RCBS Summit Press. Good deal?
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GW Staar
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Yeah I like it a lot.....but don't use it for case forming.....and blue locktite the screws in back or it will loosen up (even in one session). The secret to being happy with it is to quickly learn that tight screws mean minimum flex.
LOVE the openness and small footprint....but my Rock Chucker is not displaced. I use 'em both!
OP you got a steal....now quit bragging!
I actually ordered the red/white/blue commemorative press from Midway first......it IS flashy. But when I went into my green adorned man cave to spot a place to mount it. I chose a spot between the Rock Chucker and the Pro2K. I chickened out and canceled the order.......it helped that the local Sportsman Warehouse just got the green ones in stock that day....Yeah I went and bought one. But the commemorative IS pretty....hell....gorgeous...maybe I'll buy another, this one for the range.....
LOVE the openness and small footprint....but my Rock Chucker is not displaced. I use 'em both!
OP you got a steal....now quit bragging!
I actually ordered the red/white/blue commemorative press from Midway first......it IS flashy. But when I went into my green adorned man cave to spot a place to mount it. I chose a spot between the Rock Chucker and the Pro2K. I chickened out and canceled the order.......it helped that the local Sportsman Warehouse just got the green ones in stock that day....Yeah I went and bought one. But the commemorative IS pretty....hell....gorgeous...maybe I'll buy another, this one for the range.....
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Heavy, very solid, easy to disassemble for cleaning and lubrication.
When I got it, there was a slight side to side play of the die plate (white colored part), but this was easily fix by tightening the 2 guide screws at the back of the die plate.
As mentioned by GW Staar, this can loosen with use.
Primer disposal is a big plus.
When I got it, there was a slight side to side play of the die plate (white colored part), but this was easily fix by tightening the 2 guide screws at the back of the die plate.
As mentioned by GW Staar, this can loosen with use.
Primer disposal is a big plus.
rfwobbly
Member
That's a great looking little press! I had no idea RCBS made something like that. Tell me this, where does the spent primer exit: Out in front, or through the "ram" and trough the bench top?
Here is a video of how this press works. It shows where the spent primer exits.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CHoDgBdGYd4
Thank you KingM.
Bush Pilot
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- Oct 17, 2007
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- 2,397
That's what I found too, that happens when you post great deals.
stubbicatt
Member
I like mine, it seems to work well.
amlevin
Member
I don't like my Summit Press. I LOVE it!
At last a press that doesn't have a bunch of knee-knocking mechanism below the bench top.
On primer collection, the little cup they provide is too small for a serious loader. I cut the bottom out of mine and attached a piece of soft vinyl tubing to it. The tubing then directs the spent primers into a large coffee can. If I bump the tube with a knee it doesn't leave black/blue bruises.
I too found an issue with some side-play when I received mine. The top casting was a little loose on the column as well. I wrapped the top of the column with a strip of .001" shim stock, reinstalled the top casting and now it doesn't work the top bolts loose.
To adjust out all extraneous movement of the die holder casting I move the operating lever to a horizontal position, tighten the top screw on the rear until it keeps the handle from falling on it's own, then loosening ONLY ENOUGH to let the handle start to fall on it's own then tighten the lock nut. I repeat on the lower screw. this results in the casting being held firmly against the front of the column, riding on a thin film of grease, and no side/side or other deflection of he die holder.
For grease I picked up some grease from my local bicycle shop that is white and supposedly laden with PTFE. The white grease doesn't stain as badly as all the other lube's available and after 1,000 rounds or so, the column looks like it's chrome plated.
The result on my press, using a Forster BR sizing die, is cases that with darn few exceptions measure .0005" or less runout measured at the center of the necks.
I also ordered mine with the short handle which is great for seating bullets.
Only complaint now is that someone else was able to buy one for almost $100 less than what I had to pay
At last a press that doesn't have a bunch of knee-knocking mechanism below the bench top.
On primer collection, the little cup they provide is too small for a serious loader. I cut the bottom out of mine and attached a piece of soft vinyl tubing to it. The tubing then directs the spent primers into a large coffee can. If I bump the tube with a knee it doesn't leave black/blue bruises.
I too found an issue with some side-play when I received mine. The top casting was a little loose on the column as well. I wrapped the top of the column with a strip of .001" shim stock, reinstalled the top casting and now it doesn't work the top bolts loose.
To adjust out all extraneous movement of the die holder casting I move the operating lever to a horizontal position, tighten the top screw on the rear until it keeps the handle from falling on it's own, then loosening ONLY ENOUGH to let the handle start to fall on it's own then tighten the lock nut. I repeat on the lower screw. this results in the casting being held firmly against the front of the column, riding on a thin film of grease, and no side/side or other deflection of he die holder.
For grease I picked up some grease from my local bicycle shop that is white and supposedly laden with PTFE. The white grease doesn't stain as badly as all the other lube's available and after 1,000 rounds or so, the column looks like it's chrome plated.
The result on my press, using a Forster BR sizing die, is cases that with darn few exceptions measure .0005" or less runout measured at the center of the necks.
I also ordered mine with the short handle which is great for seating bullets.
Only complaint now is that someone else was able to buy one for almost $100 less than what I had to pay
Initial impression.
Very solid and seem to work well but no better than my other single stage press. I don't mind the overhung of the other type of press at all. The strongest point I think is the spent primer disposal.
The foot print is small but a very tall press (handle included).
The ergonomic is not for me. I'm use to and prefer working sitting. Using my tallest stool, the handle is still above my shoulder and have to lean forward to reach the ball handle and have to lean back a little during down stroke. I think this press is meant for those who like to reload standing.
Thinking of modifying to stop the handle at this angle (red line) to shorten the reach.
Will also try the short handle (currently out of stock). RCBS recommends the short handle for bullet seating. Don't know if it has enough leverage to resize 5.56/223 brass.
Was I disappointed? No, considering that I got a good deal, but would probably be if I paid full MSRP. :supergrin:
Very solid and seem to work well but no better than my other single stage press. I don't mind the overhung of the other type of press at all. The strongest point I think is the spent primer disposal.
The foot print is small but a very tall press (handle included).
The ergonomic is not for me. I'm use to and prefer working sitting. Using my tallest stool, the handle is still above my shoulder and have to lean forward to reach the ball handle and have to lean back a little during down stroke. I think this press is meant for those who like to reload standing.
Thinking of modifying to stop the handle at this angle (red line) to shorten the reach.
Will also try the short handle (currently out of stock). RCBS recommends the short handle for bullet seating. Don't know if it has enough leverage to resize 5.56/223 brass.
Was I disappointed? No, considering that I got a good deal, but would probably be if I paid full MSRP. :supergrin:
Paddy
member
I like mine. I drilled out the shell holder holder so the spent primers would drop through the bench into garbage below. I got the short handle but don't prefer it. The open frame is great and I really like the flow in and out with my hand resting on the bench the whole time.
Machinist79
Member
I have had mine for about a year now with no issues and love it, I don't use it a lot as I use my dillon XL650 and Hollywood turret for most of my reloading but it is a very stout press and makes light work of most brass. I believe RCBS did their homework when they made this, also to add like other users noted the small footprint is very nice!
amlevin
Member
ess45--
I use the short handle for sizing my .308 brass fired in a match chamber. I F/L size all my brass (My chamber matches almost perfectly the Forster BR F/L sizing die). The short handle does result in a little more effort but not so much I bother to change to the long one.
For those that do change back and forth, keep a 9/16" Open End wrench handy and be sure to tighten the handle after changing. If you don't you'll end up "boogering up" the threads and the casting will have to be replaced.
I use the short handle for sizing my .308 brass fired in a match chamber. I F/L size all my brass (My chamber matches almost perfectly the Forster BR F/L sizing die). The short handle does result in a little more effort but not so much I bother to change to the long one.
For those that do change back and forth, keep a 9/16" Open End wrench handy and be sure to tighten the handle after changing. If you don't you'll end up "boogering up" the threads and the casting will have to be replaced.
Thank you.
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