Which reloading "press" do you guys recommend?
I don't need anything fancy, as I enjoy doing a lot of the work by hand. Even a 1 stage press wouldn't be bad.

I don't shoot a whole lot, so I don't reload in bulk. Just looking for something reasonably priced (cheap), but well made.

Compared to what I am using at the moment, anything would be better:


Honestly, I don't mind the hand loading tools all that much. The worst part is resizing the cases. That I would rather have some sort of press for.

EDIT .. > Just realized there is a reloading forum..
I think I need more coffee..

MOD EDIT > moved to the reloading section

I have an RCBS single stage press.  it's hard to beat them.

www.rcbs.com

If you want something a bit faster you cannot go wrong with Dillon

http://www.dillonprecision.com

 

I also have a RCBS,, but for many years loaded ammo with a single stage Lee "O" frame press.

I have an RCBS Jr. and Rockchucker as single stage presses. The Rockchucker would be the better choice just because the better camming action allows an easier time for full-length resizing.

I also have a Dillon 450 upgraded to a 550 that works well for moderate semi-progressive loading on standard pistol and rifle loads, HOWEVER, the cast aluminum frame does not stand up as well to heavy duty resizing (I have tried it to load quantities of rifle blanks and it just will not handle multiple stages of resizing dies well. The RCBS progressive is a much sturdier press but does not afford the quick cartridge change ability that the Dillons do (at least not with the model that I have).

For maximum loading (and price) I have a couple of the Dillon 1050s. They work really well, but are not cost justified unless you are loading tens of thousands of rounds annually (or if you are independently wealthy and want to load a thousand rounds of .223 in a little over an hour).

It sounds like the Rockchucker or equivalents from Hornady or Lyman would fill your current need well if a single stage is satisfactory. Get your feet wet with one of those and see if you eventually see a need for a semi-progressive.

I started with a lee challenger...it's ok for most ammo. Then I had a RCBS rs3 I used for awhile. it is much nicer than the Lee, but is still made from cast aluminum. I sold them and Now have a RCBS rock chucker II. I'll never wear it out and it will do anything I want it to.

I suggest looking for a used rock chucker...buy one press and be done! You can't beat RCBS lifetime warranty...I've never had any problems getting broken or worn out tooling replaced.

The Rock Chucker will also hold it's value if you decide to get out of reloading. The original RC is selling used for almost the same amount as a new RC IV Supreme.

My first press was a Dillon 550B.  Great for pistol and stuff you're not trying to get super accurate loads out of for rifle.  The removable tool head gets a little play in it and it's hard to really tighten up for super accurate rifle work.  Even with no lube and carbide pistol dies (I always lube rifle cases), it's held up very well over the course of about 30,000 rounds.  To keep quality up (I pull about every tenth round to check the powder weight, although it really seems like it's an unnecessary step on my part) I only turn out about 250-300 rounds per hour.

I also have a Hornady Lock-n-load AP (it was an older press sent back to get upgraded to AP).  I am actually pretty pleased with how accurately it can turn out rifle loads, mostly because I don't have to worry about slop in the tool head.  Plus having the 5th station is handy on occasion, although I've rarely used it.

If you're looking for just a step barely above your current set-up, the Lee Hand Press actually does a surprisingly good number.  It's great if you're just trying to reload a little while watching TV.  I've also seen quite a few bench-resters keep one handy at a range and actual work loads at the range with one.  Plus you're only out $40.

Thanks a lot for all of the help everyone!

I failed to mention that I am not reloading rifle rounds (yet). I am currently only reloading 9mm and .45.

Right now I am tied between the Lee and the RCBS press.

Do you recommend buying them new, or do you think buying a used one should be fine? I am not in a HUGE rush to get one, so that gives me time to shop around for the best deal.

A lee turret press is great for pistol rounds and is handy to have around even if you progress to a more expensive type of press a good strong single stage is also invaluable.