I get we are all DYI guys but with the amount of work involved to make an accurate press that produces Ammo with no or minimal run out
And the fact you can buy a used Rock Chucker with a lifetime warranty for $100 or a premium Forster Co ax for $300 I’d buy over build and concentrate on loading.
I made a new ram for an old herters press I had because the old one was worn and used the old herters shell holders. Turned a piece of 4140 ph and drilled it all the way through for the primers to drop out the bottom. It was still a pain in the ass.
If your still dead set on it there was a guy on castboolits that designed a swage press and built a few. He put the plans and some math on the website I believe they are still there.
Believe me I know it.
I usually say - don't build it if you can buy it but......
I am a design/build guy by nature- I looked through the offerings and got interested in the evolution of press design.
That got me to the point where I started to answer that question of what makes a good press with a design of my own.
I thought about it a bit and then drafted a design I really like and am working out the nuances of that.
It is just what I do and have always done- In fact it is why I own a fabrication shop- years of self apprenticeship with projects like this.
It makes no sense to build a press but I do enjoy the work so I am still working on the design.
But....... I am watching for a old Pacific single or a Rock Chucker to pop up at a fair price and I will buy one probably before I get one built.
If I were slightly more flush I would just buy the Redding T7 at retail and call it a day.
That sort of closes the discussion loop in a way- my design is along the lines of the old Dunbar H which has a sweet spot in press design to my mind.
I have worked out improved mechanics and would build as a four station press.
The brass is stacking up so I need to get sorted here soon.