RCBS Hand-priming Tool

[ironhat]

Well, you don't hear from me for a year and now you can't shut me up! Since I'm considering abandoning the priming function of the Piggyback I got my hand priming tool out and checked out what I recalled as being a not-so-great tool. I haven' been reloading in a year or so but this thing's shortcomings are coming back to me now. If I allow the handle to extend fully the piston drops too far down and hangs on the opening to the throat. I got out my Dremel and smoothed and polished it but the problem is more than that. The angle of the rod that pushes the piston up is pushing directly into the body of the tool - it's only a couple of degrees but that's all it needs. If I pry the rod away just a small amount it works but fails again as soon as I let the grip open too far. Have any of you found a way to make a stop for keeping the handle from opening too far? Can you think of anyting that can be layed in the bottom of the passage to keep the push rod up from the throat? It would have to be something smooth so that there was little resistance.

I hope that this all makes sense. Not likely

As always, TIA,
Chiz

 

[Walkalong]

Mine works great. I don't know what is wrong unless something is put togeter wrong.

Call RCBS. They will make it right. After about 20 years my plastic inserts were worn. I called to order some more and they sent them to me free of charge. They stand behind their stuff. They will make it right.

 

[ironhat]

Did my explanation make any sense, walkalong? It's the angle of that short rod that is captured in a recess of the handle that is the problem. I'm thinking that if I could shim the area where the piston enters the shaft and the ball-end of the rod (mentioned above) meet I could keep that rod up off the main frame and keep the angle about right for pushing the piston upward when I squeeze. The issue, then, is what do I use and how do I fasten it to the metal? Interestingly enough, if I hold the unit upside-down it functions fine. Oh yea, I've been trying to get RCBS for a couple of hours now - busy, busy, etc. They close their CS dept at 4PM (Eastern time).

 

[rcmodel]

Mine gets out of whack like that if I let go of the handle without a plastic insert in place to stop it.

I use a rubber-band around the handle when changing primer sizes or shell holders.

Other then that, never a problem.

rc

 

[Walkalong]

Did my explanation make any sense, walkalong?

Sorry, no, but it's probably me.

rcmodels post made me remember. The only time I had a problem was when I let the handle out too far, but I had the little thing off that blocks the tray from the primer being loaded and stops the handle from going too far.

 

[rcmodel]

Walkalongs post made me remember!

but I had the little thing off that blocks the tray

Make sure you still have the correct screw that came with it holding the flat primer block in place. I think it has a step in it that matches the hole in the thing-a-ma-bob. If you have replaced the screw with one out of the junque box, it will let the lever come open too far.

At any rate, if it doen't work right, RCBS will give you one free that will.

rc

 

[ironhat]

I finally got hold of RCBS and **somehow** the lady who I spoke with knew what I was saying and went off to confer with someone. She came back and, after a few questions, said that it sounded like the body of the unit was improperly machined. He collegue in the next bay said that these units have been in service for decades and they have never had one wear out. Therefore, the only explanation is that the slot was machined too deep. I agreed and a new body is in the mail. Thanks for kickin' this around.