I would like to make a reloading setup that I can take to the range. Currently I am using a RCBS Rockchucker press. I am thinking about getting a RCBS Partner press for the range. Dimensionally are these press's the same as far as the die settings? I do not want to have to reset my dies when using the different press's.

Thank you, Tony

It's unlikely you could swap your dies between two new RCs without doing a bit of tweaking to the dies. Presses aren't made to spaceship tolerances.

What Jim said. Even changing shell holders can change ammo dimensions. Sizing may be doable but seating depths will change from press to press.

Can't fault the Lee hand press. Cheap as chips and light to boot. Comes down the range when load developing and works a treat.

quote:

Originally posted by tony300wby:
I would like to make a reloading setup that I can take to the range. Currently I am using a RCBS Rockchucker press. I am thinking about getting a RCBS Partner press for the range. Dimensionally are these press's the same as far as the die settings? I do not want to have to reset my dies when using the different press's.

Thank you, Tony

Thanks for asking our advice.

I have to ask, "Why?"

Ok, I know why. You have your press set permanently on your bench. But since others may not be so lucky as to have a permanent bench, I thought I would share this thought: Make your whole bench portable.

All the stuff I regularly use fits into 3 toolboxes plus a folding workbench.

One is 23" x 10"x10" and contains my press (Lee Classic Turret), mounting system (a 2"x6" board that I clamp into the portable workbench) a small "4"X8"X1.5" fishing tackle box to contain all the small parts & tools and the primer feeding system. There's room for a couple of manuals in there, too.

The second (15"x8"x8") contains all the gunpowder handling parts. Scale, funnel, Powder measure/dispenser and a set of Lee's measuring scoops/dippers and my loading safety glasses.

The third (15"x7"x7") contains seven sets of reloading dies, mounted in their turrets inside their plastic storage cylinders, ready to plug into the press and use.

With my folding workbench, I can set up my reloading operation anywhere in just a few minutes.

Regards,

Lost Sheep

The RCBS Partner Press makes a good range press. Mostly for it's smaller size and lighter weight. However it is those very points that make it not as suitable for full length sizing.

Here's what I do. I have the big Redding press mounted at home and size 100 pieces of brass at a time. I set the seater die in the Partner press and take it to the range with my sized brass. Works great. I can adjust the load and seating depth at the range as needed. BTW, I have the Partner press mounted to a 12"x12" board that clamps easily to a table at the range.

I have noticed many folks at BR matches that have their presses, etc mounted on boards which they c-clamp to a table.

I have three Partners bolted to a piece of angle iron. I use C clamps to clamp it to the Bench at the range.


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quote:

Originally posted by Haggis:
Can't fault the Lee hand press. Cheap as chips and light to boot. Comes down the range when load developing and works a treat.

I agree the Lee hand press is a plessure and small to transport. I like the system where spend primers are ejected in the shaft compared to Lyman which ejects the primer to the side which let it end up on the floor.

I have not got one but this was the one I was thinking about getting for the range.
HDS compac reloading tool Part # 89100.
http://www.huntingtons.com/reloadingpresses.html
Has anybody tried one?

I did the same thing with the same two RCBS presses. Works fine. The dimensions are not even close so you will need to adjust your dies. I finally make a base for the rockchucker and just take that (now a big max)

Ive been using a lyman acculine for field work when Im working up loads with a chrony and such.. It aint the best but it works for the mobile stuff.

If you have two presses with one set of dies use shims if there is that much difference, if in my possession there is a die with the lock ring secured to the die, it is not my die, I adjust my dies every time I install the die into the press with the companion tool to the press, the feeler gage. as I have said before "I am a big fan of cutting down on all that case travel" and if a reloader is able to determine the difference between the two presses the reloader could use the feeler gage if the difference is .011 thousands or less.

Lyman made a kit in the old days that was the size of a 1.5 cu ft tool box, when at the range the press was removed from the box and installed on the (top) end of the box, then one foot was placed into the tool box to hold it, one hand was used on the handle and the other hand was used to stabilize.

A friend was going to build a case for reloading at the range, I found him a 10 foot piano hinge that would allow him to make it tri-fold, the folding box would allow him to make it without drawers, then he wanted to make it from something very light like thin wood....and that is as far as it got. we both spent time in the oil field where heavy is not ugly, when it comes to reloading he is one of the best.

F. Guffey

quote:

Originally posted by Bob from down under:
I have not got one but this was the one I was thinking about getting for the range.
HDS compac reloading tool Part # 89100.
http://www.huntingtons.com/reloadingpresses.html
Has anybody tried one?

I have one and it works great! Much better than my Lee hand press. The LHP was very springy, and the ram was mis-aligned to the die hole pretty severely. The Huntington has virtually no spring to it, and is very well made. I put a 4" circle of wood on the bottom of it, so it will stand up on a flat surface if you need both hands for something else. Feeding bullets between the guide rails is a bit tricky until you get used to it.

Andy

quote:

Originally posted by Bob from down under:
I have not got one but this was the one I was thinking about getting for the range.
HDS compac reloading tool Part # 89100.
http://www.huntingtons.com/reloadingpresses.html
Has anybody tried one?

I just bought Huntingtons COMPAC tool, but haven't used it yet.
I can say it is very well made, with a good leverage set of arms. Stronger than the Lee.

quote:

Originally posted by BigJakeJ1s:

quote:

Originally posted by Bob from down under:
I have not got one but this was the one I was thinking about getting for the range.
HDS compac reloading tool Part # 89100.
http://www.huntingtons.com/reloadingpresses.html
Has anybody tried one?

I have one and it works great! Much better than my Lee hand press. The LHP was very springy, and the ram was mis-aligned to the die hole pretty severely. The Huntington has virtually no spring to it, and is very well made. I put a 4" circle of wood on the bottom of it, so it will stand up on a flat surface if you need both hands for something else. Feeding bullets between the guide rails is a bit tricky until you get used to it.

Andy

I should have read your post before I made my post on the COMPAC!!!