RCBS partner press?

[rajb123]

Does anyone have this kit? ...I'm looking for a quality starter kit that I can add other pieces to later...

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0013R86J6...e=asn&creative=395105&creativeASIN=B0013R86J6

 

[rfwobbly]

Mr 123 -
Welcome to THR and Reloading !!

That's a fine kit for making up to ~200 rounds per week. You might compare it to the Hornady LNL Classic Kit, or several of the Lee starter kits.

Some background info to help you...

• That type press requires you to remove the die from the press to progress to the next reloading stage (the next die). You'll want to employ a "lock ring" that stays firmly in place on the die, so that you can keep your adjustments each time you remove the die. You DO NOT want to twiddle with the die settings each time yo install the die. Therefore you need to buy dies that come with good lock rings (Hornady, RCBS, Redding) OR plan on buying Hornady lock rings to add to your die sets. Look Here



• The Partner Kit does not have a powder measure. Unless you are only loading 50 rounds a week, you're going to be very tired of weighing out powder in about 27.3 seconds. A little bit more money for a kit with a powder measure would be worth it. Otherwise plan on going to Ebay for a used RCBS Uniflow powder measure within the first week.



• The RCBS/Speer reloading manual is great! One of the best. But is most useful IF you shoot a lot of Speer bullets. Also know that if Speer does not make the bullet, then there is NO reloading information in the Speer manual. Example Russian SKS or AK 7.62x39mm... no bullet therefore no info. This does not mean that you cannot go on-line and get reloading information, but then why would you want to spend $30 on the Speer book? I urge you to consider what rounds you want to reload and then make sure they are covered in the Speer manual.

Hope this helps!

 

[Rollis R. Karvellis]

The press in question is fine.

 

[oneounceload]

Been using the Partner for over 30 years - when I load in batches of 50, I can get enough easily for my needs in a short time - and any replacement parts are free

 

[rajb123]

Thank you. The press will be for loading rifle rounds.

I've used a Lee loader for years so I'm not a complete novice with reloading.

Anyway, ...so not having a powder measure is a pain since you need to weigh each charge?

What else do I need for this kit besides shell holders and dies to get started?

 

[fguffey]

As a second press, or a light weight press to be used at the range to develop loads etc., but I have one and, it is never used, I could use it as a de-primer, bullet seating press or a dedicated crimping press but for heavy duty work it feels like it is going to be rendered scrap before the ram gets to the top of it's travel, I have too many presses that do not hesitate when crushing a case, again for a second press it could work for others, I have a second press that is stronger than the first..

I do know a reloader that has used the Pad-na press for years and gets by without straign, his choice and he can afford any press out there.

F. Guffey

 

[fguffey]

when starting out and weighing powder, a powder measure is nice but it measures volume, so does Lee powder dippers, the powder dipper, for accuracy, is checked with scales, so is the accuracy of a powder measure, I would suggest you not get into mortal combat with the numbers, I would suggest you start out with quality, not quantity.

F, Guffey

 

[fguffey]

get a powder trickler first as opposed to getting a powder measure, or upgrade the kit, or purchase 'used' and get a better kit all the way around for the same money.

F. GUffey

 

[rg1]

If it's the only press kit you can afford to buy at this time then it will load rifle and pistol rounds. However it is not a very good press. You'd be much better off buying a RockChucker press or similiar press from Lee, Lyman, Redding, or others. The RockChucker for instance will last a lifetime of reloading. You'll find the Partner to have less "feel", less leverage, more spring to the frame, and you may be disappointed with your purchase. You'll soon want to replace the Partner with something better. Just my experience with the Partner press. I bought one for a "partner" for my main press but soon sold it and bought a RockChucker for a second press.

 

[oneounceload]

You'll find the Partner to have less "feel", less leverage, more spring to the frame, and you may be disappointed with your purchase. You'll soon want to replace the Partner with something better.

And my experience has been the exact opposite - I have loaded everything from 32 ACP to 7mm mag on it, including using the primer tubes, with no issues at all.

OP - absolute must haves besides the press and dies are a good scale, calipers, inertia bullet puller for those "oops" we all make starting out, MANUALS; for this press, a nice reloading block or three that can handle 50 rounds or so. I like RCBS' Uniflow powder measure - mine has been consistent with every powder in all measurements - even those 32 acp ones. Later on you'll add some more equipment as you get more proficient

 

[Rollis R. Karvellis]

The plastic cartridge blocks that come with 44 & 45 factory ammo makes great loading blocks.

 

[Walkalong]

I started off with that kit, back in the day. I still use the press for little odd jobs. If I had not knocked the scale off the counter, I would still be using it as well. Still using all the other goodies.

I got impatient with it soon enough and traded for a Lee Turret press, then upgraded to a progressive a while later. I still use it though. Great little press.

It will work great to start with.