What would be my best choice?

[natgas]

I primarily reload on 2 Dillon 650's, each one setup for a specific caliber. right now I'm considering purchasing another press, mostly for playing and at times to size some 45 cases ( I'm thinking about switching to wet cleaning and would want to size/deprime first--don't want to mess with my 650 setups)---mostly to play around with; I might also decide to load 38's again and I had little to no luck on one of my Dillon's in the past (totally my lack of knowledge about 38/357).

Anyway, I am currently looking at single stage, manual presses along with a Lee 4 hole turret with auto index. While I have no real need for the auto indexing, it would be nice to have something 'in case' I decided to start loading 38/357 again.

Can someone tell me the advantages/disadvantages over the single vs turret? Since I've never owned anything but Dillon's, I'm clueless.

I've rambled enough for now--just looking for any advice/recommendations. I would prefer to stay in the $150 and below price range.

Thanks

 

[LiveLife]

The advantages of the Lee Classic Turret that you could use it in single stage mode as well and have your dies preset in removable turrets for quicker caliber changes.

 

[natgas]

Thanks; I'm thinking I'll go check out several of the Lee's and RCBS today at Bass Pro and then decide what to get.

I appreciate the feedback

 

[TonyAngel]

Do you have a single stage press? If not, now might be a good time to get one. I have the Lee Classic Cast. I was really surprised by it. It's a solid piece. I actually went to the store to buy the Hornady, but walked out with the Lee. I thought it was built better.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I own a hand full of presses but only use 2 right now. I use a Lee Classis 4 hole turret press and a RCBS Rockchucker although I find myself using the turret press for almost everything lately.

If you were loading rifle calibers I think your choice would be a little harder but since you are only talking about handgun calibers I think you will really like the turret press best. If you do buy a Lee turret press be sure to buy the Classic and not the Deluxe model. That's because the Classic press has a cast iron base, the linkage is heavier and the ram is twice as thick compared to the Deluxe turret press.

Advantages of the Classic Turret Press:
The #1 advantage is the turrets themselves. By buying extra turrets which are usually under $10 each caliber changeovers are quick and easy. You can change calibers in a matter of a few seconds by switching the turret and replacing the shell holder.

You can load between 180 to 200 rounds per hour or take your time with rifle rounds and treat the turret press as a single stage by removing the auto-index rod. The Classic turret press is quite strong enough for rifle rounds. I load 30-06, 45-70 and a bunch of others on my turret press.

Price is also an advantage. You can buy a Lee Classic Turret press for as little as $72.
https://fsreloading.com/lee-4-hole-turret-press-with-auto-index-90932.html

If you buy a single stage press the Lee Classic Cast press (under $100) is a good one. I also like the RCBS Rockchucler but the Lyman Crusher Pro, Redding Boss and Hornady single stage presses are all just fine.

Advantages of the Single Stage Press:
Using a single stage press will produce more precise ammo just because of it's construction.

They are very strong and will last you several lifetimes.

You can use the RCBS Primer Pocket Swager which again is only important if you're loading rifle calibers. That tool is meant for use with a Single Stage press only.

Either design will serve you well but if you are thinking about reloading a good number of 38/357 rounds I think you will be better off the the turret press.

 

[Captaingyro]

Since you've already got two progressives, I'd suggest a high-quality single stage for precision work, plus all those chores that are inpractical on a turret press. Take a look at the Forster Co-ax.

The Co-ax is built like a tank, and has a clever shell plate system that replaces shell holders. It's got all the leverage you need for tough operations, but can do delicate work with precision. If you ever decide to load high-quality rifle ammo to tight tolerances, you'll want a Co-ax.

BTW, you will love wet tumbling. There's no need to re-size first; just get a dedicated de-priming die, such as the RCBS, and knock out the primers. Then reload as you normally would. (You won't believe how clean your brass is).

 

[natgas]

Thanks everyone; plenty to think about and try to check out. I'm headed to a few LGS today to take a look at things.