Hornady vs. RCBS reloading

Anonymous-0 · Apr 21, 2013

Was thinking about getting a reloading press for my son so he can start doing some reloading. I have had a Hornady 007 press for a long time and I really like using it. I have never used a Hornady Loc N Load press so I don't know what they are like. The RCBS press (don't remember the model) is about the same price (for the kit) and uses a bushing so it could use 1 1/4 dies as well as the standard 7/8 dies. The Hornady kit has a digital scale while the RCBS has beam scale. The digital scale seems like a good idea but wonder long it would last. The beam scale would last forever unless you damage it. Anyway I'm looking for opinions since I only have experience with the pre-Lock N Load press. Thanks

retired farmer · Apr 21, 2013

RCBS.

Anonymous-0 · Apr 21, 2013

I have a Hornady lock n load --like it very much. I have dies for 30-06 .264 mag. and .270 so it makes it easy to switch calibers without taking much time. I tossed between RCBS and Hornady also but at the time Hornady was cheaper--on sale.

Lazy WP · Apr 21, 2013

I bought a Hornady Loc-N-Load a couple months ago. Since then, I have reloaded 38s, 40s, and 30-30. I like the fact that once I get the dies set, I can jump to whatever caliber I want with just a twist of the wrist.
When I got mine, Hornady was on sale, as a kit. The press, scale(electronic, that isn't at all accurate) powder measurer, and the Hornady handbook. Think it was right at $300.

Lazy WP · Apr 21, 2013

Honady makes bushings so you can convert the RCBS to a LOC-N-LOAD also.

MarkB_MI · Apr 22, 2013

I don't think RCBS is of the same quality it once was, but it is still very good. I'm almost 100 percent RCBS, but Hornady seems to be giving RCBS some serious competition. If you can find an older RCBS Rockchucker, these are very good presses.

The ability to use 1-1/4" dies isn't important, unless you need to reload .50 BMG. However, presses that support 1-1/4" dies tend to be much heavier than those which don't.

I wouldn't be too concerned about an electronic scale, but you're right that a good beam scale will last several lifetimes.

I guess I didn't give you much information with which to make a decision. I do have a very strong opinion about case trimmers, though: The only case trimmer worth having, in my opinion, is the L. E. Wilson trimmer.

Bret4207 · Apr 22, 2013

The sole point in RCBS favor is their lifetime warranty. Other than that it's purely a beauty in the eye of the beholder thing. I have both brands plus Lyman, Lee, and many others. They all work.

I don't use the Lock and Load system so I can't comment on that. Screwing a die in never seemed like that big of a time thing to me.

I would always have a beam scale on hand, no matter what.

RayP(MI) · Apr 22, 2013

Probably either will serve you well. Both have a good reputation. Have used some parts from both brands. My favorite and what I have most equipment from is Lee Precision. Have found their equipment works well, is designed with necessary strength, and is probably cheaper than others. Also some of their equipment and designs are very innovative.

36 Coupe · Apr 24, 2013

My wife bought me the first Lee press and its still working fine.My loading equipment is about 90% Lee.It does what I want.I have a Hornady scale I bought used for 20.00.I use the Lee dippers most of the time.I dont mind screwing in the dies so lock and load systems dont impress me at all.

bob15 · Apr 25, 2013

I will be a little different, but my favorite press is the Redding T-7 turret press. I don't like screwing and unscrewing dies and with the T-7, i can put up to 7 dies in at a time. You can also buy more turrets for even more dies in the future ( I have 3 turrets right now).....

The Hornady doesn't impress me. Not saying it's bad, just not my "style".

bob

Hornady vs. RCBS reloading

Anonymous-0

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retired farmer

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Anonymous-0

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Lazy WP

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Lazy WP

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MarkB_MI

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36 Coupe

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bob15

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