reloading press

[Tom Thomson]

I have an RCBS press with the letters "RS3" cast in the side frame. I'm pretty happy with it, but lately I wonder about the accuracy. Has anyone checked the squareness and concentricity of the ram with the die holder? How did you do it? For the life of me, I cannot think of a way to hold my indicator (either the Gem or the Brown & Sharpe).
tommyt

 

[M-61]

Quote:
"I'm pretty happy with it, but lately I wonder about the accuracy."


When you say 'accuracy' do you mean the final finished cartridge? Or has something happened with a target group? I guess I am wondering what has led you to have a concern with the press.

 

[Tom Thomson]

M
I mean the accuracy of the press itself. I'm working up a 308 plinker load which is changing as I go (getting better) so I can't compare to past performance. What got me thinking was running the crimp die. I could see the bullet tip go slightly sideways as the die closed and now I wonder why.
tommyt

 

[bheadboy]

I never crimp rifle bullets unless they are cast, then use the taper crimp - often bullets will tip when placed in the case but straighten in the seating process, usually boat tail bullets - flat base bullets if the expander ball is too small for the brass thickness and it springs back.

Bob

 

[Dusty Stevens]

A press with some slop in it is way more accurate than one with zero. Its all in the dies and you get what you pay for

 

[LHSmith]

A press with some slop in it is way more accurate than one with zero. Its all in the dies and you get what you pay for

+1 - If you question your press, remove the retaining clip that holds the S/H and let the die center the case without bias. An o-ring can be used instead of the clip.