O-ring on the press ram

[kelbro]

I've read that some folks replace the shellholder spring clip with an o-ring. I tried it and have a couple of questions. I found that the o-ring on a Lee locknut fit.

Do you have to pull the o-ring down in the front to insert and remove the shellholder?

Do you have any problems with the decapping pin lining up or does the die line the shellholder up before the pin makes it to the flash hole? I haven't tried that yet, just concerned about that slop there and possibly a universal decapper missing the flash hole.

Thanks

 

[Bill Norris]

Yes u will need to pull down on the O-ring to insert shell holder.
I place a small flat magnet on the press behind the ram so that it will pull the shell holder back each time the ram is lowered. Works perfect for me.

 

[kelbro]

Yes u will need to pull down on the oring to insert shell holder.
I place a small flat magnet on the press behind the ram so that it will pull the shellholder back each time the ram is lowered. Works perfect for me.

Thanks. I haven't experienced any alignment issues but I'm always interested in better ways to skin the cat.

 

[PhilC]

I place a small flat magnet on the press behind the ram so that it will pull the shellholder back each time the ram is lowered. Works perfect for me.

Great idea!

 

[JSH]

Did that years ago, let’s the holder float.

 

[Bat Rastard]

Is this a Rockchucker thing? Or can it be done on a T7 also?
I have no known concentricity issues, but I like the concept.

 

[rlporter507]

my T7 uses a o-ring. i believe any press that takes a regular shell holder with a clip can use an o-ring.
If i remember right, i think i first read about this hack in a book from the 50's on reloading.

 

[hpshooter]

Have run the "O" ring on the ram of Rock Crushers and a T-25 Redding, predecessor to the T-7, for many years. Works well although none of the presses exhibited run-out problems with the spring clip on the ram.

 

[Rockchuck]

I use a small rubber band on my presses keep the shell holder centered up but also allows it to move if needed.

 

[charlie b]

I don't use an oring, just slide the shell holder in. Yeah, if I get fumble fingers it might come out, but, most movement of brass is from the side. I did use a magnet for a while but it got in the way of the primer catcher too many times

Does make me wonder why the mfgs don't just put a magnet in the ram. I guess it might collect steel shavings?

 

[a-dog]

I have a T7 press and am interested in this modification. Can someone please post a picture or two of this? Thanks!

 

[Bill Norris]

This is on my R C

 

[AlNyhus]

I have a T7 press and am interested in this modification. Can someone please post a picture or two of this? Thanks!

No modifications needed. Simply remove the spring clip and substitute an 'o' ring. Pull on the 'o' ring with a small screw driver to install/remove the shell holder.

This and an 'o' ring under the die lock ring will let you get the most sizing accuracy out of the die. If you're seating with a standard seating die, an 'o' ring under the seating stem lock rings can also help with bullet run out.

If you have a concentricity gauge, try doing one of these at a time to see where the improvements come from. Depending on the press, you never know what will make the biggest improvement. And sometimes the biggest improvement comes from all the little things added together.

 

[jds holler]

Dang Bill, that thing looks like new! Do you REALLY load with it??

 

[Bill Norris]

Dang Bill, that thing looks like new! Do you REALLY load with it??

Oh yea, it sees plenty of load work. I de-prime with my Lee hand press so that keeps all the gunk out of the R C.

 

[jds holler]

Oh yea, it sees plenty of load work. I de-prime with my Lee hand press so that keeps all the gunk out of the R C.

I do the same thing. But my old "Chucker" looks like it came over on the Mayflower - mounted on the stern rail. jd

 

[M-61]

This is on my R C

Looks brand new.
Are those carriage bolts securing the press to the bench?

 

[Bill Norris]

Looks brand new.
Are those carriage bolts securing the press to the bench?

Yea, they are thru bolts with nuts under the table. The carriage bolts have that square portion underneath the head and it won't pull all the way down into the washer hole but it's tight. I need to bore those washers out but I hate to upset it cause I have the press leveled with shims. If I have to take it off at some point I will drill those washers out a bit bigger.

 

[M-61]

Nice and clean for sure. I like Allen’s with grade 8 washers myself.
But most of my life has been involved with bolts and fasteners.
Certainly not photography. Your picture is perfect, mine well….. lousy

 

[Bill Norris]

Nice and clean for sure. I like Allen’s with grade 8 washers myself.
But most of my life has been involved with bolts and fasteners.
Certainly not photography. Your picture is perfect, mine well….. lousy

Allens are much nicer for sure. I had these laying around so decided to use them rather than make a trip to town. LOL.