RCBS Green Machine

[roc1]

I just bought a lot of reloading equipment and one of the presses was the RCBS Green Machine.I have progressive machines now but I do not know anything about this press.I am guessing it is oboslete.I emailed RCBS to find out if any parts are available but it will be next week before I will get a answer so I came here.I figured someone out there could give me some info on this machine.I have questions
1.The primer linkage is not hitting the lever arm to raise it to seat a primer there is no adjustment on the back side for this only in front to hit the plunger.
2. Can you get rotors for different powder drops for the Little Dandy Powder Measure
Thanks for any help
roc1

 

[Jim Watson]

1. I don't know.

2. Little Dandy rotors are available from the usual suspects like Midway.

 

[roc1]

Thanks for the help is this machine a decent piece of equipment or is it hard to use?I have a Dillon Square Deal and a Hornady Ap press.I have also owned Starr machines but never a RCBS.I would like to try it if it is easy to use and get parts.That was the problem with Starr machines hard to get parts easily.
Thanks again
roc1

 

[Bboomer]

Most people will tell you that they are a pos and/or despise them.

Once you do get it working it requires total concentration. You have to pay attention to every process/function, all at once. When you do get it working get used to the fact that if you're not paying attention you WILL dump powder onto the horizontal slide. Cleanliness is mandatory. Even one single grain of powder will give you problems- period.

The primer feed system is one of the mostly discussed issues.

You can print out a manual from the RCBS webpage I do believe.

As for the powder measure/dump. I use mine for ONE load- period. I drilled out the rotator to give me the precise powder measurement that I wanted. Be ware, that metal is ...hard stuff to drill!

My opinion is... I love it. I use it for 38 spl. I bought a dillon to use but I keep it setup for large primmers. I mostly shoot 38's too. I hate the thoughts of not having the Green Machine.

Some enginuety huh?

I do have another one but I need some parts for it though.

Anyway, if you take your time and are patient enough, you will get it working. When you do get it working you have to TAKE YOUR TIME and not get in any hurry. It will require some TLC.

If you don't have the patience to make it work, get rid of it now!

BTW, the primer seat adjustment is done from underneath. Make the adjustment to where the little screw is always in contact with bar. On mine there is not many threads left on the screw to secure it, its darn near backed out all the way.

Good Luck

 

[Jim Watson]

I have a 1978 C-H AutoChamp straight line loader rather like the Green Machine. It is very finicky as to case advance adjustment and has a mechanical powder measure actuation that will spill powder if there is not a case on that station. C-H will not support it except with parts remaining on hand, saying their insurance company will not cover them building or servicing progressive loaders.

On the other hand, its primer feed has been absolutely flawless, better than any of the four Dillons I have had.

A friend has one, he could not find a Green Machine when he wanted to go progressive in those days.

 

[45ACPUSER]

A shooting buddy had one, and it was a guy who liked to tinker! It worked for churning out 45acp for him! I got the 450 Dillon, and it morphed into a 550B!

 

[ricciardelli]

I have the manual available on my site. It is on the manual page.

 

[lee n. field]

1.The primer linkage is not hitting the lever arm to raise it to seat a primer there is no adjustment on the back side for this only in front to hit the plunger.

The standard answer for problems with RCBS equipment is "call RCBS". They will make it right.

 

[roc1]

Thanks gentlemen for the responses I emailed RCBS and I will call them next week.I just got it yesterday and the only problems I see so far is no rotors for the powder measure except #3. The other problem is the primer linkage not hitting the plunger on the handle shaft o make the primer punch go up.I have a Square Deal Dillon and the Hornady AP press and have had another Dillon plus Starr loaders in the past but have never used a RCBS progressive or the Lee progressive.I say this to say I have no experince so I did not what parts I needed.I did get a manual but it does not show the primer punch in the rear only the punch adjusting screw.I hope RCBS still surports this unit as it looks well made,it would be a shame if no parts are available.
Thanks again
roc1