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Farmland · July 14, 2010, 10:32 PM

I haven't used every single stage press on the market. In fact the only two that I ever used were the Lee Breech Lock and the Lee Classic Cast. Both of them did very well. I like the Lee Classic very much it is solid, heavy, smooth and nice primer catch through the ram. If I want I can switch to the Hornady type die locks/inserts.

The Lee Breech lock - well I sold it just was not impressed though it did it's job with no problems.

Today I was able to look and operate five other presses that were set up. The Horandy, RCBS, RBDS partner and the Lyman. In addition I was able to use the Lyman turret press.

While the turret press has some pluses and the Lyman works real well I am simple not a turret guy. The other four presses are pretty nice presses. Some have small difference such as primer catch system. They are all smooth though the partner is a light weight press.

After giving them a really good look and operation there is really no difference in them except for price. The winner IMHO is the Lee Classic Cast.

You might ask why? Well it is by far the cheapest at under $100. It has a larger ram, larger opening and more cast making it look at least stronger.

I used the single stage for rifle and my 44 mag. I can do around $200 an hour just taking my time with a single stage press. Note: that does count the hand priming that I do for each case.

My favorite for loading though is still the progressive press. I am a big Dillion fan though I own the Hornady LNL too. After a year I am almost ready to sell my Hornady, no reason other than the Dillon just operates much more smoothly with less problems for me. I will probably replace it with another 650. However the Hornady is still a good press but after many year with the Dillion I may just be spoiled with knowing how to work with it more than the Hornady.

July 14, 2010, 10:32 PM	#24
Farmland Senior Member Join Date: July 5, 2009 Posts: 869	I haven't used every single stage press on the market. In fact the only two that I ever used were the Lee Breech Lock and the Lee Classic Cast. Both of them did very well. I like the Lee Classic very much it is solid, heavy, smooth and nice primer catch through the ram. If I want I can switch to the Hornady type die locks/inserts. The Lee Breech lock - well I sold it just was not impressed though it did it's job with no problems. Today I was able to look and operate five other presses that were set up. The Horandy, RCBS, RBDS partner and the Lyman. In addition I was able to use the Lyman turret press. While the turret press has some pluses and the Lyman works real well I am simple not a turret guy. The other four presses are pretty nice presses. Some have small difference such as primer catch system. They are all smooth though the partner is a light weight press. After giving them a really good look and operation there is really no difference in them except for price. The winner IMHO is the Lee Classic Cast. You might ask why? Well it is by far the cheapest at under $100. It has a larger ram, larger opening and more cast making it look at least stronger. I used the single stage for rifle and my 44 mag. I can do around $200 an hour just taking my time with a single stage press. Note: that does count the hand priming that I do for each case. My favorite for loading though is still the progressive press. I am a big Dillion fan though I own the Hornady LNL too. After a year I am almost ready to sell my Hornady, no reason other than the Dillon just operates much more smoothly with less problems for me. I will probably replace it with another 650. However the Hornady is still a good press but after many year with the Dillion I may just be spoiled with knowing how to work with it more than the Hornady.