Best reloading press- opinions please

by dapduh2 2/18/2020, 7:30 pm

First topic message reminder :

So I’m leaving active duty in a few months and going back to being a drilling member of the National Guard. I’ll have much more time to shoot and a convenient place to do so. I’m setting cash aside and would like to dive into reloading probably after the summer. So here’s the question...

If you could buy one press right now what would it be and why. I was looking at a Dillon 650 and for that price point wasn’t sure if there was a better option. Initially loading .45, but eventually 9mm and .38.

Thanks for any help/ insight.

by BE Mike 10/8/2024, 12:25 pm

Allan Campbell wrote:Don't overlook the Frankford Arsenal x-10. I had a Hornady AP and it is a good press, but I had primer feed issues and the pawls would break if there was a jam.They were probably designed to be the point at which things would give.
I sold the Hornady and bought a Dillon 650. To me it was a better press and it served me well, with some minor issues, primarily the primer feed and used primers backing up.
Then I got interested I in the Frankford Arsenal x-10 and bought it, planning to keep the Dillon for other calibers. I like the x-10 so well that I sold the Dillon. The x-10 is smoother and has more leverage, so less effort to operate, and the primer feed is bulletproof. 10 stations gives the option of swaging, a bullet feeder, a powder check and separate seating and crimp. For me anyway, it just works. The only downside I see is that it is a new product and that is always a risk.

The Lyman Apex 10 looks very similar from the photos that they display. One question: Why does anyone need 10 stages?

by ermakevin 10/8/2024, 3:42 pm

yes, a Star is still the Best re-loader. **once set up they load perfect every time, ** you would be lucky to locate one.

by fc60 10/8/2024, 3:48 pm

ermakevin wrote:yes, a Star is still the Best re-loader. **once set up they load perfect every time, ** you would be lucky to locate one.

Greetings,

Watch eBay.

Several Star's have been sold for under a Monkey ($500.00)

Again, buyer beware. Make sure all the parts are present.

Most machines are sold as Estate items and, quite often, the original small parts are missing.

Good News... Star is still in business and parts can be had.

Cheers,

Dave

by **PhotoEscape** 10/8/2024, 6:38 pm

ermakevin wrote:yes, a Star is still the Best re-loader. **once set up they load perfect every time, ** you would be lucky to locate one.

I have five Dillon's and two Star's (plus three Lee's, Corbin, Magma Engineering Lubesizer and now Rollsizer Decapper - all these are function specific presses). Star, IMHO, fails in two categories: reloader must be anally attentive to the process (not a problem for me, but it must be mentioned), and, once again IMHO, similarly to Dillon's 1050/1100 it is one caliber - one press relationship. As a caliber dedicated press, it is indeed at the top........, because powder drop isn't case activated and shell plate only facilitates rotation while cases ride on solid base. As a multi-caliber press plus readily available Mr. Bulletfeeder, I'll take XL650/XL750 any day of the week over Star........

My 2 cents.

AP

by LenV 10/9/2024, 12:09 pm

FYI. There is a star for sale on Ebay right this minute. I think there is one day and 7 hours left. Currently set up for 38 special.

NFI

by L Valdez 10/10/2024, 12:35 am

I have a Star with everything for both a 38 special and 45 acp. Large and small primer seaters, individual tool heads, and some powder slides. I am going to take photos and put it/them up for sale.

by RodJ 10/15/2024, 12:02 pm

L Valdez wrote:I have a Star with everything for both a 38 special and 45 acp. Large and small primer seaters, individual tool heads, and some powder slides. I am going to take photos and put it/them up for sale.

^^^ this...

by rkittine 10/16/2024, 6:32 pm

The guy who bought out STAR has been great to work with. He recently built me a fully renovated STAR in .32 S&W along WC. For my high volume pistol rounds. .32, .38 WC, 9mm and .35 APC I have one of each. I do have a Dillon 550 for misc. low volume reloading and three single stage presses for the least used calibers.

by BE Mike 10/17/2024, 10:15 am

ermakevin wrote:yes, a Star is still the Best re-loader. **once set up they load perfect every time, ** you would be lucky to locate one.

Stars are great when you only want to load a lot of ammo in only a couple of different calibers. If you want something more versatile, there are much better options.

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