westernrover
Member
- Joined
- May 4, 2018
- Messages
- 1,613
I bought an RCBS Summit. It has some defects. I need to return it. There are no more in stock. I could just wait indefinitely, but I'm considering alternatives. While there are numerous alternatives, there are very few good ones presently in stock. I'm considering the Sinclair benchrest press. My other option is to wait for the Summit or something else to come into stock.
My focus is on quality and precision. I have a progressive press with a case feeder that I use to resize straightwall rifle brass, where I can also decap and size necks. So I just need a single-stage or turret to bump shoulders on PPC-size cases and to seat and crimp. I don't do those things on the progressive because I trickle the powder charge. I use Redding seating dies because a chamber-type die is not made for some of the cartridges I reload the most, so I just haven't gone that way.
I got to use the Summit. I like it well enough aside from the defects. The defects are a bad machine mark in the surface under the die lock ring that makes it uneven, and a big ding on the steel main tube. Otherwise, I like the Summit because:
* It appears to be strong and the design minimizes frame flex.
* The design avoids the need for a precision ram fit and eliminates ram deflection.
* I can use it for seating and crimping in the middle of the table-top and it does not torque the edge of the bench.
* The shell holder does not move with the press arm, allowing me to pick and place a cartridge while the arm is moving. This makes it quite efficient even with a long stroke. I'm also using a short handle.
The Sinclair appears to be high-quality. It's aluminum, which I suppose is preferable for a portable press, but I will only use it in my shop. I saw no mention whether it is 6065 or 7075. It has a short stroke that should make it very efficient for seating and crimping. Otherwise I am not familiar with it. Its intended customer seems likely to demand precision, but maybe only for sizing since they're more likely to seat on an arbor press. I would assume it has a precision-fit ram, but I wonder whether the linkage is tight (like a Redding) or looser-fit. The small size is a trade-off for me. I have one magnum cartridge that I don't presently reload for, but might want to in the future. Otherwise, the short stroke and window works nicely for the cases I do reload now.
There were recently some T7's in stock, but not at the moment. I don't especially need a turret, but it could add some convenience especially on cartridges that I crimp. I saw the Area 419 is just now back in stock, but I'm looking for something slightly more humble.
Any advice on this Sinclair press, the Summit, a Redding or another one I should wait to be in stock?
My focus is on quality and precision. I have a progressive press with a case feeder that I use to resize straightwall rifle brass, where I can also decap and size necks. So I just need a single-stage or turret to bump shoulders on PPC-size cases and to seat and crimp. I don't do those things on the progressive because I trickle the powder charge. I use Redding seating dies because a chamber-type die is not made for some of the cartridges I reload the most, so I just haven't gone that way.
I got to use the Summit. I like it well enough aside from the defects. The defects are a bad machine mark in the surface under the die lock ring that makes it uneven, and a big ding on the steel main tube. Otherwise, I like the Summit because:
* It appears to be strong and the design minimizes frame flex.
* The design avoids the need for a precision ram fit and eliminates ram deflection.
* I can use it for seating and crimping in the middle of the table-top and it does not torque the edge of the bench.
* The shell holder does not move with the press arm, allowing me to pick and place a cartridge while the arm is moving. This makes it quite efficient even with a long stroke. I'm also using a short handle.
The Sinclair appears to be high-quality. It's aluminum, which I suppose is preferable for a portable press, but I will only use it in my shop. I saw no mention whether it is 6065 or 7075. It has a short stroke that should make it very efficient for seating and crimping. Otherwise I am not familiar with it. Its intended customer seems likely to demand precision, but maybe only for sizing since they're more likely to seat on an arbor press. I would assume it has a precision-fit ram, but I wonder whether the linkage is tight (like a Redding) or looser-fit. The small size is a trade-off for me. I have one magnum cartridge that I don't presently reload for, but might want to in the future. Otherwise, the short stroke and window works nicely for the cases I do reload now.
There were recently some T7's in stock, but not at the moment. I don't especially need a turret, but it could add some convenience especially on cartridges that I crimp. I saw the Area 419 is just now back in stock, but I'm looking for something slightly more humble.
Any advice on this Sinclair press, the Summit, a Redding or another one I should wait to be in stock?