Bair Press and Dies Deal ?

[Steeltown Joe]

Just bought a Bair 130 SS press w/powder measure and 3 sets of Dies from
E-Bay for $66.00 with shipping. Powder measure is a small Bair model.
The dies are Bair 38sp,Lyman 357/38 and Lyman 9mm all have shell holders.
I do my reloading on a Dillon SDB and bought this to do small batchloads and
decapping and sizeing. Don't know anything about Bair products and I realize they are OOB ! Any info will help ! Did I get a good deal ?

Steeltown

 

[Steeltown Joe]

Pics of press !

 

[Jim Watson]

Seems like a reasonable deal for a serviceable press from a defunct company. Die threads and shellholder T-slot are the current standard so you can use it for about anything.
Do the die sets have carbide sizers?
Does the powder measure come with extra rotors? (It is not adjustable.)

 

[Offfhand]

You got yourself a good strong press that will last a lifetime. As to the powder measure, check and see if the RCBS Little Dandy roters will fit. If so you're good to go.

 

[ranger335v]

For what you want to do, it's fine. Bair made good enough equipment but they were basically identical in features and price to several older brands at the time. They never attracted a significant share of the market.

 

[snuffy]

It's a "C" type press, so it might stretch a bit if you'd do some heavy sizing. Also check to see if the ram or ram bore are worn much, deflection of the ram would be my concern.

 

[cochise9424221]

It is the same press and measure as a Pacific, later became Hornady. If the dies arent carbide, they will work but you will need to lube cases which is a pain.

 

[FROGO207]

+1 on the good deal. As long as there is no real wear on the ram your good to go. You may find a measure if you keep looking. Good luck!

 

[loadedround]

Cochise is correct on the progression of Bair presses. The Bair Co. started manufacturing presses, dies, and accessories in the mid 60's and I chose to purchase a heavy D-Press called a "Grizzly" and die sets call "Bair Cubs". Within several years Bair sold out to Pacific, which in turn merged with Hornady to become Pacific-Hornady, and finally just Hornady. I purchased my Bair press when they first came out and used it up to several years ago for case forming. Finally gave it to a friend just starting in reloading, and the press is still going strong. I still have two sets of Bair dies in 38/357 and 30-06. Non carbide and chrome plated, but well made. Will give them to my friend next time I see him. Bair made fine equipment in my opinion.

 

[Steeltown Joe]

Thanks for the info guys ! Like I said I bought this to do small batchloads and
decapping and sizeing. I'll use a Lee carbide sizeing die and most likely sell off the others. I'll keep the Bair dies and measure with the press !

Steeltown