I should have done this years ago

[doubleh]

First, a little background. I've been reloading since the seventies. I've never had need to load a lot of ammo . Not a competitor or see how fast I can shoot so I've never had the need for high volumn reloading. I've just used a single stage RCBS press all these years and and been happy with it.

I did cut the bicycle handle bar grip off the lever and replace it with one made from 1 1/8" oak dowel and make a clear plastic primer deflector and that's it until last Sunday afternoon. I have been reloading quite a bit of 9mm and recently added 380 acp and decided I was wasting a lot of motion with that long operating handle and it was making my old, worn out, shoulder hurt. I found a length of 5/8" rod in my metal supply and proceeded to cut a piece two thirds as long as the original lever. I turned one end down and threaded it to match the original and even found the rest of the dowel I had used to make the earlier replacement grip to make a grip for it. I used it yesterday afternoon and it made a big difference in the length of time it took to expand a bunch of 380 brass and my shoulder wasn't nearly as tired and achy as usual. Thumbs up to me.

 

[LoneGoose]

Sounds like an excellent device. Could you post a couple pictures for those of us who are very interested?

 

[eo1bart]

 

[hdwhit]

Very good idea. You don't need the extra leverage provided by the full-length handle to work with 9mm or 380, so shortening it means less motion and a faster stroke. Obvious once you think about it. But the point is that I didn't think of it and you did. Congratulations.

 

[The Mailman]

I was just thinking the same thing for my Redding T7. I deprimed then sized 3k 9mm and man was my arm tired! I thought if they made a 1/2 size arm it would be half the work to actuate the ram.

Since the Redding arm attaches with a nut it would be an easy swap.

 

[ponchh]

Shorter with offset for hand clearance. Is parallel with floor at full stroke. The brass kicker idea is from somebody on this site. Who it was I don't know, but it is a time saver. Double thanks to who ever it is.

 

[Walkalong]

The brass kicker idea is from somebody on this site. Who it was I don't know, but it is a time saver.

Nice.

 

[cp1969]

You could also make a stop to reduce ram downward travel when reloading short cartridges.

 

[someguy2800]

I like that brass kicker. I often just grab the lever half way down when doing easy to size cases.

 

[LoneGoose]

Now I see. Looks like good work. A great idea.

 

[doubleh]

Sounds like an excellent device. Could you post a couple pictures for those of us who are very interested?

I don't have a picture hosting site but it's very simple. It's just another handle identical in every way except length to the original.

 

[dh1633pm]

I did the same with my Co-Ax. Used a stainless steel rod about 4 inches long and mounted a pool ball for the handle. The shorter handle works with about anything I reload. Couldn't see why you couldn't apply that to almost any press made.

 

[FN in MT]

Want to REALLY save time and unnecessary movements? Buy a dillon 550.

I DO enjoy loading, have been at it for over 50 years now. But I also like to shoot, spend time with my wife, hike, fish, run the dog, etc. A progressive saves SO MUCH TIME.
Life is short...spending hours on a single stage when an hour will do the same on a 550...I simply don't get it.

Then again...each to his own.

 

[Poper]

Want to REALLY save time and unnecessary movements? Buy a dillon 550.

I DO enjoy loading, have been at it for over 50 years now. But I also like to shoot, spend time with my wife, hike, fish, run the dog, etc. A progressive saves SO MUCH TIME.
Life is short...spending hours on a single stage when an hour will do the same on a 550...I simply don't get it.

Then again...each to his own.

You're right. You don't get it.
For me, loading is an exercise in relaxation. It's the zen of the thing...

 

[doubleh]

I though I was pretty clear about not needing to load a lot of ammo. Oh, well, maybe not.

 

[9mmepiphany]

Shorter with offset for hand clearance. Is parallel with floor at full stroke. The brass kicker idea is from somebody on this site. Who it was I don't know, but it is a time saver. Double thanks to who ever it is.View attachment 777351View attachment 777352

I'm not handy with fabricating things, so I tend to buy them...usually from Inline Fabrication.

Among other things for my Lee Classic Cast, I have the:

Ergo Handle


Case Ejector System


Looks something like this:

 

[FN in MT]

You're right. You don't get it.
For me, loading is an exercise in relaxation. It's the zen of the thing...

Like I said...To each his own.

 

[Poper]

I'm not handy with fabricating things, so I tend to buy them...usually from Inline Fabrication.

Among other things for my Lee Classic Cast, I have the:

Ergo Handle
View attachment 777612

Case Ejector System
View attachment 777613

Looks something like this:

View attachment 777614

Now that is cool!
Me likey!

 

[CJ8281]

For my old RS2 press, I cut the bicycle grip off and threaded the end then drilled and tapped an "8" ball. Much easier to use now. Cutting a shorter handle might have been next for it but for pistols I now just use my new Lee Classic Turret press.