Big Max woes
Knowing that I was moving into loading some oversized cases (.505 Gibbs, for example), a friend of mine made me a present of an RCBS Big Max press. Unfortunately, it did not come with the adapter for 1" dies and was fitted with the universal shell holder, which will not accomodate really large case heads. This led to a call, first to Huntington's and then to RCBS for the necessary adapters. I was informed that the 1" adapter was available, but the shellholder adapter, which would allow the use of standard RCBS shell holders, was not. Moreover, the price for the 1" adapter was $49.00 and with shipping the total cost was over $60.00. I chose not to pay that much.
I know that I have other options for the large cases, but it is really irritating that RCBS puts out a product and then stops servicing it. Since I have nothing in the press, I suppose I'll just give it back, but this certainly leaves a bad taste in my moutn about a company whose products I have been using and recommending to others for over 50 years. I think I could find a machine shop which would make both of these items for me for less than what they want to charge for the one item.
15 May 2012, 04:06
p dog shooterAt 65 plus a hr for machine time good luck in finding a shop that can do it cheaper.
You need a big press, price going out and buying one that fit your needs.
Buy the adapter
Yout are using cases that cost $3 or $4 each and shoot bullets that cost $2 each with a powder charge that costs almost that much?
Yeah the bushing is over priced but get real man. That press has not been made in about 20 years. You might find that bushing in a McMacmaster-Carr or similar hardware catalog.
Buy the bushing and move on
Use a little creativity. That universal shell holder will bring at least $100 maybe more on Ebay. Suddenly you can be $$ ahead.
Don't let that press go. They are one of the sturdiest and straightest (more important) ever made. Check on Ebay