New press......import from the USA?

[Thar]

At the minute I have two Lee classic presses for reloading, any way birthday coming up and the wife says what do you want? Well I pretty much have everything I want and more for stalking, but I think I fancy a new reloading press.

What is the legal situation in importing a press from the USA. Anybody know? I have brought in dies ect many times, but wasn’t sure if the law had changed recently for presses.

I am thinking about a turret press to speed up reloading, anybody else use one? The other thing I liked the look of is the Hornady lock and load system, any info’ gladly received.

Best rgds

Tahr

 

[Muir]

Hullo Thar,
I have owned a variety of turet presses over the last 35 years and currently own a Lyman unit I picked up 2nd hand at a gun show. I leave it set up for my son's and my favorite 357 Magnum load. Since it it a load that never changes, it's a good set up. It has six stations so I also have a powder measure in line as well. I think though, if you are wanting "faster" reloading the turrent press won't help you -especially for rifle. Compared to trimming, cleaning and what not, screwing in the dies only uses up a few seconds of time.

You know your reloading regimen though. If you think it will help then you might try MidwayUK. I know that the times I have shipped reloading gear to Scotland the postage was expensive.

As to the Lock and Load; a buddy has one and it is no better than any other. Just a little "gimmicky". ~Muir

 

[Ronin]

Hi mate

I have Dillon RL550b and RCBS Rockchucker presses that cater for all my needs.

The Dillon was used for reloading 1000's of rounds for pistols,,,,when we were allowed.

Now I use it with various toolheads set up for my calibres with the same bolt face ((.473") for 22-250AI, 25-06, 6.5x284, 30-06, 308.

I use the Rockchucker for larger stuff - 7mm WSM and 338 Lap.

The Dillon, although a "progressive" press gets used as a single stage, I prefer to do each stage separately so I have better QC on my rounds.

Neither is better than the other - using neck turned cases, I get runout of .001 to .003" average across the range of cases I load.

Ive looked at various progressive presses over the years including the Hornady.

I prefer the Dillon set up personaly for ease of use, but ive used this press for a looong time...


If it were my choice, by a good single stage and invest in decent dies.


Weight will always be an issue if you purchase and you require shipping...for press's

 

[ejg]

Kev,
check if anything interesting is on e-gun in gemany.
I could help getting it.
If you have an exact description or order number I could get a quote from
a german supplier.

regards
edi

 

[willie_gunn]

Tahr

I have an RCBS Turret Press that I brought back from the US, but some years ago now, so I don't know if things have changed recently.

I can't see why it would be a problem bringing one in, but you might have to be careful about excess baggage as the turret press weighed a ton

willie_gunn

 

[Thar]

Thanks for the advice chaps.

What I am looking to do is to is to have three sets of turrets, one for each of the calibres I reload for. I want to set each set of dies up in a turret, that way when I am reloading all I have to do is put a turret in the press and all the bullet seating depth ect is set. I will still prime with my hand primer and fill powder off the press. So for the most part I will be using it like a single stage press.

Any thoughts?


PS Edi I am in Berlin next week for work, trouble is the baggage limit is only 20kg on the plane ,and I recon’ I will be struggling to keep under that as it is.

All the best

Tahr

 

[Ronin]

Kev


from what youv'e posted the Dillon press may be your best bet (removable toolhead holding all your dies in one calibre set / one toolhead per calibre)

Thats how I use mine.

Not sure if there are any for sale in the UK - The Sportsman Guncentre used to be the importers.

e-bay has a few for sale

http://shop.ebay.co.uk/?_from=R40&_...&_nkw=dillon+rl550b&_sacat=See-All-Categories

The only issue I see is weight for shipping.


If you do decide on one, replacement parts are available direct from Dillon, who offer service kits.

Ive had mine like I posted for over a decade, not needed replacement parts yet.

I think this style of press is better than the turntable turret style as there will always be alot or pressure imparted on the turret head - not sure how good they are for runout?


The Dillon system differs from others in that the shell holder is a circular plate that is held in place by a central spigot with indent ball.

Each shell holder plate has 4 cut outs for shells and you rotate the cases manualy bettween die stages.

The shell holder plates come in a calibre change kit that includes shell holder, three buttons that hold the cases inside the axis of the plate (stope them falling out if you use it as a true progressive) and a charge funnel adaptor that fits inside the powder measure.

If you have one case head size (such as 7mm-08, 308, 22-250 etc) you can get away with one shell holder plate.

Changeover for toolheads takes literally five seconds - remove two pins and slide out one toolhead, slide in the other and replace the retaining pins.

The Dillon is a good system, worth a long look IMHO, if your passing by me, feel free to drop in and take a look at my set up before you buy.


I am back at the week end.

 

[willie_gunn]

Tahr

You can certainly swap the heads over on the RCBS turret press, not that I've ever had the need to as I only load .308.

See, for example:

http://www.cabelas.com/p-0031380215731a.shtml

willie_gunn

 

[Mat]

Have you considered smartreloader? They're based in the EU and it's fixed postage no extra duty to worry about...

http://www.smartreloader.com/presses-multistage-presses-c-9_11.html

They've got a Redding T-7 for E189.99 and postage of E16.99

I bought a Redding Big Boss from them a while back and they threw in a free set of Lee dies (special offer at the time).

Cheers,
Mat

 

[Thar]

Kev

The Dillon is a good system, worth a long look IMHO, if your passing by me, feel free to drop in and take a look at my set up before you buy.

I am back at the week end.

Hi Andy

I need to drop in at some time to see you about another matter, when I have an idea of when I am passing I will ring you.

Thanks to everybody for the advice.

ATB

Tahr