Greetings!

When I went out to my shop today, I realized that I had broken a part on my 1970s vintage single stage press.My press is still usable, but it is awkward. I think the model is a Rock Chucker, but I wouldn't bet the farm on it. In the cast iron O frame, there is cast into the frame either JRS or JR3, I forget which at the moment.

The part: at the top of the ram, there is a "C" shaped spring (see picture, below). A small part broke off, so shell holders won't stay in place firmly.

Manufacturer issue: I have attempted to contact RCBS, who is typically fantastic for product support. The problem is, they are shut down due to both a COVID19 mandated closure,and the skeleton crew that is handling reduced customer service is subjected to a mandatory evacuation order because of the forest fires.

At the moment, in order to get my press back to 100% operation, I need to find the part locally or on an auction site.

Can anyone help provide the name of this part, and share if you've ever seen a part like this in a box hardware store or a shop like Cabela's?

As always, thanks in advance for your help!

Attached Images

20200911_150037-3.jpg (77.3 KB, 88 views)

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Judge control not gun control!

Looks like a spring clip. I’d try Ace...they have a good selection of hardware like that.

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USS Brewton FF1086
SWCA#3597

I don't know the technical name, but it is what I would call a C clip and you should be able to find something that would work at a well-stocked hardware store.

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I need ammo, not a ride.

Some replace the clip with an O ring to get better alignment with the die

Call RCBS,, both them and Hornady have sent me what I need at previous times,,

They are probably trying to keep up with Dillon,,,

It's RCBS Part # 09111
They call it ' Shell Holder Ram Clip Spring'

It's the same part on several different presses, some of them now discontinued but they still service them (if they were open of course)

I think from your description you have the Junior-3 press from the cast in ID.
It was also sold as the Reloader Special,,maybe a couple of other renditions.

The part # and name fits those presses as well as several others ....(Reloader Spcl 2, 3 & 5,,Partner Press, Rockchucker and Rockchucker II.
Maybe even more.

There's one of the parts on FleaBay now.
I don't know if some of the reloading places like Graffs and Midway would have parts.

Some people say to just use a rubber band to hold the shell holder in place on the RCBS press and it works just as well.
Might be an alternative to get it up and working while you search around for the part and not get into paying a crazy price for something a 2cent rubberband will accomplish.

Hope this helps..

added.. (While I was typing) I like RodD's idea of an O ring to hold the SH in place. Probably easier to manipulate and roll into and out of place on the ram than a rubberband.

I started reloading in 1962 and my first press was an RCBS Junior press. It is a fine little press and very durable. My guess is that what you have is a Junior press. Mine says "JR2" on the side. I have loaded up to 30:06 on mine and as you get to the larger calibers the Rock Chucker handles resizing chores with a little less effort. When you get in touch with RCBS, they will know what you have and what you need when you give them the information on the thread.

Mine says JR3 and 75. I bought it as an RCBS Jr and probably got it in 75 or 76.

That spring is not proprietary to RCBS and has been mentioned, any good hardware store should have one.

I have a shellholder on order from RCBS and it is labeled "not shipped". Now I know why.

Good luck with it.

An O-ring would likely work fine. You might be able to bend your own from a piece of springy wire. I have an RCBS JR3, it seems to have that same spring on the ram.

I think this is what your looking for.
RCBS 09111 Shell Holder RAM Clip Spring 47 for sale online | eBay

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SWHF #595

Thank you all for your assistance. Last night I was able to locate and purchase this ram spring clip, in spite of the wildfires threatening Oroville!

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Judge control not gun control!

You know, I bet that identical thing is broken on my Lee Classic cast O-press. Seems to mainly affect the 45acp holder. Have to look into that...

I've got the same press (since 1972) and it still serves me well. I've loaded every caliber I've ever needed, and have had that spring clip break once in all these years. YUP, got the replacement from RCBS (but that was a long time ago). Glad you are up and running..... I love these simple yet efficient (for me) presses.... Life can be simple if we work towards that goal.
IMHO,
J

The clip on my RCBS Junior got sprung.I use a hose
clamp to tension it . This keeps the shell holder tight.

Year to date I have loaded about 12k this way. Smallest
was 32 ACP and largest is 45 Colt.

Works fine and lasts a long time.

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never get out of the boat

I have called RCBS twice about broken parts. They sent me replacements, no charge, pronto.

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I've still got it made.

Sir, think COVID. Most of New England is still pretty much locked down. Travel restrictions are in place. I know that at one point, Ct State Police were going door to door to remove non-residents.

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Judge control not gun control!