The Bushmaster
Member
I (and I hate to
) agree with Walkalong. But if you get a single stage press, make sure it is of the "O" configuration.
) agree with Walkalong. But if you get a single stage press, make sure it is of the "O" configuration.
reloading presses
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RustyFN
Member
That's funny LGB. I have been to guitar stores when I lived in California that had signs on the wall that said " No Stairway to Heaven".Rusty
I bought the Lee 50th Anniversary kit. http://www.midwayusa.com/viewProduct/?productNumber=423081 I really like it and have loaded pistol and rifle cartridges with it. For 89 dollars you get almost everything you need and the best part is they are available at Midway right now!!!
David Wile
Member
Hey LGB,
Am I missing something here? I read the whole thread and could not find anything LNLloader said that even seemed like bashing. I see that you edited one of your posts; did the other fellow edit something that I missed? All I saw was that LNL said the Hornady L&L AP was comparable to the Dillon 650, cost less than the 650, and had a free bullet offer that was a good deal. I don't see how those statements should get someone angry or be considered as bashing Dillon products?
Your statement seemed very pointed toward Lnloader, and if there was a reason for you to make such a statement, I would like to understand your reasoning.
Best wishes,
Dave Wile
Am I missing something here? I read the whole thread and could not find anything LNLloader said that even seemed like bashing. I see that you edited one of your posts; did the other fellow edit something that I missed? All I saw was that LNL said the Hornady L&L AP was comparable to the Dillon 650, cost less than the 650, and had a free bullet offer that was a good deal. I don't see how those statements should get someone angry or be considered as bashing Dillon products?
Your statement seemed very pointed toward Lnloader, and if there was a reason for you to make such a statement, I would like to understand your reasoning.
Best wishes,
Dave Wile
The Bushmaster
Member
Best bet is to just plain forget it..And move on...
David Wile
Member
Hey folks,
I just didn't get what LGB was talking about, and I am curious if I am missing something in what the other fellow was posting. Then again, LGB's whole thing about going into a guitar store and playing "Stairway to Heaven" also went right over my head. I guess I would need to be a bit younger? I hate it when those things go over my head. I've been retired for so long now, the only place left for me to go is for the dirt nap.
Best wishes,
Dave Wile
I just didn't get what LGB was talking about, and I am curious if I am missing something in what the other fellow was posting. Then again, LGB's whole thing about going into a guitar store and playing "Stairway to Heaven" also went right over my head. I guess I would need to be a bit younger? I hate it when those things go over my head. I've been retired for so long now, the only place left for me to go is for the dirt nap.
Best wishes,
Dave Wile
I'd pick up the Lee Classic Cast turret kit from Kempf's, which has most of what you'll need for about $200 (including a carbide die set. You'll want the autodisk upgrade and the safety prime upgrade, which is why I said $200 instead of $180).
But I do agree you'll also want a single stage press. Having two presses gives you additional flexibility that you may want (for instance, I've got an RCBS case flare die on my single stage so I can flare a case without charging it if I want).
I got the Lee 40th Anniversary kit for my single stage. I got it mainly because I wanted their "Modern Reloading" book and the "Reloader" single stage press added a whole $10 to the price. The Lee "Reloader" single-stage press is the cheapest single stage press you can lay your hands on, I'd wager, but it's sufficient for a lot of things and has proven quite useful to me. It's surprisingly good for the price. The only real drawback of the "Reloader" is that it drops spent primers in the base so you have to occasionally dismount the press unless you're willing to drill a hole in your mounting board or bench.
Unless you're going to be doing a lot of primary production on your single stage press, the "Reloader" is probably sufficient, but I wouldn't go with it if it's going to be your primary press -- for that I'd go with something better quality, like the Lee Classic Cast single stage.
There's really no good reason to get a single stage over the Classic Cast turret unless you're going to be reloading some very large rifle cases (like .50 BMG). Even then the turret might be sufficient, but you'll have to ask others about that. The turret will easily do .223.
But I do agree you'll also want a single stage press. Having two presses gives you additional flexibility that you may want (for instance, I've got an RCBS case flare die on my single stage so I can flare a case without charging it if I want).
I got the Lee 40th Anniversary kit for my single stage. I got it mainly because I wanted their "Modern Reloading" book and the "Reloader" single stage press added a whole $10 to the price. The Lee "Reloader" single-stage press is the cheapest single stage press you can lay your hands on, I'd wager, but it's sufficient for a lot of things and has proven quite useful to me. It's surprisingly good for the price. The only real drawback of the "Reloader" is that it drops spent primers in the base so you have to occasionally dismount the press unless you're willing to drill a hole in your mounting board or bench.
Unless you're going to be doing a lot of primary production on your single stage press, the "Reloader" is probably sufficient, but I wouldn't go with it if it's going to be your primary press -- for that I'd go with something better quality, like the Lee Classic Cast single stage.
There's really no good reason to get a single stage over the Classic Cast turret unless you're going to be reloading some very large rifle cases (like .50 BMG). Even then the turret might be sufficient, but you'll have to ask others about that. The turret will easily do .223.
I've written those same signs and posted them on the walls of music stores. I used to teach guitar when I was still going to Cal State for extra money. I also taught Aikido, Brazilian jujitsu, and Tae Kwon Do as well. Anything I could do to earn cash. I also worked as an oyster Bar cook 3 nights a week. that was a rough time.
LGB
lnlreloader
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- 46
I dont think you are missing anything. I have not edited any of my posts. All I said was the Hornady press is as good as the Dillon 650, costs less, and you get 1000 free bullets with it.
That is not an insult to the Dillon.
50calshooter
Member
- Joined
- Oct 22, 2008
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- 30
If you shoot little Lee. If you shoot like I do LNL. If using single stage LNL single stage. you will love the die change.
Redding T7
I have a Redding Turret. It's essentially a single stage press with a manually-rotated 7-station turret plate. It's super solid and guaranteed for life (unlike the lee).
It does a great job catching spent primers (none will end up on the floor-they go into a tube with a bottle on it). You can also set up all of your dies and not have to mess with them again. It won't be as fast as a progressive but you won't be far behind and you will likely produce slightly better ammo (you'll be inspecting it more simply because you'll handle it more between each phase. Nothing more than this, though.)
It's also very open around the ram. There aren't any uprights in the way that you might bump (like the Forster Coax).
Finally, if you leave a die station open in the plate, you can use it like a single stage and swap dies (leaving the dies you use most alone so they stay properly adjusted).
I have a Redding Turret. It's essentially a single stage press with a manually-rotated 7-station turret plate. It's super solid and guaranteed for life (unlike the lee).
It does a great job catching spent primers (none will end up on the floor-they go into a tube with a bottle on it). You can also set up all of your dies and not have to mess with them again. It won't be as fast as a progressive but you won't be far behind and you will likely produce slightly better ammo (you'll be inspecting it more simply because you'll handle it more between each phase. Nothing more than this, though.)
It's also very open around the ram. There aren't any uprights in the way that you might bump (like the Forster Coax).
Finally, if you leave a die station open in the plate, you can use it like a single stage and swap dies (leaving the dies you use most alone so they stay properly adjusted).
BigJakeJ1s
Member
Just my personal opinion, but turret presses seem to be in that no-man's-land between single stage and progressive presses, with advantages of neither, and disadvantages of both.
For a single stage press, the Forster co-ax is very hard to beat, but its ergonomics are not for everyone. I like the over-the-top handle motion, floating snap-in/out die retention, universal shell holder jaws, and flawless spent primer/debris handling.
For the record, the co-ax and Redding UltraMag are C presses that are both known for extreme strength and rigidity. In both cases, it has more to do with the design of the linkage systems rather than the C-frames vs O-frames.
Also note that the Hornady LNL die bushings can be used with an adapter that fits many different single stage presses, including the Rock Chucker, the Lee Classic Cast, and the Redding Big Boss, BBII, and UltraMag.
I would not start out on a progressive press, but would recommend the Hornady LNL AP, especially for rifle reloading, after you get some experience with a single stage press. Besides, the SS press will still be very handy after you get a progressive.
Andy
For a single stage press, the Forster co-ax is very hard to beat, but its ergonomics are not for everyone. I like the over-the-top handle motion, floating snap-in/out die retention, universal shell holder jaws, and flawless spent primer/debris handling.
For the record, the co-ax and Redding UltraMag are C presses that are both known for extreme strength and rigidity. In both cases, it has more to do with the design of the linkage systems rather than the C-frames vs O-frames.
Also note that the Hornady LNL die bushings can be used with an adapter that fits many different single stage presses, including the Rock Chucker, the Lee Classic Cast, and the Redding Big Boss, BBII, and UltraMag.
I would not start out on a progressive press, but would recommend the Hornady LNL AP, especially for rifle reloading, after you get some experience with a single stage press. Besides, the SS press will still be very handy after you get a progressive.
Andy
New to reloading thoughts:
To be more precise, they're in that land of "about $200" instead of "about $600".....
yeah, I'd have preferred a 650, but this was my 1st unit & wanted to see if I was going to keep doing it. Also, there won't be any problem selling this one when I decide to upgrade. My 2 cents on the $400 difference.
To be more precise, they're in that land of "about $200" instead of "about $600".....
yeah, I'd have preferred a 650, but this was my 1st unit & wanted to see if I was going to keep doing it. Also, there won't be any problem selling this one when I decide to upgrade. My 2 cents on the $400 difference.
RustyFN
Member
And 200 rounds per hour instead of 50.
I thought the LNL AP was a progressive?
The LNL AP is. I am sure he meant the LNL Classic
I highly recommend the Forster Co-Ax. It's not cheap (~$195-225). I got mine on sale for $185.
Easy in-and-out die changes -- positive primer catcher -- universal shellholder. But I REALLY like the primer seater. It's impossible to underseat or overseat a primer. You just pull the handle until it stops, and your primer is exactly .005" below flush.
I also like the fact that the handle/ram/pivot does not hang down real far. My reloading bench has a slide-out drawer and a RockChucker would have rendered it inoperable. The Co-Ax leaves plenty of room for the shelf to slide out when needed.
Most Cabela's stores have a reloading aisle -- see if there's a store in your area. My store has a bench set up in the aisle with an RCBS RockChucker, Lee Classic Cast, Lyman Turret, Hornady LNL, and a Forster Co-Ax bolted to it.
It helps to compare them side by side and play with them. That's how I ended up with a Forster...
BTW... a kit is usually cheaper... but there's something to be said for piecemeal acquisition, too. I was able to spread out equipment purchases over a budget-friendly period of time, and I got exactly what I wanted. It's a mix of Forster, RCBS, Lee and Lyman stuff... but it's the kit I would have put together.
Easy in-and-out die changes -- positive primer catcher -- universal shellholder. But I REALLY like the primer seater. It's impossible to underseat or overseat a primer. You just pull the handle until it stops, and your primer is exactly .005" below flush.
I also like the fact that the handle/ram/pivot does not hang down real far. My reloading bench has a slide-out drawer and a RockChucker would have rendered it inoperable. The Co-Ax leaves plenty of room for the shelf to slide out when needed.
Most Cabela's stores have a reloading aisle -- see if there's a store in your area. My store has a bench set up in the aisle with an RCBS RockChucker, Lee Classic Cast, Lyman Turret, Hornady LNL, and a Forster Co-Ax bolted to it.
It helps to compare them side by side and play with them. That's how I ended up with a Forster...
BTW... a kit is usually cheaper... but there's something to be said for piecemeal acquisition, too. I was able to spread out equipment purchases over a budget-friendly period of time, and I got exactly what I wanted. It's a mix of Forster, RCBS, Lee and Lyman stuff... but it's the kit I would have put together.
BigJakeJ1s
Member
Rusty: read the rest of the sentence (emphasis added). Yes the LNL AP is a progressive.
Andy
ohioshooter
Member
I'm new to reloading and after about 4 weeks I'm told that mine was shipped yesterday and I have coming the .....................Lee Classic Delux Turret kit for about $252 with extra turrets, .223 and .500 dies, die boxes etc. with all the upgrades.
Shoney
Member
lnlreloader
If your premise is correct
I sent you a PM
If your premise is correct
why have so many people sold their 650’s to get the LNL AP
I sent you a PM
SquirrelNuts
Member
I would think more people would go for the Dillon 650 over the LNL AP if money were no issue.
lnlreloader
Member
- Joined
- May 9, 2009
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- 46
I have not heard of anyone doing that...
some might, but I wouldn't. The LNL press has been getting steadily better over the years and I find the dillion to be a stable, good, but somewhat dated design. I find I get less ammunition run out on the LNL and there are fewer parts to deal with. The best thing the dillion has going for it is a richly deserved legendary reputation from years of faithful service. Without that history I think most people would find them to be comparable presses with the edge going to the LNL in my humble but accurate opinion.
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