Home Forums Reloading Big Game Rifles Thinking about getting into reloading

I prefer the standard 7/8x14 threaded press.

Once you set the standard lock ring on a die and lock it, the die is set, and there is no further need for any re-adjustment when inserting or removing the die. Screwing a die in or out takes about 5 seconds.

Since I may use dies in several different presses on my bench, proprietary bushings would be more than an inconvenience.

Any die adjustment takes just a minute anyway, so I don't see the need for the Breechlock bushings.

So for me, the Breechlock system seems like a way to sell a bunch of bushings to solve a problem that doesn't exist.

But other than that, the Lee Classic Cast Press with the standard die threads is a good value.

I wish I had started (wasn't available 40 years ago) with what I have now. A Redding T7 turret press. It's just easy and I like it. A couple of extra heads and you're good to go with dies all set for many different cartridges. Granted, they cost more, but it's where I ended up anyway. That said, you can't go wrong with a Rock Chucker, either. My thoughts are that if you go "cheap", you won't be satisfied down the road. Just my humble opinion.......

Going to be buying the rock chucker kit. Had another recommendation of a digital scale and a tumbler. What about a case trimmer? I'll will probably buy several books and start reading before I begin loading. Going to wait until after the first of the year before I do anything

As regards case trimmers, when I started reloading in the early 70's I bought a Forster and used it for many years. For the last several years I have been using a Lyman, I like Lyman's universal case holding arrangement no collets to buy. It does however locate and lock the cases by the the primer pocket precluding trimming of primed cases. I purchased the power trim adapter shaft and use a cordless screwdriver to power mine. I also designed and built a micrometer calibrated stop collar that makes adjusting trim length in .001" increments fast and easy.

Still using the Forester I bought in '70 or '71. I've had to replace the cutter 1 time. Managed to do most everything from 22 Hornet to 375 H&H w/just 2 collets.

You can get an adaptor to replace the handle on a RCBS trimmer. Then use your electric drill to trim.

Great topic. I would forecast up front based on what I have in centerfire cartridges now and where I see myself in 2-3 years. Just a forecast. For example, do you own any pistol cartridges, how much do you shoot, do you want to shoot more or think you will shoot more if you reload? I have a bunch of presses but the two I use the most are the Redding T-7 and a Dillon 550. You can buy an RCBS RC, but if you can swing it a T-7 would be more ideal. One of the biggest jokes I find is people always recommending a Rock Chucker or some other single stage press as if everyone is too stupid to operate something more complex than a toaster. Sure buy a RC but it will be a bigger pain in the A$$. Get yourself a chronograph if you don't already have one.

No need to buy any Nosler books as all of their info is available here !

You should. I would study & purchase the best press you can. I am sure there are others on the market equal to my RCBS Rockchucker II. It is what I started with in 1983 & I could not even imagine how many rounds it has loaded or how many times I have pulled that lever. Nary a hiccup, ever. I don't think mine is tall enough for Ultra Mag length cases. It'll barely do my 300 Wby.

It is all I have ever needed. I don't believe your press purchase is an item you should seek to save $$ on.

I would ask "why" do you maybe want to load? Save money? you can buy lots of ammo for what you`re up front costs are going to be. If you have more than one cartridge to load for maybe, or if you shoot 2-300 rounds per year maybe.
Best advice here is to buy one or two loading manuals. I would also say that if technical problems intrique you and you like to tinker, it may be for you. Think about it.
Good luck

I'm no expert... I used to use and will likely soon be selling the Dillon 550b... It's ok, but I think better for pistol loads... had some issues with it dispensing light 4350 rifle powder loads...

I'm getting back into shooting and reloading and treated myself to an early xmas present.... the Redding T7 turret press. Love it! Awesome quality, love the ability to set it and forget it... I reload for 7mm, 375h&h and 45-70... the T7 has spots for 7 dies and that's exactly what I need. I highly recommend it... Brownells has it on sale for $270... not cheap, but I think in the long run I'll be more than happy. Good luck with your search.

Dave