Looking for advice on a used reloading press

Randolph_Howell · March 15, 2009, 02:12 PM

I have looked and read a bit about presses and want one with a cast iron frame like the RCBS, Lee or Hornady. I have been watching Ebay for available presses but the prices are a little high for the age and condition.

My question is would I be better served buying a new press or going with one of the more vintage ones?

And does one brand have advantages over the others?

jaguarxk120 · March 15, 2009, 02:52 PM

Just take your time in buying, a good press will last you a lifetime. There is a A2 on flea bay right now setting at about $150 or so, is it worth it? Taking in consideration it is nolonger made, cast steel, impossible to wearout, and the only press stronger is the Corbin.

Not a bad buy, but rember as in rifles, loading equipment is the same. A Savage is not in the same class as a Kimber or Cooper rifle.

It never hurts to buy quality equipment, either using it, or if you have to sell it later.

Shoney · March 15, 2009, 04:08 PM

I'm still using a Pacific single stage I purchased in 1960. However, it has not been abused, kicked around, dropped, or rusted up one side and down the other.

Look closely at the write ups, ask questions about the shape of the press and keep the e-mails of your questions an their answers. They may come in handy should the press be faulty.

At Gunshows you have a hands on knowledge of the product.

Art Eatman · March 15, 2009, 04:09 PM

Adding reloading equipment through the years, I found that "good used" has worked as good as NIB. I've used Pacific and RCBS, mostly. As long as they're not aluminum, I'm happy. Basically, absent attacks by sledgehammer, you can't hurt a press. I happen to like the RCBS O-types.

Heck, some of my stuff was inherited from my uncle, and he started loading before WW II. Still works good enough that I'm getting sub-moa results...

jdscholer · March 15, 2009, 04:39 PM

I'm gonna agree with Art. With cast iron "O" types in particular, there just isn't that much to go wrong with them; barring missing parts. Even rusty ugly basement dwellers can be cleaned up and put back into good service in most cases. I've bought them as cheap as five bucks, and probably will see some at our next gun show for +/-$50. I guess I'm also kinda partial to the RCBS's. Maybe it's the color.

jd

hardhit · March 15, 2009, 05:23 PM

+1 cast iron "O" types I have a simplex aust made o type iv had it since 1979 and is still going strong. The Redding looks like a good one, but I have no experience with them, I like there products i think there well made.

c.j.sikes · March 15, 2009, 05:52 PM

i used every type from herters to dilllon, like the boys said get good solid press and it will last a life time, i think, but i am only 77 yrs old. what do i know. not yo worry little brother, there are more. c.j.sikes

Randolph_Howell · March 15, 2009, 06:10 PM

A-2, Rock Chucker, Jr., Jr2.....the A-2 on ebay is at $255 now....somebody wants it bad.

wncchester · March 15, 2009, 06:17 PM

"I have looked and read a bit about presses and want one with a cast iron frame like the RCBS, Lee or Hornady."

Any of those will do you good, no effective difference at all. The Lee does have a fully adjustable handle and the primer catcher system works, those are nice features.

And the Hornady LnL actually has a cast alum. alloy body but that's really no problem if you use their steel insert die holding system.

jaguarxk120 · March 15, 2009, 07:30 PM

The A2 on ebay at $255 is something else! I think the lister used the magic word "swaging" and lots of pictures.

Many time how the item is presented will drive the price way up. Also bidders become so involved and have to have it at any cost.

I've found many things lost today will comeup later on a different auction, sometimes cheaper. You have to know the prices and know when when to stop. I've seen things go for more than retail and the thing was used!!

jal5 · March 15, 2009, 08:30 PM

Checkout Craigslist too, you can often get good used reloading equipment that way. And check out several different online forums too, guys upgrade equipment or find one at a good price for resale. Patience will payoff! I bought almost all of my stuff used and got better quality than I could have ever afforded if new. Unless truly abused this stuff will last several lifetimes of reloading.

Joe

jaguarxk120 · March 16, 2009, 10:11 AM

How right you are about CL, I bought two sets of dies for $30 and recieved Lyman 30-30 dies set and a complete set of Bonanza bench rest w/small base & neck sizer dies. Was very happy to add to my die sets.

March 15, 2009, 02:12 PM	#1
Randolph_Howell Junior Member Join Date: March 13, 2009 Posts: 9	Looking for advice on a used reloading press I have looked and read a bit about presses and want one with a cast iron frame like the RCBS, Lee or Hornady. I have been watching Ebay for available presses but the prices are a little high for the age and condition. My question is would I be better served buying a new press or going with one of the more vintage ones? And does one brand have advantages over the others?

March 15, 2009, 04:08 PM	#3
Shoney Senior Member Join Date: February 21, 2002 Location: Transplanted from Montana Posts: 2,311	I'm still using a Pacific single stage I purchased in 1960. However, it has not been abused, kicked around, dropped, or rusted up one side and down the other. Look closely at the write ups, ask questions about the shape of the press and keep the e-mails of your questions an their answers. They may come in handy should the press be faulty. At Gunshows you have a hands on knowledge of the product. __________________ I pledge allegiance to the Flag - - -, and to the Republic for which it stands….Our Forefathers were brilliant for giving us a Republic, not a democracy! Do you know the difference??? and WHY?http://www.wallbuilders.com/LIBissue...les.asp?id=111

March 15, 2009, 04:39 PM	#5
jdscholer Senior Member Join Date: March 23, 2008 Location: Jefferson State Posts: 1,197	I'm gonna agree with Art. With cast iron "O" types in particular, there just isn't that much to go wrong with them; barring missing parts. Even rusty ugly basement dwellers can be cleaned up and put back into good service in most cases. I've bought them as cheap as five bucks, and probably will see some at our next gun show for +/-$50. I guess I'm also kinda partial to the RCBS's. Maybe it's the color. jd __________________ "We're all dummies, just in different ways." Old Okie Philosopher

March 15, 2009, 05:52 PM	#7
c.j.sikes Senior Member Join Date: March 21, 2006 Location: marlow okla Posts: 227	reloading presses i used every type from herters to dilllon, like the boys said get good solid press and it will last a life time, i think, but i am only 77 yrs old. what do i know. not yo worry little brother, there are more. c.j.sikes

March 15, 2009, 06:10 PM	#8
Randolph_Howell Junior Member Join Date: March 13, 2009 Posts: 9	whats the diff A-2, Rock Chucker, Jr., Jr2.....the A-2 on ebay is at $255 now....somebody wants it bad.

March 15, 2009, 02:52 PM	#2
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,620	Just take your time in buying, a good press will last you a lifetime. There is a A2 on flea bay right now setting at about $150 or so, is it worth it? Taking in consideration it is nolonger made, cast steel, impossible to wearout, and the only press stronger is the Corbin. Not a bad buy, but rember as in rifles, loading equipment is the same. A Savage is not in the same class as a Kimber or Cooper rifle. It never hurts to buy quality equipment, either using it, or if you have to sell it later.

March 15, 2009, 04:09 PM	#4
Art Eatman Staff in Memoriam Join Date: November 13, 1998 Location: Terlingua, TX; Thomasville, GA Posts: 24,798	Adding reloading equipment through the years, I found that "good used" has worked as good as NIB. I've used Pacific and RCBS, mostly. As long as they're not aluminum, I'm happy. Basically, absent attacks by sledgehammer, you can't hurt a press. I happen to like the RCBS O-types. Heck, some of my stuff was inherited from my uncle, and he started loading before WW II. Still works good enough that I'm getting sub-moa results...

March 15, 2009, 05:23 PM	#6
hardhit Senior Member Join Date: August 18, 2008 Posts: 343	+1 cast iron "O" types I have a simplex aust made o type iv had it since 1979 and is still going strong. The Redding looks like a good one, but I have no experience with them, I like there products i think there well made.

March 15, 2009, 06:17 PM	#9
wncchester Senior Member Join Date: December 1, 2002 Posts: 2,832	"I have looked and read a bit about presses and want one with a cast iron frame like the RCBS, Lee or Hornady." Any of those will do you good, no effective difference at all. The Lee does have a fully adjustable handle and the primer catcher system works, those are nice features. And the Hornady LnL actually has a cast alum. alloy body but that's really no problem if you use their steel insert die holding system.

March 15, 2009, 07:30 PM	#10
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,620	The A2 on ebay at $255 is something else! I think the lister used the magic word "swaging" and lots of pictures. Many time how the item is presented will drive the price way up. Also bidders become so involved and have to have it at any cost. I've found many things lost today will comeup later on a different auction, sometimes cheaper. You have to know the prices and know when when to stop. I've seen things go for more than retail and the thing was used!!

March 15, 2009, 08:30 PM	#11
jal5 Senior Member Join Date: January 12, 2009 Location: NE Ohio Posts: 419	Checkout Craigslist too, you can often get good used reloading equipment that way. And check out several different online forums too, guys upgrade equipment or find one at a good price for resale. Patience will payoff! I bought almost all of my stuff used and got better quality than I could have ever afforded if new. Unless truly abused this stuff will last several lifetimes of reloading. Joe __________________ We live in the greatest country on Earth- always be thankful!

March 16, 2009, 10:11 AM	#12
jaguarxk120 Senior Member Join Date: February 28, 2008 Location: Michigan Posts: 2,620	How right you are about CL, I bought two sets of dies for $30 and recieved Lyman 30-30 dies set and a complete set of Bonanza bench rest w/small base & neck sizer dies. Was very happy to add to my die sets.