RCBS reloading press question

[Johnnn01]

Found a press on sale at midway RCBS Pro2000 Progressive Press Is it worth the extra cash to upgrade to the auto index???

From researching the topic it seems to be split down the middle the auto index if worked too fast spills powder but puts out more rounds.
the manual index you need to index yourself.

Anyone have a recommendation on auto index or manual index?
Will be reloading 40s&w

 

[Harrison]

I have been using a Dillon 550 for about 20 years. It is manual index, which I prefer. You have more control with a manual index than you do auto index. The speed of production is minor. I am not reloading for a living so being able to produce a few extra rounds per hour doesn't mean much. BTW, I have used auto index loaders and did not like them as well.

 

[novalty]

Never used the RCBS Pro 2000, but always thought the primer system with the strips was the weakest link.

 

[TucsonMTB]

. . . RCBS Pro2000 Progressive Press. Is it worth the extra cash to upgrade to the auto index???

Anyone have a recommendation on auto index or manual index?

Will be reloading 40s&w

Loading with RCBS Pro 2000 Progressive Press - YouTube

You are certainly correct that only you can make that decision. My opinion really doesn't have much value.

Suggestion: If you are happy with what you see when you picture yourself staring in this video, go for it.

Otherwise, don't bother.

When I started reloading, the goal was feeding my Garand. So, I bought a Lee turret press with an auto indexing feature that did not need to be used for rifle cartridges. The press worked out great for 30-06 as a turret press performing each step on multiple cartridges before moving very conveniently to the next step in the process.

When I started loading for my revolver, it seemed logical to start using the auto indexing feature. But, for me, loading without auto indexing turned out to be enough of a challenge even for simple as can be .38 special.

Admittedly, with the difficulty in finding reloading supplies, it seems unlikely my volume will ever be high enough to justify more press automation. That may also be worth considering in your decision making process. For me, that is still the most limiting factor.

Here in Tucson, we are fortunate to have a local reloading shop that offers hands-on training with Dillon progressive presses. If I ever got that focused on reloading to move up to a Dillon, I would invest the time to work with them first.

If you are fortunate enough to have a friend who can demonstrate that press or something similar, you will know pretty quickly after spending some time with him or her.

Best of luck in whatever you decide, sir!

 

[Johnnn01]

thanks for the help, the manual turret press is on its way.
Can't wait to start reloading!!!

 

[TucsonMTB]

thanks for the help, the manual turret press is on its way.
Can't wait to start reloading!!!

Very cool! Here's hoping you experience good success.

By the way, what firearm will you be feeding with your ammo? Semi-automatics can be picky eaters.

 

[erj_pilot]

Johnnn,

I have the Auto-Indexing feature installed on my Pro2000 Progressive. So far I've loaded .45 ACP and .38 Special without the powder spill issue. HOWEVER...I just set up for .40 S&W and I do have the powder spilling problem. According to a gentleman on another forum board I frequent (he's an RCBS WIZARD), he recommended I contact RCBS (who has GREAT customer support, BTW) and ask them for the "weaker" spring that goes underneath the ball bearing under the shellplate, which is actually the cause of the powder spilling.

The spring "pops" the ball bearing up into the bottom of the shellplate with too much force, and that's what causes the powder to "splash" out of short cases, such as .40 and 9mm. With the weaker spring, the ball bearing doesn't "pop" into the bottom of the shellplate as forcefully, thus limiting the powder spillage problem. At least that's what the theory is.

I e-mailed RCBS a few days ago outlining this issue, but have yet to hear back from them. When they do respond, I will ask for the weaker spring if they don't recommend that as part of their response.

Incidentally, the part you want to replace is the DETENT BALL SPRING, part #187236. I don't have a part number for the replacement spring.

To answer your original question, YES.....I believe it's worth getting the auto-indexing. I'm also going to start working with the Auto Tube Priming Conversion Kit, but I will tell you, aside from having to "build" your priming strips, the strip priming system on the Pro2000 works REALLY well.

I hope that's helpful.....

 

[erj_pilot]

Update...

RCBS customer service responded to my e-mail this morning and without my asking, is sending the "weaker" spring to me US Mail. The RCBS team is REALLY good with their customer service.

When the spring comes in, I will forward the part number and report if it made any difference with powder spillage out of my .40 cases.

 

[johnc486]

I am very interested in the weaker spring part # as well for my RCBS PRO2000 auto index so please supply the # for a fellow reloader. I am loading 40 S & W and also have powder spillage. I have read that the Dillon Xl650 has the same problem and their solution was to cut a coil off the spring which I don't want to do. Thanks for any info you can provide.

 

[azlou66]

I watched the video posted above.
I never realized how cumbersome the RCBS was compared to my Dillon 550.
OR the operator sure made it look so.
His left hand does all the manipulation of bullets and cases while the right hand just waits on the press handle.
On my 550 my right hand cycles the press handle and loads fresh cases while my left hand indexes the shell plate and places a bullet as required.
The RCBS appears very inefficient comparatively.

 

[ironhead7544]

I have the manual Pro2000. Fast enough for me. The strip primer system takes a bit of getting used to. Also, there is a break in period. Take a real close look at the way the primer system works. You will be able to see how it works. Might need an adjustment. The cam on mine needed to be moved. After that, mine has worked with no problem for thousands of rounds. When running, watch the strip and see that it progresses properly.

The strip loading machine works fine but there is a learning curve. You place the primers in the machine and then shake it until all the primer holes fill up. Very fast after you learn it.

Over all, I am quite happy with the press. Makes a round with every pull.

 

[erj_pilot]

FOLLOW-UP REPORT:
I received the "softer" spring from RCBS this week and installed it in my Pro2000 Auto-Indexing Progressive Press. After the first 25 rounds (one strip of primers), I'm happy to report there is but a trace of powder on top of the shellplate. In fact, there are so few granules, I can count them individually...probably 30 or less.

For those that want to request the part number from RCBS, here is the info:

[email protected]

7188037 PIGGYBACK INDEX BALL SPG BB-97

This seemed to be the fix for the problem and as always, GREAT service from RCBS, though it did take exactly 2 weeks for the spring to arrive in US Mail.

 

[Peter M. Eick]

Yes the auto-index is nice. Not required but nice. I have done maybe 200,000 rounds on the auto and 100,000 round on the manual index. Auto is just easier since it is one less thing you the operator have to worry about. It allows me to focus on the operations more.

The weaker spring is great until you get up to full charges in things like the 38 Super or the 357 Maximum. You still spill a bit with those tall cases and full charges.

 

[sarg1c]

Found a press on sale at midway RCBS Pro2000 Progressive Press Is it worth the extra cash to upgrade to the auto index???

From researching the topic it seems to be split down the middle the auto index if worked too fast spills powder but puts out more rounds.
the manual index you need to index yourself.

Anyone have a recommendation on auto index or manual index?
Will be reloading 40s&w

I have the Lee auto indexing press and since I don't really load at a high volume, I removed the auto indexing parts. I just load slowly and enjoy....

 

[johnc486]

ERJ Pilot
Thanks for the Spring #, I just ordered one, hope this rectifies this powder spillage problem.
AZLOU66
I have the Dillon 550b also and don't find the RCBS 2000 more cumbersome at all.

 

[redcar]

My hornady lnl ap does just what it was designed for. Wish you luck.

 

[John R]

I am very interested in the weaker spring part # as well for my RCBS PRO2000 auto index so please supply the # for a fellow reloader. I am loading 40 S & W and also have powder spillage. I have read that the Dillon Xl650 has the same problem and their solution was to cut a coil off the spring which I don't want to do. Thanks for any info you can provide.

I cut one coil off of my Dillon 650 spring and it cured all the powder spillage problems.

 

[johnc486]

John R
Thanks for sharing your resolution, if I don't get a response from RCBS, I will be doing the same on my 2000. I have owned a 650 in the past and can definitely say it is a great press, hard times hit so it had to go (now have a 550 in addition to the 2000).

 

[johnc486]

FOLLOW-UP REPORT:
I received the "softer" spring from RCBS this week and installed it in my Pro2000 Auto-Indexing Progressive Press. After the first 25 rounds (one strip of primers), I'm happy to report there is but a trace of powder on top of the shellplate. In fact, there are so few granules, I can count them individually...probably 30 or less.

For those that want to request the part number from RCBS, here is the info:

[email protected]

I received 2 today after 1 week, thanks for the info, RCBS has a great warranty, no cost, took most of the snap away.

7188037 PIGGYBACK INDEX BALL SPG BB-97

This seemed to be the fix for the problem and as always, GREAT service from RCBS, though it did take exactly 2 weeks for the spring to arrive in US Mail.

I emailed RCBS last Monday and today received two springs in two different envelopes (postage for both $4.40) no cost to me tho. RCBS has great customer service with a no BS warranty also.

 

[rburg]

I'm a little concerned for the OP here. His press seems to flex every time he pulls the handle. Eventually something will give away. I would guess its because he's using a computer desk and its just not capable of that kind of stress. My reloading table is made from a solid door. It was free except for me hauling it inside and sawing off the edges I didn't want. Heavy and solid is good, but it has nothing to do with his press. Good video, I liked it.