RCBS piggyback press

I used a piggy back for several years to load 9mm and .40. It worked okay, just couldn't get too aggressive or powder spills got to be an issue (not much different than other progressives). When I bought a Dillon 550b is sold mine for $75 without dies or powder measure. That was about 15 years ago.

I've been using a PiggyBack II on a RC since the mid '90s and it works great. I upgraded the powder drop to a Hornady case activated version and use it with a couple of Redding powder measures including a 10X and 30BR. I modified the primer collection system too. The PB II is a very smooth progressive press and you also have the option to remove it and use the single stage press that it sits on. For $150 it's worth it assuming it's in good condition. On the bright side, RCBS will send you any replacement parts at no charge. I have a Hornady L-N-L AP too and use that for the higher volume stuff. Both the PBII and LNL use primer pick up tubes.

The Piggy Back 11 was mounted on a Rock Chucker that was not included, the powder measure was not included nor was the shell plates, if the Piggy back has the press, powder measure and shell plate(s) $150.00 is a bargain.

There were two Piggy back presses as the first then the updated model, the updated had the case activated lock out, no case, no powder dump.

The shell plates used on the Piggy Back is the same shell plate used on the Pro-2000.

F. Guffey

fallout mike said:

I'm thinking this would really increase my production on 9mm, .40, .45acp, .357/.38.

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Big time!! Here's my PBII with a Redding BR30 and Hornady's case activated powder drop and a Redding 10X in the background. The system that RCBS uses for the powder drop is ok but this upgrade is better.

fallout mike said:

If I buy it how hard is it to learn to use? It looks complicated to me.

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It's not as complicated as you might think. You can download and read the PiggyBack II instructions from the RCBS website using the link below.

http://www.rcbs.com/downloads/instructions/PiggyBack_II_Conversion_Unit_Instructions.pdf

Here's more reading if it's a PiggyBack version.

http://www.rcbs.com/downloads/instructions/PiggyBack_Conversion_Unit_Instructions.pdf

I have one and like it. I don't reload all stages progessively. Overall it's been a good press with the upgrades and it saves some time.

1858 said:

Big time!! Here's my PBII with a Redding BR30 and Hornady's case activated powder drop and a Redding 10X in the background. The system that RCBS uses for the powder drop is ok but this upgrade is better.

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I modified a Redding 10-X with Hornady case activated kit for use on my Pro2000 and Hornady L-N-L, the powder drop die is dedicated for each press.

Also, I swapped out the RCBS case activated system for the RCBS Uniflow powder measure for a Hornady case activated system. The Hornady system has some features that make it more convenient to use.

I like the Uniflow for 25-ish grain charges so I cannot justify getting a Redding BR30--yet.

fallout mike, sounds like you are getting a good deal.

New in the box, there is a parts kit that came with the press, the press that is set up will be missing the kit, I would not count on RCBS having parts.

The kit is important because there are two primer systems, one for large primers and one for small primers, while you are there ask about any miscellaneous parts, if there is anything that will give you problems it will be the primer system.

Take note: The Piggy Back uses a primer tube system, no shield. I use a lock out die when reloading on a progressive press, the Piggy Back press tool head has 5 positions, with enough dies you can seat on one position and crimp on another and still have room for the lock out die.

F. Guffey

Mine works pretty good. I don't use all the stages at one time. It does take some time to learn it and get use to it but all progressive presses do. Make sure you have or get the upgraded powder drop system. The original powder drop system totally sucks.
$150 for everything sounds like your buddy is doing you a big favor IMHO.

I've read a lot of reviews of the Piggy Backs over the years. I'd estimate that the negative reviews outnumber the positive reviews by 20-to-1.

10 shell plates are worth $300. Just my $0.02

The press and powder measure themselves are worth pretty close to what you paid.

I bought a piggyback when they first came out, but I sent it back after about the 15th time I dumped a powder charge onto the empty shellplate. Maybe the improved version is better.

You need the improved powder drop system. The one you have is a pain in the butt. You did well.

The big one is an Ammomaster progressive, works just like the piggy back on a rock chucker but you aren't limited to 223 size rounds or smaller. Most all the parts interchange.

You got a great deal for $150.

I think you did pretty darn good. I have one and like it.
Mine seems to like 45acp the best.
Its been set up for those for two years now. Knocks them out like a beast.

One thing though. If I saw your photos correctly. You will want to order the RCBS case activated linkage for the powder measure.
That activating arm Rube Goldberg set up that came with it originally is a double charge waiting to happen.
The LEE auto Disk pro from the turret press also works good on the piggy.
Actually thats what I use on mine. The RCBS measure got moved to another progressive.



Oh and get the powder check die.

http://www.rcbs.com/downloads/instructions/PiggyBack_Conversion_Unit_Instructions.pdf

F. Guffey

http://www.rcbs.com/downloads/instructions/PiggyBack_II_Conversion_Unit_Instructions.pdf

Page 17 illustrates the upgrade to Piggy Back 11 with the case activated powder system. Plus part #57 must be changed out for the upgrade.

I would not count on RCBS having the parts. After you determine if you have parts missing , let me know.

F. Guffey