RCBS Summit Improvised Primer Catcher

[vtmarmot]

My new RCBS Summit press, a "solicited" birthday present from my wife, arrived the other day. Today I got around to affixing it to the bench. Something about that primer catcher stuck in my craw. It just somehow seemed "under-engineered". For another thing, it also would have forced me to mount the press further forward than I wanted to.

My solution was to get some clear half inch tubing. I drilled a half inch hole in the bench right in front of the primer chute. I pushed the tube up from the bottom until about 1 1/4 inch protruded above the bench. I then cut the tubing 1/2 way through at the bench level on the side facing the press, and I also split that section lengthwise. Spreading this out to form flaps, I affixed these flaps to the screw holes for the delivered primer catcher. This doesn't interfere with the changing of shell holders but it captures all the primers positively.

The tube, which is nearly three feet long, is secured to one leg of the bench with cable ties and it empties into an old coffee can by the wall. I figure it will be a few years before I have to empty the can. Testing reveals that this setup works slicker than owl droppings.

Yes, the die carrier of the Summit has some play in it, but after reading Boyd Allen's latest article in "Precision Rifleman" I view this as a good thing. I have yet to check run out for sizing and seating, but I'm impressed with the Summit overall. I ordered the short handle with it and the ergonomics suit my loading style better than my old Lee whether standing or sitting on my stool. However, I was underwhelmed by the instructions. They even include a correction sheet for some bad advice given in the original pamphlet. Their web site is even less informative.

 

[stubbicatt]

I think you will like your press. I'm content with mine, though when first received, none of the fasteners was snugged down. Took a little adjustment to get it just right. Knock on wood, it is still working.

I like your primer catcher idea.

 

[ReedG]

Just what I want, Peter ... a brand-new piece of equipment that needs mods to work well. I know you like the "upside-down" operation with the handle above the bench so I hope it works for you. Too "retro" for me.

Since the '60s, when I started with a Pacific "Super-C" press, reloading preferences have gone from the loosey-goosey stuff we had then through the tight-is-right movement, and now drifting back to loosey-goosey. Several manufacturers offered presses similar to the "new" Summit back in those days and they were considered no good for quality reloading.

 

[CatShooter]

Just what I want, Peter ... a brand-new piece of equipment that needs mods to work well. I know you like the "upside-down" operation with the handle above the bench so I hope it works for you. Too "retro" for me.

Since the '60s, when I started with a Pacific "Super-C" press, reloading preferences have gone from the loosey-goosey stuff we had then through the tight-is-right movement, and now drifting back to loosey-goosey. Several manufacturers offered presses similar to the "new" Summit back in those days and they were considered no good for quality reloading.

Mechanically, the Summit press is almost identical to the old Hollywood press of the '40s and 50's. It had a single "Knee action" leverage system, and case forming was near impossible.

When Fed Huntington invented the compound swinging leverage system, he put a torpedo into the hull of the Hollywood press (and a bunch of others), and they sank!

Fred must be laughing his azz off at this "New and improved" RCBS press.

I guess everything old, is new again

 

[M-61]

I was fortunate to be able to purchase the 'Patriotic" Summit Press, which is red, white, and blue. (RCBS donated proceeds to disabled VETS).
Completely pleased with the press. Operates exactly to my liking and any company that supports veterans (disabled or not ) gets my thanks and business.

 

[stubbicatt]

I have not done any case forming, so with that caveat, I will say that the perceived leverage required to full length size cases with the Summit does not seem to be any more than that required with the Rock Chucker.

If I had to choose only one, it would be the RC. That said, the Summit is a really nice press.

 

[amlevin]

Yes, the die carrier of the Summit has some play in it, but after reading Boyd Allen's latest article in "Precision Rifleman" I view this as a good thing.

I've taken a different view and don't see "slop" as a good thing. I went the other way and have tightened the guide screws on the back to the point where they just barely provide enough clearance to allow the die carrier to move when I pull the handle. No drag but no clearance either.

The result on my .308 brass has been the lowest case runout I've ever seen using any other method from "sloppy rams" on a Rock Chucker to o-rings under the die lock nut. Average case runout measured at the neck now averages less than .0005" with some as low as "no movement" on the indicator. That works well enough for me.

The only O-Ring I have on my press is the o-ring that locks the Hornady LnL bushings I use as I converted the die carrier to use the Hornady quick change system. There's no measurable die movement when sizing so the o-ring is just there for locking friction.

FWIW, the primer catcher on the Summit Press can be mounted in two ways. One with it hanging over the edge of the bench and the other with the back of the catcher lying flat on the top of the bench. When installed that way it just keeps the spent primers from ending up all over the bench top.

The hole in the bench trick is the way to go and a piece of tubing isn't even required if you just put a small waste bucket, paint can, or cardboard box under the hole. Once they make it through the hole in the bench they fall pretty much straight down.