Vintage Press ID

[GLM912]

It's been a long time since I did any reloading - my dad and I did some in the mid-70's. As I recall, my dad bought the equipment from an estate so it was probably old back then. I just recently unboxed the equipment and most if it is easily identifiable. Not this press. I cannot see a name or model on it and have been unable to find any information. In looking at this forum, there seems to be a lot of knowledge so I thought I would give it a go. Can someone identify this and fill me in on any information on it? I am especially curious on how old it is. Thanks!

 

[bozo699]

Funny - but is that any "weigh" to welcome a new member?!

He answered your question to the best of his ability!…. We have no grammar or spelling police on this forum!… He’s a long standing forum member with a lot of knowledge!….
“Welcome” to the “forum”
Wayne

 

[bozo699]

It’s a Hollywood jr. Single stage press
Wayne

 

[GLM912]

It’s a Hollywood jr. Single stage press
Wayne

Awesome! Thanks for the quick response and the ID. --Gary

 

[joshb]

Welcome to the forum! It’s a neat old piece, tho you might look into getting an RCBS Rockchucker press. I’ve been using mine since I bought it in the 70s.

 

[ebb]

The Hollywood presses are highly collectable, and there is a bunch of collectors at Cast Boolits that go crazy over them.

 

[M-61]

It’s a Hollywood jr. Single stage press
Wayne

I’m not sure about that.
Maybe a really early version I haven’t seen

 

[R.Morehouse]

I use a pair of Hollywood Seniors that make fantastic ammo paired with custom dies.......

Cool Old Press......The old patina is nice, but I would refinish that one......Enjoy

Regards
Rick

 

[M-61]

This is what I remember a Hollywood gun shop press to be

 

[R.Morehouse]

There are quite a few different ones out there......The one pictured above is the Senior. I would like to have one of these turret presses to play with. It is hard to find them in excellent condition.

 

[M-61]

There are quite a few different ones out there......The one pictured above is the Senior.

Yes. The turret model.
All of them were a beast and I certainly don’t know every model they ever made. Once they were out of business, another company started making them but with lots of shortcuts. I think they are done for also.
Always wanted the Senior but the price isn’t the problem. That knock off is definitely inferior. And I can’t be sure what I’m buying. Should have “Hollywood Gun Shop” cast on the side, but who knows what these knockoff people did.

 

[bozo699]

I’m not sure about that.
Maybe a really early version I haven’t seen

To be honest I had no clue what it was, I spent about 15 minutes online looking at old presses and found one identical to the op that said it was a Hollywood jr the Hollywoods I have seen looks like the ones you pictured.
Wayne

 

[M-61]

I have a bunch of presses. I like the way they look.
However, not wanting to steal this post, in my opinion the press, any of them from a crazy Prazzi something to a wood working vise has little to do with turning out quality ammo. I believe the die is the whole thing. No matter the slop in the linkage or everything, once that case enters the die nothing is changing the case. I have no idea what it would take to deform a die. To me they are like a wrist pin in an engine. I’ve worked on plenty of horrific blow ups but it seems the wrist pin always appears just fine.
But this dose not stop me from owning or admiring really nicely made presses that are impressive.
I remember the days long ago when you were told never buy a “C” press. When I look at some today, and see that casting I wonder what it takes to flex that cast iron! And if it did once the case is in the die, so what.
I guess I did hijack this post but I can’t read anymore about cleaning barrels.

 

[ebb]

M61 the one you posted a picture of is a Hollywood senior. And you are right, If I ever get one I want it to be a senior. But it just being a Hollywood of some type adds to the cool factor. That press may have loaded the ammo that won the first super shoot, who knows? I have an old Lyman C press that has a turret top and it is a lot of iron I don't see how it could flex. I am thinking one day I will set up that press with my 223 dies and leave them in the press, so my go to load will be crank and go.