Single Stage Press Advice

[Obi Wan Reloadi]

Good evening, all,

After many, many years use my faithful Lee Challenger Single Stage Press is showing its age and doesn't always play nicely with me, especially those times I just want to neck size the lever is working loose, slips and gets itself into some awkward angles. Worst of all the wooden ball decides to part company with the lever at maximum downward angle resulting in a few bruised chins. I can't really criticise it though, it was already second hand when I got it and has had a hard life. It's done well, considering.

Time to replace. What single stage presses would you recommend I look at?

For context - I don't do much target shooting, mainly live game only and zeroing . I load a couple of hundred rounds of 243 and 270 each per year. I love my Lee dies and want to keep using them. In the UK we don't get as much reasonably priced reloading kit as you do in the US, so cost and availability can be an issue.

Your advice?

 

[AbbysDad]

Single Stage RCBS - Jr, or Rockchucker will handle your needs. I still use my 40 year old Jr for some stuff now and again. Mine is mounted to a Inline Fabrication mount so it sits on top of the bench, not hanging off the side; relieves a lot of torque from the edge

 

[Blue68f100]

Good evening, all,

After many, many years use my faithful Lee Challenger Single Stage Press is showing its age and doesn't always play nicely with me, especially those times I just want to neck size the lever is working loose, slips and gets itself into some awkward angles. Worst of all the wooden ball decides to part company with the lever at maximum downward angle resulting in a few bruised chins. I can't really criticise it though, it was already second hand when I got it and has had a hard life. It's done well, considering.

Time to replace. What single stage presses would you recommend I look at?

For context - I don't do much target shooting, mainly live game only and zeroing . I load a couple of hundred rounds of 243 and 270 each per year. I love my Lee dies and want to keep using them. In the UK we don't get as much reasonably priced reloading kit as you do in the US, so cost and availability can be an issue.

Your advice?View attachment 1247683

You may still be able to get replacement arms/ parts for that old press. I'm not a Lee fan boy but it would be the cheapest route to go if that press is made of steel and not Al, provided the ram does not have a lot of play.

I've used RCBS for decades before moving to a Redding Big Boss II. Mainly because the way it handles spent primers. They go down the ram into bucket/bottle fed by a hose. If you press prime their auto primer feed is the best I've used. These are not cheap presses though. The RCBS Jr will work you on the 270, will be fine for the 243.

 

[Mark_Mark]

RCBS is good for big rifle cases. The leverage is good + solid feeling

 

[Fine Figure of a Man]

those times I just want to neck size the lever is working loose, slips and gets itself into some awkward angles. Worst of all the wooden ball decides to part company with the lever at maximum downward angle resulting in a few bruised chins.

What are you neck sizing that takes that much force?
I would glue and or fasten the ball on the handle and use it.
Nothing wrong with wanting another press. For what you describe, a Lee Turret Press would work well.
I have a Forster Co-Ax that I like.

 

[nettlle]

Ebay has both used RCBS JR and Rockchucker presses for under $100.00. A Rockchucker would be a good choice.

 

[Shooterbob]

The co-ax is a really nice press. I also have Redding big boss ll also a wonderful press. And I also still use my lee presses. If I was getting a new press I believe I would get the Forster co-ax die changing is awesome. Good luck and keep us updated.Bob

 

[Otto]

US made presses sold in the UK are expensive. Here’s a decent deal for a used Redding on eBay’s UK site.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/12689639...MKt4s0f7X6fmvBJkaBsbybaQ==|tkp:Bk9SR_qw8LGTZQ

 

[AJC1]

My favorite low budget press was a rcbs rs3 my buddies dad found in the trash. I cleaned it up and used it for years. It now lives with my mentee...

 

[kmw1954]

Being in the UK your best bet for new may be through Amazon or used ebay.

My sincere opinion for what you are looking to do any single stage press you can acquire will more than work. They are all pretty basic mechanics and most are near indestructible. Even most of the classic have been refined to the latest configurations. I'd say it really comes down to availability and budget.

 

[Berserker]

Why do people use single stage presses?

 

[nettlle]

I think many of us started out with a single stage press because that's all we could afford at the time. At least that's the case with me. Nothing wrong with single stage presses.

 

[Dan Wesson]

I started on a LCT, then got a ABLP/Pro4000.

BUT… I have always wanted a Forster Co-Ax press. It’s a work of art!

 

[TimRB]

From the description it's impossible to tell what's actually wrong, but it sounds like if the lever was repaired as required the OP would be back in business. I can't believe that even two owners could wear out that (or any other) press in their lifetimes.

Tim

 

[cfullgraf]

Why do people use single stage presses?

Because they do some specialized tasks better than turrets or progressives. It is always good to have access to a single stage press.

For the OP, something along a Redding Big Boss II, an RCBS Rock Chucker, or the equivalents from Lyman or Hornady.

It would depend on what’s available in the UK but any of them will serve you well.

A larger press would be helpful reloading 270.

My single stage press is a Redding Big Boss, the fore runner to the Big Boss II.

 

[1976B.L.Johns.]

Why do people use single stage presses?

Because..................................................................................................................................

it is all I ever had.................................................................................................................

and it works for me............................................................................................................

..............................................................................................................................................

 

[dieselchief]

Why do people use single stage presses?

first time you have a bobble head moment and dissemblobalate a favorite gun you will embrace a single stage press all over again, just saying.

been using a rock chucker for resizing since 1978. have two lee presses next to it to speed things up...

 

[Mark_Mark]

My favorite low budget press was a rcbs rs3 my buddies dad found in the trash. I cleaned it up and used it for years. It now lives with my mentee...

you chucked it in the swamp?

 

[CQB45ACP]

Why do people use single stage presses?

To maintain control and make custom ammunition vs just having some machine chunking it out.

 

[lordpaxman]

What single stage presses would you recommend I look at?

Scroll down to the bottom of the page, there are “Similar threads”.
I started with a RCBS jr. My son now has and uses it, and I have a RCBS rockchucker. They’re solid presses, but other companies have similar solid presses.

 

[dh1633pm]

Is the Lee conditional guarantee available to you? Meaning at your location. Send back to the mother ship and get it rebuilt for half the cost of a new one?

 

[Big Wes]

I bought a Mec Marksman last year to go along with the 4 Dillons I have, and truly enjoy it when I use it. It took me 32 years to get my first single stage press.

 

[Mark_Mark]

Is the Lee conditional guarantee available to you? Meaning at your location. Send back to the mother ship and get it rebuilt for half the cost of a new one?

Very True! if it worked for you that long, just rebuild it!

 

[jmorris]

If you liked the Lee and just want it like it was new.

Our Lifetime Conditional Guarantee states that any Lee product of current manufacture, regardless of age or condition, will be reconditioned to new, including a new guarantee, if returned to the factory with payment equal to half the current retail price plus any applicable taxes and Shipping. If we no longer manufacture a product, we would offer you the direct replacement of the product at half the current retail price plus any applicable taxes and Shipping.

Guarantee and Repair policy

Contact Lee Precision Support

support.leeprecision.net

 

[Blue68f100]

Unless they have a warehouse close shipping to europe may cost more than the buying a new press locally.