RCBS A2 press question

[Mulligan]

I just screwed a NJ die in my A2 press, the shell holder was still a long ways from the bottom of the die. So I pulled that die out and screwed in a Redding dasher die, same deal.
After some time doing an internet search, I think an extended shell holder or shell holder extension is what I need.
There are universal shell holder extensions and extended shell holders.

Couple of questions,
1.) did the A2 come with some sort of extension or does the ram inner sleeve have a third hole?
2.) Did dies have longer threads "back in the day"? My old Herter's, RCBS, and CH dies will not work in this press as configured.
3.) The extended shell holder would be pricier because you have to buy one for each size you use but it would have one less "joint" in the system. Which is the more accurate way to go?
Thanks
CW

 

[bobm]

My A2 has this extension for "normal" die reach. Can you post a picture of your A2?

 

[Mulligan]

 

[bobm]

Are your measurements the same? Your press is a little older than mine. It was pale faded green and chipped paint all over. Bead blasted and powder coated courtesy of a shop I once worked at.

 

[M-61]

Original press came with a threaded (internal) ram.
You screwed the ‘all purpose) case holder into it.
This would hold all cases except 45-70
They supplied a screw in piece which would hold your 45-70 shell holder. They RCBS) would send you a replacement ram which held normal shell holders. If requested.Their original multi case holder wasn’t really bad you just had to keep it clean.
With the new ram you were back to (at no charge) a ‘ normal’ press.
I’m the original owner of this A4 which are serial numbered by the way. Mine has the shovel handle.
I think you could mount van ATV tire on this monster!
Everything took a normal die. Their one size fits all shell holder as originally sold needs nothing special. With their replacement ram you have a regular press that’s a monster.
If I didn’t make myself clear I can post pictures of everything as I have it all.
Screw up! I did not carefully read the OP’s post
I wrote a story about an A4 !
Sorry but maybe someone wanted to know about an A4. I don’t know a damn thing about an A2 except I should read more carefully!

 

[Mulligan]

Are your measurements the same? Your press is a little older than mine. It was pale faded green and chipped paint all over. Bead blasted and powder coated courtesy of a shop I once worked at.

Looks exactly the same.
3 3/8” from bottom of opening to top of fully extended ram.
Total opening is 3 7/8”

CW

 

[bobm]

Original press came with a threaded (internal) ram.
You screwed the ‘all purpose) case holder into it.
This would hold all cases except 45-70
They supplied a screw in piece which would hold your 45-70 shell holder. They RCBS) would send you a replacement ram which held normal shell holders. If requested.Their original multi case holder wasn’t really bad you just had to keep it clean.
With the new ram you were back to (at no charge) a ‘ normal’ press.
I’m the original owner of this A4 which are serial numbered by the way. Mine has the shovel handle.
I think you could mount van ATV tire on this monster!
Everything took a normal die. Their one size fits all shell holder as originally sold needs nothing special. With their replacement ram you have a regular press that’s a monster.
If I didn’t make myself clear I can post pictures of everything as I have it all.
Screw up! I did not carefully read the OP’s post
I wrote a story about an A4 !
Sorry but maybe someone wanted to know about an A4. I don’t know a damn thing about an A2 except I should read more carefully!

Good read, M-61, don't delete! Love the bolded sentences, though.

 

[bobm]

Hmmmmm......Dasher must be too puny for that press design.

Extended shell holder should fix the problem.