Which Press to start out with?

ronin308 · February 3, 2002, 03:05 PM

Sorry all, the search function isn't working so sorry if I ask a common question

I'm looking to start reloading and I was looking at a few options from Midway. I have to keep the price fairly low (its going to be a Valentine's gift from my fiancee) but I don't want to sacrifice quality, if these rigs will not allow me to reload accurately, say so. I don't want to pick the lesser of all evils. So if they're not quality, I'll just pass until I can afford a nice one. I'll mainly be reloading for .270 Win, .308 Win, and .22-250. Here they are:

RCBS Partner Kit for $116.99:
Partner Press w/
Case Loading Block
Case Lube Kit
Primer Tray-2
Deburring tool
Powder funnel
Reloading Manual
RC-130 Powder scale

Lee 35th Anniversary Kit for $68.99:
Challenger Press w/
Perfect Powder Measure
Safety Powder Scale
Cutter and lock stud
Chamfer Tool
Primer Pocket cleaner
Auto-Prime with set of shellholders

This is out of my price range right now but if I can save a little bit of extra cash up I'm also looking at this one:
Hornady Lock-N-Load Kit for $215.99
Classic single stage kit w/
Deluxe powder measure
magnetic scale
abridged reloading manual
primer tuning plate
large and small primer pocket cleaners
accessory handle
3 case neck brushes
powder funnel
chamfering/deburring tool
die wrench
unversal reloading block
unique case lube

So what's your take everyone?

Sisco · February 3, 2002, 03:38 PM

I started out with the Lee kit, later added a Lee turrent. I load for 9 calibers but I'm not a high volume shooter. After thousands of rounds loaded I'm happy with the Lee setup.
I did replace the Lee powder scale with a Lyman but can't say that it's any more accurate, just easier to use.

GunsdontKill · February 3, 2002, 07:11 PM

If you plan on reloading for any length of time start with the rcbs. You will rapidly out grow or loose interest in reloading with the lee outfit. Of cousre if you could go up a step further consider a progressive. It might have a higher intial cost but in the long run you would not have purchased 2 presses.

Good Luck! I always recommend buying and reading a good manual prior to the press.

Dan Morris · February 3, 2002, 08:43 PM

If you plan this as a long term relationship...lol....and she is into shooting, I wouldn't hesitate on the RCBS....it gives you all the basics and will last a lifetime! I've used my RCBS stuff for about 35-40 years with NO problems.
I know that I will regret the next statement........I've had a couple of Lee presses and NEVER had one that I didn't find something better. I've tried Lee, Lyman, C-H ( that dates me) and a Star, Ponis-warren. I , load all rifle and pistol on RCBS, Shot gun is Mec and an old Pacific.
Dan

ronin308 · February 3, 2002, 09:19 PM

Dan- Yeah we're in it for the long run that's for sure. I got her a nice platinum and diamond number. She has already picked me up an AR and a nice Benelli Nova SP

I wish I had the cash for a Rock Chucker kit. Do you think I'll be okay with the more budget priced Partner?

Dan

Swamp Yankee · February 3, 2002, 09:41 PM

I'd go RCBS, for all the reasons mentioned. Lasts forever, super customer service, etc.
Couple of other options which may help with the cost. Look for used equipment. Try bulletin boards at the range, or club. You might find a deal.
Other suggestion, (this worked for me), hit some of the Ma and Pa shops. Most do not move a lot of reloading equipment. If they have something, they just might let it go for song just to keep from looking at it for another 5 years..
You never know unless you try.
Best Wishes to you both, sounds like you found a keeper.
Take Care

bedlamite · February 3, 2002, 10:05 PM

RCBS Partner Kit
Good quality, missing a few items, like a powder measure and case trimmer. Partner is their cheapest press, comparable to the Lee Challenger.

Lee 35th Anniversary Kit
Not as nice as your other choices, but if you do your part the ammo will be as good as any. Comes with part of the case trimmer (still needs a case gauge and shell holder), but you can expect blisters with a high volume of trimming. Scale works, but is kinda cheezy.

Hornady Lock-N-Load Kit
Excellent quality, no case trimmer

The case trimmer is not really necessary ... yet. If I was to do it all over again, I'd start with the Lyman T-Mag 2 Turret Press Expert Kit.

Dan Morris · February 3, 2002, 11:36 PM

Sounds like a one of a kind bride.........Partner will do you nicely.....
you can always up grede to the rockchucker press......you will already have the basics.....try to get bride interested in loading too........I think she will also get a kick out of geting her own stuff to go bang! By reloading, you won't save a nickle...you will shoot three times as much.LOL
Welcome to the loading clan. Loading is like a parachute.....it's safe as long as you respect it.
Wishing you two a long life together!
San

ronin308 · February 3, 2002, 11:48 PM

Thanks for the good wishes and the good advice! I guess I'm probably going to go with the RCBS Partner. I've been shooting since I was 5 and I'm now 20. I've never really gotten into reloading but I've always wanted to. Here's my chance I guess! So I have a reloading newbie question. What's the difference with the powder measure and the powder scale? Does the measure put out a predetermined amount and you just check it with the scale? Or am I wrong? Also, how many reloadings can you get on average with a single case?

Dan

PDshooter · February 4, 2002, 12:13 AM

Thats "Easy" RCBS!!!!
I've had my now for 14yrs.

I'll load a box of 45ACP, switch dies then load some 06, then a box or two of .223

Don't have the need to load 6000rds a hour

I'm happy to load a 100rds in a hour

Dan Morris · February 4, 2002, 12:26 AM

HoKay, powder measure throws a powder charge......you can adjust it...takes a little practice. A powder scale measures your thrown charge....you only zero to ballance it. I'm still a carefull ole goat.lol
I weigh the first 5 loads then weigh ever 7-9th or so........as long as you go by the book...powder, bullet...etc you will be ok. If I can furthur assist....on loading, not future marital questions...lol.
Feel free to contact. I'll help in any way I can...not the guru, just done it for years.

Dan

Dan Morris · February 4, 2002, 12:39 AM

Case life, Dan...as long as primer pockets are tite and the brass shows no stress cracks....stay with medium published loads...they should last indefinitely....jmoo.....I have quantities of 30-06 that have well over 25 loadings......I have to trim them every now and then.....no real big or expensive deal.....
Dan

GunsdontKill · February 4, 2002, 12:46 AM

A simple search at ebay.

Quote:

reloading press

Returned 34 items. Several lee products with very low bids. A few rcbs with a slightly larger amount. Then there were only a few Dillon presses and they are almost at retail. I guess is what I am trying to say when it comes to getting a press a used one in good shape is just like new. The single stage press that I have is a hornady. I have had it for 14 years and it was old when I got it.
I have had no problems and it has repaid me many times over. Hell it paid for itself in the first 6 months.

Even if money is a little tight wait and spend the few extra bucks.

Good luck.

P-99er · February 4, 2002, 12:37 PM

Be careful:

I started with the Partner Press and when I was ready of upgrade to progressive, the Piggyback would not work on the Partner. It only works with two others, I forget which.

You should make your decision with consideration of the fact that you will upgrade at some point. Single stage is just too slow and time consuming.

I ended up with a Dillion 650.

Bill Adair · February 4, 2002, 07:33 PM

Ronin,

I'd go with the Reloader Special 5.

It is a heavier press, and will take a Piggy Back progressive, if you decide to go that route.

I may be mistaken, but I think the Reloader is an iron press, while the Partner is alloy?

My press was one of the early Reloaders, and is still going strong almost thirty years later!

Bill

weagle · February 4, 2002, 10:40 PM

I'm not sure what people find lacking in the Lee press. Mine works perfect. I'm sure the other brands work great as well but why spend the extra money. Brass is a soft metal and very easy to form. I have both the Anniversary O type press and a Lee hand press. Both work perfect. I'm very happy with the Lee. Good shooting, Weagle

blades67 · February 4, 2002, 10:59 PM

I started with a Dillon RL550B.

swifter... · February 4, 2002, 11:37 PM

RCBS Partner is what I recommend for entry-level, and the press in my field reloading kit.
You won't outgrow it, it will still be useful if you decide you just have to have a progressive.
My bench has, permanently mounted, a Redding UltraMag, a RCBS Rockchucker, and a Dillon 550. I use the Dillon least.
I have a Lee "C" type that holds a universal decapper, the best use I've ever found for Lee presses. Lee makes many good products, they'd kick ass if they were made as well as they are designed. The only press I ever saw spring out of alignment was a Lee "O" type.
You won't go wrong with RCBS.

Tom

Denny · February 5, 2002, 12:26 PM

DILLION DILLION DILLION

The equipment is great, the service outstanding and using a 550 changing calibers is a breeze

WESHOOT2 · February 5, 2002, 12:29 PM

CAN'T go wrong with RCBS, but MAY go wrong with Lee.

I have many presses, but my only broken ones are Lee.

Bogie · February 5, 2002, 12:34 PM

FWIW, I have a hard time imagining someone strong enough to break a press...

Last night I was neck-expanding a few pieces of .220 Russian to 6MM for neck turning. I used a Lee O-frame press. No problem. It clamps nicely to the table, and forces the brass onto the expander, and pulls it off the expander. I don't use it for loading for matches, because I like a press that "cams over" at the top of the stroke.

FWIW, I own a Lee O-frame, a Lee C-frame, a Lee hand press, a Lee turret, a Redding BOSS, an RCBS JR-3 and a Harrell benchrest press.

Love the hand press for sizing stuff while watching movies, whatever, and it's small enough to fit in a toolbox drawer.

WESHOOT2 · February 5, 2002, 12:42 PM

My Lee Reloader broke on its FIRST stroke; my Lee Challenger broke during its FIRST session; and I've destroyed two Lee hand-priming tools.

For single-staging I use Bonanza Co-Ax, Lyman Crusher II, and the Reloader for flare/powder-drop.

I use two RCBS hand-priming tools.

I have other means LOL.

ronin308 · February 5, 2002, 03:38 PM

Thanks for all the advice and offers of help everyone!

Dan

Bogie · February 5, 2002, 04:47 PM

Remind me not to arm wrestle you...

I've loaded thousands of rounds on my Lee turret. Dunno how many. Mostly .223, .308, .38, .45, etc...

I've sized thousands of varmint rounds (collet die) while shooting with my hand press, and thousands more (carbide .38) while watching TV, etc...

My little C-frame and O-frame Lee presses are mostly used for stuff like seating bullets, expanding brass, etc, altho I have been known to do a bit of FL sizing with the O-frame...

The RCBS doesn't get out much. The Boss is used for heavy stuff, like forming wildcat brass, and the Harrell gets a workout at benchrest matches.

The only Lee stuff I've had break was one of their priming tools, where the head came plumb off. But I've got several, and they're inexpensive...

What were you doing that broke the Lees? Sizing .338 Lapua without any lube?

weagle · February 5, 2002, 09:08 PM

Weeshoot2, have you ever broken an anvil

? I can't Imagine what you would have to do to break a Lee press. Rifle brass is a soft metal and could never break any modern press. You basically have to adjust the press in such a manner as to make it break itself. Even my lee Lee hand press cycles so easily I often wonder if It's actually sizing the brass, but it works perfect every time. Please let us know how you broke those presses. Good shooting, Weagle

February 3, 2002, 03:05 PM	#1
ronin308 Senior Member Join Date: April 9, 2001 Posts: 1,977	Which Press to start out with? Sorry all, the search function isn't working so sorry if I ask a common question I'm looking to start reloading and I was looking at a few options from Midway. I have to keep the price fairly low (its going to be a Valentine's gift from my fiancee) but I don't want to sacrifice quality, if these rigs will not allow me to reload accurately, say so. I don't want to pick the lesser of all evils. So if they're not quality, I'll just pass until I can afford a nice one. I'll mainly be reloading for .270 Win, .308 Win, and .22-250. Here they are: RCBS Partner Kit for $116.99: Partner Press w/ Case Loading Block Case Lube Kit Primer Tray-2 Deburring tool Powder funnel Reloading Manual RC-130 Powder scale Lee 35th Anniversary Kit for $68.99: Challenger Press w/ Perfect Powder Measure Safety Powder Scale Cutter and lock stud Chamfer Tool Primer Pocket cleaner Auto-Prime with set of shellholders This is out of my price range right now but if I can save a little bit of extra cash up I'm also looking at this one: Hornady Lock-N-Load Kit for $215.99 Classic single stage kit w/ Deluxe powder measure magnetic scale abridged reloading manual primer tuning plate large and small primer pocket cleaners accessory handle 3 case neck brushes powder funnel chamfering/deburring tool die wrench unversal reloading block unique case lube So what's your take everyone?

February 3, 2002, 10:05 PM	#7
bedlamite Senior Member Join Date: August 11, 2000 Location: WI Posts: 1,395	RCBS Partner Kit Good quality, missing a few items, like a powder measure and case trimmer. Partner is their cheapest press, comparable to the Lee Challenger. Lee 35th Anniversary Kit Not as nice as your other choices, but if you do your part the ammo will be as good as any. Comes with part of the case trimmer (still needs a case gauge and shell holder), but you can expect blisters with a high volume of trimming. Scale works, but is kinda cheezy. Hornady Lock-N-Load Kit Excellent quality, no case trimmer The case trimmer is not really necessary ... yet. If I was to do it all over again, I'd start with the Lyman T-Mag 2 Turret Press Expert Kit. __________________ A plan is just a list of things that doesn't happen.

February 5, 2002, 12:26 PM	#19
Denny Junior Member Join Date: February 4, 2002 Location: Southern Indiana Posts: 12	NO QUESTION DILLION DILLION DILLION The equipment is great, the service outstanding and using a 550 changing calibers is a breeze

February 5, 2002, 12:29 PM	#20
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	JUST ME CAN'T go wrong with RCBS, but MAY go wrong with Lee. I have many presses, but my only broken ones are Lee.

February 5, 2002, 12:42 PM	#22
WESHOOT2 Senior Member Join Date: February 20, 1999 Location: home on the range; Vermont (Caspian country) Posts: 14,324	FWIW My Lee Reloader broke on its FIRST stroke; my Lee Challenger broke during its FIRST session; and I've destroyed two Lee hand-priming tools. For single-staging I use Bonanza Co-Ax, Lyman Crusher II, and the Reloader for flare/powder-drop. I use two RCBS hand-priming tools. I have other means LOL.

February 3, 2002, 03:38 PM	#2
Sisco Senior Member Join Date: March 25, 1999 Location: KS Posts: 1,558	I started out with the Lee kit, later added a Lee turrent. I load for 9 calibers but I'm not a high volume shooter. After thousands of rounds loaded I'm happy with the Lee setup. I did replace the Lee powder scale with a Lyman but can't say that it's any more accurate, just easier to use.

February 3, 2002, 07:11 PM	#3
GunsdontKill Member Join Date: January 19, 2002 Location: Oregon Posts: 17	If you plan on reloading for any length of time start with the rcbs. You will rapidly out grow or loose interest in reloading with the lee outfit. Of cousre if you could go up a step further consider a progressive. It might have a higher intial cost but in the long run you would not have purchased 2 presses. Good Luck! I always recommend buying and reading a good manual prior to the press.

February 3, 2002, 08:43 PM	#4
Dan Morris Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2001 Location: Littleton, Colorado Posts: 342	If you plan this as a long term relationship...lol....and she is into shooting, I wouldn't hesitate on the RCBS....it gives you all the basics and will last a lifetime! I've used my RCBS stuff for about 35-40 years with NO problems. I know that I will regret the next statement........I've had a couple of Lee presses and NEVER had one that I didn't find something better. I've tried Lee, Lyman, C-H ( that dates me) and a Star, Ponis-warren. I , load all rifle and pistol on RCBS, Shot gun is Mec and an old Pacific. Dan

February 3, 2002, 09:19 PM	#5
ronin308 Senior Member Join Date: April 9, 2001 Posts: 1,977	Dan- Yeah we're in it for the long run that's for sure. I got her a nice platinum and diamond number. She has already picked me up an AR and a nice Benelli Nova SP I wish I had the cash for a Rock Chucker kit. Do you think I'll be okay with the more budget priced Partner? Dan

February 3, 2002, 09:41 PM	#6
Swamp Yankee Senior Member Join Date: November 26, 2000 Location: Northeastern Ct. Posts: 1,019	I'd go RCBS, for all the reasons mentioned. Lasts forever, super customer service, etc. Couple of other options which may help with the cost. Look for used equipment. Try bulletin boards at the range, or club. You might find a deal. Other suggestion, (this worked for me), hit some of the Ma and Pa shops. Most do not move a lot of reloading equipment. If they have something, they just might let it go for song just to keep from looking at it for another 5 years.. You never know unless you try. Best Wishes to you both, sounds like you found a keeper. Take Care

February 3, 2002, 11:36 PM	#8
Dan Morris Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2001 Location: Littleton, Colorado Posts: 342	Sounds like a one of a kind bride.........Partner will do you nicely..... you can always up grede to the rockchucker press......you will already have the basics.....try to get bride interested in loading too........I think she will also get a kick out of geting her own stuff to go bang! By reloading, you won't save a nickle...you will shoot three times as much.LOL Welcome to the loading clan. Loading is like a parachute.....it's safe as long as you respect it. Wishing you two a long life together! San

February 3, 2002, 11:48 PM	#9
ronin308 Senior Member Join Date: April 9, 2001 Posts: 1,977	Thanks for the good wishes and the good advice! I guess I'm probably going to go with the RCBS Partner. I've been shooting since I was 5 and I'm now 20. I've never really gotten into reloading but I've always wanted to. Here's my chance I guess! So I have a reloading newbie question. What's the difference with the powder measure and the powder scale? Does the measure put out a predetermined amount and you just check it with the scale? Or am I wrong? Also, how many reloadings can you get on average with a single case? Dan

February 4, 2002, 12:13 AM	#10
PDshooter Senior Member Join Date: March 30, 2000 Location: Indiana Posts: 610	Thats "Easy" RCBS!!!! I've had my now for 14yrs. I'll load a box of 45ACP, switch dies then load some 06, then a box or two of .223 Don't have the need to load 6000rds a hour I'm happy to load a 100rds in a hour

February 4, 2002, 12:26 AM	#11
Dan Morris Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2001 Location: Littleton, Colorado Posts: 342	HoKay, powder measure throws a powder charge......you can adjust it...takes a little practice. A powder scale measures your thrown charge....you only zero to ballance it. I'm still a carefull ole goat.lol I weigh the first 5 loads then weigh ever 7-9th or so........as long as you go by the book...powder, bullet...etc you will be ok. If I can furthur assist....on loading, not future marital questions...lol. Feel free to contact. I'll help in any way I can...not the guru, just done it for years. Dan

February 4, 2002, 12:39 AM	#12
Dan Morris Senior Member Join Date: March 7, 2001 Location: Littleton, Colorado Posts: 342	Case life, Dan...as long as primer pockets are tite and the brass shows no stress cracks....stay with medium published loads...they should last indefinitely....jmoo.....I have quantities of 30-06 that have well over 25 loadings......I have to trim them every now and then.....no real big or expensive deal..... Dan

February 4, 2002, 12:37 PM	#14
P-99er Senior Member Join Date: December 9, 2001 Posts: 102	Be careful: I started with the Partner Press and when I was ready of upgrade to progressive, the Piggyback would not work on the Partner. It only works with two others, I forget which. You should make your decision with consideration of the fact that you will upgrade at some point. Single stage is just too slow and time consuming. I ended up with a Dillion 650.

February 4, 2002, 07:33 PM	#15
Bill Adair Senior Member Join Date: April 19, 2000 Location: Seattle/Tacoma, WA USA Posts: 345	Ronin, I'd go with the Reloader Special 5. It is a heavier press, and will take a Piggy Back progressive, if you decide to go that route. I may be mistaken, but I think the Reloader is an iron press, while the Partner is alloy? My press was one of the early Reloaders, and is still going strong almost thirty years later! Bill

February 4, 2002, 10:40 PM	#16
weagle Senior Member Join Date: September 4, 2001 Location: atlanta GA Posts: 107	I'm not sure what people find lacking in the Lee press. Mine works perfect. I'm sure the other brands work great as well but why spend the extra money. Brass is a soft metal and very easy to form. I have both the Anniversary O type press and a Lee hand press. Both work perfect. I'm very happy with the Lee. Good shooting, Weagle

February 4, 2002, 10:59 PM	#17
blades67 Senior Member Join Date: April 23, 1999 Location: Chandler, Arizona, USA Posts: 6,014	I started with a Dillon RL550B.

February 4, 2002, 11:37 PM	#18
swifter... Senior Member Join Date: March 16, 1999 Location: So. CA Mountains Posts: 540	RCBS Partner is what I recommend for entry-level, and the press in my field reloading kit. You won't outgrow it, it will still be useful if you decide you just have to have a progressive. My bench has, permanently mounted, a Redding UltraMag, a RCBS Rockchucker, and a Dillon 550. I use the Dillon least. I have a Lee "C" type that holds a universal decapper, the best use I've ever found for Lee presses. Lee makes many good products, they'd kick ass if they were made as well as they are designed. The only press I ever saw spring out of alignment was a Lee "O" type. You won't go wrong with RCBS. Tom

February 5, 2002, 12:34 PM	#21
Bogie Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2000 Location: Job hunting on the road... Posts: 3,827	FWIW, I have a hard time imagining someone strong enough to break a press... Last night I was neck-expanding a few pieces of .220 Russian to 6MM for neck turning. I used a Lee O-frame press. No problem. It clamps nicely to the table, and forces the brass onto the expander, and pulls it off the expander. I don't use it for loading for matches, because I like a press that "cams over" at the top of the stroke. FWIW, I own a Lee O-frame, a Lee C-frame, a Lee hand press, a Lee turret, a Redding BOSS, an RCBS JR-3 and a Harrell benchrest press. Love the hand press for sizing stuff while watching movies, whatever, and it's small enough to fit in a toolbox drawer.

February 5, 2002, 03:38 PM	#23
ronin308 Senior Member Join Date: April 9, 2001 Posts: 1,977	Thanks for all the advice and offers of help everyone! Dan

February 5, 2002, 04:47 PM	#24
Bogie Senior Member Join Date: June 6, 2000 Location: Job hunting on the road... Posts: 3,827	Remind me not to arm wrestle you... I've loaded thousands of rounds on my Lee turret. Dunno how many. Mostly .223, .308, .38, .45, etc... I've sized thousands of varmint rounds (collet die) while shooting with my hand press, and thousands more (carbide .38) while watching TV, etc... My little C-frame and O-frame Lee presses are mostly used for stuff like seating bullets, expanding brass, etc, altho I have been known to do a bit of FL sizing with the O-frame... The RCBS doesn't get out much. The Boss is used for heavy stuff, like forming wildcat brass, and the Harrell gets a workout at benchrest matches. The only Lee stuff I've had break was one of their priming tools, where the head came plumb off. But I've got several, and they're inexpensive... What were you doing that broke the Lees? Sizing .338 Lapua without any lube?

February 5, 2002, 09:08 PM	#25
weagle Senior Member Join Date: September 4, 2001 Location: atlanta GA Posts: 107	Weeshoot2, have you ever broken an anvil ? I can't Imagine what you would have to do to break a Lee press. Rifle brass is a soft metal and could never break any modern press. You basically have to adjust the press in such a manner as to make it break itself. Even my lee Lee hand press cycles so easily I often wonder if It's actually sizing the brass, but it works perfect every time. Please let us know how you broke those presses. Good shooting, Weagle