RCBS Pro 2000 powder system question

Does anyone know if RCBS sells the powder die portion of the case drop system separately? I'd like to acquire a few extras and set them up to be caliber specific with lock rings, make caliber changes that much quicker. Hornady offers the lower for their unit for separate sale but I can't seem to find the RCBS one available anywhere.

 

Yes, they do. However, it's not a listed item. You have to call them and ask to purchase it.

For me, I simply ordered the Hornady lower powder dies - the Uniflow fits on them without a problem. I made a bunch of custom spacers for mine (these are included with both powder measure systems, and they sit between the stem of the powder measure, and the powder funnel/case mouth expander, inside the lower powder die).

However, before I got a lathe and turned all my own spacers from aluminum, I would make them out of standard 3/8-16 nuts. Spin a few nuts onto a long bolt to use as a mandrel, and knock off the edges of the nuts with a grinder, a Dremel, or even a file, until they fit into the powder die. Then, put them one by one in a vise, and drill out the nuts to remove the threads, leaving the inside smooth. Now just drop them in the powder dies, as many as you need, to allow the correct amount of lift on the powder measure.

 

The RCBS Pro 2000 and the Hornady L-N-L powder drop systems are functionally identical and are interchangeable. I believe RCBS got the deign from Hornady.

The Hornady system has a couple nice little design features that make it a bit more convenient to remove and replace the powder measure.

I am not sure what RCBS charges for their kit but the Hornady kit is available through the big gun supplies emporiums. Shop price.

I have both a Hornady L-N-L and RCBS Pro 2000 and I use the Hornady powder drop linkage on both presses.

If you have a number of cartridges that you are setting up powder drop systems for, it can get a bit pricey buying a number of powder drop dies.

Unless you are using multiple powder measures, you only need separate powder drop dies. Once you find the sweet spot of the adjustment of the powder measure linkage, only the drop die needs to be adjusted for different cartridges.

I made custom drop tubes where I only need one powder drop die.

Or, as Tom488 does, make shims to change the height of the die for quick set up.

Hope this helps.

 

Great info guys, thanks! I'm already using the LNL measure with the RCBS linkage and mount. I'll pick up a couple of the Hornady powder dies and get going.