RCBS A-2 single stage press function and value

[dkhunt14]

I wouldn't touch it. Other than the press it's a pile of junk. Even if it's servicable it isn't worth the time and money to disassemble , glass bead and paint. I have a RCBS RC IV that I bought 2 years ago. for about $150. I don't think frame strength is an issue at least for me. I can size 6BR cases holding the handle with the tips of my thumb and 2 fingers. A very low amount of force. All the different brands and models look the same to me in photos as far as the amount of cast iron in the frame? I think a big issue is wear of the ram and hole it goes thru. Castings have warpage. I would assume the accuracy, alignment and squareness of the ram hole and threaded die hole to each other would be the biggest issue. Machining is much more accurate on modern mass produced parts than it was 50 years ago??? It isn't worth $25 to find out if it's in good shape.

Added later:

Driving to the range, range membership, reloading supplies and gas diving about 1500 miles a year are a greater expense than a good press. Everyone has a different idea of who makes the best press. Listen to what the serious competition shooters like ignore everyone else. There are a lot of keyboard experts on this website and some of the the country's best.

Can I buy a new hunting license with all the stores closed?

I believe the A4 and A2 presses were cast steel, not iron. They were much stronger. That's why the bullet makers wanted them. They are in high demand. Look up the prices of A4. Most go for around 400.00. Matt

 

[Cecil S.]

I bought an older RCBS Jr 2 off of flea bay for $30.00. Sent the Ram handle assembly to RCBS and they sent it back fixed up with a new handle for free. It does the dirty work in my reloading I would not part with it. I added a primer catcher from site member "The German" and its the Cats Azz.

 

[JFrank]

I believe the A4 and A2 presses were cast steel, not iron. They were much stronger. That's why the bullet makers wanted them. They are in high demand. Look up the prices of A4. Most go for around 400.00. Matt

Boy I sure missed my guess then.

 

[STS]

You guys that think an A series press isn't worth cleaning up or is only worth $50 should take a look at what many of them have sold for on Ebay. There is no comparison between the A presses and a Rockchucker. They are cast steel, heavy and very rigid presses. The series started with the pre A which looks very much like the A's. The A press came next followed by the 2A. Funny thing was that RCBS intended it to be the A2 and someone at the foundry screwed up and cast a bunch of them as 2A's. The next run they got it right and cast them as A2's from there on until they stopped making them. I had 7 of them at one time for bullet swaging and have sold all but the one I use to reload on.

 

[Webster]

You guys that think an A series press isn't worth cleaning up or is only worth $50 should take a look at what many of them have sold for on Ebay. There is no comparison between the A presses and a Rockchucker. They are cast steel, heavy and very rigid presses. The series started with the pre A which looks very much like the A's. The A press came next followed by the 2A. Funny thing was that RCBS intended it to be the A2 and someone at the foundry screwed up and cast a bunch of them as 2A's. The next run they got it right and cast them as A2's from there on until they stopped making them. I had 7 of them at one time for bullet swaging and have sold all but the one I use to reload on.

Found this on internet:
The RCBS A2 is the best single stage press every made. Most were made from cast steel, but some of the later ones were cast iron. If your press have the bushing in the top to reduce the threads to 7/8 X 14 it is steel.

I don't see strength as an issue for sizing. The front frame is about 3/4" sq. the back is much larger. You are not going to bend a piece of metal 3/4" sq. sizing cases.

 

[Cecil S.]

You guys that think an A series press isn't worth cleaning up or is only worth $50 should take a look at what many of them have sold for on Ebay. There is no comparison between the A presses and a Rockchucker. They are cast steel, heavy and very rigid presses. The series started with the pre A which looks very much like the A's. The A press came next followed by the 2A. Funny thing was that RCBS intended it to be the A2 and someone at the foundry screwed up and cast a bunch of them as 2A's. The next run they got it right and cast them as A2's from there on until they stopped making them. I had 7 of them at one time for bullet swaging and have sold all but the one I use to reload on.

Many of the guys here use them and have had them for years. These presses are work horses and last for years. RCBS has a great service program I was amazed at what they did for me. So if you can get a press for the right money grab it and talk to RCBS you might be very surprised!

 

[Cecil S.]

Found this on internet:
The RCBS A2 is the best single stage press every made. Most were made from cast steel, but some of the later ones were cast iron. If your press have the bushing in the top to reduce the threads to 7/8 X 14 it is steel.

I don't see strength as an issue for sizing. The front frame is about 3/4" sq. the back is much larger. You are not going to bend a piece of metal 3/4" sq. sizing cases.

Forester Coax press was my choice for the resizing leverage I wanted. But this is a personal choice.

 

[dkhunt14]

Found this on internet:
The RCBS A2 is the best single stage press every made. Most were made from cast steel, but some of the later ones were cast iron. If your press have the bushing in the top to reduce the threads to 7/8 X 14 it is steel.

I don't see strength as an issue for sizing. The front frame is about 3/4" sq. the back is much larger. You are not going to bend a piece of metal 3/4" sq. sizing cases.

In most cases you are correct. For most loading your Rockchucker is good. They are also a solid press but not as strong as the A2 or A4. The A4 Black Max or Big Max is even heavier.

If you have a real heavy thick walled case or have a die that is near the minimum sizing to get bump the A2 will not spring near as much. That's why the bullet makers liked them. Matt

 

[johara1]

I would say the buy whole lot of stuff is inline at 275.00with to days dollar. That old Redding power measure is good too. Buy the press and sell the rest.... jim

 

[oley55]

I would say the buy whole lot of stuff is inline at 275.00with to days dollar. That old Redding power measure is good too. Buy the press and sell the rest.... jim

that's an RCBS Uniflow powder measure, not a Redding (pretty big difference in value me thinks. Regardless, I have just reached out to the seller to see if it's still available. He says Not due to sale pending. No idea what was offered/accepted.

 

[johara1]

that's an RCBS Uniflow powder measure, not a Redding (pretty big difference in value me thinks. Regardless, I have just reached out to the seller to see if it's still available. He says Not due to sale pending. No idea what was offered/accepted.

I meant scale , but you snooze you loose. the scale and powder measure with stand is easy worth a 100 +..... or with a good trickle you could load some pretty good wheels with thats there.... That is one of the few A2's I ever saw for sale...... jim

 

[JFrank]

Dang Jim
Let me check my garage I probably got some stuff to sell

 

[oley55]

note to self, there are way more dipsticks posting their wisdom than knowledgeable persons. Based on the (it's only worth $25-50) I hesitated long enough and missed out on a seriously great deal. A lot like being in a room full of Navy Chiefs, who are always certain, but seldom right.

 

[Clark]

Worth $20 at a yard sale.
Worth $200 on Ebay.

If you are wealthy, do not make money off the people who are not.

 

[oley55]

Worth $20 at a yard sale.
Worth $200 on Ebay.

If you are wealthy, do not make money off the people who are not.

except make that $500 plus.....

 

[AJC]

note to self, there are way more dipsticks posting their wisdom than knowledgeable persons. Based on the (it's only worth $25-50) I hesitated long enough and missed out on a seriously great deal. A lot like being in a room full of Navy Chiefs, who are always certain, but seldom right.

Bitter much...

 

[bozo699]

Wow!..... We’ve been cooped up to long!....
Wayne

 

[dolek]

Bitter much...

Well said , I was thinking the same...

 

[dolek]

note to self, there are way more dipsticks posting their wisdom than knowledgeable persons. Based on the (it's only worth $25-50) I hesitated long enough and missed out on a seriously great deal. A lot like being in a room full of Navy Chiefs, who are always certain, but seldom right.

Dipsticks ? Some big internet muscles right there.

 

[oley55]

My apologies, most definitely showing my azz with that post.