Opinions on Redding's Boss press???

09 October 2001, 14:54

Well, I know RCBS pretty much has the market on O-frame presses cornered, but I'm always interested in quality products from any maker. And I am definitely a fan of many of Redding's other products.

So, how does the Boss rate, relative to other O-frames like the RockChucker, Hornady, etc.? Strength, runout, other factors?

Thanks,
RSY

09 October 2001, 15:42

<Jeff S>

Any of the presses you mentioned will meet your needs. I've had a Rockchucker going on 24 years. Gazillions of rounds later it still runs like new... IMO their ain't .05 difference between any of your choices.

10 October 2001, 03:27

LE270

I've used a Redding Boss press now for about a dozen years, after destroying (breaking) the base or undercarriage of a Lee Turret press through repeated full length resizing of 338 brass.

I like the Redding a lot. But I must note that the original bottom yoke into which the handle fits broke immediately on my first using it. I called Redding and they told me that they were having problems with that because of metal failure or defective heat treating or some such. They replaced the broken piece free and there has never been a problem with it since that time.

I did drill a third bolt hole into the base -- there were only two holes originally, and the press would rock on the bench with only two bolts holding it down. Drilling a third hole between the other two, off the line of the existing two so as to form a triangle, and bolting the press down with three bolts, solved that problem.

Years ago I used a RCBS press for a short time. I cannot see any difference between the Redding and the RCBS, except that the Redding has a better handle. The Redding is also offset, giving better access when putting cases in and taking them out of the shell holder, or when putting bullets in place to be seated.

[This message has been edited by LE270 (edited 10-09-2001).]

10 October 2001, 06:10

ol blue

The Redding Boss is a smaller press than the Rock chucker, making it quite nice for using on the bench and taking to the range. I can keep all my dies set up for one press, and not have to change things around for use on another (lighter) press to take to the range. Lugging around the weight of the rockchucker is not a good option. Also quality is good on the little Boss press. I recommend it. On the other hand, if you only load at home on the bench, I would stick with the Rockchucker, Redding Ultramag, or the Forster Co-ax press.... ol blue

10 October 2001, 15:06

Magnum Mike

I used a Boss for about 17 years now. Never had a single problem. The only complaint is the way the thing spits decapped primers all over the floor. Minor detail. I used this thing to load 1000's (loaded at least 10,000 rounds of .223)of pistol and rifle rounds. Still works as good today as it did the day i brought it home.

mike

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NRA Life Member

10 October 2001, 15:13

LE270

quote:
Originally posted by mssmagnum:
The only complaint is the way the thing spits decapped primers all over the floor.

To solve that problem, I put a large trash receptacle under the press as I'm using it.

11 October 2001, 00:49

RSY

Apparently, the new ones now have three (3) mounting holes and a primer catcher, too...

http://www.redding-reloading.com/pages/bosspress.html

If I decide to go with the Boss, I'll definitely have to get the ball-handle conversion for it.

RSY

[This message has been edited by RSY (edited 10-10-2001).]

12 October 2001, 12:29

<ssleefl>

The ram on the Boss is 3/4" in diameter. The rockchucker is 1". By the time you spend the $6 for the ball handle you almost have a chucker. Mid south shooters supply has chuckers for $95.50.

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"A school of Tuna led by a Shark can beat a school of Sharks led by a Tuna"

Most divorces are based on disagreements over small matters, so are most murders.

12 October 2001, 14:37

Magnum Mike

quote:
Originally posted by LE270:
To solve that problem, I put a large trash receptacle under the press as I'm using it.

Yes, i have done the same but it seems to always throws a few clear of the can.....

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NRA Life Member

America, Love it or LEAVE IT!

[This message has been edited by mssmagnum (edited 10-12-2001).]

12 October 2001, 15:22

RSY

quote:
Originally posted by ssleefl:
The ram on the Boss is 3/4" in diameter. The rockchucker is 1".

What exactly does that 0.25" mean in a practical and functional sense? Anything?

RSY