Reloading Press - 24hourcampfire

Folks:
 
 Forgive me for asking such a basic question but what is considered the best reloading press going? Any opinions? In the past I've used a Lyman Spartan T and an RCBS Rock Chucker but currently in the process of setting up a new reloading area and was considering an older Lyman All American. Just because they seem neat. Never had any problems with the others.
 
 Thanks,
 
 Elwood

i'm pretty happy w/ my rockchucker, so far. if i was going to get another press, i would look at hornady's progressive...if i wanted to stay w/ a single-stage, i'd get another rockchucker.

ditto to Big time's post

I like my Rock Chucker. If you watch for a sale, you can find them $50-75 or part of a whole kit. Definately shop around...

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder and there isn't a thing wrong with any of the presses mentioned. I like Lee.
 BCR

Thanks folks. I've had good luck with a Rock Chucker also so I guess I'll head that way.
 
 Elwood

The rockchucker is the only way to go.

Forster Co-Ax

I sold my Lyman and went to RCBS!

I have used the same Rock Chucker for over 20 years. No complaints, so if I ever decide to set up another press it will be a Rock Chucker too.

I love my Rockchucker. Wouldn't mind having two. My all-time favorite -- my ancient RCBS A-2, grandpappy of the Rockchucker, unfortunately isn't available any more. I can't remember ever seeing even a used one for sale. At one time, I had THIRTEEN presses, from all the makers of QUALITY presses -- too many to use -- so I let some of my writers have most of them. My current loading projects have led me to "rediscover" a couple of the Redding presses -- the Ultramag and the [now] older turret press. (Redding has just up-graded the turret press, but I'm still more than content with the classic older model.)
 
 You can't go wrong with a Rockchucker, but don't discount the Redding Boss and Ultramag too quickly -- especially the Ultramag, which has managed to improve on even the original RCBS compund-leverage ram linkage (by attaching the upper ends of the links at the base of the die station, so the C frame can not be sprung under a heavy sizing or swaging load). Although I don't prime in the press, the priming arm on the Ultramag is an improvement, too.
 
 Whatever you shop for, stay as far as you can get from those pot-metal marvels -- no need to name 'em here; they're ultra-cheap, ultra-light, obviously flimsy at first glance. They're even overpriced for use only for decapping with a dedicated decapping die and NOTHING else. Also, go for a press with a cast-iron frame (rather than cast aluminum).

I recently got a Rockchucker to replace an old Lee press that I had used for 21 years. The Rockchucker is a very good and solid press but doesn't have an abundance of clearance for say a 338 Ultra while bullet seating. Not really a complaint but would like a bigger opening. I may try a Redding Ultramag press,one of these days

With the Ultramag ram all the way down, the top of the shell-holder is about 4-1/8 inches below the bottom of the die -- IOW, about 4-1/4 inches from the bottom of the case recess in the shell-holder to the bottom of the die.

Thanks again folks....all good advice. I load mostly for small calibers that are old and hard to find and wasn't too concerned about the strength but I guess better safe than sorry and you can do anything with a strong press that you can do with a light weigh one. Then it will be there if I need it. Can't get away from the old stuff...love the class the older scopes, guns, presses, sights, etc. have. I started this thread because I was wondering if there was a classic old press out there that would fit my older calibers.
 
 Elwood

Elwood; Have to go along with Clint on this one. There is NO better press made than the Forster [used to be Bonanza] Coaxial press. Has been around for decades, and cannot be improved on, IMHO. BTW, I also use the Rockchucker, but the lion's share of my reloading is done on the Co-ax. Regards, Eagleye.

Eagleye:
 
 Do they (Forster) still make the Coaxial press? Actually this all started when I saw a TV program about the Army Marksmanship Team. It showed them reloading thier ammo on a press that I wasn't familiar with. It looked very much like an old C-H Magnum press. Single station but real strong. Anyway, thanks and I'll look into the Forster.....
 
 Elwood

Go to: www.forsterproducts.comm to take a look at the co-axial and to: www.ch4d.com to look at the Champion.

elwood,
 I caught the same show, MAGNUMS or the History Channel if I'm not mistaken. The press shown is a Forster Co-Ax. I have one and can't recommend it more highly. I learned a bit on a Rockchucker, however, if you can I think you'll really like the Co-Ax. Good to go.
 
 Regards, Matt.

Matt:
 
 You're correct, the show was about Magnums....and I got only a brief look at the press. With advice from other folks on the forum, I have since found them at a couple of on-line places. They are a little costly but look like they are made for business. Guess I'll have to have one.
 
 Thanks for verifying the press and the show.
 
 Elwood

Elwood. i have a few presses, each seems to be used for a specific duty. I use my Rockchucker for mostly larger cases ie: magnum, i have a old C&H that is used for 357 and 44. this is due in part to my bench set up. and i have an Aluminum Pacific C press actually two of them one on the bench to do my pistol round bullet seating the other on the floor under foot. Also have a couple Mec 650 shot shell loaders rigged up to swap places when one or the other is needed, 12&20. But the best press is the RockChucker. Also have a Texan Turrent press but don't use it. Find lot's of reloading gear at garage and yard sales, gun shows are getting to expensive, too many guys think they can get new prices for used stuff.
 
 Bullwnkl.

Bullwnkl:
 
 Thanks for the info....I know any of them will work but some seem to be better than others. I do believe in going a "used" route if I can find a good deal.
 
 Thanks again,
 
 Elwood

Elwood, even though nobody else mentioned it, I have used a RCBS Jr. for about 35 years now and have no complaints about it. It is a good solid "O" style press with very little spring.

Now that you mention it, I use a rockchucker for most everything, but also use a RCBS Partner press that I used to mount to a kitchen table when I needed portability and it has handled some good size cases.

My primary press is a RCBS A-2. As Ken Howell said I have never seen a used one for sale.
 
 I would get a RCBS Rockchucker if I were you.

Elwood
 
 Guess I will turn in a shout for the RCBS "Rock Chucker" it has been very dependable without a hitch in its work done over 20 pluse years. I use it for all my precision type reloading work, magnum shell cases have never caused an ounce of bother. My Dillion 650 is great for speed and quantity on pistol shells or 223 foder. Still in all, the Rock Chucker rules at my bench.

I JUST BOUGHT A DILLION RL550B PROGRESSIVE RELOADER AND LOVE IT IT WILL RELOAD 500 TO 600 ROUNDS OF MATCH GRADE AMMO AN HOUR CHECK OUT DILLION BEFORE YOU GO WITH A SINGLE STAGE PRESS. ITS MADE WITH VERY HIGH QC STANDARDS CAN BE SOME WHAT PRICEY BUT SIT DOWN AND FIGURE OUT WHAT YOU GOT WRAPPED UP IN SINGLE STAGE EQUIPTMENT. SEE THEM ON THE WEB AT THE BLUE PRESS.COM.

I use a couple of Redding (6) station turret presses.
 
 One of which may find itself for sale.
 I may post in classifieds.

for a single stage press a Forster Co-ax is hard to beat. I have a Dillon 550b for loading match .223, but all of my bolt gun ammo is loaded with the Co-ax.

Folks:
 
 I wanted to report back on my final selection. I went with the Forster Co-Ax and it's great. I got it day before yesterday and mounted it last night. I resized a few .220 Swift just to get the feel of it. Real nice. I especially like the quick die change and the fact that you don't have to have shell holders. Yeah, real nice.
 
 Thanks for all your great advice. I'm sure any of the presses recommended would have fit the bill but believe I'll be satisfied with this one for a long time.
 
 Elwood