RCBS Jr3 Single Stage Press - New Re-loader

Rollbar · #1 03-16-2013, 03:21 PM

Ok first time for everything so i am playing wit the press and learning.

To those NEW re-loaders, now I understand WHY the older seasoned re-loader kept saying to LEARN on a single stage press.

I don't know how many times I had to really think about what I was doing even in these 4 minutes of video.

By the time the LCT gets here (and I learn that) I will be doing well. I figure I will de-prime, re-size and pocket clean first, then move on to powder etc.

Thanks again for the help everyone-it was awesome to do just these two steps.

I can't stop

Two videos that I made, not sure if I messed up the terminology on the first one

Thanks again,
Jim

Video 1:
RCBS Resize/Deprime .45acp - YouTube

Video 2:
RCBS Jr3 Press-Expander and Powder Die - YouTube

P.S. More short videos on post #7

P.S.S. If you are looking for a press/information, go here --> Recommendations for a Starter Progressive Press

QuickDrawMcGraw · #2 03-16-2013, 03:42 PM

Hey' Rollbar* .. congrats on the new old press!
.. looks like you're on the right track, cant wait to do a
hands on' with the 2 press's I have on back-order at Cabelas,
RCBS' Summit' & the Lee Classic Cast breech lock.
I might suggest setting your cam-corder down on something
stable & zooming in to proper composition before you start
rolling, other than that the clarity & audio was pretty good.
Looking forward to the next adventure in your mini-series*

~ Joe

Rollbar · #3 03-16-2013, 03:56 PM

Thanks, tickled pink that its working.
Very slow but I'm learning and not worried abut speed.
Still clearing some rust out and the larger primer holder is bent a little.
I'm gonna call RCBS and see if I can get a small/large one from them.
I can see now I need a primer catcher as well. The floor carpet is about the same color/blend in.
I was using my iPhone, maybe I can rig a holder for it in the future.

Exciting-Stay tuned.
Jim

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

Rule3 · #4 03-16-2013, 04:15 PM

There ya go! Just prime, powder, seat and crimp and you got ammo!

Clean the press up and you can "batch" load.

Deprime and size a bunch, batch, 50 ,100 whatever.

Flare and prime

Use a loading block and drop your powder or use the dippers.

Seat the bullets.

Rollbar · #5 03-16-2013, 04:33 PM

Ya I'll have to use the dippers and weigh each one until I can get the other press in.

I might just get a bench powder measure

Do you know how much money I could save by returning everything (less dies and a few odds and ends), two powder measures, extra discs etc., but then again I am very busy w/my work.

Never knew just 4 min of reloading and I am hooked on a single stage-it seem so precise to me.

COOL

Rule3 · #6 03-16-2013, 06:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rollbar

Never knew just 4 min of reloading and I am hooked on a single stage-it seem so precise to me.

COOL

It is

But sometimes the novelty wears off

I was laid up after some minor surgery so I had to hang around the house. I converted my turret to single stage and loaded just to kill time, it is therapeutic.

Lots of folks still just load that way. For rifle rounds I do.

Rollbar · #7 03-16-2013, 07:24 PM

Ok here is parts 3 & 4 of the process. I guess I should have tightened down the OAL dial a smaller amount/went by small increments. Looks like I went to far. My first one ever and a dummy round as well.

Getting there.

Bullet seating and factory crimp.

Video 3:
.45acp First Dummy Load on the RCBS Jr3 - YouTube

Video 4:
.45acp Lee Factory Crimp Die Use. - YouTube

BLUEDOT37 · #8 03-18-2013, 03:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rollbar

Ok here is parts 3 & 4 of the process. I guess I should have tightened down the OAL dial a smaller amount/went by small increments. Looks like I went to far. My first one ever and a dummy round as well.

Getting there.

Bullet seating and factory crimp.

Video 3:
.45acp First Dummy Load on the RCBS Jr3 - YouTube

In addition to what was said here, & it's prior postings, .45acp Lyman Book Question.
as you seat the bullet a little bit deeper each time, you need to alternate back & forth with your plunk/clink test. If it doesn't check good, go a little deeper until it "sounds" & "feels" right in the barrel.

Rollbar · #9 03-19-2013, 12:34 AM

Just ordered replacement parts for the Jr3.
Everything except then frame, handle & toggle block.
We will see what they say.

Sent from my Nexus 7 using Tapatalk 2

novalty · #10 03-19-2013, 06:50 AM

My father-in-law loaded a lot of rounds on an old JR3 press for 38/357, 45acp, 30-30, 32 Special, 30-06, 308 Winchester and even 300 Weatherby in recent years. Probably used that press about 25 years. Wasn't until I found him a deal on a Rockchucker 2 that he switched over go he get get some more leverage on res-sizing.

don5 · #11 03-19-2013, 08:03 AM

I was given 2 presses by my neighbor. His step dad's son died and they had it in their attic for years. I told him I was going to reload for a 260 remington as I was too cheap to spend $30 for a regular box of ammo. He had a 260 as well for his son, so he gave me the presses with a few dies. One press is a Lee and the other is a RCBS RC2. I use the RCBS most of the time. I have loaded for every rifle caliber that I own. It has been a lot of fun. Can I give you a couple of tips? I use a handheld priming tool from RCBS to keep from touching the primers. You can prime brass inside sitting down watching TV during commercials. I also use a measuring spoon from the pharmacy (like for cough syrup) to put just a few grains of powder if needed in a load. You can tap the spoon to get one or two grains out if needed. I also use a RCBS digital scale to weigh my powder as well. You want to try and do your reloading in stages. Decap, resize a certain number, prime a certain number and then add powder and bullets. You will find that will help you keep track of where you are at in the reloading process in case you have to take a break during reloading. I hope this helps and I enjoyed your videos. Sorry for the long post.

MikeyB · #12 03-19-2013, 08:54 AM

I'm still using my Grandfather's old Rockchucker for reloading. I enjoy doing it the 'old skool' way.

But like Don5, I also use the RCBS handheld primer tool. Makes quick work for priming.

JohnK · #13 03-19-2013, 09:03 AM

My RCBS Jr., was bought about 1967. Still using it for rifle/pistol reloading.

Never felt the need to upgrade.

No parts breakage whatsoever.

novalty · #14 03-19-2013, 09:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyB

But like Don5, I also use the RCBS handheld primer tool. Makes quick work for priming.

The handheld priming tool is good, but the RCBS Automatic Bench priming tool is better. For the LCT you'll will want to add their auto-prime or whatever they call it that you add to the press itself. My brother-in-law has one on his Lee press and is really happy with it.

Maddmax · #15 03-19-2013, 09:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by don5

I also use a measuring spoon from the pharmacy (like for cough syrup) to put just a few grains of powder if needed in a load. You can tap the spoon to get one or two grains out if needed.

Get yourself a powder trickler. It drops a grain at a time with just a twist of the knob. Money VERY well spent.

When I'm reloading,I set my Powder drop to "close enough",then scale that load and trickle to weight. It's amazing what that little grain or two (on the money) can do down range.

.

It's "anal",but I love seeing the look on people's faces when I can punch the same hole at 200+yards.

Maddmax · #16 03-19-2013, 09:17 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeyB

I'm still using my Grandfather's old Rockchucker for reloading. I enjoy doing it the 'old skool' way.

But like Don5, I also use the RCBS handheld primer tool. Makes quick work for priming.

Those old "monsters" were built to last.

It will still be good for a couple more generations.

Maddmax · #17 03-19-2013, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rule3

It is

But sometimes the novelty wears off

I was laid up after some minor surgery so I had to hang around the house. I converted my turret to single stage and loaded just to kill time, it is therapeutic.

Lots of folks still just load that way. For rifle rounds I do.

It's amazing how time can fly buy and how "lost" you can get reloading. It's a great rainy day get away.

Rollbar · #18 03-19-2013, 01:33 PM

Here is the reply from RCBS on my 1973 Jr3 press.

Is this awesome or what!

Quote:

rcbs tech
10:29 AM (1 minute ago)

JB
I think we still have all the components for that press. I keyed a request to have the worn out pieces replaced. Please allow one week for shipping.

Bill Reed

RCBS Customer Service
605 Oro Dam Blvd.
Oroville, CA 95965
(800) 533-5000

Customer Service Hours
Monday-Friday 6:30 a.m to 3:30 p.m. Pacific Time

Rollbar · #19 03-20-2013, 07:00 PM

Handle reconfiguration question.

Can you answer this question. Can I reconfigure this handle to to operate per the video? Pull down/ram goes up instead of pulling up on the handle and the ram going up.

Would like to push down to operate the reloading steps but then the ram will always stay up and in the way.

Unless, when the new parts get here they will be tighter and keep the ram down when the handle is up.

Not sure if this press will do that or even if it was possible when new.

RCBS Jr3. Reconfiguring Handle. - YouTube

Thanks,
Jim

P.S. Now that I know the LCT won't be in until at least June 2013 I will bolt the Jr3 to the table and get rid of my "C" clamps.

Rollbar · #20 03-21-2013, 02:08 AM

I have been looking but can't seem to find the RCBS primer system setup for the single stage that bolts in the slot pictured (I think it will work on the Jr3-see pic).

ImageUploadedByTapatalk1363846096.476532.jpg

Thanks,
Jim

Sent from my iPhone 4S

glen_farmer · #21 03-21-2013, 08:19 AM

Have enjoyed watching your videos.

You are certainly on the way. Congratulations.

novalty · #22 03-21-2013, 08:28 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Rollbar

I have been looking but can't seem to find the RCBS primer system setup for the single stage that bolts in the slot pictured (I think it will work on the Jr3-see pic).

Attachment 107440

Thanks,
Jim

Sent from my iPhone 4S

Some on FeeBay, RCBS Automatic Primer Feed.

Rollbar · #23 03-21-2013, 02:55 PM

RCBS update: Please read and my reply (next post). I will post if they just want me to send it in to be reconditioned.

Quote:

Mr. Jim,
We have to have your old JR3 toggle return so we can retap the block to accept the new handle with ball. I can try to dig around if I have any of the JR3 toggle block link.

John Thor
RCBS/ ATK Sporting Goods
Warranty Technician
[email protected]
605 Oro Dam Blvd.
Oroville, CA 95965
Customer Service Hours
Mon-Fri 6:30am-3:30pm
RCBS - Precisioneered Shooting Products - Products

Rollbar · #24 03-21-2013, 02:55 PM

My reply to RCBS:

Quote:

Oh, ok. Just let me know for sure, if not then I can try what I have. Maybe having the newer parts will tighten it up a lot.
If that doesn't work then I can send and reference this email.

Again, awesome service, and those blue boys (Dillon), always say how their customers service is good.

I'll post this on my shooting forum like the other email-everyone loved your answer and that you, RCBS really take care of the customer.

Question - would it be easier to just send the press to you, then you retrofit/prefab ?

Thanks,
Jim