I need a new press. The FA M-Press is available only on backorder. But the F1 is available and I can always find a RCBS Summit. Can also get a FA Precision Single.
Of these, which do y’all like the most and why?
Also would consider the Dillon B550 or a Rockchucker.
I use a MEC Marksman its pretty good. There are a couple videos on at Ultimate Reloader. The guy from Panhandle Precision has one as well.
1 Like
I’d like to test the F1 to see how it compares to the M. I like the M but haven’t tried the F1 so I don’t know if I can really opine.
I’m able to load consistently .25 MOA ammo for my 6BR and 6.5Creed on my 50+ year old, very well used, Rockchucker. Not sure how to improve on that unless I want more speed.
3 Likes
Unless you are into high volume loading I would go with the RC, virtually bullet proof, reliable and consistent but that is what I am accustomed to. I decap on an older Lee turret, size on an original RC and an RC II then do the clean seating work inside on an RS 5. They handle everything I load from .223 to 338 Lapua with ease.
Bit the bullet and purchased a Creedmoor Sports Redding T7 with the Creedmoor Sports Stainless Turret. Buy once, cry once. I think I will only be reloading for 2 cartridges for a while so this is good for me, set the dies and forget it.
I would avoid FA. Not a terrible press but I found the tolerances to be sloppy and inconsistent. The cam over arm doesn’t have a hard stop like other presses do so even when the seating dies are set and locked in place the overall length can vary quite a bit. Mine usually were within five to ten thousandths of each other which isn’t a huge problem but wasn’t consistent enough for me. Just picked up the Redding T7 and I already love it way more so I would second that recommendation.
I went from the M-Press to the FA Turret press and it’s soooooo nice. I was looking at the Area 419 turret press, but couldn’t justify it until I tried this one. I have zero complaints so far.
I learned long ago to stick with RCBS, unquestionable quality, fair pricing and the best warranty in the business. My current is a Turret Press which since I load many different calibers allows me to set up the dies and when I need to change just move to the next set of dies, or change the turret head and start reloading without having to change dies or die settings.
Making sure I’m not crazy, so please bear with me.
I bought the Redding T7. Just got it set up on an InLine Fab Mount and wanted to try it out - de-prime some bass. Went to place the brass in the Shellholder and it didn’t fit. Brass is 7PRC.
So, in all the stuff I have watched and read, no one mentioned that I need to make sure I had shellholders for my specific cartridges. DO I need shell holder for all the biggies I want to reload (223 etc, 308, 6.5 CM, 338)?
Yes, you will need cartridge specific shell holders. There’s some overlap. You should be able to search online to figure out which number for which cartridge. The numbering is brand specific so just look up which cartridge and which brand you want to use. Good news is they’re relatively cheap and available on line.
1 Like
Ah man that’s so frustrating to be all ready to go and missing a small piece. https://redding-reloading.com/die_finder/7mm-prc-bushing-and-competition-style-dies/
Mentions a #6
1 Like
there is so much more to all this than just a press and dies, lol.
The good news is that once you get all the bits and bobbles, they pretty much last a lifetime. Unless you are like me and get obsessed with new and shiny.
I hate my FA M press. As you stated, it’s sloppy and Frankford has replaced it twice. Bought 1 and on my 3 press. Customer service has been great though.
I have a MEC Marksman fantastic single stage.
I just took an Intermediate Metallic Cartridge Reloading class and we used the Forster Reloading Press and it was impressive. But then again - I don’t own a reloading press yet - but I know which one I will buy.
1 Like
I have a forster and it is fantastic. They make 2 sizes, if you are loading larger calibers make sure you check length if you decide to go this route. I would love the area 419 but man the price
2 Likes