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Again, just getting started.... buy cheap used. No need to spend a lot of $$$, unless you are someone that wants or has to have new. In that case, buy the best new you can get.
Even if you also end up getting like a Dillon 550 or 650, you should also still buy a cheap eBay single station press. Like I said before, under $50.
Stay away from Lee
I would go for an RCBS "Rock Chucker". They can be had for a reasonable price on e-bay.
is the lee classic really THAT bad?
The Lee classic cast is a good single stage press.
I use a Forester Co-Ax, no regrets with it for me.
The single stage press is very often the first step in a journey thet will take you to more elaborate machines, like the progressive presses. This simple press will retain its utility even after you adopted the more advanced systems. With this in mind, I would recommend a more expensive and rugged press like the RCBS "Rock Chucker". I use several Dillon machines; RL 450, 550, and 1050, but find my Rock Chucker extremely useful as I size all of my 223 brass on it. I guess the point I'm trying to make is quality reloading presses can literally last a lifetime. Spending a little more for the right press will prove to be a wise choice in the long run.
Powder scales are a different matter, IMHO. I began reloading using a Lyman kit that came with a turret press and a cheap-o, bottom of the line beam scale. In the last 30 years I have replaced all of my reloading equipment many times over, with the exception of the Lyman scale. I am an admitted "gadget freak"; I love new and improved equipment and will use any excuse to upgrade. I never replaced my original Lyman beam scale simply because it worked too well. I'm not sure if this scale is still available (I bought one used as a back-up), but Dillon makes an excellent beam scale for slightly under $50. I would go for the inexpensive Dillon scale and save my money for other cool gadgets.
In 30 plus years of reloading I have stumbled upon two inexpensive, entry level products that worked so well that I simply could not bring myself to replace them, despite the attraction of newer and more sophisticated equipment. They are the Lyman beam scale and the Competition Electronics Pro Chrono chronograph. Both have given me many years of trouble free performance. Some things just work too well to replace.
Powder scales are a different matter, IMHO. I began reloading using a Lyman kit that came with a turret press and a cheap-o, bottom of the line beam scale. In the last 30 years I have replaced all of my reloading equipment many times over, with the exception of the Lyman scale. I am an admitted "gadget freak"; I love new and improved equipment and will use any excuse to upgrade. I never replaced my original Lyman beam scale simply because it worked too well. I'm not sure if this scale is still available (I bought one used as a back-up), but Dillon makes an excellent beam scale for slightly under $50. I would go for the inexpensive Dillon scale and save my money for other cool gadgets.
In 30 plus years of reloading I have stumbled upon two inexpensive, entry level products that worked so well that I simply could not bring myself to replace them, despite the attraction of newer and more sophisticated equipment. They are the Lyman beam scale and the Competition Electronics Pro Chrono chronograph. Both have given me many years of trouble free performance. Some things just work too well to replace.
This is the best ss press ever made. It's going to be my next purchase.
Is it the Lyman D7(?) scale with the gray metal base? An excellent and easy to use scale. Agate bearings, IIRC. I still have one in the reloading room and still use it on occasion. It has to be close to 30 years old now, and still works like a champ.
Nice press! I especially like the snap in-snap out die holder. It says it's compatible with all standard dies. I'm wondering if it will work equally well with the hex type die lock rings as the round knurled ones. No shell holders to fart around with, either. Hmmmmmm.....I may have found my next Christmas present.
I'm not sure what model my Lyman scale is. It has a gray base approx 2x7.75 in and is very easy to use, basically as good as new after 30 years. The back-up I bought appears to be the same scale, but the base is orange.
Nice press! I especially like the snap in-snap out die holder. It says it's compatible with all standard dies. I'm wondering if it will work equally well with the hex type die lock rings as the round knurled ones. No shell holders to fart around with, either. Hmmmmmm.....I may have found my next Christmas present.