I have been considering getting one of those RCBS "case mate" (or whatever the are called) trim stations, but in the mean time I have looked around some hardware shops for an alternative, also an alternative ot having to wait for a gunshop to order the RCBS gadget in...

I found a simple drill press, for about $65 and another hand help device that accepts a serieas of little bits, polishers, grinders, engraving tools, brushes etc...for about $50

This tool can be fitted into a bracket and used in a press configuration, though cost twice as much set up like this. The accessories are also limited to the same brand, as the chuck is very small.

What does the RBCS machine cost?

What do you all use for brushing necks, uniforming primer pockets, flash hole etc..?

Thanks

Express,

Price the RCBS Trim Mate Case Prep Center and buy it at one of these places:

Natchez

Midway

Midsouth

It's about US$85 - $90 and will be cheaper than a local gunshop. Unless shipping to Italy will kill you - could be.

I use a drill press. The sources above all list tools that you can buy that will fit into standard chucks. A good overall starter kit of good quality is the Lyman Power Deburring Tool Set. Lyman Part number 7999050. It has everything you need and will work in your drill press or power screwdriver. All the above suppliers sell it.

Good luck.

Drill press, every time.

I don't see how anyone loads without one. It'll do all the routine case prep and a pile of stuff you never thought of. Roll crimping shotshells, cutting off cases, polishing expander balls, lapping moulds, and on and on.

Mine is a Chinese junk bench model I paid $100 some years back. Some things to look for are a screw-in chuck of at least 1/2" capacity, an accurate quill stop that can be finely adjusted and a reasonable range of speeds. I got the reasonable range of speed, cobbled up a decent quill stop (using the drill press to make it, of course.), and am stuck with the Jacobs taper chuck.

The problem with Jacobs taper chucks is that they won't take much lateral pressure. It's been a problem a few times, but I have learned to live with it and have found some ways around that.

>The problem with Jacobs taper chucks is that they won't take much lateral pressure. It's been a problem a few times, but I have learned to live with it and have found some ways around that.<

Sears sold a Craftsman drill press for years that had a chuck that was held onto the Jacobs taper. I'm not sure who made these, maybe Walker-Turner. Keep you eyes open when looking at used ones for this feature. I bought mine new about 1967 and have used it well ever since.