Does anyone know what this press is?
- Thread starter IMtheNRA
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375supermag
Member
Hi...
Looks like an RCBS A5.
Looks like an RCBS A5.
Thank you. I looked up A5 and I'm getting links only to the RCBS 4x4 press, which has a shovel handle. Of course, this press in the photo may have a replacement handle and perhaps A5 is another name for the 4x4.
If this is a 4x4 press, are shell plates and parts still easily available?
If this is a 4x4 press, are shell plates and parts still easily available?
FLIGHT762
Member
RCBS 4X4 press. Personally, I would pass on it.
EricBu
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If you are really interested in that.....RCBS is "usually" good with replacing parts on their old presses. Unless they just don't have them anymore. If that's a 4x4, I seem to recall it not being super popular. I suspect you'll end up not being real satisfied, and it may or may not ever run great. If it was me and you're trying to get into a budget progressive.......I'd find a used Dillon RL450. Dillon will still replace parts on that and honor the warranty, and even if you find a beat to heck one, you can ship it to Dillon and they will 100% refurb it for 89.00. The modern primer system and powder system for the 550 will drop right on. The 450's were some of the most beloved press's ever made, and incredibly precise and accurate. Just my .02. I've seen 450's for as little as 150.00 at yard sales and estate sales...but be prepared to pay ~ 300, but it will likely come with a few other things. Just make sure if you do buy a used one, that's it's got the ram and lower bracket on it. As folks upgrade them to 550's and sell just the frame...which is useless because a new ram cost's the same as a new 550.
ArchAngelCD
Member.
I agree, looks like an older RCBS A5 press. I think it's about 50 years old. ( but that could be wrong)
Does it have a plate on the side? Is it marked 4X4?
41 Mag
Member
Your not going to get many if any parts for the 4x4.
I have one I've used since back in the early 80s with who knows how many thousands of rounds and another I picked up a year or so ago that I recently got in touch with RCBS about replacement parts and was told they do not support it any more due to its age.
You can still get shell plates here and there, and if you wanted to use it as a manual index you might go that route.
I have one I've used since back in the early 80s with who knows how many thousands of rounds and another I picked up a year or so ago that I recently got in touch with RCBS about replacement parts and was told they do not support it any more due to its age.
You can still get shell plates here and there, and if you wanted to use it as a manual index you might go that route.
Bandit67
Member
When you zoom in it is marked A5.
Mystery solved.
Mystery solved.
Archie
Member
Yes, it is an RCBS A5 (progressive) press. As it isn't listed anymore, I presume it is not made anymore. Probably replaced by a better progressive press.
RCBS might know and tell you if 'new' parts will fit.
Probably better left for one who collects obsolete RCBS presses.
RCBS might know and tell you if 'new' parts will fit.
Probably better left for one who collects obsolete RCBS presses.
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