Hi Yall
This is my first time here. Going to start reloading, 22-250 & 38 sp, 357.Ive been told that i need progressive for pistol(faster) and single stage(acurate)for rifle. If you agree with these, would i be better off with rcbs rockchucker that will change over to progressive or should i buy the 2000 progressive and can the 2000 be used as a single stage, measure powder on scales?
also any clues for loading 22-250 for savage model 12 ss,26" bull?

Thanks
Tommy Cole

Hello, Tommy - and welcome to the board. I'm sure you've seen the posting rules, so won't repeat them.

For a person just starting out, a progressive may be a bit much. You'd be better served beginning with a single stage until you get a handle on the reloading game and then decide if a progressive is in order. The single stage is always a welcome addition to a progressive reloading bench, anyway.

I've been reloading both rifle and pistol for over 47 years and still have a couple of single stage presses. Never found the need for a progressive.

Yup! I agree. A single-stage "kinda" forces you to pay attention to the details. If you make good ammo, you will need less of it.

Cheezywan

. . .Ive been told that i need progressive for pistol(faster) and single stage(acurate)for rifle. If you agree with these, would i be better off with rcbs rockchucker that will change over to progressive or should i buy the 2000 progressive and can the 2000 be used as a single stage, measure powder on scales? Tommy Cole
Progressive tools are great for shooters who constantly need large quantities of ammunition on hand. These tools serve shooters who practice and/or compete regularly very well. If you are a once-a-month shooter, your progressive becomes more of an investment than a working partner. A reloader can always use a single stage as it is very economical to operate and flexible. All you need is a set of dies and a shellholder to get started and you can turn out some very good ammunition with it. With a progressive, you may need a toolhead, set of dies, and a shellplate for each caliber change. Trying to use a progressive as a single stage takes away all of the advantages of having a progressive. It's kind of like having an automatic transmission but the driver still prefers to use the stick.

IMHO, you can't go wrong with a Rockchucker. It may not be the least expensive single-stage on the market but it is built like a tank and can be handed down to the kids when you're too old to see the targets anymore. The Rockchucker can also be converted to a progressive with the piggy-back kit or you can just add to your reloading setup by purchasing a separate progressive. In addition, the Rockchucker carries a lifetime warranty and RCBS has excellent customer service.

Before you buy, and whatever brand you decide on, shop around for the best prices. If you're not that concerned over new vs. used, try your luck over on ebay, a great flea-market for reloading equipment.

Come back with any questions, the guys here are more than willing to help you.

I concur with the others, especially on the Rockchuker.

Get the RockChucker you will never regret it.
Jim

I'll go one better than the Rockchucker press, and suggest the Rockchucker Master Reloading Kit (I think that's still the name). It comes with a bunch of stuff you'll need anyway and it is less expensive than all of the parts separately.

I've had mine for 15 years or so, and it works just fine for my needs. I seldom load more than 50 at a time, but even with batches as large as 200 it isn't bad at all. Good batch procedures and process will go a long way. I'll take quality over quantity every time.

I have a Dillon I bought from a friend a couple of years ago. It looks to be a fine machine, but I have yet to set it up. I just don't need to load that many of one load at any one time.

Same advise here. I have a Rockchucker that is probably 30 years old. It was used when I got it and it still does a great job.

Thanks Yall
I,ll get the rockchucker with one of the kits, anybody know a cheaper place than cabellas?

www.midwayusa.com

www.natchezss.com

www.midsouthshooterssupply.com

Wonder why you limited your choices to RCBS? Not that there is any problem with that, I use a RockChucker myself, but none of the iron presses will ever wear out. I still have a Lyman "Spar-T" bought in '65 and it is just as sound as my RC bought in '88 (IIRC). :)

I got the turret press when I started because it just seems logical that it would be "faster". Found that there is little difference in speed and the flex in a turn-top press is a liability, at least to me. And I don't need speed at the price of of a true progessive so most of my loads come from the single stage now.

The current "best buy" on an iron press would be the Lee "Classic Cast". It is bigger and stronger than my RC2, has a few better design features too.

But...it's your money.