Ugh, too many choices

[Zeede]

In the shotshell reloading world, the MEC 600 Jr. is the most popular single-stage press, and for good reason! It's inexpensive, it's reliable, and it's well-engineered.

Is there an equivalent in the metallic reloading world? I'll be reloading 30-06, .40 S&W and 9mm.

Cameron

 

[gunman42782]

I would have to say in single stage presses that the RCBS RockChucker would be the eqivalent in the rifle and pistol reloading world to MEC in the shotgun reloading world.

 

[dagger dog]

The Rockchucker is definitley a industry standard, every other press is compared to it! With the new Lee Classics ,Lee Precision has put itself back into the higher end line.
What a problem to have!, so many choices, that means you'll have to run to the nearest gunshop or sporting goods store and stock up on catalogs, or better yet spend the rest of the afternoon surfing the web!

 

[ranger335v]

My Rock Chucker is as good but no better than any of its competetors, maybe not quite as good overall as Lee's Classic Cast (steel, not iron) press. And the Lee is US made, not cast in China as the RCBS press currently is.

 

[redneck2]

IMO, problem with single stage for pistol is that it gets real old, real quick. OK for rifle.

I guess the equivalent would be the Lee Turret.

 

[BigJakeJ1s]

Competition is a good thing...

budget: Lee Classic Cast

best: Forster Co-Ax

Andy

 

[Virginian]

Difficult comparison to my mind. The layout of the MEC is so different. With the MEC you can move the shell with one hand and pump the lever with the other, and all stations are always set and within reach. I used to crank out a many a round on a MEC, and I used to hand dip nickel plated shot, and often used a powder measure right in the process, one at a time, but except for a PURE single station Lyman Spartan I used for precision rifle reloading, I have been frustrated or discombobulated by every turret type machine I ever used. It may be that I got so MEC oriented that is my problem with anything remotely similar.
Progressives - I haven't tried one I didn't like. Although me and the primer system have had words more than once, I like my Square Deal a lot.

 

[Ben Shepherd]

If you need 300 round per month or less, then a single stage shound be fine.
RCBS, Lee, and redding all make fine presses.


Up to 500 rounds per month, a turret press will work.
The lee one is ok but I prefer a RCBS or Redding unit.


Over 500 rounds per month you should seriously consider a progressive.
Lee progresives work, so do the hornady units, but the king of progressives is dillon.