RCBS or Redding turret ?

[X-Ring]

I’m trying to decide between a RCBS turret or Redding T 7. I like RCBS equipment and have a lot of it, although their QC has been a little lacking lately, they always take care of me at customer service. I like the massive bulk of the Redding but I hear the handle for turning the turret is no longer included, this if its true would be a deal breaker for me.
Any thoughts?

 

[BigBore45]

having used a RCBS and owning a lee classic turret. depending on your needs you might consider the lee. Unless you are loading rifle cartridges larger than 30-06. only problem i run into with large rifle rounds however is the powder dump is not sufficient with the lee auto dump. everything else works up to and including the 30-06. but if you are stuck to those 2 options i would have no problems with the RCBS at all, QC may be lacking but it is a pretty simple design that is had to mess up.

 

[nettlle]

I bought a T7 about 18 months ago and it came with a handle. It is a nice press. Probably the heaviest built of all the turret presses.

 

[higgite]

..... I like the massive bulk of the Redding but I hear the handle for turning the turret is no longer included, this if its true would be a deal breaker for me.
Any thoughts?

Why in the world would they sell it without a handle to turn the turret? I'll bet you read that on the internet. A quick call to Redding would probably put your fears to rest. And give them a good laugh. The T-7 is a great press, by the way. Mine is solid as a rock. And it came with a handle.

 

[PO2Hammer]

You won't be disappointed by the T-7. I'm sure the handle still comes with it. I added a couple extra handles by using 5/16 bolts.

 

[lauderdale]

Im sure the handle comes w/it to. PO2hammer can you post a couple pic's?

 

[RugerOldArmy]

The handle is included with the Redding. I have a T7. I like it.

 

[Nanook]

The handle came with mine 2 years ago. I did buy an extra turret, and that one came without a handle.

I splurged and bought the primer feed for mine, too.

The thing is built like a tank. It'll be a generational thing to be handed down to future generations.

I use it for bolt action rifle rounds mostly, and it works very well. I like having 7 openings on the turrets.

I've never seen the RCBS turret press up close, but I have an older Reloader special and it's well made.

 

[cwall64]

I just purchased a T-7 and it did come with a handle. It was a tough decision for me too as I have been 100% RCBS for a long time! Still use an original Rockchucker from at least 30 years ago. The T-7 is massive, solid, and smooth! I'll put in a good word for the Ultramount from www.inlinefabrication.com, standing with it mounted on a table it seems like no force is needed for any operation. I hope Redding customer service is similar to RCBS, as they have really gone above and beyond over the years.

One of the reasons I bought the Redding was for the extra station. I am using one of thir GR-X pass-through dies for 10mm full length sizing and the bottle attachment on top needed space on each side.

I really doubt you could go wrong with either...

 

[Eb1]

Redding!

 

[Gravedigger56]

My RCBS turret has performed flawlessly so I can't say anything negative about it so far. I looked at the Redding press when I was in the market but it was just too damn ugly! Plus, I didn't think my bench could support a Sherman tank.

Seriously though, either press will do it's job for several lifetimes.

 

[PO2Hammer]

PO2hammer can you post a couple pic's?

They're just two 4" X 5/16" bolts with the hex heads wrapped in tape for comfort. For auto pistol cases I load progressively, spinning the head all the way around for each case, and it's nice to have the extra handles in the head.

 

[nettlle]

I have heard of folks cutting the tips off of screwdrivers and using them for handles on a T7. They claim the screwdriver handle is more comfortable than the round ball of the T7 handle.

 

[Lost Sheep]

Thanks for asking our advice. I am wondering, though.

I’m trying to decide between a RCBS turret or Redding T 7. I like RCBS equipment and have a lot of it, although their QC has been a little lacking lately, they always take care of me at customer service. I like the massive bulk of the Redding but I hear the handle for turning the turret is no longer included, this if its true would be a deal breaker for me.
Any thoughts?

What chamberings will you be loading and how did you narrow your choices to just those two?

Lost Sheep

 

[X-Ring]

Lost Sheep

I use my turret press for load development and super short runs. So 4 holes is not what I really want and auto indexing would be a pain, thus the Lee turrets are out. I just broke my Lyman and their customer service is, well lets say it leaves a lot to be desired, just to keep things polite. Dillon and Hornady don’t make any turret presses that I know of. So that leaves RCBS and Redding.
The calibers would be to many to list and not forget some, just about all common in the US.

 

[Lost Sheep]

X-ring,

Thanks for the reply. Just to play Devil's advocate, have you considered a Redding Big Boss with quick-change bushings? Do you think a Forster has insufficient leverage for your needs?

edit: I just looked at Redding's site. Their bushings are not quick-change.

Having said that, I do agree, with your criteria, the presses you chose are the two best turret candidates. The cost of those turret disks stopped me in my tracks when I made my choice and auto-indexing was a feature I prize. But my needs are significantly different than yours.

Good luck.

 

[hAkron]

When I had my Lyman press, it came with a single handle that had to be moved from one side of the turret to the other to avoid contact with the press handle. Instead of dealing with that, I bought a few short detent pins, and some wooden balls. I drilled a hole in the balls the size of the pins, and presto - I had a turret with two handles short enough to clear the handle.

 

[Gravedigger56]

I really like having the 6 holes on the RCBS. Enables me to have an ultimate 4-die set, dedicated powder measure and a spare station (handle storage, see photo) all mounted on each turret ready to go. When switching calibers I just slap on the appropriate turret and everything is already set, ready to go.

 

[Christobal]

Redding t7 ! handle is with the press

 

[lauderdale]

cwall64 thanks haven't checked out in-line fabs web cite in awhile.

 

[9mmepiphany]

I use my turret press for load development and super short runs. So 4 holes is not what I really want and auto indexing would be a pain

With that elaboration, I'm thinking the Forester Co-Ax might well fit the bill for your needs.

Changing between dies would certainly be just as fast and easy as either of the turret presses

 

[cfullgraf]

Lost Sheep

I use my turret press for load development and super short runs. So 4 holes is not what I really want and auto indexing would be a pain, thus the Lee turrets are out. I just broke my Lyman and their customer service is, well lets say it leaves a lot to be desired, just to keep things polite. Dillon and Hornady don’t make any turret presses that I know of. So that leaves RCBS and Redding.
The calibers would be to many to list and not forget some, just about all common in the US.

In my opinion, i would rather buy a single stag press and use the extra money to buy other reloading stuff. I do not understand the advantage of a turret especially for me where I load 30 or cartridges during one time or another.

But I am not one to talk as I operate my progressives in manners that some folks say I am touched in the head.

Dillon advertises that the RL550B can be operated like a turret press. I recently got a BL550, the stripped down version of the RL550 and it can be operated in several different modes. UniqueTek even offers parts that allow the 550's to used as a single stage press.

RCBS and Redding make great equipment. You will have a difficult decision.

 

[TexasDon]

It's a little hard to turn the turret on the T7 without a handle because the ball detent works so well. ( You will get one!! )

I wouldn't make that a deal breaker anyway because it's just a 5/16 steel shaft 4" long with a knob on the end. (no biggie, but I would be bummed if it didn't come with one...which it does!! )

If it were between the T7 and the RCBS, there is no choice unless funds are an issue, but your getting an heirloom quality press for the money.

I've had mine for about 8 years now and has been a pleasure to use. IF there is a problem, Redding is there to help like most the other reloading tool companies.

It's a well made press by any standards.
If you buy one, you'll understand.

TxD