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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 57
Campfire Greenhorn
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OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 57 |
Like the title says, I'd like recommendations on a reloading press for the .450/400 3" NE.
Ran into a bit of a problem yesterday. I had gathered some empty brass, powder, bullets, and dies and went to the reloading bench where my RCBS Rockchucker is mounted. Great press; I've been using it for about 40 years now . But then I encountered an unanticipated problem -- the frame opening is too short for reloading. With a cartridge case in the shell holder, there literally isn't enough room to insert a bullet. So now I'm looking for a new press, something of sufficient size. A quick search online yields some possibilities including the Redding Ultramag and possibly one or more of the RCBS presses (Big Boss / Big Boss II). I'm sure there are others.
Looking for press recommendations from those of you who reload the big Nitro Express cartridges. What do you use?
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,325
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 2,325 |
I use a Hornady / Pacific 007 press to load my 450-400 3" It has enough room to seat a bullet, but just barely. I'm sure there are better choices.
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Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,082
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Feb 2011
Posts: 1,082 |
I don't reload for that particular caliber but my Lee Classic Cast Single Stage has a 5" opening. It measures 4 7/16ths from lowered ram with shell holder and to the top of the opening with no die. Again, there may be better choices but I sure like Lee Classic Cast presses. The largest calibers I reload include 300 WM, 338 Win WM, 9.3x62 and 45-70.
Start young, hunt hard, and enjoy God's bounty.
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Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 33,727 Likes: 2
Campfire 'Bwana
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Campfire 'Bwana
Joined: Nov 2002
Posts: 33,727 Likes: 2 |
Another Lee Classic Cast user here. Bought when I bought my 450/400 for the very same reason.
Conduct is the best proof of character.
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Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 57
Campfire Greenhorn
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OP
Campfire Greenhorn
Joined: Jan 2011
Posts: 57 |
Thanks, gents. I'll see if I can pick up a used one of proper size.
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Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,729 Likes: 2
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2017
Posts: 1,729 Likes: 2 |
I think the Rock Chucker Supremes have a bigger opening than the older models of Rock Chucker. I have a Rock Chucker II (my main press) that I really like, but I loaded some for a 340 Wby and would have preferred a somewhat taller opening. I have been watching for a good deal on a Supreme.
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Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,378
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: May 2009
Posts: 1,378 |
The Redding Ultra Mag press measures 4 3/8" from the shell holder to top of opening. In addition, it has massive amounts of leverage.
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Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 351
Campfire Member
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Campfire Member
Joined: Dec 2004
Posts: 351 |
I have several presses including a Co-ax. RCBS Rockchucker and a Lyman Crusher II. I got the Crusher II to load .416 Rigby. It works but I do not care for the cam over feature and there is more play in it than in my 60 year old RCBS. It does have lots of room and great leverage. If doing it again would get something else.
Pavementends
Elevation is math
Windage is Voodoo
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Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 631
Campfire Regular
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Campfire Regular
Joined: Mar 2001
Posts: 631 |
Frankford Arsenal M-Press has a full 5" . The Lee Classic Cast has only 4.25" from shellholder to die. https://youtu.be/sBZP4uMN_LY
Last edited by Shadow; 10/19/19.
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