Single Stage vs Turret Press

[dkyser]

I have a Dillon 550B press that I will use for my 45 loading but for precision rifle reloading I do not want a progressive.

I can pick up a rock chucker single stage press locally quite inexpensively.

I am thinking if I buy good dies with a good locking ring it will make little difference if its in a turret or single die press, as long as the locking ring is secured with the allen set screw.

For 2 die rifle loading and as your second press would you bother with a Turret or just simple single stage press.

 

[cardinalfan]

Lee Classic Turret. You can use either as a turret or single stage, just by removing the center piece.

 

[mbopp]

I used a RockChucker for years on rifle and handgun. I picked up a used Lyman turret for dedicated 38 / 357 loading but still use the RockChucker for rifle or low-volume handgun loads.
I like the idea of no-flex in an "O" single-stage press over a turret for precision loading. YMMV.

 

[Old krow]

Personally I'd get the RCBS if I already had a 550 to handle volume.

 

[psyshack]

My bench just got updated.

I use to load everything on the single stages. Now they will do my long gun and max hot HD/SD ammo. The LCT will do my practice and plinking ammo and quick load development work. The current single stage press's will be replace down the road with Classic Cast single stage's, one of each type. Nothing wrong with the current press's. Just want the upgraded press's. And the option to pass on the current SG's to somebody who wants to load.



Both styles are great!!!!!

 

[UltimateReloader]

Check out the Hornady Lock-n-Load classic - or the Lock-n-Load conversion kit for other single stage presses!

 

[TheCracker]

I'd say for precision rifle go with a single stage. I have a lee classic turret and a single stage. The turret is a very well made press but has some "wiggle". By design turret presses are not going to be as solid as a single stage. I only use the turret for handgun rounds.

 

[JimKirk]

Or get the best single stage out there... I said single stage ... not turret....you've got the progressive already covered ...so get one of these ....

http://www.forsterproducts.com/store.asp?pid=24822

Jimmy K

 

[DC Plumber]

I have a Redding turret press with seven holes. I keep my two 30-06 and three 45 acp dies in permanently because headspacing seems to be a little more time consuming to set up properly, at least for me.

Then I use the other two holes for whatever caliber I'm batch loading, which would be 357mag, 44mag, and 458winmag. They all headspace on a rim or belt and are quick to adjust when installing the die.

I could also buy an additional turret for like $70 I think, but I don't need to do that yet. I doubt I'll add many more calibers to my loading list.

This all works for me, but I'm not a huge volume shooter either.

 

[357 Terms]

I love my Lee classic turret. It lets me be as precise as a single stage with the speed of a turret.

 

[Ala Dan]

I favor the R.C.B.S. Rock Chucker myself~!

 

[dkyser]

Thanks guys, great information.

 

[cfullgraf]

I have a Dillon 550B press that I will use for my 45 loading but for precision rifle reloading I do not want a progressive.

I can pick up a rock chucker single stage press locally quite inexpensively.

I am thinking if I buy good dies with a good locking ring it will make little difference if its in a turret or single die press, as long as the locking ring is secured with the allen set screw.

For 2 die rifle loading and as your second press would you bother with a Turret or just simple single stage press.

Since you have the Dillon, I would get the single stage. Rock Chuckers are some of the best.

If you plan to load the same cartridge on both, you may want to consider getting another set of dies. Chances are, you would have to readjust the dies when you move the from press to press.

Personally, i don't see any advantage to a turret press. The same number of strokes to load a round as a single stage, you just complete a round before moving on instead of doing each step in batches.

Bit lots of folks will disagree.

 

[oneounceload]

RCBS, Hornady, Forster, or Redding over the Lee

 

[rfwobbly]

I have a Dillon 550B press that I will use for my 45 loading but for precision rifle reloading I do not want a progressive.

1) If you seriously mean 'precision', then Jim Kirk gave you the right answer. The Forster is the best way to go.

2) If you don't want to go that much money, then the used Rock Chucker is always a great choice. Try to get one of the older iron (made in USA) models, and check that the ram is still tight.

3) Until a well-preserved RC comes along, plenty of folks (including yours truly) load great rifle ammo on a 550.


NOTE: One thing to catalog in he back of your brain is that not all presses accept the long 30-06 cartridge. You may not have 30-06 now, but if you do much precision rifle, one may be in your future. So I'd hate to see you get a press and purchase a lot of accessories, only to find out you settled for a press that wouldn't accept similar "long cartridges". In your position, I would not even consider a press that wouldn't handle 30-06. Why paint yourself into a corner at the starting line?

All the best.

 

[dkyser]

Are the new Rock Chucker Presses built cheaper than the old. I was going to pick up a new Rock Chucker locally, but do not want to if the quality is less than it used to be.

I do not see the Foster in stock at Cabelas or Midway, any other sources for the Foster Press?

 

[thor4267]

I use a Dillon SDB for all of my handgun reloading. I use a simple lee press for both my 6.5 Grendal and .223 loading needs. I very rarely have to readjust my dies after changing. I too have thought of changing to a turret press but Im not sure it would speed things up for me. Im pretty content with the singe stage press.

 

[jb27]

Consider getting a Lee Classic press (single stage). I currently have a Rock Chucker and a Lee Classic Turret. I like to deprime and clean before I put anything into my dies. Kinda wish I would have went with the LC single stage instead of the RCBS. Lee's primer catching works great (RCBS not so great). I've been using a Lee universal decapping die on my turret press. May eventually pick up Lee's single stage just for decapping. Guess i'm trying to say that you could get the Lee, and use it for both Rifle ammo and also depriming rifle/handgun if you wanted.

 

[ArchAngelCD]

Since you already have a press for speed I would buy a single stage for rifle ammo. Any of the Cast single stage presses will work well including the RCBS, Lyman and even the Lee Classic Cast press. (the Classic, not the lighter ones)