Capybara
Member
I am the VP of a reloading club, we own sixteen single stage abd turret presses and two progressives. That gives me a unique viewpoint over most reloaders in that I get to reload on a LOT of different presses. Here are my observations:
Single Stage Presses
RCBS Partner - a fine, small and light first press, great for handgun and .223, not so good for FL resizing bigger calibers
RCBS Rockchucker - This thing is a tank. If you want "the standard" in single stage presses, this is it. Can handle any sized rifle cartridge although the biggest we have done on it is .338 Lapua
Lee Precision Breechlock - A great little press, very inexpensive. I like it better than the Partners for a starter press, it seems a little more heavy duty while costing about $10.00 less.
Lee Classic Cast Breechlock - To me, just as good as the Rockchucker, but sells for $40.00 - $50.00 less. Made from recycled railroad ties, this thing is also a beast, very well built. The Breechlock version cannot do .50 BMG, get the regular non Breechlock version to do that.
Lee Classic Turret - Probably the best value out there, very versatile, simple, easy to use. A good compromise between a single stage and a progressive. Can be used as a single stage or as a turret, the spare turret system is genius if you like to reload a lot of different calibers. There are hacks and aftermarket accessories galore for this press, allows you to really up it's game as far as functionality. I use mine for pistol and .223 but prefer to do bigger calibers on a single stage for some reason.
Forster Co-Ax - The Cadillac/Lexus/BMW of single stages. A very nice press that works pretty differently than traditional single stages. Not cheap but will last a lifetime and is a pleasure to use.
Single Stage Presses
RCBS Partner - a fine, small and light first press, great for handgun and .223, not so good for FL resizing bigger calibers
RCBS Rockchucker - This thing is a tank. If you want "the standard" in single stage presses, this is it. Can handle any sized rifle cartridge although the biggest we have done on it is .338 Lapua
Lee Precision Breechlock - A great little press, very inexpensive. I like it better than the Partners for a starter press, it seems a little more heavy duty while costing about $10.00 less.
Lee Classic Cast Breechlock - To me, just as good as the Rockchucker, but sells for $40.00 - $50.00 less. Made from recycled railroad ties, this thing is also a beast, very well built. The Breechlock version cannot do .50 BMG, get the regular non Breechlock version to do that.
Lee Classic Turret - Probably the best value out there, very versatile, simple, easy to use. A good compromise between a single stage and a progressive. Can be used as a single stage or as a turret, the spare turret system is genius if you like to reload a lot of different calibers. There are hacks and aftermarket accessories galore for this press, allows you to really up it's game as far as functionality. I use mine for pistol and .223 but prefer to do bigger calibers on a single stage for some reason.
Forster Co-Ax - The Cadillac/Lexus/BMW of single stages. A very nice press that works pretty differently than traditional single stages. Not cheap but will last a lifetime and is a pleasure to use.
