Thread: first press: single stage or turret?

Hey guys.

Getting into this reloading lark, currently for .270 Win. I have 4 Lee dies (FL sizer, quick trim, bullet seater & factory crimp). I am keeping my eyes peeled for a press. I'd been thinking of starting out with a cheap cast-iron single stage as I don't really have much to spend, but have seen a Lee three hole turret. Are these better or worse? I imagine there's a benefit in being able to leave the dies set up how you like them, but is there a downside?

And the reality is that I don't get out much, so it will probably be many years (if ever) before I upgrade. Whatever I get needs to suit a newbie but be good enough for the future.

PS - I can only ever see myself developing loads for hunting, I'm not into benchrest comps or anything.

Cheers, Rob

Same as u I just do hunting loads. I just use an old Lyman spartan single stage and slowly make up ammo. Generally prep brass in big lots (which for me is about 100 cases). And load ammo as I need it.
I have no problem making sub moa ammo with my very basic gear.
If u are not doing big volume for competition then I say keep it simple with a single stage press.

I started with a single stage O frame about 25 years ago - and it’s still what I use now.
I load for five calibres but usually only one at a time and 10-50 rounds. The single stage press doesn’t slow me down, manually weighing each powder charge as exact as possible does. I find my powder measure to be pretty accurate, even with powders others say don’t meter well, but I’m mainly doing load development so 3-5 rounds at each charge weight. For 50 rounds of 223 plinking ammo I use the measure.

Get a single stage

Go the single spinner, a bit like a holden really

Can't go wrong with a single stage especially for your stated purpose, with a bit of practice you can still get quite a few done in an hour.

i can sell you a hornady kit for $550. hardly used.
more if you want dies and powder

Thanks guys! I should have added that the turret press is going for about the least I expected to pay for a single stage, but it sounds like the jury is overwhelmingly in favour of keeping it simple. Will keep looking - thanks for the offer @gonetropo, but that's more than I've got to spend.

I suspect you could do either option. how many rounds a year are you gonna be loading?