Portable Reloading Press

Post by **JEBar** » Fri Dec 20, 2019 1:20 pm

has anyone seen the new RCBS is offering a new Summit™ Single Stage Reloading Press (link below) .... it appears to me that it cold be setup as a portable press .... I'm interested in coming up with a compact, EASY TO USE, press that I could take and use at a range when developing a new load

https://www.rcbs.com/presses/single-stage/16-9290.html

Ojaileveraction · Post by **Ojaileveraction** » Fri Dec 20, 2019 1:28 pm

You should get an Arbor press bullet seater for your Range load Developement.
No need for clamps.

Ojaileveraction · Post by **Ojaileveraction** » Fri Dec 20, 2019 1:42 pm

The benchrest guys prep their cases the bring one of those battery powered auto powder dispensers and an Arbore press seater to finish development.
Thinking about it it would speed my development up.

Mistered · Post by **Mistered** » Fri Dec 20, 2019 1:59 pm

Interesting, trim design - I hope to see one soon.

HOWEVER - you can probably find a good, used 'JR' press for a 1/4 or less in price and you wouldn't be so 'inhibited' on any mods or adaptations to make it portable.

IF for any reason your 'portable' system does not work out you are not out much.

Post by **JEBar** » Fri Dec 20, 2019 3:08 pm

in addition to range work, I'd like to be able to transport it during our travels for use along the way .... in addition to a powder drop, and a few other accessories in as small of a box as possible .... the idea that has been bouncing around in my head is the box could be board to mount them .... the box could then be clamped to a campground's picnic table .... such a setup could drastically reduce the amount of loaded ammo I need to transport and give me something I enjoy doing during slower days

Post by **Rifletom** » Fri Dec 20, 2019 3:30 pm

That's an interesting design RCBS has come up with. Looks tough as heck. I also like Mistered's idea on the "JR".
Economical thinking there.

Mistered · Post by **Mistered** » Fri Dec 20, 2019 3:43 pm

I would have liked to see a quick change die system on this press similar to the one on my Bonanza Co-Ax press.

It is literally nothing more than a machined recess in the head of the press where a die with a standard 7/8 locknut on it can be simply slid in and out of the recess as changes are needed. There is an adjustable spring loaded ball bearing 'detent' to secure the die but that's it. This could have easily been designed into the head of this press.

If you have ever used a press with a quick change die system you would probably never go back to a thread in/out style.

My Rock Chucker press only gets used for resizing rifle brass now (and occasionally pulling bullets) and the Co-Ax gets used for everything else.

Post by **JEBar** » Fri Dec 20, 2019 4:00 pm

Mistered wrote: ↑
Fri Dec 20, 2019 1:59 pm
HOWEVER - you can probably find a good, used 'JR' press for a 1/4 or less in price and you wouldn't be so 'inhibited' on any mods or adaptations to make it portable.

in looking at alternatives, the RCBS looks promising .... I like the weight / size ....

RCBS Partner O-Frame Cast Aluminum Single Stage Press --- 12 x 10 x 3 inches ; 4.54 pounds

https://www.amazon.com/RCBS-87460-Partn ... 713&sr=8-1

TMB · Post by **TMB** » Fri Dec 20, 2019 4:03 pm

Mistered is correct on the cost of a RCBS JR. I have a JR2 and it only cost me $30. I plan to bolt it to a 2" x 12" x 24" white oak plank so it can be clamped to a table. This gives it strength and portability.

Mistered · Post by **Mistered** » Fri Dec 20, 2019 4:17 pm

You might even look into something from LEE for your intended purpose - incidental, limited etc.

Some LEE stuff gets pretty good reviews and you might find something used for an even better deal than RCBS.

Post by **JEBar** » Fri Dec 20, 2019 4:36 pm

TMB wrote: ↑
Fri Dec 20, 2019 4:03 pm
I plan to bolt it to a 2" x 12" x 24" white oak plank so it can be clamped to a table.

when you get it mounted, please post a picture

Post by **runnin n gunnin** » Fri Dec 20, 2019 8:49 pm

I'd love to hear your review once you get it set up. As Mistered said, Lee makes some good stuff. I'm primarily a Redding guy, but use Lee factory crimp die on every caliber as well as their bullet remover.

kamml · Post by **kamml** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 7:58 am

I have used a Lee hand press at the range before and was quite successful. I used RCBS dies and small RCBS powder scale. Except for a gust of wind once and while it was a good combination.

Ojaileveraction · Post by **Ojaileveraction** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 8:41 am

kamml wrote: ↑
Sat Dec 21, 2019 7:58 am
I have used a Lee hand press at the range before and was quite successful. Except for a gust of wind once and while it was a good combination.

I'd be seen guys build a box to keep their range set, designed to be the set up to shelter from the wind.

Post by **JEBar** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 9:21 am

Ojaileveraction wrote: ↑
Sat Dec 21, 2019 8:41 am

kamml wrote: ↑
Sat Dec 21, 2019 7:58 am
I have used a Lee hand press at the range before and was quite successful. Except for a gust of wind once and while it was a good combination.
I'd be seen guys build a box to keep their range set, designed to be the set up to shelter from the wind.

I haven't seen it put into practice and I'm really glad to hear this .... its an idea that's been bouncing around in my head for several years .... I've considered a heavy duty box that I can mount the press and power measure on but more recently I've been moving away from that idea .... in and of itself such a box would be heavy .... more recently I've visualized a standard plastic box for the storage of a board and the reloading gear .... I'd clamp the board onto our site picnic table or onto a fitting inserted into our truck or camper's 2" receiver

Post by **BigAl52** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 10:35 am

Jim maybe you have looked at one. One of those portable stands might be something to look at
https://www.natchezss.com/frankford-ars ... stand.html

Mistered · Post by **Mistered** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 11:24 am

or onto a fitting inserted into our truck or camper's 2" receiver

This is not a half bad idea.
Fab a short riser out of 2" receiver tube and weld a 1/4" plate on top just big enough to bolt the press to and a done deal.
If you can keep the riser relatively short you can keep the press mounted to it and find a place to store the complete assembly.
It might be a bit wobbly due to the gap in the tube and the receiver but you could probably find a thin piece of sheet metal to slide in the gap to reduce the wobble.

Post by **JEBar** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 11:25 am

interesting stand .... haven't seen it before .... being plastic and light weight, I can't help but wonder how sturdy it will be

Post by **BigAl52** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 11:59 am

There are some others available Jim. Matter of fact I think RR uses one because of limited room. Not sure which one he has.

Mistered · Post by **Mistered** » Sat Dec 21, 2019 11:59 am

I'd stick with the receiver tube idea.
It's solid, you (or someone else) can't knock it over and would take up less room.

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