Bald Eagle Arbor press

[Fast14riot]

I'm considering buying the bald eagle arbor press for use on a couple specific calibers, how easily does it adjust for COAL of 3.4" down to 2.2"? I know these are on opposite ends of the spectrum, but I don't have lots of fun money for reloading tools and was hoping this press would work for long action and AR length rounds.

-Alexander

 

[Kevin]

It will easily handle the COAL's you list The press adjusts coarsely with a knob clamping the tool post. Fine seating depth adjustments are generally handled with your dies (I use a Wilson seating die with micrometer top). The BE is not the best press. If you want/require a high precision feel, there are better options. But, it will no doubt press bullets to a required length.

I purchased one about 6 months ago and pressed about 20 rounds with it. I tried to grease it for smoother operation/better feel. But, I still didn't care for it. I had used a buddy's 21st press prior so I was a little spoiled, i guess. But, the 21st presses are considerably more expensive, however.

Anyway, I will make you a really good deal on mine if you would like it. It's boxed and could ship very soon. Like new condition except for some grease in the gears. PM me if interested.

 

[josh shrum]

Like Kevin said, it will get the job done, it just feels coarse.

 

[fguffey]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B006SBC3I2/?tag=accuratescom-20

I dug out a Texan press, it uses standard dies and shell holders and leans back from vertical at the top. I will take $35.00 for it and shipping could be as much as $15.00. I do not have to dig out old Herter presses because they are everywhere. I will take $40.00 for one of those but the Herter requires an adapter for newer more modern shell holders. The Herter leans back also. Shipping for the Herter could get up to $20.00.

The Texan is not a cam over press that means it is not a bump press. It can be modified to cam over.

F. Guffey

 

[X-Caveman]

Loosen the aluminum cap that covers the ram and spring. When mine is tight, it puts it in a bind. Loose, it works great. It doesn't quite have the starch for .338 Lapua, but for 6br, 6.5x47 & 308win it's fine. When seating pressures are real high the clamp slips on the post no matter how hard i try to tighten it.

 

[nmkid]

Well, I must've got a good BE press! Mine feels fine using Wilson dies for all my rifles. Has never slipped, well worth the money.

 

[Fast14riot]

I have standard single stage and progressive presses, this would be just for using Wilson seating dies to help with run out. Longest cart I'll be loading is 30-06, shortest would be magazine length for AR calibers. I've seen the B.E. for as little as $55+ship so if it will handle those dies with little fuss, I might give it a try. I wouldn't expect to neck size or shoulder bump on it, I can use my extra single stage for that.

Thanks for the tips and offers.

-Alexander

 

[fguffey]

I don't have lots of fun money for reloading tools

I have standard single stage and progressive presses,

I have seating dies that use the heal of the hand to seat bullets; no press required. One of the smoothest is a die made by Lyman and then I made a seater, just a seater no die body. I have used a plastic aluminum can crusher to seat bullets with the no-body seater, I have used bottle cappers and bottle corkers. And then there are seating dies by R. Lee; no press.

F. Guffey

 

[Fast14riot]

Well, from the generosity of another member here I was offered a deal I just couldn't pass up on a Haydon arbor press, looks like I'm set in this department now!

Thanks for the tips and offers.

-Alexander

 

[Bob Sebold]

If it does slip you could what I did. Were the clamp attached to the post, drill a hole about 1/2 inch behind post and cut through with metal saw. This will extend the cut. It tightens up much better now.