Ask the Community

You always get what you pay for and it really comes down to preference. I have a Lee turret press and love it. My buddy has a RCBS turret press and loves it just as much as I love my Lee. Each have their strengths an weaknesses, so you need to figure out what qualities you are looking for. The Lee gets the job done but is significantly less expensive than RCBS products. If you are just getting into reloading I would recommend Lee, but if you plan on heavy volume (tens of thousands of rounds) then I would go with RCBS.

All the competitive shooters (including myself) here use Dillon Precision products. The 650 will load anything but the 50 cal and Dillon's guarantee is the best in the business. http://www.dillonprecision.com/reloading-machines_8_1.html

Great question. I have 2 presses. I prefer RCBS turret & love the Lee dies. I own other dies Dillon as well. I like the fact that the Lee decaping dies back out if there's an obstruction. You should also pay attention to the processing of the cases to prolong die life. Keep cases lubed. Also the warrentee and ease of repair replacement should make your final decision easier. Good luck!

I have owned both RCBS and Lee, prefer RCBS. Think it has better construction and does were much easier to work with, overall better choice.

I've owned a Lee Classic Turret press for awhile now and have come to the conclusion that it is the best press for the money. Dies are well made and relatively inexpensive and are 100% American made. I haven't really had any problems at all, only good results. If you have questions or problems Lee is quick to address and solve the issue.

Reloading equipment function is similar on all the brand name reloaders. You have to ask yourself how many do you plan to reload in one sitting and how much interaction you want to have with each reload. If you want to set up once and just load case and bullet then a progressive like the Dillion 650 is a great option. If you have the time and patience then any brand name single stage will meet your needs. If your not shooting a lot and are on a budget just get a single stage.

If you think that you will enjoy reloading, it is hard to buy more press than you need. Like gun safes, it is usually a smart idea to pick one a little larger than what will serve only your immediate needs. In progressives, I like the Dillon 650 and the Hornady Projector, not because I have any interest in case feeders, bullet feeders, etc., but because I like the idea of having an extra loading station (5 instead of four). I also prefer a true progressive that moves the shell plate when moving the handle, rather than having to move the shell plate with my thumb. I have had my Hornady press for over 25 years, and have never paid for a replacement part. Same with Dillon. Quality and durability with a cost amortized over 25 years are good reasons to buy machine with more capability.

I have mostly RCBS. Have a lee hand primer which I like better than Rcbs, a Lyman case trimmer, and Dillan primer pocket swager. Just purchase what you like best. I think RCBS has the best presses. Beyond that, I like some other brand tools.

Selecting reloading equipment is for sure what works for you . One other item(s) to consider is where are you going to mount your equipment ? Make sure to plan out your reloading area for space much less a strong workbench for your press.