Home Forums Hunting & Shooting Ask The Gunwriters Press - SS or Turret

If you were in the market for a new press, rifle only and no case forming, which would you choose, single stage or turret? Why or why not?

Thanks

RM

Sinclairs

I really like the Turret Press!

Just yesterday goy my new Forster co-ax press. Had to decide between it and the Redding turret press. I think the Redding is faster but I think you can make more accurate ammo with the co-ax. Been using a Rockchucker for years before that a Jr. hasbeen

I've been loading ammo for my 6mm PPC benchrest rifle on a Redding T7 for several years, using Redding Competition dies. This isn't normal for benchrest shooting, where precise hand-tools are the usual deal--but I'm not a benchrest competitor, instead mostly using the rifle for testing various loading methods and components, along with a little varmint shooting.

Loaded ammo averages less than .0005-inch bullet runout, and with the rifle's best loads averages five shots into less than .2 inch. Might be able to beat that with another press, but I doubt it. And because of what I do, the T7 really comes in handy when loading ammo over a period of a week for article range-testing, which often involves 2-3 cartridges at the same time. I like being able to leave the press set up for more than one round, which saves a lot of time, and still maintain the level of precision desired.

I use a single for rifle loading, and a turret press for pistol rounds.

If restricted to a one press, another vote for Forster Co-Ax. A single stage press with the speed of die change of a turret.

Exception: May need to reverse or even change out regular shell holder jaws if loading for cases that rims that won't fit.

Also, be advised that the lock rings of some die sets will not fit well in the press. Forster sells the correct size lock rings.

My opinion as well, for the most part. Along with my Co-Ax, I have a Redding Ultramag for really long cases(like a 450 #2) that are a PITA to load in the Co-Ax.

Jeff

MD - Do you use any extra turret heads with the T7 ?

I've got an UltraMag and a T-7, I'd hate to be without either, but I don't see any downside to the T-7 for your application.

I have two rockchuck presses and a single stage Lee and a hand held Lee and multiple old old Lyman hand squeezers. I've had a RCBS junior a long time ago and a CH press many years ago.

I had shared an ownership with a top of the line multi station press. I just sold my interest in it this month. Owner for 50 years. I may have used it once. It was a "Star" loader.

I am more concerned with checking my reloads during the middle of the operation, that is after the powder is in the case than I am with speed.

Nothing like being at the line and having a misfire or better yet squeezing the trigger and sending out the loudest click in the world as the trophy of a life time scampers away. Let alone, facing something on Kodiak island (never been there dang it) and the click happens. Same thing - Africa dangerous game.

For those of you who like convenience and or speed, good for you. It's not for me.

I enjoy decompressing at the loading bench and I have faith that my reloads are good.

338Rules,

No, I don't use extra turret heads for the T7. Mostly I'm either experimenting with 2-3 rounds (and never know which they're going to be) or loading a LOT of one round. Then I'll set it up as a semi-progressive, including a powder measure. It probably would be a good idea to use extra turret heads for that, but space is already at a premium in my loading room!

So when cranking out, say, .204's for prairie dog shooting, I set it up specifically to do that, which takes about 20 minutes, then make enough ammo for at least a couple of years.

T7's ROCK.

That said, Turret presses (T7) are single stage presses.

Thanks for all the responses. I had in mind about 40 rounds per month when I asked the question. Would volume make any difference in your answers?

Nope, I still think the T7 is about the best single stage press going.

The thing that turned me off the Redding was buying all the turrent heads I would need at 50 bucks a pop. Hasbeen

Why do you have to buy turret heads?

How many cartridges are you actively loading for ?

How many Turret heads would you really need ?

So, what is your alternative ?

Very Curious, because I'm looking at adding a T7 to my current bench setup of a RCBS Rockchucker w/ LnL inserts

Does anyone know if T7 turrets take Hornady's Lock'n Load inserts ? Would that be useful ?

38 special, 357, 45 acp, 45 lc, 40 s&w , 270wby, 300wm, 22-250, 30-06, 243, 7mag, 270win and last but not least 308.
It seems like I'm always changing dies. On top of that I need to get more organized. I'm going to start writing on the die box , which rifle, bullet, are the dies set to partial or fl resize etc. hasbeen

My favorite press is the Redding Big Boss II. I have a Rockchucker, but prefer the Big Boss system of spent primers dropping thru the ram into a plastic collection tube.

The RCBS primer tray doesn't work as well, primers bouncing out, falling on the floor. Occasionally one will pop out with the Big Boss system, but it's rare.

I don't have/want a turret press, other than my Dillon 550B.

DF