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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...
Will it accept my RCBS dies? Will it perform as well as a rock crusher? 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? |
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.
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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.
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RE: buying a press
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? ] 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.
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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.
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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
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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!
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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.
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RE: buying a press
IMO, the lee clasic will do everything the Rockcrusher will do. The Lee might have a life of 150,000 rounds, vs 500,000 for the RCBS press. How much ammo are you going to load?
PM me, I'm in SA, and have an old RCBS Jr I don't use if you really need a press. |
RE: buying a press
Thx for all the replies! I didn't expect such a good response. I am going to check out Ebay to see whats listed. Yall have a good community here!
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RE: buying a press
I bought my rock chucker from ebay, I found a deal by searching just for RCBS and reading the descriptions. The one I got was from a seller that only knew it was an RCBS press marked on the side RC II. It was about half what all the Rock Chuckers were sellng for at that time.
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RE: buying a press
In a single stage press, I like the RCBS Rockchucker. I don't know what the customer support after purchase is like from Lee/etc. - but from RCBS it's excellent.
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RE: buying a press
ORIGINAL: crimson tide 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 TIDE, for your Second question....If you can detect any smell like ETHER and it is still BLACK....IT's still Good!! If there is no smell and it has turned Grey?....I won't use it!!! KEEP ON ROOTING!!! |
RE: buying a press
Hello again TIDE,
AS for your First question....I have a LYMAN "ALL AMERICAN" which is a progressive press,which has been discontinued years ago and still useing it. Are you going to load for compitition bench shooting or hunting or both? If just hunting, LEE is fine. If you have the cash, go with RCBS or REDDING....I find reloading enjoyable,but you have to be alert and feel fresh.What I mean by that is.....NO SMOKING....regular or WAKY.....NO SUDS.....and to the point where your eyes are about to shut. Be alert, if you are not sure of something....Dump IT!!...start over.Rather be save than SORRY. Go get-um partner...have FUN... KEEP ON ROOTING!!! |
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