RCBS Progressive Press

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drunkenpoacher said:
Slightly of the subject: Lots of discussion/argument on LNL vs Dillon and occasionally Lee, RCBS is rarely mentioned. I know nothing about the RCBS progressive other than it isn't popular.
Click to expand...

Both are popular but the Hornady and Dillon are the Pony cars ... Personally I wouldn't mind a 7 station RCBS to try?

thewelshm
 
THEWELSHM said:
Personally I wouldn't mind a 7 station RCBS to try?
Click to expand...
That also peaks my interest a bit. Having 7 stations would make Hornady's bushing system a bit redundant .

I'm also interested in the new progressive that Lee plans to bring out this year...but I heard that it will only have 4-5 stations
 
9mmepiphany said:
That also peaks my interest a bit. Having 7 stations would make Hornady's bushing system a bit redundant .

I'm also interested in the new progressive that Lee plans to bring out this year...but I heard that it will only have 4-5 stations
Click to expand...

First I've heard of a new lee press. Have any links? Google gave me nothing.
 
The Ultimate Reloader website has some videos about the RCBS progressive press. He gives pretty unbiased reviews.

I like the RCBS products but their progressive presses are usually more expensive than Dillon's.
 
One possibility for Pistol:
1. deprime and size
2. expand and prime
3. charge
4. powder level check die (lock-out die)
5. bullet feeder
6. seat
7. crimp

I use a Pro 2000 "limited" by 5 stations so I make do like many others, by combining and not using a station for powder level check:
1. deprime and size
2. expand, prime, and (using a powder thru expander under the powder measure) charge.

I use a video camera for powder check not needing station 3.

3. bullet feeder
4. seat
5. crimp

7 stations would be nice though.....and as soon as RCBS gets their bugs out of the new system, and drops their very stupid idea of forcing a powder measure to be purchased with every new die plate.....I'll add one to my bench........but I hate non-APS priming.....never liked "pipe bombs" in my reloading room. (primer tubes)
 
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I love RCBS's products and customer service, but they cannot seem to develop a progressive press design and stick with it. Buy a Dillon 650 and you don't have to worry about it being discontinued, finding parts, or having it serviced 10 or 20 years from now. Not so with RCBS.
 
I have had a RCBS piggyback since 1st sold and have loaded a lot with it.
I also picked up a used Ammomaster Auto that has a lot parts common with the piggyback.

I have seen both of these progressives, along with the Pro 2000 new/old stock, demand big money on ebay lately, so someone must like them. :scrutiny:
I have read of the primer slide failures on both the new Pro Chucker 5 and 7, and watched the redesign vid on UR sponsored by RCBS, but haven't seen anything recently about it.
With most makers touting some kind of die quick change arrangement, I just remove the 4 screws that hold the top plate on the Ammomaster/Piggyback to swap calibers..."quick" enough for me.
So RCBS HAD a quick change back then...but just didn't know it, and no longer sells those top plates :cuss:

I just recently bought a new progressive press, not an RCBS, because I would NOT be using the Uniflow powder measure and the clap trap mechanism that comes with it, and couldn't find a Pro Chucker for sale without it.
Sometimes a "new" design is more complex, with it's own problems and not necessarily better.

Some reloaders liked the primer strips, some not, but they are gone in the newest designs from RCBS :confused:.
I like tube fed primers, but the liability of kabooms scares the company lawyers, another factor considered in design:uhoh:.

I would love the read some feed back from Pro Chucker owners posted here,
:D
 
GW Staar said:
One possibility for Pistol:
1. deprime and size
2. expand and prime
3. charge
4. powder level check die (lock-out die)
5. bullet feeder
6. seat
7. crimp

I use a Pro 2000 "limited" by 5 stations so I make do like many others, by combining and not using a station for powder level check:
1. deprime and size
2. expand, prime, and (using a powder thru expander under the powder measure) charge.

I use a video camera for powder check not needing station 3.

3. bullet feeder
4. seat
5. crimp

7 stations would be nice though.....and as soon as RCBS gets their bugs out of the new system, and drops their very stupid idea of forcing a powder measure to be purchased with every new die plate.....I'll add one to my bench........but I hate non-APS priming.....never liked "pipe bombs" in my reloading room. (primer tubes)
Click to expand...
I didn't catch that a new die plate comes with a powder measure, something I don't use now, another reason NOT to buy a chucker 5 or 7.
At least they moved the "pipe bomb" primer tube to the back and have a shield over it now.

Anyone else think that steep angled "primer transfer bar actuator" (what RCBS calls it) could be contributing to the primer slide breakage, just something I noticed watching the vids.
It almost looks like 45 degrees, with the slide dwelled all the way back for the top half
the vertical travel.
I can't find a pic of it, but it's in this UR vid:
http://ultimatereloader.com/2016/10/01/rcbs-pro-chucker-priming-system-update/
Just seems like it could be less steep/longer/gentler:confused:
Here's a pic, for comparison, of the much longer pull back primer slide wire, typical of the Ammomaster and Piggyback (pic not mine:uhoh:) :
PrmrWire.jpg
just sayin'
:D
 
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TEAM101 said:
I love RCBS's products and customer service, but they cannot seem to develop a progressive press design and stick with it. Buy a Dillon 650 and you don't have to worry about it being discontinued, finding parts, or having it serviced 10 or 20 years from now. Not so with RCBS.
Click to expand...

I have yet to meet a person who told me they couldn't get parts from RCBS.
 
Zendude said:
What type of camera are you using? I tried a cheap usb microscope on my lee 1000 but could not find a position to put the cam where it could see into a 38 sp case.
Click to expand...
41FvhfNwD4L._SX450_.jpg

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00WSJIW1A/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o00_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
on sale at the moment for $28.50

5" Video Display was similar to this $25 model:
61qGptppapL._AC_UL115_.jpg


https://www.amazon.com/Tukzer-Resol...U5UW46S/ref=sr_1_5?s=photo&ie=UTF8&qid=148822

The trick is to position the camera (epoxied and held in place 'til dry) with a rare earth magnet (unless you have an alum. press.) Best position for me was in between adjacent holes in the case head....only possible on a Pro 2000 with its one station stationary.....otherwise as close to a hole as possible.

Camera is thin enough to not touch the case plate when ram is up. I can see powder level in a .223 case as long as the powder load reasonably fills the case. If I can't see powder.....I stop....and look.;)
 
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