Don't know about the Lee but for rifle and pistol the RCBS rockchucker is a good single stage press. For shotgun I use a Hornady Apex. What are you planning to load for and how many rounds per month or week? Lots of rounds you'll likely want a multi-stage press rather than single stage.
New to reloading
I want to get into reloading and want to no your opinions on the lee classic turret press Or anything recommended. Thanks in advance.
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Just about any press will produce quality ammo. Which is better is more opinion than actual fact. Your biggest problem with starting reloading now will be finding components, recent events have drained an already hard hit powder and primer supply. This like so many other times in recent years, we have been hit with yet another shortage. Some will call it hoarding others will say they saw the handwriting on the wall. Either way, Components are scares and the prices are on the way up.
Since you are new, I'd recommend sticking with a single stage press for now and learn the basics first. The RCBS Rockchucker kit has about 90% of the tools you need to get started and is a good investment.
Ditto on the RCBS Rockchucker Kit, I like single stage presses. If I shot a lot of pistol, a LOT, I might connsider a turret press but then I have my doubts. Accuracy is my number one goal when reloading and you just can't get that with a turret type press.
Depending what your looking to do, I would stay away from a digital scale, they drift and if you don't keep a close eye on them and you're loads can vary in powder weight, not much but it will affect accuracy. A couple worth while investments for the kit would be a powder trickler and some time down the road a 10-10 scale is a nice upgrade. They come with a 505 scale and they work good I just think the 10-10 is a little more sensitive. I like Reading and RCBS dies the most. Do not buy a case trimmer that uses a collet to hold the case, there is to much inconsistancy in that style. The ultimate case trimmer is the Sinclair micrometer, I think its made by Wilson. It doesn't look like the kit comes with a dial caliper, thats OK because the one that used to come with it was plastic and needed to be replaced anyhow. You can get any decent dial caliper from grizzly for around $20, if you want to treat yourself go with a Starrett or Mitatoyo, there not needed but they are nice to use.
Components are availble, prices are going up but thats the case with everything. don't let that detract you from buying a reloading set up.
Shotgun, whole different story
Depending what your looking to do, I would stay away from a digital scale, they drift and if you don't keep a close eye on them and you're loads can vary in powder weight, not much but it will affect accuracy. A couple worth while investments for the kit would be a powder trickler and some time down the road a 10-10 scale is a nice upgrade. They come with a 505 scale and they work good I just think the 10-10 is a little more sensitive. I like Reading and RCBS dies the most. Do not buy a case trimmer that uses a collet to hold the case, there is to much inconsistancy in that style. The ultimate case trimmer is the Sinclair micrometer, I think its made by Wilson. It doesn't look like the kit comes with a dial caliper, thats OK because the one that used to come with it was plastic and needed to be replaced anyhow. You can get any decent dial caliper from grizzly for around $20, if you want to treat yourself go with a Starrett or Mitatoyo, there not needed but they are nice to use.
Components are availble, prices are going up but thats the case with everything. don't let that detract you from buying a reloading set up.
Shotgun, whole different story
I don't plan on loading a hue amount right off the bat. I am just getting into it and need something good and dependable. I just want to learn the ropes and start getting a good setup. I will be reloading rifle and handgun. From 40 S&W to a 300 ultra mag.
I also recommend a good reloading manual such as Hornady, Nosler, Lyman etc.
by the sounds of it the rockchucker is the way to go?
There are other good ones of course but you won't go wrong with that one, can be had at a reasonable price, and it will outlast you.bo2103 said:by the sounds of it the rockchucker is the way to go?
I've used a rockchucker for years when i was shooting a lot of high power matches i'd load 2 to 3 hundred loads a month with it very simple to use and as stated it will out last me.
I bought my Rockchucker back in "72" and it is still chucking along. RCBS also was quality service should you have questions are need parts.
Redding is another brand to think about.
RCBS has treated me well over the years, and back their products. I would choose the Rockchucker.
I can't say it any better then Gunnermhr did. That the setup I've been using and it works great. Unless your planning on reloading a ton of ammo a single stage press will meet your needs. The RCBS Rockchucker kit is a great way to get started into relaoding. But any of the major manufacturers kits will do the job. Good luck and happy reloading.Gunnermhr said:Ditto on the RCBS Rockchucker Kit, I like single stage presses. If I shot a lot of pistol, a LOT, I might connsider a turret press but then I have my doubts. Accuracy is my number one goal when reloading and you just can't get that with a turret type press.
Depending what your looking to do, I would stay away from a digital scale, they drift and if you don't keep a close eye on them and you're loads can vary in powder weight, not much but it will affect accuracy. A couple worth while investments for the kit would be a powder trickler and some time down the road a 10-10 scale is a nice upgrade. They come with a 505 scale and they work good I just think the 10-10 is a little more sensitive. I like Reading and RCBS dies the most. Do not buy a case trimmer that uses a collet to hold the case, there is to much inconsistancy in that style. The ultimate case trimmer is the Sinclair micrometer, I think its made by Wilson. It doesn't look like the kit comes with a dial caliper, thats OK because the one that used to come with it was plastic and needed to be replaced anyhow. You can get any decent dial caliper from grizzly for around $20, if you want to treat yourself go with a Starrett or Mitatoyo, there not needed but they are nice to use.
i also use a rockchucker for my rifle cartridges.handgun i;ve been debating on going to a progressive loader,been looking at a dillon.
When you do buy a trickler get the Redding....at least 10X better than an RCBS....
I have both a lee classic turret and a 70's RCBS RS5, and will try to make this short.
The RCBS is a great press, its been running since the 70's, lol. Longer cases can be tricky, you have to insert the bullet into the die then put it on the case mouth, takes about a minute to get used to. RCBS has the greatest customer service, doesn't matter if you backed over your press with a dozer, they'll replace it, no questions asked...but you pay for that warranty.
The Lee classic is a great press as well, but with precision stuff, I use the RS5, the classic turret is great in that you can use it as a single stage turret press, or set it up as a progressive with the auto indexing feature. I use it for handuns, and none of them know the difference according to groups. I've heard their CS is to be desired, but I've never used it either...If your loading handguns, give the factory crimp die a try, one of the best tools around IMO.
As far as digital scales go, I use a RCBS digital scale/dispenser combo. Let it warm up, check the zero and go. I usually check the zero every 15 rounds, and have yet to have it drift while in use in 10 years. Just need a good set of check weights to make sure everything is fine, and no flourecent lighting on the same circuit. A good surge protector as well that will alert you to low or high spikes.
All in all, I'd reccomend a single stage RCBS for rifle/precision work, and the lee turret for pistol rounds...and with a 1/4 turn and a shell holder change, your set for another caliber, which with handguns, I'm using 4 dies...thats alot of time wasted changing dies.
The RCBS is a great press, its been running since the 70's, lol. Longer cases can be tricky, you have to insert the bullet into the die then put it on the case mouth, takes about a minute to get used to. RCBS has the greatest customer service, doesn't matter if you backed over your press with a dozer, they'll replace it, no questions asked...but you pay for that warranty.
The Lee classic is a great press as well, but with precision stuff, I use the RS5, the classic turret is great in that you can use it as a single stage turret press, or set it up as a progressive with the auto indexing feature. I use it for handuns, and none of them know the difference according to groups. I've heard their CS is to be desired, but I've never used it either...If your loading handguns, give the factory crimp die a try, one of the best tools around IMO.
As far as digital scales go, I use a RCBS digital scale/dispenser combo. Let it warm up, check the zero and go. I usually check the zero every 15 rounds, and have yet to have it drift while in use in 10 years. Just need a good set of check weights to make sure everything is fine, and no flourecent lighting on the same circuit. A good surge protector as well that will alert you to low or high spikes.
All in all, I'd reccomend a single stage RCBS for rifle/precision work, and the lee turret for pistol rounds...and with a 1/4 turn and a shell holder change, your set for another caliber, which with handguns, I'm using 4 dies...thats alot of time wasted changing dies.
A progressive press is for an experienced reloader....period...newbies have enough things to think about and should, IMO, be entirely comfortable with making ammo before going down the progressive road....
Not knocking the Lee stuff but my preference for loading handgun ammo is the Dillon Square Deal.....have a pair-one set up for large pistol primers; one for small....individual toolheads set up for each cartridge and it's a simple matter of swapping toolheads, shellholder assembly and re-setting the charge setting when I switch cartridges.....
Not knocking the Lee stuff but my preference for loading handgun ammo is the Dillon Square Deal.....have a pair-one set up for large pistol primers; one for small....individual toolheads set up for each cartridge and it's a simple matter of swapping toolheads, shellholder assembly and re-setting the charge setting when I switch cartridges.....
I have been using my RCBS Rockchucker press for the past 25 years. I handload quite a bit for magnum cartridges and the Rockchucker's power makes sizing an easy chore. I highly recommend this press. It is a good all-around press that can be used for small pistol to large magnum rifle cases and work well for all.
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ive got the old RCBS jr. press and it is still loading shells for me. i dont load a lot at one time but it saves me a lot of money. ive been loading for about 40 years.
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