Redding Big Boss II on the way!

[Elkins45]

I have used a RCBS Reloader Special 3 as my only single stage press since the late 80's and have been very happy with it until recently when my arthritis has started kicking in. I was on about #90 of resizing 30-06 brass a few weeks ago when my fingers and elbows convinced me to take a little break. So I thought I would treat myself and pick up a new press with more leverage. A Rockchucker was my first choice because I have had such good luck with RCBS equipment, and when I saw that Brownell's had them on sale for $129 I almost pushed the button. Almost.

Somewhere along the way I recalled that RCBS is having their castings done in China. I still love RCBS but I try to support local workers when I can. So I looked at the other offerings. Turns out they also had the Redding Big Boss II on sale for only $40 more, and it is still manufactured here. Sold!

Now I just have to figure out how to reconfigure my bench to accommodate it. Hmmm...maybe it's time to build a new bench.

 

[billybob44]

I have used a RCBS Reloader Special 3 as my only single stage press since the late 80's and have been very happy with it until recently when my arthritis has started kicking in. I was on about #90 of resizing 30-06 brass a few weeks ago when my fingers and elbows convinced me to take a little break. So I thought I would treat myself and pick up a new press with more leverage. A Rockchucker was my first choice because I have had such good luck with RCBS equipment, and when I saw that Brownell's had them on sale for $129 I almost pushed the button. Almost.

Somewhere along the way I recalled that RCBS is having their castings done in China. I still love RCBS but I try to support local workers when I can. So I looked at the other offerings. Turns out they also had the Redding Big Boss II on sale for only $40 more, and it is still manufactured here. Sold!

Now I just have to figure out how to reconfigure my bench to accommodate it. Hmmm...maybe it's time to build a new bench.

Congrats on your Redding purchase..You will love your new press.

FWIW: http://www.ebay.com/itm/RCBS-Rock-C...790747?hash=item4af26cb65b:g:DmgAAOSwo0JWIGdz
^^^Here is an example of the older RockChucker that is still out there.. U.S. made + only gets 'Slicker' the more you use...I KNOW...I have had one since '72', and it is a LOT smoother than any new 'Supreme' press.
I was able to buy two more of these older RockChuckers over the years, for around $100.00 each, for my Sons, when they get into reloading..Bill.

 

[horseman1]

Please let us know how you like it. I have the regular Boss press, and while it is a really great press, the spent primer handling method is rather poor. I understand the new ones have a much better system. Congrats!

H1

 

[cfullgraf]

Yes, the Big Boss II has a better primer retrieval system than the Big Boss. The spent primers exit out the bottom of the ram instead of being shot across the room out the side of the ram.

Oe of these days I'll justify the upgrade to the Big Boss II but I am not depriming much on my Big Boss at the moment.

I am sure the OP will enjoy his new Redding Press. I certainly have enjoyed mine.

 

[sevt_chevelle]

I have a Big Boss II sitting next to the Dillon 650, its an awesome press.

 

[LeonCarr]

Your grandchildren will be loading ammo on that press.

Excellent choice.

Just my .02,
LeonCarr

 

[wiiawiwb]

That's a sweet press, congratulations.

 

[Gummi Bear]

I love my Big Boss II

Even more since I added a ergo roller handle and riser from Inline Fabrication. I also got the case kicker. I have since added a small LED strip to the inside of the O, and it throws nice bright light on the work area between the shell holder and die.

http://inlinefabrication.com/collections/redding

It is a joy to use

I did disassemble it when I first set it up, and greased the piston and all of the surfaces that rub against one another to make it nice and slick.

I also picked up a longer piece of clear tubing (3/8" ID, if I'm remembering correctly) so my primers fall right into the trash can. I have since modified it after adding the UltraMount, with a small water bottle on the end of a short piece of tubing to catch primers, and I just dump them into my scrap brass bucket now rather than throw them away.

I don't use the primer arm that comes with the press, I like to hand prime, so I stuffed a piece of small vinyl tubing in the cutout to keep any errant primers from escaping, they all fall right down the tube now.

 

[aladdin]

If you did not know they do have a upgrade for the big boss. It is the big boss II ram sold as an upgrade to get the tube primer catcher.
http://www.midwayusa.com/product/952252/redding-replacement-ram-for-big-boss-ii-reloading-press

I think the Redding boss and big boss series presses are the best kept secret in reloading.

 

[moonman16]

I just BROKE OFF a standard pencil in the groove, primers fall through the ram and out the tube, before some hit the slot and bounced onto the floor, but NO MORE.

BIG BOSS II is a great single stage press.

 

[Rem700CDLSF3006]

I have the older big boss II before the new primer system. I admit it does throw primers but I love it it is super smooth,I used to have a rock chucker while a great press,The Redding just feels smoother and tighter

 

[horseman1]

I have the Boss (not big Boss) so no upgrades for me. Might look into the pencil trick described.