04 June 2021, 01:27
BighornBreathRCBS Partner Press
Is this a good option for a press if I'm only loading for 3 or 4 cartridges? Not needing anything fancy. Would like to hear some feedback. Thanks in advance
04 June 2021, 02:57
MickinColoFor what you're doing the Partner press will do you just fine, you can upgrade later if you want too . In fact, that press should late you the rest of your life depending on how many rounds you shoot a year whether you reload 5 different cartridges or 20. Just take care of it.
Single stage reloading presses are like owning a car, how much do you want to spend to impress the neighbors, or just get to were you're going.
04 June 2021, 04:19
kennedyI had the press for about 5 years. 30/06 or less it worked very good. Plus the primer arm is right there.
04 June 2021, 07:03
Steve E.What they said, like Kennedy I had one about 5 years and loaded 06, 308 and 7-08 with it and loaded some fantastic rounds on it. And if you take care of it someone else will enjoy it after you're long gone. I traded mine off a few years ago and truthfully I wish I had it back.
Steve.........
04 June 2021, 14:58
BStephenson535I've been using one since '09 or so....7MM mag, 7MM-08,30-06, 25-06, 6.5x55.....still using it for 7Mag and 6.5.......still does great!
06 June 2021, 01:39
RCflashi started reloading in 1988 with a simple RCBS kit using the Partner Press..... using the strategy of beginning with the minimum and adding as I saw the need.
The Partner press worked just fine for my hunting rifles. And i didnt mind the slow pace of using a single stage press.
About 10 years ago i was able to get a RCBS Reloader Special [stamped on the top '81'] for $40 {plus a new set of Hornady 44 Mag dies thrown in}
The Reloader Special is my main press now, but my Partner still works as intended. As the experts above advise.... if you take care of your presses they will last a LONG time. Now i usually use the Partner to prime with small rifle primers. Large rifle priming gets done with the other press.
I have never regretted buying the Partner press.
06 June 2021, 15:54
arkypeteI bought one when they first came out and there was a pissing contest with Lee between the two companies. Never had a high opinion of Lee products.
I've used it exclusively for decapping rifle cases so I don't get the primer grit on my Co Ax press, plus I can throw the cases into the tumbler for cleaning afterwards. Found the RCBS press to work fine and dependably.
No, a very poor choice. Lightweight, poor feel, barely enough leverage. Bought one as a "partner" and was sorely disappointed. Sold it and bought a RockChucker. ONLY if that's all you can afford. Used RockChuckers are another option. Wouldn't even recommend for pistol reloading.