Want/Need a new single stage press for large cases,

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338reddog

338reddog

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Im in the market for a new press, single stage variety. I have a CoAx press that I use but it doesn’t work for my Dillon case trimmer, and I would like a larger throat for my 45/120 3 1/4”.
I was leaning towards the Redding big boss 2. A couple sources have it priced around $200. Any recommendations? I gave my Rock chucker to a new loader, it’s throat was a pain for the long cases.
My bench is getting crowded, With 2 Dillon 650’s,Dillon 900, CoAx, RCBS case trimmer. I’m needing another bench. I’ve got four mec shotshell presses not mounted and just sent a Pacific pro deluxe to auction. Maybe I will have to make one bench for blue and one for red and green. I guess I could just paint em all blue.
Jeff
 
Why don't you setup a separate head for one of your Dillons for trimming.

I have the Redding Boss II and love it as a SS press. It handles the spent primers well, and priming is flawless with the auto feed attachment. The longest brass that I have run has been the Rem 7mm Mag. Starts getting tight with this long round.
 
If I were to buy a heavy duty single stage, I would consider the non-breechlock version of the Lee Classic Cast single stage. It has the threaded insert for larger dies than the normal 7/8", and the Hornady bushing kit will work with it. Then next one I would consider is the Redding Ultra-Mag. It is priced a lot higher, though.
 
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The only issue I see with the ultra mag is the restricted acces to the shell holders. I have a little problem with that in the CoAx. I guess more of a problem with room on loading bench, that makes things tight. I could trim on the Dillon I just hate the thought of all that brass getting into all the cavities of the press.
 
ArchAngelCD said:
There are several good suggestions above but since I'm cheap I also suggest the Lee Classic Cast Press but not only for price but for ability too. They designed it to be able to size 50 BMG cases so it will work for you with any large case you want to process.

https://leeprecision.com/classic-cast-press.html
The above link will give you the specs on the press and the below link has the press for under $109.
http://fsreloading.com/lee-precision-classic-cast-press.html
Click to expand...
Just be aware that there are two flavors of the Classic Cast. The one linked to above is the non-breechlock (which I also recommend) but there is also the breechlock version.
 
I was in need of a press for the exact reason you are... to run my Dillon case trimmer not on my Dillon. The Foster obviously would not work for this. I looked at the Redding UltraMag and liked the C design for putting in and removing cases but it looked to me like the levers that hold the arm blocked open access to easily insert and removing the cases from the side which to me is the advantage of a C type press. I finally decided on the non-breachlock version of the Lee classic cast press... then my boss sold me his spare RockChucker for $50 before I could order the Lee.
 
338reddog said:
Im in the market for a new press, single stage variety. I have a CoAx press that I use but it doesn’t work for my Dillon case trimmer, and I would like a larger throat for my 45/120 3 1/4”.
I was leaning towards the Redding big boss 2. A couple sources have it priced around $200. Any recommendations? I gave my Rock chucker to a new loader, it’s throat was a pain for the long cases.
My bench is getting crowded, With 2 Dillon 650’s,Dillon 900, CoAx, RCBS case trimmer. I’m needing another bench. I’ve got four mec shotshell presses not mounted and just sent a Pacific pro deluxe to auction. Maybe I will have to make one bench for blue and one for red and green. I guess I could just paint em all blue.
Jeff
Click to expand...
Lee classic cast. There is no better single stage for long cases. There are other presses with the same capability at greater prices, but none that truly exceed capability.
 
Another vote for Lee classic cast. I bought one to load 50 BMG. It has no problem sizing those big cases. Once I set it up and started using it, I liked it so much I keep it mounted one the bench and use it for decapping and loading rifle rounds (I use a progressive for pistol). As others have noted in other threads, the spent primer path goes down through the ram and the primers are caught in an attached tube. I like this setup better than the one on my RCBS rockchucker. The Lee press is very solid, well built and a very good value for the price.
 
have you looked at the Hornady Iron press , I have one and it is a stout press ,
 
I like the RCBS Ammo Master Single Stage press for large cartridges.
 
338reddog said:
I would like a larger throat for my 45/120 3 1/4”.
Click to expand...
338reddog said:
I gave my Rock chucker to a new loader, it’s throat was a pain for the long cases.
Click to expand...
Not arguing, not even recommending - I'm just asking because I don't understand what you mean by "throat."
I load 45/110 2 7/8" on my Rock Chucker Supreme with no problems. I can't imagine it being a "pain" to load cases that are only 3/8" longer on a Rock Chucker Supreme. But then again, I'm talking about a Rock Chucker "Supreme" - not a standard Rock Chucker. I think my Supreme might be a little taller than the standard Rock Chucker I started with many years ago.
 
rjbmjb said:
Another vote for Lee classic cast. I bought one to load 50 BMG. It has no problem sizing those big cases. Once I set it up and started using it, I liked it so much I keep it mounted one the bench and use it for decapping and loading rifle rounds (I use a progressive for pistol). As others have noted in other threads, the spent primer path goes down through the ram and the primers are caught in an attached tube. I like this setup better than the one on my RCBS rockchucker. The Lee press is very solid, well built and a very good value for the price.
Click to expand...
Exactly. Same with the LCT, which is the main reason I bought the LCT. The press stays much cleaner than other presses that drop the primers (and residue) out of the side of the ram. You can also run the tube into a bucket or catch jar. I don't know why they did not do the same thing with the breech lock version of the classic cast single stage.
 
I have a BigBoss II not for loading huge cartridges but for the ease of resizing cases be them 223,308 or 45/70.
 
.308 Norma said:
Not arguing, not even recommending - I'm just asking because I don't understand what you mean by "throat."
I load 45/110 2 7/8" on my Rock Chucker Supreme with no problems. I can't imagine it being a "pain" to load cases that are only 3/8" longer on a Rock Chucker Supreme. But then again, I'm talking about a Rock Chucker "Supreme" - not a standard Rock Chucker. I think my Supreme might be a little taller than the standard Rock Chucker I started with many years ago.
Click to expand...
I had the standard rock chucker I had a juggling act trying to load the 45/120. I’m not sure which way I’m going. I do want quality, I would rather pay once and be happy. I feel cheap cost more in the long run
 
Toprudder said:
If I were to buy a heavy duty single stage, I would consider the non-breechlock version of the Lee Classic Cast single stage. It has the threaded insert for larger dies than the normal 7/8", and the Hornady bushing kit will work with it. Then next one I would consider is the Redding Ultra-Mag. It is priced a lot higher, though.
Click to expand...
Have you ever had the handle ratchet teeth strip?. It seems like a weak area?
Not to downgrade Lee, but they have always seemed entry level. So I’m hesitant to go that route. I do see a lot of positive feedback on the press. I am open to one. Just rationalizing.
 
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