.

 

[bear375]

get yourself a Dillon Square Deal B. You won't regret it. especially when you expand to a greater variety of calibers.
If you spend $42 per week on ammo(price per the cheapest on Midway), and if you can reload that same qty for $12(it costs me $.08 per round to load 357), then the dillon will pay for itself in about 12 weeks.

 

[RustyFN]

I would recommend the Lee classic turret. It can be used as a single stage press and when you get comfortable and want the extra speed you can go to auto index mode and go from 50 RPH to around 200 RPH without buying anything.

 

[rick300]

I started last year with a rockchucker supreme, thinking I could use it later for rifle. Like you, a new shooter I've gravitated towards handguns. I also load about 500 rnds per month. In retrospect I wish I started with the lee classic turret as it can be used in single stage mode. No worries though I've saved enough by reloading to pay for both presses. If you don't see rifle in the near future get the turret. Be safe, Rick

 

[cheygriz]

For however much (or little) it's worth, I'd offer the following advice:

Reloading tools are a lifetime investment, and you get what you pay for. Buy quality to start with and save money in the long run.

I'd recommend a Redding "Boss" or "Big Boss" to start with. And you couldn't go wrong with Lyman, RCBS, or Hornady. I would avoid LEE. Just my $.02.

 

[ranger335v]

"Reloading tools are a lifetime investment, and you get what you pay for. Buy quality to start with and save money in the long run."

I fully agree with that thought. Get the Lee Classic Turret for a lifetime investment and great versatility!