I dont need a new press...

[titanxt]

I am not going to be spending the money for a new press, but I do like to kick around a lot of ideas in my head throughout the day. It is probably due to all of the coffee...

Short of an arbor press and hand dies, what is a good single stage press that accepts 7/8" reloading dies? Is the RCBS Summit a good press? It looks like a tank, but that doesn't mean it works well I guess.

What do you think?

Andy

 

[dkhunt14]

Probably for the money an RCBS Rockchucker. Matt

 

[JRS]

Lee Classic Cast You need to look no further 8)

 

[CatShooter]

I am not going to be spending the money for a new press, but I do like to kick around a lot of ideas in my head throughout the day. It is probably due to all of the coffee...

Short of an arbor press and hand dies, what is a good single stage press that accepts 7/8" reloading dies? Is the RCBS Summit a good press? It looks like a tank, but that doesn't mean it works well I guess.

What do you think?

Andy

During the reloading tool panic a few years ago, when I sold a 20 year old set of RCBS 223 dies on eBay for $135, a local dealer had 19 Summit presses in his showroom, collecting dust.

Get a clean RCBS RockChucker-II on eBay for $70 to $90 bucks and you will as happy as a clam at high tide!

 

[savagedasher]

Lee classic cast. Larry

 

[LHSmith]

I think cutting down on the coffee would be the best advice.

 

[titanxt]

Ironically, my doctor is a coffee drinker and has never given that advice... To be honest, I find reading about presses, techniques, equipment, etc very enjoyable and from that reading I get some questions floating around.

Andy

 

[dieselmudder]

information overload, im guilty of it also. and i think i have A.D.D. im using a Lee Breech Lock Challenger. seems to be working out okay. ive not reached a real precise level of shooting yet though.

 

[BCoates]

I bought a RCBS Summit last year after they came out to replace the RCBS Partner press I was using. It bolted down to the same base plate I was using for the Partner press and has worked very well for me. I like handle on the top of the press vs. the standard press configuration. It loads straight ammo, and I like the open front design. I would definitely recommend the short handle for bullet seating and depriming. Another benefit is I can buy some adapters convert it to an arbor style press.

 

[Travelor]

When I got into long range competitive shooting I started talking a very close look at the quality of my ammunition. I was using a RCBS Rockchucker press with Hornady new dimension dies. When rolled my 223 reloaded ammo (not my long range ammo) on a class table top, I noted the bullets were wobbling so I checked my 308 ammo with a runnout tool. Not wobbling, but not good either.

After reading a bunch I bought a set of Redding Competiton neck collet dies and noted better runnout, but still not great. Called RCBS and they graciously took the press back and reground the press ram way and put a new ram in it (it is over 50 years old). Thanks you RCBS!!! Better but still not great.

More reading and then I bought a Forster Co-Ax press and found it with the Redding dies produced grat ammo as far as runnout was concerned.

As things progressed and my scores put me in Master for long range (1000 yards) and High Master mid range (600 yards), as well as purchasing a 6mmBR, I bought a arbor press and Wilson dies - YES they are as good as people say they are. Practically no runnout and just about as fast as using a "normal" press and dies.

As an aside I tarted looking at the accuracy of my powder scales. I also shoot F-Class rimfire and the targets call for very good guns and ammo. I went to a GemPro 250 which weighs to the =+/- .02 grain and I found the +/- .1 grain electronic scales just did not separate the wheat from the chaff so to speak. Also it opened my eyes wide to see just out much error the +/- .1 scales had. Now I use the GemPro to weight sort my 22 ammo as well as my CF rifle cartridge powder loads. My RF F-Class classification is no Master (there is no High Master in RF) and my scores/groups improved in CF rifles.

 

[JAnderson94]

I'm using the Forster Co-Ax as well. I had been using a RCBS partner press with Forster ultra mic seater dies and Redding type s dies. With turned necks i was doing about 1.5 run-out with my partner press checked on my Forster gauge. When I played with my Co-Ax for the first time the number was cut in half to 3/4, often times less. With my RCBS press bullets where +/- 0.0015 thou after seating. The Co-Ax it is down to about +/- 0.0005 thou.

 

[artbosco]

The Forster CO-AX is the EASIEST to use. No more screwing in and out dies or the need to purchase shell holders, and primer residue ends up in a jar.

 

[michaelnel]

The Forster CO-AX is the EASIEST to use. No more screwing in and out dies or the need to purchase shell holders, and primer residue ends up in a jar.

Yep, I'm sure glad I bought mine. I did put a bunch of farkles on it though, the Ultramount, curved arms, short right angle roller handle and LED lighting from Inline Fabrication, and because I use the Redding Competition shell holder set to manage my shoulder bump I replaced the Forster jaws with their universal shell holder adapter.

 

[stubbicatt]

I like my Summit press. I don't think you will be disappointed.

Initially I was not impressed, as none of the screws or fasteners had been tightened down. After some torquing etc of screws, and trouble shooting a faulty shell holder, it has been top notch.

Since I C Clamp it to the dining room table, I appreciate that it doesn't attempt to lift the table as does my standard presses with the linkages under the edge of the table.

 

[Catfur]

I love my Forester Co-Ax. I have no data that proves it produces better quality ammo, but it's so easy to use (and my ammo shoots fine).

 

[dalej]

Bought the Summit and parked the Rockchucker. Also bought a CH-4D 444 press. These sit on the bench in front of not beside me. Seating bullets was always a pain using an O press. Nothing beats Wilson seater dies, so fast and precise. If I need a heavy duty press I have several bullet swage presses that are much bigger and stronger than the mightiest reloading press.

 

[jonbearman]

What type of press is the ch4 d 444?

 

[Raythemanroe]

If you was to spend the money for a Summit I would think your money would be better spent on the Forster...



Ray

 

[titanxt]

What has intrigued me about the Summit press is that it could sit on top of my bench. Here is a picture of my setup. Anything that extended below the bench would interfere with the drawers...

I also do not necessarily want to have to permanently mount another press in place. Again, I am just thinking out loud. I have a lot to learn about a lot of things.

Thank you!

Andy

 

[Patch700]

Although I do not own the summit I have used one for a weekend and my thoughts on it are that it does the job.

I don't see why it wouldn't work great for your set up you have , it is also not so cumbersome so as not to be feasible to be used as a portable unit if built with a proper base.

Here is an article from this site regarding the press.

http://ytchannelembed.com/videos/watch/2i9phIfc0SE#.VNeBnXl0zDc