OpticsTalk by SWFA, Inc. Homepage SWFA     SampleList.com
Forum Home Forum Home > Firearms, Bows, and Ammunition > Reloading & Ballistics
  New Posts New Posts RSS Feed - Single stage vs turret presses
  FAQ FAQ  Forum Search   Events   Register Register  Login Login

Visit the SWFA.com site to check out our current specials.

Single stage vs turret presses

 Post Reply Post Reply Page  123>
Author
Message
Bboy623 View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: November/21/2008
Location: NC
Status: Offline
Points: 370
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bboy623 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Topic: Single stage vs turret presses
    Posted: September/02/2010 at 19:07
I've been reading various reloading threads for over an hour and a half now. 

I have some questions on the difference between the single stage and turret presses when it comes to accuracy. Some say they are fine with the turret as other say they use a single stage when loading precision ammo.

I DO NOT own any reloading equipment (yet). I do not understand WHY there would be a difference.

If anyone could enlighten me as I'm ignorant to reloading--Bboy623
I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6!
Back to Top
Bitterroot Bulls View Drop Down
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Optics Master Extraordinaire
Avatar

Joined: May/07/2009
Location: Montana
Status: Offline
Points: 3416
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bitterroot Bulls Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2010 at 19:36
Bboy,

A single stage press has one threaded hole accepting one die.  So you use your sizing die, unscrew it, screw in the seating die, ect.

A turret press has a turret on top that accepts several dies.  You just spin the turret to the die you want to use, and can leave the others screwed in.  I have a Lyman Turret and would easily recommend it to anyone.  With some turret presses, you can buy additional turrets and have all your dies screwed in and locked at their proper positions ready to go.

Single stage presses are fine, but turret presses are better.  I started with a turret press and I am glad I did.

I currently have my turret loaded with sizing and seating dies for 7-08 and 300 rum.  I also have ram prime dies for both.  That fills up all six spots, but all I have to do is spin to the die I want.  Slick.
-Matt
Back to Top
pyro6999 View Drop Down
Optics Retard
Optics Retard
Avatar
OT TITAN

Joined: December/22/2006
Location: North Dakota
Status: Offline
Points: 22034
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2010 at 20:10
i highly recommend you start with a single stage until you have reloaded for a while. after that a progressive or a turret style will be a breeze to own and operate.
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"
Back to Top
Bboy623 View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: November/21/2008
Location: NC
Status: Offline
Points: 370
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bboy623 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2010 at 20:30
Originally posted by pyro6999 pyro6999 wrote:

i highly recommend you start with a single stage until you have reloaded for a while. after that a progressive or a turret style will be a breeze to own and operate.

I just feel (for me) that a single stage is a waste of money. Again, for what I want a turret would be better. I just need like 5 minutes on one to "get the hang of it". It just so confusing looking at the different brands as well as all the different accessories they have. I want to be able to churn out some ammo!--Bboy623
I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6!
Back to Top
pyro6999 View Drop Down
Optics Retard
Optics Retard
Avatar
OT TITAN

Joined: December/22/2006
Location: North Dakota
Status: Offline
Points: 22034
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2010 at 20:38
Originally posted by Bboy623 Bboy623 wrote:

Originally posted by pyro6999 pyro6999 wrote:

i highly recommend you start with a single stage until you have reloaded for a while. after that a progressive or a turret style will be a breeze to own and operate.

I just feel (for me) that a single stage is a waste of money. Again, for what I want a turret would be better. I just need like 5 minutes on one to "get the hang of it". It just so confusing looking at the different brands as well as all the different accessories they have. I want to be able to churn out some ammo!--Bboy623

Roll Eyes
ok dude its your call. ive been reloading since i was 8 im 30 now, i still have a single stage, and dont plan to change that any time soon. quality over quantity for me, if i want a ton of ammo that just goes bang i will order it.Get Your Popcorn Ready


They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"
Back to Top
Bboy623 View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: November/21/2008
Location: NC
Status: Offline
Points: 370
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bboy623 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2010 at 20:43
Originally posted by pyro6999 pyro6999 wrote:

Originally posted by Bboy623 Bboy623 wrote:

Originally posted by pyro6999 pyro6999 wrote:

i highly recommend you start with a single stage until you have reloaded for a while. after that a progressive or a turret style will be a breeze to own and operate.

I just feel (for me) that a single stage is a waste of money. Again, for what I want a turret would be better. I just need like 5 minutes on one to "get the hang of it". It just so confusing looking at the different brands as well as all the different accessories they have. I want to be able to churn out some ammo!--Bboy623

Roll Eyes
ok dude its your call. ive been reloading since i was 8 im 30 now, i still have a single stage, and dont plan to change that any time soon. quality over quantity for me, if i want a ton of ammo that just goes bang i will order it.Get Your Popcorn Ready



Pyro--I appreciate your comments, and mean NO disrespect. Again, I don't own and am learning, trying to educate myself so I make a informed purchase. I don't want to have "buyer's remorse" if you know what I mean. How long would it take you to produce 500rnds of .45 on your single stage? ---BBoy623


I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6!
Back to Top
pyro6999 View Drop Down
Optics Retard
Optics Retard
Avatar
OT TITAN

Joined: December/22/2006
Location: North Dakota
Status: Offline
Points: 22034
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2010 at 20:51
Originally posted by Bboy623 Bboy623 wrote:

Originally posted by pyro6999 pyro6999 wrote:

Originally posted by Bboy623 Bboy623 wrote:

Originally posted by pyro6999 pyro6999 wrote:

i highly recommend you start with a single stage until you have reloaded for a while. after that a progressive or a turret style will be a breeze to own and operate.

I just feel (for me) that a single stage is a waste of money. Again, for what I want a turret would be better. I just need like 5 minutes on one to "get the hang of it". It just so confusing looking at the different brands as well as all the different accessories they have. I want to be able to churn out some ammo!--Bboy623

Roll Eyes
ok dude its your call. ive been reloading since i was 8 im 30 now, i still have a single stage, and dont plan to change that any time soon. quality over quantity for me, if i want a ton of ammo that just goes bang i will order it.Get Your Popcorn Ready



Pyro--I appreciate your comments, and mean NO disrespect. Again, I don't own and am learning, trying to educate myself so I make a informed purchase. I don't want to have "buyer's remorse" if you know what I mean. How long would it take you to produce 500rnds of .45 on your single stage? ---BBoy623



none taken, i just want you to realize that reloading can be dangerous, newbies like you are just as dangerous as seasoned pros like me, but for different reasons. old guys get lazy or have bad habits, new guys just dont know any better. without some guidance, i just think a progressive could give you more problems than you want.  there is a lot that goes into reloading, a lot more than you probably think. im just looking out for you, i would feel sick to my stomach if i saw something on the news next week that you blew up your basement because nobody mentioned any of this to you.

500rds of .45 on my single stage, that depends, if its new brass it will take less time than if its once fired. i would guess it would take me a whole 10hr day to properly complete that amount of ammo. they would all be hand measured powder charges that  would all be the same weight. clones if you will.


They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"
Back to Top
Gunshow75 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: December/23/2004
Location: Kentucky, USA
Status: Offline
Points: 209
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gunshow75 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2010 at 21:02
Originally posted by pyro6999 pyro6999 wrote:

i highly recommend you start with a single stage until you have reloaded for a while. after that a progressive or a turret style will be a breeze to own and operate.
 
I haven't done much reloading lately, but I started in 1968 or 1969, and I still use a single stage press.  I have never loaded lots of ammo at one time; usually only 30 or 40 rounds for a single caliber at a sitting.   


Tom



Back to Top
Ernie Bishop View Drop Down
Optics Professional
Optics Professional
Avatar

Joined: January/26/2010
Location: Gillette, WY
Status: Offline
Points: 765
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Ernie Bishop Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/02/2010 at 22:33
I used a single stage for many years.
For the last 3-4 years I have been using a Redding T-7 Turret press-Absolutely love it!!
Ernie



"If you think you are perfect, just try walking on water."
Back to Top
Longhunter View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: February/02/2006
Status: Offline
Points: 466
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Longhunter Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/03/2010 at 05:01
If you plan to reload handgun ammunition, you definitely should get a four-station press. 
This will make things MUCH easier, since you can leave all of your dies in place until you decide to reload for a different caliber.  This sure beats screwing and unscrewing dies three or four times every time you reload, as in a single station press.
 
I bought a four-station C-H 444 press after starting out reloading with a "pound-a-peg" Lee reloader kit.  It has served me well for everything from .38 special to .338 Win Mag.   
 
I think the real concerns being expressed may be about progressive presses, where the shell is moved automatically from station to station and you don't move the shell yourself or see everything that is happening.  This can get dangerous real fast if you don't know what you are doing.
 
You can probably find a four station press where the shell stays in place, or you move it yourself.
 
Primers are particularly dangerous.  I like to do those one at a time, and not from a tube feeder, simply for safety's sake.
 
To pu this in context, I usually reload and fire 50 centerfire handgun loads a week (in addition to the .22 LR rounds I shoot).  
Back to Top
pyro6999 View Drop Down
Optics Retard
Optics Retard
Avatar
OT TITAN

Joined: December/22/2006
Location: North Dakota
Status: Offline
Points: 22034
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/03/2010 at 06:12
Originally posted by Ernie Bishop Ernie Bishop wrote:

I used a single stage for many years.
For the last 3-4 years I have been using a Redding T-7 Turret press-Absolutely love it!!

if i ever change it will be to a t7.
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"
Back to Top
Dale Clifford View Drop Down
Optics Jedi Knight
Optics Jedi Knight


Joined: July/04/2004
Location: United States
Status: Offline
Points: 5087
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Dale Clifford Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/03/2010 at 07:09
Don't be confused with quality vs. quantity issues, unless your bench rest shooting progressives will give every bit of the quality. 500 rds. of 45 will do up in about 2 hrs. or less on a Dillion. 1000 rds of 223 on a big Dillion takes about the same amount of time. Even if you don't shoot this much -- how valuable is your time?  Another question to ask-  is reloading your hobby or shooting?  Personally I want the most output in shortest time, for each round made for the purpose, intended with no suprizes.  If you like to tinker with different tools, and little things that get lost, certainly look at RCBS etc. If you want to shoot with minimal bench time, get Dillon.
I love little league baseball-- it keeps the kids out of the house
Yogi Bera

Back to Top
Bigdaddy0381 View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Georgia peach

Joined: February/27/2007
Location: Georgia
Status: Offline
Points: 13682
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bigdaddy0381 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/03/2010 at 07:36
I have a lyman turret press and it dose a great job. In the back side there is an adjustment screw to take the play out of the turret if it ever gets any. I have load w0w no telling how much with it and it still works great. the CS is not like the other brand but still a good one if you ever needed it. but in all honesty you would be fine with ether style of press. I normally size 500 cases, tumble, prime, seat the bullet, in stages. so there is some turning of the turret but not much.
P&Z Firearms , Pro gun cleanings and gun repair and wood refinishing.

Ecclesiastes 10:2
Back to Top
saitotiktmdog View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: June/08/2010
Location: IN
Status: Offline
Points: 256
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote saitotiktmdog Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/03/2010 at 07:51
I use a lee classic loader. Didn't see the point if poring tons of money into reloading when I had never done it before. The kit was 24 bucks for the .30-06. I dont see how that would give anyone much buyers remorse. I dont shoot often so it gives me a lot of time to load up rounds. When you get the hang of it it goes pretty quick. There is a video on youtube where the guy that invetnted the thing reloads a round in like 13 seconds or something like that. Another thing to consider is how many rounds will you have to reload to offset the cost of your loading gear. I came out ahead on my first 100 rounds. 
Back to Top
SVT_Tactical View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Chief Sackscratch

Joined: December/17/2009
Location: NorthCackalacky
Status: Offline
Points: 31233
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote SVT_Tactical Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/03/2010 at 09:08
adam, i started with a lee turret and enjoy it just fine.  Do i want a single? Yes I can't load my 300win mag with the turret very good cause of COAL.  I'd say any of the lee packages would get you a good start to see if your gonna enjoy loading for minimal investment.
"Most folks are about as happy as they make their minds up to be" - Abraham Lincoln
Back to Top
supertool73 View Drop Down
Optics God
Optics God
Avatar
Superstool

Joined: January/03/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 11814
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote supertool73 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/03/2010 at 09:35
I started with a progressive and have no regrets.  I have the hornady and love it.  I can load 300 rounds in an hour with it.

I would not waste your money on a turret press.  In reality they are not going to be any faster than a single stage.  They just cost a bunch more. 

If you get a hornady single stage they have a quick change die system that will allow you to change dies in a matter of seconds.  1/4 turn and it is out and a new one goes in 1/4 turn and you are rolling again. 

If you are wanting to load volume then get a progressive.  If you want to go slow and tinker get the single stage.  I don't use my single stage a lot, just on my .308 loads.  It takes hours to load 100 rounds though, so all my other stuff I load on the progressive.  9mm, .40, .45 auto, 357 mag, .45 LC.  .223, .243, .45-70, 7mm mag, 6.8 spc.  It loads great ammo for all of them.  That way I can spend time shooting instead of wasting my time making the ammo.
Lifetime warranty and excellent customer service don't mean a thing when your gun fails during a zombie attack.

"A Liberal is a person who will give away everything they don't own."
Back to Top
Gunshow75 View Drop Down
Optics Apprentice
Optics Apprentice
Avatar

Joined: December/23/2004
Location: Kentucky, USA
Status: Offline
Points: 209
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Gunshow75 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/03/2010 at 18:13
Originally posted by Dale Clifford Dale Clifford wrote:

  ..... If you like to tinker with different tools, and little things that get lost, certainly look at RCBS etc. If you want to shoot with minimal bench time, get Dillon.
 
That is an accurate description of what I do - I tinker with things.  Big Smile


Tom



Back to Top
Bboy623 View Drop Down
Optics Journeyman
Optics Journeyman
Avatar

Joined: November/21/2008
Location: NC
Status: Offline
Points: 370
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Bboy623 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/03/2010 at 20:08
Originally posted by supertool73 supertool73 wrote:

I started with a progressive and have no regrets.  I have the hornady and love it.  I can load 300 rounds in an hour with it.

I would not waste your money on a turret press.  In reality they are not going to be any faster than a single stage.  They just cost a bunch more. 

If you get a hornady single stage they have a quick change die system that will allow you to change dies in a matter of seconds.  1/4 turn and it is out and a new one goes in 1/4 turn and you are rolling again. 

If you are wanting to load volume then get a progressive.  If you want to go slow and tinker get the single stage.  I don't use my single stage a lot, just on my .308 loads.  It takes hours to load 100 rounds though, so all my other stuff I load on the progressive.  9mm, .40, .45 auto, 357 mag, .45 LC.  .223, .243, .45-70, 7mm mag, 6.8 spc.  It loads great ammo for all of them.  That way I can spend time shooting instead of wasting my time making the ammo.
 
 
 
 
YES, I want VOLUME...mass production for 2 reasons.....stocking up on certain ones and being able to shoot as well (making the most of my time).
 
From what I think I want is: TWO presses
I think I want a single stage...probably a Lee to save $$$, and like SVT said..make sure I like it. The single stage could make my precision rifle hunting rounds.
 
The progressive could mass produce my .223, .45, .40, 9mm (even though I don't have a 9 ..YET) etc as well as 30-06, 8mm, and of course.. 7.62x39!!!
 
I know that Dillion is like the Bentley of presses, but who else makes progressive? Hornady?
 
Does RCBS have them?--Bboy623
 
 


Edited by Bboy623 - September/03/2010 at 20:09
I'd rather be judged by 12 than carried by 6!
Back to Top
pyro6999 View Drop Down
Optics Retard
Optics Retard
Avatar
OT TITAN

Joined: December/22/2006
Location: North Dakota
Status: Offline
Points: 22034
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote pyro6999 Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/03/2010 at 20:48
yes rcbs makes a progressive.

Edited by pyro6999 - September/03/2010 at 20:48
They call me "Boots"
375H&H Mag: Yeah, it kills stuff "extra dead"

343 we will never forget

God Bless Chris Ledoux
"good ride cowboy"
Back to Top
Kickboxer View Drop Down
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
Avatar
Moderator

Joined: February/13/2008
Status: Offline
Points: 23679
Post Options Post Options   Thanks (0) Thanks(0)   Quote Kickboxer Quote  Post ReplyReply Direct Link To This Post Posted: September/03/2010 at 20:54
What I REALLY want is to not ever have to reload, again...
Opinion,untempered by fact,is ignorance.

There are some who do not fear death... for they are more afraid of not really living
Back to Top
 Post Reply Post Reply Page  123>
  Share Topic   

Forum Jump Forum Permissions View Drop Down

Forum Software by Web Wiz Forums® version 12.01
Copyright ©2001-2018 Web Wiz Ltd.

This page was generated in 0.213 seconds.