New to Reloading / Hollywood Senior Reloading Press

[Wisdomseeker]

I want to get into reloading and am currently looking hard into the various systems out there. A friend of mine heard that I was getting into it and gave me a Hollywood Senior reloader. Since I know very little about reloading I cannot determine if this is a useful press or not? It has a few dies but not in the caliber I am interested in. A few questions
1. Is this reloader comparable to Hornady's basic single stage press?
2. Can you get all the parts / dies for it? ie. 9mm, 45, .223 and various rifle cartridges.
3. What is the value of this press, assuming it is in good shape? (no rust)
4. It has a powder dispenser but it has some rust.
5. Am I better off just to go with a new press and forget it?

Any input is greatly appreciated. Thanks

 

[Artofgolf]

Wisdom seeker, welcome to The High Road

I don't know anything about the Hollywood Press, so I won't comment.

However, I'm sure others will help with your questions. Welcome aboard!

 

[flashhole]

1. Is this reloader comparable to Hornady's basic single stage press?
No, the Hollywod is a much better press.

2. Can you get all the parts / dies for it? ie. 9mm, 45, .223 and various rifle cartridges.
Any 7/8-14 die will work in the press, your problem will be finding Hollywood shell holders unless you buy the shell holder adapter.

3. What is the value of this press, assuming it is in good shape? (no rust)
They hold their value quite well. But you would be foolish to sell it. They are sought after presses.

4. It has a powder dispenser but it has some rust.
Rust can be dealt with and the powder dispenser is well worth refurbishing.

5. Am I better off just to go with a new press and forget it?
Not if your selection is a Hornady press. Keep it and use it. They were premium gear in their day.

 

[TexasDon]

Welcome Wisdomseeker.....

Thats a nice press....
DONT SELL IT..!! or if you do, look at their going prices, you may be surprised.

Any current die sets should fit it.
It's built very well, It's a USA made tool back when they built them well...or over engineered to last a few lifetimes.

Any old timer reloader would love to own it...I know I would.
I know there are a few experts on that press here.

Powder measure should be easy to fix the rust issue, as long as it's not ate up.
I own a Hollywood powder measure myself and love it...it's well built also.

Enjoy
TxDon

 

[Kevin Rohrer]

What Flashhole said.

You have got a classic Cadillac. Don't sell it for a cheap Chevy.

And that powder measure (if it is a Hollywood), is extremely accurate. I have one and it puts the other eight I own to shame.

An early pic of my Senior:



My early Hollywood w/ the cast iron frame;

 

[Wisdomseeker]

Hollywood Press

Guys thank you for taking the time to respond to my questions. Looks like I have a great reloader to learn how to use.