Older RCBS presses

[NCFrank]

Acquainted with a gentleman whose late father-in-law loaded on two of these. They have surface rust and in need of a good cleaning. Seem to function OK best as I can tell.

He wants to sell as he is elderly and knows nothing of reloading. Any information would be appreciated.

James

 

[KevinThomas]

NCFrank,

What you've got there is an RCBS "Green Machine" in-line progressive. It was, I believe, RCBS's first foray into the world of progressive presses back in the very early 1980's. The did only pistol calibers, and were a bit of a pain to get set up, adjusted and running properly. They didn't last too long and were discontinued within a few years. Pretty sure, anyway, as you never saw or heard about them after that. I sold mine as soon as I got my first Dillon (an RL-450), and never looked back. Might check with RCBS themselves, as I don't know if they still service these, or have replacement parts. From the pic, you're missing the case feed tubes that should be on the left hand side of the press. I'm guessing there'll be other missing items as well, but obviously can't say without checking it out.

 

[NCFrank]

Thank you Kevin. I started loading in 87 and don't even remember seeing these before I got started. Anyway, the case feed tubes are in place but a little difficult to see in the photo. I did send a request for information and the photo to RCBS just before I posted on here. Thanks again for your response. It gives me something to go on.

James

 

[KevinThomas]

No problem at all, and glad to help!

 

[jonbearman]

There are a few video's of it in operation if you would like to see how they work.Personally it intrigue's me as I like odd mechanical things.

 

[NCFrank]

Yes, thank you, I would. Do you have a link to any of the videos?
I did pull the handle a couple times on both presses just to see if they functioned and were not seized up. Just felt a little gummy but I'm sure that is from being exposed to conditions where temperature is no longer controlled all that well and lack of maintenance.

 

[NCFrank]

Jon,
I've looked for videos but found none. Found plenty of photos though.

 

[jonbearman]

Type in rcbs green machine or pistol loading is how I found it.Type this in: rcbs green machine reloading pistol rounds!

 

[fredhorace77]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nJsr2ufRZK8&playnext=1&list=PLDA1C852BBA814F69&feature=results_main

 

[NCFrank]

OK, watched the video. Makes me appreciate my 650 even more. Thanks again for the guidance.

 

[KevinThomas]

Wow! Just watched the video, and it brought it all back to me. Like an unwelcome wave of PTSD, I'm suddenly, horribly and irrevocably reminded of why I got rid of this one and was so eager to move on something (anything) different. I may have to stroke my 550 a bit when I get home just to get my blood pressure back to normal, and the very sight of my 1050 will undoubtedly cause uncontrolable tears of joy.