Looking to get into reloading.

Which single stage press for a beginner?

  • Rockchucker Supreme

  • Rebel

  • M-Press

  • Summit

  • Forster Co-Ax

  • Other, comment below


Results are only viewable after voting.
Lee Classic Cast
This is the only single stage I’ve ever had. Saw it recommended over rock chucker back when I started and it was a hair cheaper.

When looking more at rock chuckers, they seem to have an inferior setup for dealing with the primers that can be dealt with using aftermarket gizmos. I also think I like the case kicker setup from inline fab a little better for the classic cast. Pretty sure a guy can set the handle up on the left side too..

MEC marksman looks nice too.
 
I have only used the rock chucker and the Hornady single stage, having the lock and load bushings it a nice upgrade.
I wouldn’t be afraid of Lee though either based on the other stuff of theirs I’ve used.
 
Pretty sure a guy can set the handle up on the left side too..
That’s another thing about the Classic, you can configure the handle all sorts of ways. Either side, rotate it to whatever angle you want, leave handle long for leverage when sizing, shorten it up for a shorter stroke when seating. Another plus is it has a great reputation for being machined straight. At one time lots of bullet makers used them because of that and they are cheap.
 
I find it interesting that the Summit & Rebel have zero votes.
The Summit ended up being a so so press. Worked fine for many but not so much for many. Lots had concentricity issues and there was some breakage of one of the castings if I recall. I don’t know much about the Rebel but since it replaced the Rock Chucker Supreme it’s probably a decent bet.
 
Congrats on the beginning that journey! It can become an expensive hobby.

There is much joy in finding what a rifle likes, and generally speaking, groups at least half the size of many factory loads are obtainable with experimenting with powders, bullets, seating depth, etc.

I've used a Rock Chucker for 38 years (just fine for me) and there are probably better presses.
 
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