buying a press
 

Hello all. New poster here looking to get his reloading bench productive again. My uncle bought me a RCBS partner press kit back in 1995, which I used until I moved to San ANtonio in 2001. I have been reloading for my M70 (30-06) and also for some hunting cluub friends in NC. I haven't even setup my stuff on the bench since I moved because I havent really had the oppertunity to hunt or shoot because of other life stuff like college, kids, wife, etc... I ran out of reloads this past deer season and had to buy a box of ammo. I was disgusted, but happy to be hunting. ANyway, I need a press. It appears that my old partner press, while not the best, has been lost somehow. So has my 5-0-5 scale. I also need the collets for my case trimmer too!. I was shopping over at Midway (man that websight has grown since 1997:)) for a press and I am contemplating a Lee classic http://www.midwayusa.com/eproductpag...eitemid=317831. It is much cheaper than what I really want, a rock crusher. Will it accept my RCBS dies? Will it perform as well as a rock crusher?

Also, I have one more question. I have several pounds of powder that have been opened but been stored indoors. All of it rifle powders (RE-19, win760, IMR 4831, etc..). Are they still safe to use?

thx in advance

trey

RE: buying a press
 

I'll throw my 2-cents...

Yes, I'm positive the Lee will accept your RCBS dies.

Just my opinion, but I think the RCBS rock crusher is a stronger, more durable press than the Lee classic. But, that certainly doesn't mean the Lee won't get the job done.

I would think they would be fine, as long as they were stored inside away from dampness.

RE: buying a press
 

I started reloading several months back. I gathered from this website and another that the Rock Chucker is the hands down favorite among reloaders everywhere. I've really enjoyed mine. I looked at a Lee, RCBS, etc., and the Rock Chucker by far had a lot better feel to it. As for the powders, I don't see any reason they wouldn't be safe.

RE: buying a press
 

If you are going to buy a new press I'd pick the Lee Turret press. You don't have to use it's semi progressive mode, but it sure is nice to have all the dies sut up all the time. With 4 stations you have room for a powder charging station and a Lyman "M" die as well as the resizing and and seating dies.

RE: buying a press
 

Yes, IMR and extruded powders are good pretty much forever if kept closed in a container in cool dry conditions. I wouldn't use them in full loads without working them up however. Double base powders can break down over time.


The Lee Classic Cast Press (not the Challenger Press) is every bit as sturdy as the RCBS Rockchucker, and IMHO is a much better value.

RE: buying a press
 

I started with the Lee turret press and just recently upgraded to a Lyman Tmag 2. If you plan on loading a lot of pistol ammo definitely get an auto indexing turret press, for just a few rifles and hunting loads a single stage is a better option. I don't think the Lee is a bad press but not the highest quality. I'd say shop around a little, while the Lee is inexpensive the extra money for a heavier press is worthwhile.

RE: buying a press
 

I use a Lee press and have no problems out of it. Maybe someday I might get a better press but to be honest I probably dont need one. The Lee works fine.

RE: buying a press
 

That lee press looks like a fine press to me. FOr what its worth I sold a great RCBS rockchucker for a REdding Big Boss to do the extra long cases. I am on my second redding press because the first one had some problems with the ram. I would trade that Redding for that Lee Press or another Rockchucker

RE: buying a press
 

Hey Senor! Before you buy anything, look on e-Bay! I bought a Rockchecker off e-bay four months ago for $45.00 that was almost unused, and also a Lyman/Ohaus scale that was pretty new for $20.00 that is identical to one I've used since 1968! This scale appears new! You'll be amazed at the reloading stuff that sells for peanuts on e-bay - like a set of RCBS .416 Rigby dies for $35.00!

RE: buying a press
 

I like the Rockchucker press and have never had not one problem with mine what so ever. The powder should be fine as long as it has been stored in a dry place and no moisture has got to it.