[TheTinMan]

Here's my recommendation which is worth just what you pay for it: buy a Hornady L-N-L single stage press. Unlike presses, you put bushings on each die and then can do a quick change from x to y die in like 30 seconds without worrying about setup.

Start off by learning how to reload safely on the single stage. If you only load rifle rounds, you don't need anything else. The basic process is 1) de-cap & re-size on the press, 2) case prep (ugh!) which is not done on the press, 3) prime, which is better done by hand or a bench primer, 4) charge each case with powder in a loading block giving you a chance to double check each and every case before moving on, and 5) seat the bullet - only the second time you use the press.

Sure, handloading for pistol rounds uses at least 3 dies. Much more press time and case prep is almost non-existent. I prefer crimping in a second step following seating the bullet, so that's 4 dies. I've just moved to a Lyman turret press for dies 2-4 but still use my single-stage for de-capping & re-sizing.

I'm just more comfortable NOT being in a hurry when reloading. When I read some guy saying "I just bought my Dillon ____ and was cranking out X rounds per hour the first day", I pray that they are no where near me on the firing line.

Seriously, the single stage press will serve you for rifle rounds forever plus it will give you a safe start. After you really understand the process and are comfortable with every step, then decide on which progressive (or turret) press will work best for you.

BTW the Reloading section of the 1911 forum has a good group of guys regarding reloading for pistols. Glock Talk might also be helpful.

 

[TheTinMan]

I upgraded my setup to include a Lyman T-Mag II turret press for pistol rounds a month or so ago. Loading pistol rounds on the single stage just got too tedious. Now I use the single stage for re-sizing/de-priming and a bench priming tool for Step 1. Step 2 is charging the cases with powder as a batch in loading trays. Step 3 is bell, seat & crimp on the turret press. It definitely saves time over the single stage, and I don't shoot pistols enough to justify the cost of a progressive press.

For rifle cartridges, I will always use a single stage press. There are only 2 dies after all, and it seems like I'm always experimenting with powder charges, etc.

If I could buy just one press, it would be Forster's Co-Ax. Quick die changes like the Hornady but it has the reputation of being the most accurate and robust single-stage press out there.

What works for me may not be "best" for anybody else.