Which Press and Powder Measure for .416 Rigby?

[jambie]

Hi All,
New to the forum, eagerly anticipating the arrival of my new-to-me M77 Mark II in .416 Rigby. Now to the question: for obvious reasons, I'm going to start reloading for this cartridge, and being new to reloading in general, I need advice on equipment.

First, Lee classic cast press or RCBS Rockchucker ? I know the Lee will handle the .416 size-wise, but what about the RC? The Lee I'm referring to is NOT the aluminum anniversary model. Thoughts on quality one vs. the other? Both have great online reviews...

Second, which powder measure for use with IMR 4350 powder? Again, being a newbie, I want to get the right equipment from the start to avoid problems.

Any other advice anyone can offer would be GREATLY appreciated.

Thanks,
Tom

 

[contender]

Welcome to the Forum Tom!
At the top of this page,, is a "sticky" about reloading. I suggest reading all of it.
As for the RCBS over the Lee,, well, A good Rockchucker will outlive you if cared for.
I've been reloading since the mid 1970's,, and I started with a Lyman press,, but couldn't wait until I could afford a RCBS. They were considered THE BEST back then,, and are still top quality. The Lee equipment while very good to excellent in many areas,, I have found that RCBS seems to be better by far between the 2 in my book. Yes,, some will argue with me,, but most will agree that for the size of a 416,, you need good equipment. Buy RCBS.

 

[AKGrouch]

Not even a close question....RCBS. I still use an old RCBS A2 that is probably 50 - 55 years old. Largest caliber I've used it on was .375 H&H.....not a problem at all. .416 should be simple on the Rockchucker.

 

[marlin1881]

Just get the RCBS and be done with it. You will not even think about swapping it out, down the road.

For 4350, take a look at Hodgdon's branded powder, in the SC (Short Cut) size. This should flow well through a powder measure.

Marlin

 

[Rick Courtright]

First, Lee classic cast press or RCBS Rockchucker ?

Second, which powder measure for use with IMR 4350 powder? Again, being a newbie, I want to get the right equipment from the start to avoid problems.

Hi, and welcome!

I'm gonna go a little against the grain here, and suggest the .416's NOT a cartridge you're gonna be shooting a LOT of...

So, I'd say it's a coin toss between the Lee Classic and the Rockchucker if that's the only caliber you're going to be loading. However, if you're gonna load more (especially the bigger) calibers, you won't go wrong w/ the Rockchucker. My single indictment of the newest RC, the Supreme, is I understand they're having it cast in China these days. Dunno where it's finished and assembled. If you don't like sending your money to China, older, used RCs are available on the auction sites all the time, and you might want to check out the Lyman Crusher or Redding Big Boss, too. I THINK both of those are still casting in the US. Lee is for sure. Of those brands, RCBS warranty and customer service are second to none.

Now, for a powder measure, again, it's not likely you're gonna be loading THAT much ammo at a time for the .416, so get a good scale (RCBS 5-0-5 is my hands down favorite), a set of the Lee dippers, and simply weigh out each charge. To do 20 or 40 rounds at a time, it's not gonna "slow you down" enough to worry about. Again, if you're gonna load more, your needs will change and a powder measure is a good thing to get. I have a Lee Perfect Powder Measure sitting on the bench next to an RCBS Uniflow. The RCBS is built like a tank, the Lee more like a Kia, but it's easier to adjust, and generally more accurate!

As you learn more, you'll want to load more, so try to look "down the line" a little and see if you can possibly project what else you might be loading. Got a .223, .270, .308, or '06? Maybe a couple of handguns (or a much larger number? ;)) If so, I'd change my recommendations a little...

For example, depending on your budget, most of the big manufacturers have a "kit" based on one of their single stage presses and popular accessories. RCBS has a couple of them, and their Rockchucker based kit is top notch all the way. Haven't paid much attention, but I think prices are running about $350 now from the big online vendors. It'll be money well spent if you choose to go that route, you won't have to piecemeal your loading bench together so much, and if you take care of your stuff, you'll be teaching your kids, maybe even grandkids, to load on the exact pieces of equipment that could one day be theirs!

Rick C

 

[VAdoublegunner]

What a great, classic cartridge!

RCBS is the way to go. Considering the cost associated with loading the 416 Rigby (as you well know, cases and bullets are not cheap) cost is a negligible consideration in which press to get. However, a lot of folks seem dissatisfied with the priming system and spent primer catcher of the newer Supreme model.

The Lee Classic Turret may have some advantages in speed, but let's face it, with the 416 you are pretty much individually handcrafting each round as a work of art in itself.

If future loading options for other cartridges are a consideration, then the Lee has some advantages for adaptability to load faster. It appears to be a strong and durable press, folks who have them are happy owners.

I would add that the Redding Big Boss looks to be the perfect larger sized press for a 416 Rigby owner, especially if you plan to be full length resizing the cases often. You could always consider upgrading to their T-7 Turret but that would not offer that much extra in terms of speed or versatility for other cartridges compared to the Lee Turret system.

 

[Sugar River]

I would add that the Redding Big Boss looks to be the perfect larger sized press for a 416 Rigby owner, especially if you plan to be full length resizing the cases often. You could always consider upgrading to their T-7 Turret but that would not offer that much extra in terms of speed or versatility for other cartridges compared to the Lee Turret system.

+1
I put my Rock chucker in mothballs and got a Big Boss when I started loading the really long ctgs like the Rigby. The RC just doesn't have enough "window room".

Also, get yourself a good scale.
I can't say I'd the 416 as the ctg to learn reloading with, but I guess stranger things have happened.

Pete

 

[Hammer]

.

I use three RCBS AmmoMasters for psuedo-progressive loading for the Rigby.


.

 

[Boxhead]

As a 30 year RCBS user with my original Reloader Special press (that loads the 416 Rigby just fine), today, I would buy a Lee Classic Cast without question. It is a fine, fine press and one I will likely buy in the near future.

 

[jambie]

I ordered a Lee Classic Turret press after reading many reviews online, and speaking with a Lee tech on the phone for a bit. I figured this would give me a little more versatility down the road in loading other calibers, and would work fine as a single stage for the .416.

That said, though, I came across a pretty good deal on what is supposed to be the best single-stager in the Redding Big Boss II. So, I bought that, too. I guess I'll evaluate them both to see which will work best to get started, although realistically, if reloading is as addictive as everyone says, I may keep them both. The Lee was only $89, so that seemed like a screaming deal...

Thanks, everyone, for the replies, and keep the newbie advice coming!
Regards,
Tom

 

[Chief 101]

I'm a Rockchucker fan also and that would be my choice. That being said how about a report on the two presses you did get. Chief aka Maxx Load

 

[jambie]

Well, this is what I've accumulated so far:

Lee Classic Cast Turret Press
Redding Big Boss II
RCBS dies in .416 Rigby
RCBS 5-0-5 scale
Hornady M-2 Case Tumbler
(2) RCBS shell holders
Frankfor Arsenal Loading Block
RCBS Primer Pocket Brush
Hornady 7th Edition Reloading Manual

I know I still need a case lube pad and lube. Any suggestions on brand of lube? What about a case trimmer? I'll be using once fired or new brass initially. A trimmer would involve a case neck chamfer tool, no? Oh yeah, which hand priming tool-Hornady, Lee, or RCBS? Anything else I'm missing before I really get started?

Cheers,
Tom

 

[Chief 101]

You will need a sturdy bench as it takes a lot of leverage to size a large case like the Rigby. I used the RCBS case pad and lube for years and it is easy to overlube with that setup so now I would recommend something in a spray can like "Hot Shot". Be generous with the lube as a stuck case is miserable.
Chief aka Maxx Load

 

[Paul B]

I believe you won't be able to reload .416 Rigby on the standard Rockchucker. You will have to go with the (I think they callit) Super Rockchucker. Thr opening in the regular Rockchucker is not large enough to load the Rigby or the .404 Jeffery. I'm having to make the decision to whether spring for a Super RC or sell the Rigby and Jeffery. They're too long for my RC press.
Paul B.

 

[jambie]

Hi Paul,
I went with the Redding Big Boss II and a Lee Classic Cast Turrett press. Both are supposed to work with the .416 cartridge, although I'll have to remove the indexing rod on the Lee, which effectively makes it a single stager.

Chief, I built a very sturdy bench over the weekend, albeit a bit small due to space limitations. I'll post a pic soon to get suggestions on where to mount the presses. I'd still like some room for gun cleaning.

Cheers,
Tom