"Poorman's" PCPS by deracco engineering overview and set up

[rijndael]

Seems like using the LNL bushings, with all the slop in them, would defeat the whole process of getting consistent primer seating depth.

That's not been my experience. Even with sizing operations, I find that it has no impact on my shoulder bump consistency. The same holds true in seating primers.

I don't know if it matters, but I do put an index mark on my bushings, so I orient the die in the same spot on each use.

 

[boltfluter]

That's not been my experience. Even with sizing operations, I find that it has no impact on my shoulder bump consistency. The same holds true in seating primers.

I don't know if it matters, but I do put an index mark on my bushings, so I orient the die in the same spot on each use.

I do believe that the index mark is a very good idea, as I assume the bushings are a casting and probably not very flat, relatively speaking. My main problem is how much leverage the priming tool has and how easy you can crush a primer cup. So you can literally crush it to get to the same indicator reading. Just my take on it. The ease of use would be nice for older hands for sure.

 

[ridgeway]

One thing to consider with the Deracco is where your press handle ends up at the bottom of the stroke for seating primers. For me, it's not at the bottom of the press' normal stroke. I'm using LNL bushings on my press and still want full to access the micrometer on the bottom of the seater, so there's a few extra things controlling the unit's depth. It could be buried up in the LNL bushing more, but I need to adjust it more often for loading large and small primers. On my RockChucker, The handle bottoms out about 1/3rd of the way down. It's in an awkward position overall to have consistent downward pressure. Well ... at least it is for me, standing. I wish it was closer to the top (so you're pulling toward you) or further to the bottom. I've actually ordered the Inline Fabrication ergonomic handle to see if I can change it around from the stock position. In the end, I may have to ditch the LNL bushing kit.

Later today, I'll have a real CPS unit; I already have this Deracco as well as a Holland unit. If you have any other comparison questions, I'm happy to test something out.

I see what you mean. I have a Harrells BR press that I dedicated it to. I ran the die all the way down so that I can access the micrometer. I have a really short throw on my handle and I think it will work out great. Like a short shift kit, haha. I haven't primed anything yet to see if I need to change the set up. If it works well...I'll throw up some pics.

Another thing to keep in mind...it needs a primer tube. I have a dillon press, but didn't want to dedicate that tube for this primer tool. I made my own out of stuff I had laying around and found SS tube on Amazon for LR primers, which I'll probably never use. I'd get another if I ever prime LP, but highly unlikely. The SR tube, I counterbored it slightly to allow the dillon pick up tube to easily nest inside to drop primers.

 

[rijndael]

My main problem is how much leverage the priming tool has and how easy you can crush a primer cup. So you can literally crush it to get to the same indicator reading.

FWIW: I find the Holland/RCBS to be more sensitive to consistent pressure to get consistent seating depths, but I thought this was the case before the Holland add-on happened. I really notice it when my kids help reload, they try to be consistent but they don't have the 'feel'.

If you have some ideas on how to test for proper seating vs crush/deformation, I'll try to record some data on it.

 

[boltfluter]

FWIW: I find the Holland/RCBS to be more sensitive to consistent pressure to get consistent seating depths, but I thought this was the case before the Holland add-on happened. I really notice it when my kids help reload, they try to be consistent but they don't have the 'feel'.

If you have some ideas on how to test for proper seating vs crush/deformation, I'll try to record some data on it.

The "feel" really is the key as you say. I have it with my hand priming tools. Not so much with a high leverage tool, as to be expected. Carry on.
Paul

 

[Fast14riot]

"In theory" with the micrometer stop being part of the priming die, it shouldn't matter about any float from the LnL bushings. The micrometer and everything would float, and the anvil just adapts.

 

[nakneker]

I thought I’d try one of these units, I’ve been priming on the same old RCBS priming tool for 32 years and thought why not. I bought a harrells press for a dedicated set up. I primed 2k 223 Lake city brass earlier today. It’s neat little unit. Easy to set the depth consistent, nicely machined. The short stroke on that little press works great.