GW Staar
Member
- Joined
- Feb 26, 2009
- Messages
- 3,675
I guess I’m a collector of sorts ... of RCBS Uniflows.
At least I have, over the last forty five years, managed to acquire 6 of them starting with an early version that came with my Rock Chucker I press….that press and the Uniflow that came with it, were given to my Father-in-Law, when I upgraded to a Rock Chucker II press and Uniflow combo.
Since then, I bought a Pro 2000 Progressive press, which came with a Competition model Uniflow (the one with the Mic adjustment) ….. and I bought another Competition model so I could leave one set up with the large cavity cylinder and the other with the small cavity cylinder. So that’s 4 minus the one I gave away….so three really.
Then I bought a Pro Chucker 5 (and a Pro Chucker 7 Upgrade kit). Why on earth? Easy, that way I got 2 of the new Quick Change Uniflows for the price of one……and one has the big hopper that empties a whole pound of powder with one fill-up. So then I have 5.
Last month, being the curious soul that I am….especially about new RCBS tools…..I got a great deal on RCBS’s brand new Uniflow 3…….so now, I have 6. Eye rolls are appropriate….
Anyway……I decided I ought to share what this new Uniflow has to offer compared to all the others, especially since RCBS plans to equip their presses (even the big hoppered Pro Chucker 7 version) with this new incarnation….and for sure the coming kits starring their new single stage Rebel Press.
First picture below shows Uniflow cylinders over the years. Original Uniflow big and smalls at the top, including the competition model with it’s mic adjusting stem. In the front row of the picture is the still new Quick-Change models featuring one cylinder 2 sizes of stem inserts (left). And on the right, the brand new Uniflow 3 with one cylinder, one stem. RCBS obviously has decided that one size can do it all if it’s done right.
Notice the stem on the new one is black……can’t see it…..and it’s actually worth seeing! So the next picture is a closeup:
Notice it’s not flat! It is shaped to the diameter of the cylinder. So there's a flat on the shaft to keep it from rotating.
Here’s a picture of both the Quick Change and the UF3 parts. On the UF3, gone is the spring loaded Quick Change bolt, replaced by the simpler brass one and the scaled stem screw with a flat that the brass screw tightens to. Notice the shaped end vs. the flat disk of the Q.C.
Above the stems are the keepers that the screws screw into and that the disk screws screw into. The new brass one is larger in diameter. Loosening either the brass UF3 bolt or the Q.C. bolt allows you to pull the whole stem out and replace it with a powder drain tube to fill your powder can back with what you don’t load. The drain tubes are similar but not interchangeable due to the little hole in the Q.C. model for the spring-loaded pin to drop in. (I will probably miss that pin in the UF3…..because it is easier to get both the drain tube and the powder stems to pop into place quickly. Way less fiddling) Well….the brass bolt is prettier at least.
The video below will show you what I mean…..while I liked the spring loaded pin, I have to admit, the fine tuning is easy and nice with the big adjustment screw....and the shaped stem head means that zero ... really is. The spring WAS a little stiff....the idea was to be able to loosen the screw just a little.....pull the pin outward and pull the stem out. Turns out the spring was a little stiff for that...especially if the Uniflow wasn't mounted to a bench or press. But I sure liked the instant "snap" in place stem locating that it offered.
Below is a closeup of the new UF3 screw’s scaling….similar to the pre-Competition Model stems, pictured with it. My old eyes can see the better contrasted scale much clearer….no magnifier necessary. Thank you for that. I had to move the light and camera just so so that the old Uniflow scale would show up in the camera. (the lower one)
Notice that the big nut on the UF#’s metering screw, has marks to help with repeating adjustments……black on black! I had to fix that with a white permanent paint stick (Meanstreak brand is what I use, wipe in on, mineral spirits on a rag wipes off any excess)
The nut turns nicely for fine adjustments of powder charge even once the brass cylinder screw is against, but not too tight against, the stem. (keeps it from turning....remember it's shaped end needs to fit the cylinder) So one turns the big nut to adjust it just so, then you tighten the brass screw tight. I do like that a lot! Give and take! Miss the QC pin, but this is probably worth it!
“Meanstreaked” adjustment screw to save my eyes. Video below:
Now for the best part, the hopper…….finally……it screws into the Uniflow casting!.......and you will be able to buy the big hoppers separately! RCBS says the green plastic is anti-static as well……well….with egg on my face…I have to tell you that I tested that….poorly. I forgot to clean the new Uniflow3 before I poured Unique in it……and yes it was coated with shipping oil to prevent rusting……and the instructions do indeed warn to clean with solvent before pouring in powder……I knew that…..brain fart pure and simple.
Below is the old press-on hopper……notice the rough cast iron that the powder has to roll over.
Compare with the new…..screw threads are smooth on the inside….straight down….. should meter better.
Below: Notice more machined surfaces on the Uniflow 3. Notice the threaded bolt hole in the side of the casting……just a guess, but I’d say the Pro Chucker’s will get a new rifle bullet collator tied to the case activated linkage….I hope.
Also notice there are more threads to screw into the case activated linkage (for progressive presses) than the old Uniflows. That will make them easier to adjust to more calibers. Things are looking up.
The easiest way to spot a Uniflow 3 at a distance is the wider flange at the top (necessary because of the threads inside the mouth for the screw on hoppers………and the reinforcements in the casting below said flange.
A last shot of the difference between the Quick Change and the Uniflow 3…..
Any negatives? Just one so far. The brass screw holds a setting just fine on the metering screw……..but that’s gone just as soon as you loosen it……..say to insert the powder dump screw?
I have this simple mod…..rolling eyes…. (what were they thinking) Okay it’s a simple fix….nyon washer and thin metric nut from Ace Hardware....Just a nylon nut that size would be better and simpler....
The last thing I will miss when the Quick Change disappears is the ability to buy additional stems and preset them for your common loads……that was really a unique feature…..very convenient ….the quick part of Quick Change.
Maybe RCBS will, post-covid, start selling the new stem assembly separately (with a nylon nut) for that purpose ..... hope so.
Oh! You all might be interested in the powder cavity hole sizes over the years:
Old Large: .685"
Old Small .500"
Quick Change Large: .624"
Quick Change Small: .498"
New Uniflow 3: .624"
At least I have, over the last forty five years, managed to acquire 6 of them starting with an early version that came with my Rock Chucker I press….that press and the Uniflow that came with it, were given to my Father-in-Law, when I upgraded to a Rock Chucker II press and Uniflow combo.
Since then, I bought a Pro 2000 Progressive press, which came with a Competition model Uniflow (the one with the Mic adjustment) ….. and I bought another Competition model so I could leave one set up with the large cavity cylinder and the other with the small cavity cylinder. So that’s 4 minus the one I gave away….so three really.
Then I bought a Pro Chucker 5 (and a Pro Chucker 7 Upgrade kit). Why on earth? Easy, that way I got 2 of the new Quick Change Uniflows for the price of one……and one has the big hopper that empties a whole pound of powder with one fill-up. So then I have 5.
Last month, being the curious soul that I am….especially about new RCBS tools…..I got a great deal on RCBS’s brand new Uniflow 3…….so now, I have 6. Eye rolls are appropriate….
Anyway……I decided I ought to share what this new Uniflow has to offer compared to all the others, especially since RCBS plans to equip their presses (even the big hoppered Pro Chucker 7 version) with this new incarnation….and for sure the coming kits starring their new single stage Rebel Press.
First picture below shows Uniflow cylinders over the years. Original Uniflow big and smalls at the top, including the competition model with it’s mic adjusting stem. In the front row of the picture is the still new Quick-Change models featuring one cylinder 2 sizes of stem inserts (left). And on the right, the brand new Uniflow 3 with one cylinder, one stem. RCBS obviously has decided that one size can do it all if it’s done right.
Notice the stem on the new one is black……can’t see it…..and it’s actually worth seeing! So the next picture is a closeup:
Notice it’s not flat! It is shaped to the diameter of the cylinder. So there's a flat on the shaft to keep it from rotating.
Here’s a picture of both the Quick Change and the UF3 parts. On the UF3, gone is the spring loaded Quick Change bolt, replaced by the simpler brass one and the scaled stem screw with a flat that the brass screw tightens to. Notice the shaped end vs. the flat disk of the Q.C.
Above the stems are the keepers that the screws screw into and that the disk screws screw into. The new brass one is larger in diameter. Loosening either the brass UF3 bolt or the Q.C. bolt allows you to pull the whole stem out and replace it with a powder drain tube to fill your powder can back with what you don’t load. The drain tubes are similar but not interchangeable due to the little hole in the Q.C. model for the spring-loaded pin to drop in. (I will probably miss that pin in the UF3…..because it is easier to get both the drain tube and the powder stems to pop into place quickly. Way less fiddling) Well….the brass bolt is prettier at least.
The video below will show you what I mean…..while I liked the spring loaded pin, I have to admit, the fine tuning is easy and nice with the big adjustment screw....and the shaped stem head means that zero ... really is. The spring WAS a little stiff....the idea was to be able to loosen the screw just a little.....pull the pin outward and pull the stem out. Turns out the spring was a little stiff for that...especially if the Uniflow wasn't mounted to a bench or press. But I sure liked the instant "snap" in place stem locating that it offered.
Below is a closeup of the new UF3 screw’s scaling….similar to the pre-Competition Model stems, pictured with it. My old eyes can see the better contrasted scale much clearer….no magnifier necessary. Thank you for that. I had to move the light and camera just so so that the old Uniflow scale would show up in the camera. (the lower one)
Notice that the big nut on the UF#’s metering screw, has marks to help with repeating adjustments……black on black! I had to fix that with a white permanent paint stick (Meanstreak brand is what I use, wipe in on, mineral spirits on a rag wipes off any excess)
The nut turns nicely for fine adjustments of powder charge even once the brass cylinder screw is against, but not too tight against, the stem. (keeps it from turning....remember it's shaped end needs to fit the cylinder) So one turns the big nut to adjust it just so, then you tighten the brass screw tight. I do like that a lot! Give and take! Miss the QC pin, but this is probably worth it!
“Meanstreaked” adjustment screw to save my eyes. Video below:
Now for the best part, the hopper…….finally……it screws into the Uniflow casting!.......and you will be able to buy the big hoppers separately! RCBS says the green plastic is anti-static as well……well….with egg on my face…I have to tell you that I tested that….poorly. I forgot to clean the new Uniflow3 before I poured Unique in it……and yes it was coated with shipping oil to prevent rusting……and the instructions do indeed warn to clean with solvent before pouring in powder……I knew that…..brain fart pure and simple.
Below is the old press-on hopper……notice the rough cast iron that the powder has to roll over.
Compare with the new…..screw threads are smooth on the inside….straight down….. should meter better.
Below: Notice more machined surfaces on the Uniflow 3. Notice the threaded bolt hole in the side of the casting……just a guess, but I’d say the Pro Chucker’s will get a new rifle bullet collator tied to the case activated linkage….I hope.
Also notice there are more threads to screw into the case activated linkage (for progressive presses) than the old Uniflows. That will make them easier to adjust to more calibers. Things are looking up.
The easiest way to spot a Uniflow 3 at a distance is the wider flange at the top (necessary because of the threads inside the mouth for the screw on hoppers………and the reinforcements in the casting below said flange.
A last shot of the difference between the Quick Change and the Uniflow 3…..
Any negatives? Just one so far. The brass screw holds a setting just fine on the metering screw……..but that’s gone just as soon as you loosen it……..say to insert the powder dump screw?
I have this simple mod…..rolling eyes…. (what were they thinking) Okay it’s a simple fix….nyon washer and thin metric nut from Ace Hardware....Just a nylon nut that size would be better and simpler....
The last thing I will miss when the Quick Change disappears is the ability to buy additional stems and preset them for your common loads……that was really a unique feature…..very convenient ….the quick part of Quick Change.
Maybe RCBS will, post-covid, start selling the new stem assembly separately (with a nylon nut) for that purpose ..... hope so.
Oh! You all might be interested in the powder cavity hole sizes over the years:
Old Large: .685"
Old Small .500"
Quick Change Large: .624"
Quick Change Small: .498"
New Uniflow 3: .624"
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