RCBS Big Max Press

[Marvin Gardens]

Hello.

Does anyone have any knowledge of or experience with the RCBS Big Max press? I am packing the contents of the house up for a pending move and I found one of these presses in the loft of the garage. I bought it new over twenty years ago and never got around to taking it out of the box (started shooting primarily pistol). I hadn't seen it in over ten years and had forgotten about it until I ran across it again. Does anyone know why RCBS discontinued this press?

Thanks,

Marvin

California

 

[klw]

Big Max

This was a very large, heavy duty O-press, right?

If that's true, RCBS didn't make them for all that long. Had something of a following with reloaders of REALLY big cases. I suspect that the new RCBS Rock Chucker Supreme, however, could handle those jobs now. Still, if it were me, I'd put it up for sale on e-bay with a REALLY high price and see what happens.

 

[cottontoptexan]

Big Max Press

I have one of the RCBS Big Max presses which i have used for over 20 years. They have an enormous ram and also have the capability to use standard shell holders or the automatic 3 finger shell holder which is very fast . I like it and use it on my rifle calibers. Do not know when they discontinued them but they look like they were expensive to produce.
Note. Possibly some of the 50 caliber shooters would be interested in your press since it has such a large opening.

 

[klw]

Big Max

They were only made for a year or two. Dropped almost immediately because of poor sales.

Some used them for REALLY shout brass, double rifles I think. With those you could break the frame rather easily I understand. Though a 50 BMG would be tempting, I suspect that that is exactly the kind of case that it could not handle.

Kind of wish that I had kept mine.

 

[Ross]

A-4 Big Max made 1982 - 1988.
The first A presses were made in 1949 , the A-2 1959 - 1969, the A-3 from 1969 - 1971. Ive never seen an A-3.
The B was made in 1961 only.
More than you wanted to know.
Cheers from Darkest California,
Ross

 

[Marvin Gardens]

Thanks for the info guys...it is very much appreciated. I have heard that they were discontinued because of manufacturing costs but who's to say. I did a search on E-Bay today and see one almost as nice as mine sold for $500. Now that is something to think about. I guess I obviously don't need the press but I don't like selling my stuff. I've got too much invested in reloading gear but I sometimes think I enjoy the presses more than the guns I shoot the ammo out of.

Thanks again.

Marvin

 

[bogie]

I'm not sure, but I think that they may be popular with the fellows who make bullets... Check at benchrest.com - and if it's one of the popular ones, maybe someone there would be interested.

I _really_ hate this keyboard. You have no idea how long it took me to type this.

 

[Desert Dog]

My friend has an A4 press and it is a monster. It makes the Rockchucker look like a JR...

 

[2400]

I bought one when they first came out. I used it to form cases and swage bullets along with regular loading for rifle cases. My ex brother in law stole it many years ago. I sure miss it and would love to have another one.

 

[WhiskeyMike]

Question

Marvin G

I just bought a Big Max press in outstanding condition from my local gun shop. All I got was the press. I know it is missing the primer catcher (RCBS is sending me one! For FREE!)

Since you have one new in the box, can you tell me exactly what is in the box? I would like to know what is missing from mine.

Thanks

 

[Marvin Gardens]

Thanks Guys.

Mike, I e-mailed you two photos of my press and what came with it.

Regards,

Marvin

 

[WhiskeyMike]

Thanks Much

More than I could have asked for!

WM