Which single stage press is the best?
- Thread starter bdpeterson
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Joemyxplyx
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Lee Classic Cast and LnL Bushings
+1 for the Lee Classic Cast
Nobody's mentioned it yet but the Lee CC will take the LnL bushings. Just unscrew the adapter bushing from the LCC and put in a Hornady LnL adapter. The Lee CC has the big hole in the top for .50 BMG dies so the Hornady LnL adapter fits right in.
Also, if you have a LnL AP progressive press, you can interchange dies w/LnL bushings between the presses provided you shim the Lee CC adapter with the appropriate fender washer.
Also the Lee CC drops the primers down the center of the ram into a tube so its cleaner to operate than the RCBS and the others.
Cleaner, costs half as much, stronger, takes LnL bushings - what's not to like?
+1 for the Lee Classic Cast
Nobody's mentioned it yet but the Lee CC will take the LnL bushings. Just unscrew the adapter bushing from the LCC and put in a Hornady LnL adapter. The Lee CC has the big hole in the top for .50 BMG dies so the Hornady LnL adapter fits right in.
Also, if you have a LnL AP progressive press, you can interchange dies w/LnL bushings between the presses provided you shim the Lee CC adapter with the appropriate fender washer.
Also the Lee CC drops the primers down the center of the ram into a tube so its cleaner to operate than the RCBS and the others.
Cleaner, costs half as much, stronger, takes LnL bushings - what's not to like?
ole farmerbuck
Member
I think Hornady is the way to go. A quick 1/8 turn and your die is in or out. I cant imagine changing dies as often as i do and having to do without the lock n load.
JimKirk
Member
That is one of the Good points of the Forster CoAx, quick die change. No twist or no turn, just pull one out, push another in. Quicker than I can type this sentence! Plus the die floats too. lots of other plus' too.
Jimmy K
Jimmy K
Rokman
Member
Another nice feature of the Co-ax is the fact that you don't need shell holders. Their mechanism really clamps the brass in place. It can be tricky to change from small to large case until you get the hang of it (beware of the two little springs). It is a very easy with a little experience. I also use the short handle with the knob for my small case cartridges and this really works nicely.
Kentucky_Rifleman
Member
Or maybe people have tried different brands and found one brand that suits them after a lot of looking. For instance, I started out using an RCBS, and then moved on to the Pacific presses when I used one a friend of mine had.
I've used RCBS, Pacific, Lee, Dillon, Lyman, Redding, and Hornady (who bought Pacific years ago) presses. All of them have features/aspects that I liked. The Pacifics feel wildly overbuilt (as do most). I like the angled mount/body that moves the press body out of perpendicular with my bench top. I like the open front "C" configuration as opposed to the closed "O" press.
I'd love to try out the Forster Co-ax; everyone seems to love them. My only hesitation is that they look kind of wonky to me.
KR
buck460XVR
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Very true. Most folks in these types of threads are more concerned with validating their own decisions rather than what's the best for the OP. Fact is, you cant go wrong with any of the major brands of single stage presses, whether they be green, orange, red or blue.
I'm surprised tho....31 replies and ain't no one yet told the OP to forget about using a single stage and get a Dillon 1050.
Rokman
Member
I'd love to try out the Forster Co-ax; everyone seems to love them. My only hesitation is that they look kind of wonky to me.
I thought it looked kinda wonky at first until I tried it.
I thought it looked kinda wonky at first until I tried it.
Rokman
Member
Sorry, this was my first attempt to quote and I messed it up.
I've had the Forster Co-Ax, the Rock Chucker, and others. There is not a bad press among them but the ones that I have on my bench today are the Lee Classic Cast (single & turret) and Redding Ultramags. I will never be without an Ultramag. Funny thing about these "which is best" threads, the press is only a tool. The ability to make good accurate ammo is paying attention to detail and really learning how to use the equipment you have. Dies are a bigger influencing factor for making accurate ammo than is the press.
RustyFN
Member
Dang Ranger you and Snuffy make me want to go buy a Lee classic cast single and I don't even need one. It's hard to argue with the voice of experience.
It's hard to argue with the voice of experience.snuffy
Member
38 posts, and the OP hasn't replied yet. Oh well, great discussion anyway!
Hey UR, did you ever do a video of the Lee classic cast? The quality of your videos are outstanding, I'd like to see one of the Lee classic cast?
The LNL bushing is a solution to a problem that doesn't exist! Same with the lee breech lock. Why some find it so hard to screw a die into a press is beyond me. If you're in such a hurry, you're breaking one of the basic rules of handloading, take you time! Once a die is screwed in and adjusted, the lock ring locked, it doesn't need to be moved, it stays adjusted. The only die that needs to be adjusted is if you need to vary the crimp on a seating die. Then, you'd still need to do that even with the LNL bushing! Do the LNL presses have a standard 7/8-14 adapter so you could eliminate the LNL bushing?
I also have a lee classic turret. I find myself using that more than my dillon 650. Mainly for load development, which is hard to do on a progressive. The CT is a fine machine capable of some pretty good speed,(output). The CT cost about what one caliber change costs for the dillon!
Oh, also, the Lee classic cast has the ability to add the Lee safety primer feed. The top of the press has 2 threaded holes to fasten it to the press. I haven't tried it yet, maybe today?!
Hey UR, did you ever do a video of the Lee classic cast? The quality of your videos are outstanding, I'd like to see one of the Lee classic cast?
The LNL bushing is a solution to a problem that doesn't exist! Same with the lee breech lock. Why some find it so hard to screw a die into a press is beyond me. If you're in such a hurry, you're breaking one of the basic rules of handloading, take you time! Once a die is screwed in and adjusted, the lock ring locked, it doesn't need to be moved, it stays adjusted. The only die that needs to be adjusted is if you need to vary the crimp on a seating die. Then, you'd still need to do that even with the LNL bushing! Do the LNL presses have a standard 7/8-14 adapter so you could eliminate the LNL bushing?
I also have a lee classic turret. I find myself using that more than my dillon 650. Mainly for load development, which is hard to do on a progressive. The CT is a fine machine capable of some pretty good speed,(output). The CT cost about what one caliber change costs for the dillon!
Oh, also, the Lee classic cast has the ability to add the Lee safety primer feed. The top of the press has 2 threaded holes to fasten it to the press. I haven't tried it yet, maybe today?!
Kentucky_Rifleman
Member
ranger335v
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- Dec 3, 2006
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"...the press is only a tool. The ability to make good accurate ammo is paying attention to detail and really learning how to use the equipment you have. Dies are a bigger influencing factor for making accurate ammo than is the press."
Well said! And, on average, the brand of dies doesn't make a lot of difference either!
Well said! And, on average, the brand of dies doesn't make a lot of difference either!
Okay. I own or have owned RCBS, Redding, Lyman and C&H single stage presses. The Redding is best.
I own or have owned Lee, Dillon and Hornady progressives. Blue is best.
In many cases, yes. But, as Kentucky mentioned, some find what works best for "them." This argument, along with the Glock vs 1911, .45 vs 9MM, Blonde vs Redhead and countless other arguments will never be settled. There is no "best" outside of our subjective opinions.
budiceman
Member
Here we go again! The problem is you have to remove a die it's faster! I can swap out all my dies and powder measure and replace them before you have replaced your 1 die. I can pop out FL die and replace it with a neck sizing die like nothing. Same dies for a progressive and a single stage with no adjustments!
I'd rather spend more time reloading than twisting dies in and out!
HydeSmyler
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- Dec 20, 2008
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- 31
Forster Co-ax.
cheygriz
member
I haven't owned, or used a Forster co-ax, so I can't comment on it from personal experience..
But I've owned, or used, just about all of the others at one time or another over the last 45 years.
For my money, I 'll take the Redding ultramag anyday.
My second choice would be the Redding "Big Boss."
But any of the quality brands will get the job done. Redding, Lyman, Hornady, RCBS, C-H. Texan and Bair made good presses too, but they've been gone years. Hollywood had an excellent reputation, but they're collector's items now.
But I've owned, or used, just about all of the others at one time or another over the last 45 years.
For my money, I 'll take the Redding ultramag anyday.
My second choice would be the Redding "Big Boss."
But any of the quality brands will get the job done. Redding, Lyman, Hornady, RCBS, C-H. Texan and Bair made good presses too, but they've been gone years. Hollywood had an excellent reputation, but they're collector's items now.
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earlthegoat2
Member
I cannot decide between the Forster Co-Ax and the Redding Ultra Mag
just about everyone! said:
But it's weird looking ... like it should be crushing soda cans in someone's garage rather than assembling quality ammuntion.
I might buy a new single stage press this year and I'm probably going to buy the Redding Big Boss II. I have two RCBS Rock Crushers that I've had for years with zero complaints but I recently took a look at the Redding T-7, but like snuffy I just don't see why I'd need a turret press. Really, what's the advantage of having all of your dies set up in a rotating turret? Multiple dies for handgun loads on a progressive press ... heck yeah, but for rifle loads where you're only using one die at at time. The way I see it it's more stuff to store and the need to buy lots of spare turrets and possibly a reduction in press life. I load up 100 rounds at a time for matches so the time to switch dies is nothing compared to the time to neck size and knock out the primer, bump the shoulder back, clean the primer pockets, clean the inside of the case necks, seat a new primer, weigh out the powder and seat the bullet. If I'm missing the plot then feel free to enlighten me. I think I'll be sticking with the tried and true "O" frame.- Status
