Should I keep it?

[J_McLeod]

I started out with a Lee Challenger single stage, and recently upgraded to a classic turret. Since I don't have a lot of room, I'm considering selling the single stage. Is there anything that I could use a single stage for that I couldn't do with the turret?

 

[ColtPythonElite]

I'd sell it.

 

[TheCracker]

I still use my single stage lee for rifle loading even though I have the turret press as well. It's also good to have backup.

You probably wouldn't get enough to be worth selling anyway. The press by itself is already really cheap brand new.

 

[Wrage]

I use mine as a universal decapper - you prob won't get much for it if you try and sell it.

 

[Seedtick]

Yeah, keep it.

You will use it more than you think. They are always handy to have around.

Seedtick

 

[Woody3]

It might work good as a small boat anchor. JUST KIDDING. I would keep it around. You never know where this crazy hobby will take you.


Keep your head low and your powder dry.

 

[Magoo]

As already mentioned, they're inexpensive new and won't bring much in resale. I turned mine into a dedicated bullet puller for when I'm setting/tuning up my dies.

ETA: on the "not a lot of room" front, I mounted mine to a piece of 2x6 and just clamp it to the bench when I've got a pile of stuff to pull.

 

[cfullgraf]

It is handy to have a single stage press around for special tasks. On my old single stage, I deprime, swage primer pockets, form some brass for obsolete/wildcat cartridges, do some trimming with trim dies, and a few other tasks I can't remember at the moment.

It is handy to have a way to remove a live primer without upsetting the main press on the rare times an issue happens that the primer must be removed (missed split case, crushed cases, etc.).

Mounting on a board can be helpful if you are short on space. Pull it out and clamp it down to the bench.

In other words, I would keep it.

Hope this helps.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

I would also keep it because there isn't a big resale market for that press. It's good for making up small batches of ammo and for making up test batches. I see Universal Decapper mentioned above, another good idea. I have a 4 hole turret press but I also keep a single stage press set up too.

 

[howlnmad]

Another keep it vote. I have mine dedicated to decapping.

 

[whipper]

Keep it.
If you decide to start casting boolits you can use it for sizing.

 

[Walkalong]

You will use it more than you think. They are always handy to have around.

Yep, keep it.

 

[Damon555]

Keep it

 

[rfwobbly]

Buy a Lee Universal De-Capper Die for it. You'll use it.

 

[Smaug]

Keep it.

I started pretty much the same way. I wound up going back to the single stage, especially for rifle.

I've simplified even more now, and I'm using mostly my Lee Hand Press. But it literally takes twice as long, since I can't charge while expanding, or prime right after decapping and sizing. On the plus side, I don't care that it takes longer, because I'm watching TV as I do it.

 

[rondog]

Keep it, you'll be glad you did.

 

[dagger dog]

J,
It's very handy to have a second press, I bought a Lee Anniversary Kit just for second press dutys,and back up for my Rockchucker kit.

I've used the Challenger for, Lee style push through cast bullet sizing, a universal decapping die when putting togeter "MOA" ammo for my varmint rifles, and for flaring cast bullet cases.

Hang onto it just for a back up if nothing else!

 

[Sin City Shootist]

Another vote for hanging on to it.

 

[Bmac1949]

I just went throught the same thing when I got my progressive. I set my RCBS Reloader Special up to use at the range. I just mounted it to about 18" of 2x6 so I can clamp it to the bench. I carry my brass completly preped (sized, trimmed, deburred and primed) so all I have to do is charge and seat the bullet. I also carry a clear plastic cover to set over the scales in case the wind is a factor. Keep it you'll end up finding a use for it. I think that an old wornout press would make a great beer can crusher.

 

[Steve C]

There is always something you can use a single stage for from universal depriming to swagging military brass crimps and loading smalll batches of development rounds.

 

[Hondo 60]

I've upgraded 3 times & still have (and use) my single stage.

Went from a single to a turret then to a lee pro 100 then to a dillon 550.

sold the turret & the pro 1000.

But I still use my single for short runs & mistakes & for 223 rem.