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rogie · Joined: 13 Aug 2007 Posts: 70 Location: north Idaho, USA

Can anybody make a recommendation on a reloading press for rifle cartridges? I have been reloading Shotgun shells for ever but have recently started shooing a lot more rifle and would like to start reloading 22-250 and 300 win mag. I would most likely not reload more then 50 rounds in a session, but I would not rule out a progressive press if it had clear advantages.
thanks for the reply's
Rogie

Old Professor · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 6:50 pm Post subject:

I am very happy with my Bonanza press and would buy another if I ever need another press.

JCalhoun · Posted: Mon May 19, 2008 6:52 pm Post subject:

I recommend either the Lee or RCBS starter kits. They will give you most everything you'll need to get started. You will also need a set of dies, case trimmers and load manuals.

rogie · Joined: 13 Aug 2007 Posts: 70 Location: north Idaho, USA

I googled Bonanza reloading and came up with an article titled Testimonial "bonanza dies" written by James Calhoun. Would that be you JCalhoun?
rogie

WesternHunter · Joined: 05 May 2006 Posts: 685 Location: Western USA

Go with RCBS. Just spend the money and do it right the first time. Trust me if you get a Lee kit you'll end up slowly replacing all that junk with RCBS, Lyman, or Redding anyway. Along with a good case trimmer also invest in a good dial caliper that measures in standard inches. You'll need the calipers for rifle rounds. Consider a tumbler later on.

CVC · Joined: 04 Mar 2006 Posts: 1299 Location: Kansas

I have the RCBS rock chucker kit and I am very pleased with it.

With all the money I saved from reloading I paid for the kit in about 2 weeks - not :evil:

Seriously, I don't think anyone saves any money from reloading. Even if it is cheaper you end up shooting more. The real advantage is you get to try different bullets and different loads searching for that magic silver bullet.

Don Fischer · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 2147 Location: Antelope, Ore

You said your not going to load over about 50 rounds a season. Lee kit. It is inexpensive and it works. Be sure to get the case trimmer for the cartridge you get the kit for and for each set of dies for different cartridges. The lee case trimmers are a simple gadget that look like even an idiot could not mess up with them. Every other kit and/or press I know of will cost you more than the entire Lee kit and for what you sound like you want, work no better.

Forgot. If there is no champhering tool in the kit, get one. You'll need it to clean up the case mouth of trimmed cases.

JCalhoun · Posted: Tue May 20, 2008 6:16 pm Post subject:

Sorry fellas, I'm not James Calhoon. Note spelling.

Hammer1 · Joined: 03 Dec 2005 Posts: 1609

A good single stage press like RCBS Rochchucker. You may only load 50 rounds a session but how many sessions in say, five years ???. The press does the work and you should start off with a good one, saves in the long run.

WesternHunter · Joined: 05 May 2006 Posts: 685 Location: Western USA

Only 50 rounds per season?? I think you may be underestimating how addictive reloading is. If you've loaded shotgun before, then you should know this. :D

rogie · Joined: 13 Aug 2007 Posts: 70 Location: north Idaho, USA

Not per season, per session. Meaning every time I sit down at the bench. With the help of the forum here I think I have decided to go with the Rock Chucker starter kit and the Bonanza BR dies. I'll add in a digital scale and the other tools that have been recommended. One of the things that is important to me is the ease /time to change the set up to reload additional calibers. Right now I will probably only load a couple calibers, but I've got some additional calibers that I would like to add to my little arsenal. That .204 Ruger looks pretty cool, huh. I can see one of those in my future. Maybe a Cooper Arms "Jackson Squirrel Rifle"...... I'd like to go up there for the "One Shot " competition and you have to shoot a Cooper rifle to compete.
Anyway,
Thanks to all for the advice.

Rogie

WesternHunter · Joined: 05 May 2006 Posts: 685 Location: Western USA

Oh per session? Of course. I used to load 50 rounds per session too, but have gotten a bit lazy. Last couple years I've taken to just loading 20 round batches per session. Good choice going with RCBS press. For sure get a good case trimmer and calipers. Another thing I like to use is a powder trickler. It come in handy for rifle rounds. I'm real particular about my rifle rounds and like each charge to be as consistant as I can get it. Plus the fact that I use stick powders and a cheap Lee power hopper and stick powder just doesn't throw as well in most hopper anyway. Since I've long ago discarded everything else that came in my Lee Kit I will be getting an RCBS power measure at some point. It's only taken me 15 years :](*,)

wyoelkhunter · Joined: 08 Oct 2007 Posts: 56 Location: wyoming

RCBS rockchuck press. that is the best in my opinion.

Don Fischer · Joined: 24 Mar 2005 Posts: 2147 Location: Antelope, Ore

If it's per session I'd go rockchucker too. I use the thing and it's been a good press.

rogie · Joined: 13 Aug 2007 Posts: 70 Location: north Idaho, USA

Thanks Everybody.......
I bought a Rock Chucker Supreme Starter Kit last night.
It came with a speer 14th edition manual and for the moment I want to load Accubonds so I'll need to add a Nosler reloading manual. I'll probably make a trip up to Cabela's in Post Falls this weekend to pick up the other components. They should have everything else I need.
Wahoo!!! a trip to the big city.
Rogie