Single stage press discussion

[Little Dutch]

I've been using my old Lyman Spartan press for 20 some years. It's a C press design. I've read they can flex, but the hardest mine gets used is resizing rifle brass and I've never had any trouble with that. The Spartan is the first and only single stage press I've used. It, subjectively, turns out quality ammunition. However, I don't have a runout gauge and I don't have anything to compare it against. With my growing interest in long range shooting there's a nagging question if the press is something I should look at upgrading. I can't help but wonder if my Forster dies are wasted on this old press.

An interesting aspect is everything runs at a slight backwards angle by design. You can see it in the pictures.

Here's an old auction link with reasonable pictures for everyone who bought a press that was made after the 1960's.
https://www.gunauction.com/buy/7838958

86717


I've done quite well with accuracy at 100 yards over the years, but I'm really wondering if this needs to be upgraded.



Maybe not relevant, but I also have an original Dillon 550, and a Lyman T-Mag turret. The 550 is pretty much dedicated to high production pistol cartridge, things I make a few thousand of at a time. I've been using the T-Mag for lower production cartridges that don't necessarily need the tightest groups possible; 45 colt, 44 mag, etc. I really like the T-Mag for what I've been using it for.

ETA - I am considering using my 550 as a single stage turret. Resize, powder drop by hand, seat, crimp.

[VolksDragon]

How accurate are we talking here?

That Spartan press is a big-ass piece of iron, and although I suppose may indeed flex a tiny bit, but it should flex consistently, and if your rounds are all the same COAL and the shoulders identical, you should be good.

That said, your 550 would be easy to run as a single stage, and a trusty RCBS Rock Chucker is pretty inexpensive.

[longrange2]

I love my Forster Co-Ax, it’s my go to single stage. Higher volume is an XL650, RL550 and a super stout RCBS 4x4.

[Delfuego]

I know lots of people that make their match ammo on a Dillon 550, that press is very capable. Rock Chucker works great too. Most single stage presses (with good dies) will produce very accurate ammo, even a Lee.

[earplug]

Check your reloaded rounds for runout. I doubt your old press is holding you back. I have the same press and the only issue is a RCBS primer swage won't fit.
Many bench rest shooters use hand tools.

[Little Dutch]

I appreciate all the responses. I think my next step is to go ahead and buy a concentricity gauge. Just see for myself what the cartridges actually look like coming out of the press.
Or just leave well enough alone and go shoot at longer distances...

[Hoser]

If your just shooting at 100 yards, you are fine. Keep on keeping on with your Lee.

If you do move to a 550, it isnt hard to load match ammo on it. I have been doing it for 15-20 years. Back then everyone told me I would not be able to hit shit and I was a dumbass.

I would rather spend time at the range than the bench.

[Little Dutch]

If your just shooting at 100 yards, you are fine. Keep on keeping on with your Lee.

If you do move to a 550, it isnt hard to load match ammo on it. I have been doing it for 15-20 years. Back then everyone told me I would not be able to hit shit and I was a dumbass.

I would rather spend time at the range than the bench.

Taking it out past 300 next weekend for the first time. I'll see how it does, then order a concentricity gauge if there's issues. Or move to the 550.

From the replies I'm thinking my concerns are unfounded. No experience shooting at any real distance had me unsure.

[sportbikeco]

I dont know if the press would be that much of an issue. I mean are you sorting bullets by weight? primers? measuring case volume? controlling for neck tension? how are you throwing powder? etc etc etc.

I mean a new press may be nice for quality of life features but i bet your goes straight enough.