Area419 Zero Press compatibility with large bore cartridges and various shellholders

[Tanks]

I get his complaints. One of them is not supporting the overlarge cartridge holders. However, it is also a very special case at the edge of the bell curve. Heck, I wasn't even aware of the sizes being different for .577 or .600 as those were not calibers that I reloaded. I stop at .500 NE. Now, if they were aware of this, might they have done something about it? I don't know if it would have added more slop to the shell holder mount trying to accommodate both sizes. Tolerances are very important to the company.

The ability to prime cases on the press is out of the use case of the target audience. No one in their main target audience are going to prime cases one by one on the press. People that compete shoot more ammo in a match than your average hunter shoots in a year. People this press is targeted towards the most load large batches of ammo at a time and they are not going to be hand feeding each primer individually. Not to mention that there is a $34 add-on solution for those that want to do it.

Trying to design a press for every use case means you never ship, not to mention the added cost.

For me, I am happy with the press and the investment I made, just ordered an extra turret and holder from MidwayUSA as I will be reloading 45-70 when I get back from Africa. Of course, all my shell holders fit, and I prime external to the press.

 

[ET1775]

Any

Just like installing claw mounts, you only get one shot to drill holes and make a permanent decision. You won’t have to drill multiple sets of holes in your reloading bench due to buyer’s remorse if you own a 419 press.

Other candidates if your funds are less than needed for a 419.

The Redding Turrett press plus the aftermarket turret ball bearing upgrade.

The single stage Ammomaster2 from RCBS.

Do you have any experience with the redding ultramag or rcbs summit single stage presses?

 

[rookhawk]

Any

Do you have any experience with the redding ultramag or rcbs summit single stage presses?

I do not. The experts I spoke with did not recommend the summit, they recommended the RCBS Ammomaster2 as first choice, the ultramag as second choice. (these are the economy options) In the fancier single stage, the Turban Press is kind of the king.

 

[Tanks]

A friend of mine uses Redding Big Boss II for ultra magnum cartridges. He seems happy with it.

 

[ET1775]

I do not. The experts I spoke with did not recommend the summit, they recommended the RCBS Ammomaster2 as first choice, the ultramag as second choice. (these are the economy options) In the fancier single stage, the Turban Press is kind of the king.

Thanks for the info. I have looked at the turban but honestly if I decide to spend that kind of money for a press I would probably go the 419 route.

 

[Challer]

But that's sort of my point, @Tanks Area419 knows nothing by listening to a broad set of customers. They know their nitch as consumers of certain requirements. (F-Class, long range high power shooting, etc.)

They had never heard of the RCBS item above. That was one of many examples where i spent many, many hours trying to find solutions with limited help from the manufacturer.

I get it, I'm not the center of anyone's universe and my needs may not be the same as other's needs. But as a manufacturer, hopefully, a GREEDY one (compliment) you'd want to sell as much product for as much use cases as humanly possible. That means understanding the 50BMG guys, the Cheytac guys, the Black Powder users, the Nitro Express crowd, and the standard caliber high-budget shooter too. These guys are losing sales because they don't have a "playbook" on how to solve various product issues like my solution to priming outlined above. (and by the way, you can prime oversized shellholders with that solution too.

Actually, if you watch the videos, they are completely aware of the RCBS primer and see no reason to duplicate it. Inline Precision solves the universal mounting problem.

To complain that Area 419 doesn't cover the long tail of the curve is to complain that NO vendor covers the tail of the curve. I reload 9x25, 7.5 BRNO, 10mm Magnum, 9x30 Dillion for handgun hunting. I have to fabricate about half of what I need. I don't lose sleep over it. It's not like a Dillion 550 loads everything

 

[rookhawk]

The big problem I’m seeing with @rookhawk complaints, is that none of the issues would have been expensive to correct if done properly in the first place.
Now that they have invested a bunch of money doing it the wrong way, it will cost too much to fix these issues.
A little foresight goes a long ways.

Bingo. Focus group your product before you go into final production. For zero dollars in extra manufacturing costs, the prints could have been changed to address a larger market than they had contemplated.

Still a wonderful press of exceptionally high quality. Just a bit frustrating that I spent hundreds of dollars figuring things out that their competitors would have known instantly by a phone call to tech support. (Forster, Redding, RCBS)

 

[ET1775]

Well, I've gone and done it. I made a trip to Sportsman's Warehouse (they carry a lot of RCBS) and my LGS today and bought some basics. Area 419 Press is on the way and I will be ordering the Match Master micrometer dies for 6.5CM from RCBS as my 6.5 rifles are precision rifles. Will be getting a brass tumbler shortly, wanted to research them a bit further.

Off to a decent start, going to order a couple reloading manuals this evening.

 

[rookhawk]

Well, I've gone and done it. I made a trip to Sportsman's Warehouse (they carry a lot of RCBS) and my LGS today and bought some basics. Area 419 Press is on the way and I will be ordering the Match Master micrometer dies for 6.5CM from RCBS as my 6.5 rifles are precision rifles. Will be getting a brass tumbler shortly, wanted to research them a bit further.

Off to a decent start, going to order a couple reloading manuals this evening.

View attachment 477094

Congratulations! You got a nice setup Started there. You need to make a decision that is important now.

1.) You can get the stand from area419 for your press which elevates it up.

2.) There is another manufacturer that makes a stand with a quick release lever. This allows you to swap out your press for other reloading applicants that latch on to the same base for quick change of reloading chores.

Another thing to consider if you’re handy with a router. The smart guys route out two channels in their reloading bench and put aluminum T-channel recessed in it. Then you can whip out your various reloading tools and clamp them down when needed, then put them away. (Trimmer, etc.)

 

[ET1775]

Congratulations! You got a nice setup Started there. You need to make a decision that is important now.

1.) You can get the stand from area419 for your press which elevates it up.

2.) There is another manufacturer that makes a stand with a quick release lever. This allows you to swap out your press for other reloading applicants that latch on to the same base for quick change of reloading chores.

Another thing to consider if you’re handy with a router. The smart guys route out two channels in their reloading bench and put aluminum T-channel recessed in it. Then you can whip out your various reloading tools and clamp them down when needed, then put them away. (Trimmer, etc.)

I ordered the stand and the die rings from area 419. I will get the spring assisted decapping die when it is back in stock. That is a great idea on the recessed T-channel. Keep the bench tidy and open for better organization and lock tools in place when in use. I like it.

For now it doesn't make a lot of sense to reload for 5.56/.223 as most ammo is getting more affordable but I got the dies anyway as I have been saving brass for years and have a lot of bullets, and primers for them. .308, 6.5CM and .375H&H will save me money for sure as will reloading for a double when I get one.

After I get the walls insulated I will be mounting some shelves as well as the locking storage box in the photos. That way all the small items, manuals, tools not in use, etc. can be organized and easy to access but out of the way. Good lighting and a large, illuminated magnifier will be useful as well. I may install a slim piece of edge molding along front and back of the bench so small items cannot roll off and disappear.

 

[Tanks]

Well, I've gone and done it. I made a trip to Sportsman's Warehouse (they carry a lot of RCBS) and my LGS today and bought some basics. Area 419 Press is on the way and I will be ordering the Match Master micrometer dies for 6.5CM from RCBS as my 6.5 rifles are precision rifles. Will be getting a brass tumbler shortly, wanted to research them a bit further.

Off to a decent start, going to order a couple reloading manuals this evening.

Well, I'd return the case prep kit and get parts you need individually. And step up to the following for case prep

Giraud Power Trimmer

Key Benefits

giraudtool.com

Brass Annealer For Sale Buy The MARK II AMP

FREE Shipping Anywhere in the U.S. via FedEx Includes: MARK II DB Induction annealerInstruction ManualAZTEC MODEUSB CableDust CoverStandard brass shell holder grip4x Rubber Base feetPower cableAMP hat For the warranty please click here. *Cooling tray, case tray, pilot and brass not included.

shop.ampannealing.com

 

[rookhawk]

Well, I'd return the case prep kit and get parts you need individually. And step up to the following for case prep

Giraud Power Trimmer

Key Benefits

giraudtool.com

Brass Annealer For Sale Buy The MARK II AMP

FREE Shipping Anywhere in the U.S. via FedEx Includes: MARK II DB Induction annealerInstruction ManualAZTEC MODEUSB CableDust CoverStandard brass shell holder grip4x Rubber Base feetPower cableAMP hat For the warranty please click here. *Cooling tray, case tray, pilot and brass not included.

shop.ampannealing.com

View attachment 477106

Don’t listen to @Tanks , his advice has caused many people serious marital strife. I keep buying stuff because Tanks tells me to and my wife strongly disagrees with him.

Since we’re spending your money for you, if you do decide to return that kit, I highly recommend splurging on a Mitatoyo Digital Caliper. Cheapest place to buy is amazon. They are super precise and you’ll use it the rest of your life. Dial calipers work, but your vision will struggle to get the readings and its more prone to math errors than looking at digital numbers.

 

[ET1775]

Well, I'd return the case prep kit and get parts you need individually. And step up to the following for case prep

Giraud Power Trimmer

Key Benefits

giraudtool.com

Brass Annealer For Sale Buy The MARK II AMP

FREE Shipping Anywhere in the U.S. via FedEx Includes: MARK II DB Induction annealerInstruction ManualAZTEC MODEUSB CableDust CoverStandard brass shell holder grip4x Rubber Base feetPower cableAMP hat For the warranty please click here. *Cooling tray, case tray, pilot and brass not included.

shop.ampannealing.com

View attachment 477106

I don't disagree. But every thousand I spend on getting started reloading is a thousand further from my first Africa trip and my first double rifle... I do want a Giraud though!

 

[ET1775]

Don’t listen to @Tanks , his advice has caused many people serious marital strife. I keep buying stuff because Tanks tells me to and my wife strongly disagrees with him.

Since we’re spending your money for you, if you do decide to return that kit, I highly recommend splurging on a Mitatoyo Digital Caliper. Cheapest place to buy is amazon. They are super precise and you’ll use it the rest of your life. Dial calipers work, but your vision will struggle to get the readings and its more prone to math errors than looking at digital numbers.

When I was buying digital calipers a while back, Amazon was sold out of Mitatoyo's so I got these. They work great, but not a bad idea to have an analog set as back up.

 

[Tanks]

Since we’re spending your money for you, if you do decide to return that kit, I highly recommend splurging on a Mitatoyo Digital Caliper. Cheapest place to buy is amazon. They are super precise and you’ll use it the rest of your life. Dial calipers work, but your vision will struggle to get the readings and its more prone to math errors than looking at digital numbers.

Yeah, I was using dial calibers when I started reloading, then again I had 20 y/o eyes. I did exactly what @rookhawk suggested a while back and bought a Mitatoyo from digital. You won't need a backup. I still have the original battery in mine.

I don't disagree. But every thousand I spend on getting started reloading is a thousand further from my first Africa trip and my first double rifle... I do want a Giraud though!

Well, it is a one time purchase though. Giraud always is on a backorder, so I'd move quick if you return the prep kit. Good news is by the time you need to start trimming cases Giraud would be there. I'd just get an inexpensive hand chamfer, deburr tool like the one below to tide you over. One thing, if you do get a Giraud do get a separate cutting head and holder for each caliber to save on making adjustments per caliber.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QHDJ2QB/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07QHDJ2QB&pd_rd_w=VFA3i&content-id=amzn1.sym.3481f441-61ac-4028-9c1a-7f9ce8ec50c5&pf_rd_p=3481f441-61ac-4028-9c1a-7f9ce8ec50c5&pf_rd_r=AJPFMH1Z19CBS006AWT8&pd_rd_wg=VuHj5&pd_rd_r=c0485dcc-8254-4ce0-a7b8-af5054aa0c97&s=sporting-goods&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyRDlWNFlPRzJIWFpWJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTEwMTA1M1BYSktYNTVSUllTRiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzg4NjA4M1ZTOTRVU0tKMlBVVyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbF90aGVtYXRpYyZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

 

[ET1775]

Yeah, I was using dial calibers when I started reloading, then again I had 20 y/o eyes. I did exactly what @rookhawk suggested a while back and bought a Mitatoyo from digital. You won't need a backup. I still have the original battery in mine.


Well, it is a one time purchase though. Giraud always is on a backorder, so I'd move quick if you return the prep kit. Good news is by the time you need to start trimming cases Giraud would be there. I'd just get an inexpensive hand chamfer, deburr tool like the one below to tide you over. One thing, if you do get a Giraud do get a separate cutting head and holder for each caliber to save on making adjustments per caliber.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B07QHDJ2QB/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B07QHDJ2QB&pd_rd_w=VFA3i&content-id=amzn1.sym.3481f441-61ac-4028-9c1a-7f9ce8ec50c5&pf_rd_p=3481f441-61ac-4028-9c1a-7f9ce8ec50c5&pf_rd_r=AJPFMH1Z19CBS006AWT8&pd_rd_wg=VuHj5&pd_rd_r=c0485dcc-8254-4ce0-a7b8-af5054aa0c97&s=sporting-goods&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyRDlWNFlPRzJIWFpWJmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNTEwMTA1M1BYSktYNTVSUllTRiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMzg4NjA4M1ZTOTRVU0tKMlBVVyZ3aWRnZXROYW1lPXNwX2RldGFpbF90aGVtYXRpYyZhY3Rpb249Y2xpY2tSZWRpcmVjdCZkb05vdExvZ0NsaWNrPXRydWU=

If I won't need to be trimming for a while than the Giraud on backorder plan is sound. The other basics in that kit are easy enough to pick up individually. What I cannot justify right now is a $1550 annealing machine. Once I start reloading and get the process dialed in and realize how much time I waste annealing with a torch then I will justify that expense.

 

[Tanks]

... Once I start reloading and get the process dialed in and realize how much time I waste annealing with a torch then I will justify that expense.

I am all in for time efficiency and consistency. Hence, the decision to go with this particular machine. Then again, I am single

Here is a look at the efficiency of this machine. Start at 6:34 if you don't wish to go through the unboxing and setup.

 

[ET1775]

I am all in for time efficiency and consistency. Hence, the decision to go with this particular machine. Then again, I am single

Here is a look at the efficiency of this machine. Start at 6:34 if you don't wish to go through the unboxing and setup.

I don't want to hijack the Area 429 press thread too badly with my newb reloading setup and questions. I will likely start a thread for questions and suggestions to help get me started and pick the brains of the resident experts on AH.

That being said, I absolutely see the utility in the AMP Mark II both for the sake of time and consistency. But, I am not single (and trying to keep it that way) I should space out a few of the big purchases