Reloading press question

[BuckySWT]

I've asked this on a couple of forums and haven't received any responses yet, and being the impatient *** that I am when I have unresolved issues; I figured I'd throw it out here too.

I recently acquired a RCBS Jr2 press...it came in yesterday. GREAT condition, still smooth, not really much rust anywhere. None on the piston at all. Very pleased.

At the same time, I had a package of Hornady Lock-n-Load bushings and a conversion bushing come in, so I could conver this to a quick change outfit.

One look at thehole in the Jr2 and I knew I was screwed. There was no bushing to take out and replace with the Hornady quick load conversion bushing. The hole in the Jr2 is tapped to fit a standard die.

Anything I can do to remedy this or do I need to list a set of Lock-n-Load bushings & conversion bushing in classifieds?

What I'm getting at is: would it be worth the time and $ to take it to a machine shop and have it re-tapped to fit the bushing, or would that be ridiculously difficult and expensive? (like I'd be better off buying a new press kind of expensive)?

[ProV1]

No, I have a bushing system for my Lee Challenger and I never use it. I use RCBS dies which have a set screw in the lock nut. I set up my die, Lock the set screw, and everytime after that just rug it in snug. No need for a bushing for every die, plus if you get heavy into reloading you will be awash in bushings.

Use it as is.

[h2447intx]

i have the lock and load press with the bushings ,, its works but it does move a bit up when resizing ,, if i had to buy one over i would go with a stock press that the dies screw in to , no room for give you know

any how ,, wha you would have to do is drill out the press and retap to fit the convertion kit you got for lock and load bushings ,, not worth it to me ,, just use it as is!

good luck

[BuckySWT]

No, I have a bushing system for my Lee Challenger and I never use it. I use RCBS dies which have a set screw in the lock nut. I set up my die, Lock the set screw, and everytime after that just rug it in snug. No need for a bushing for every die, plus if you get heavy into reloading you will be awash in bushings.

Use it as is.

Looks like I need to get me some rcbs dies...or some lock nuts with set screws for other dies.

Thanks for the advice!

Wanted to get into reloading but not spend a ton.

[Tejas Wildlife]

RCBS dies are the best. I've reloaded for almost 40 years now & all I have left is my RCBS gear. Put the other dies in the Classified section!

[BuckySWT]

yeah...too bad RCBS isn't making dies for 300 BLACKOUT yet.

Just about any dies in that caliber are hard to find...Lee being the most cost effective...and most out of stock

[Brazos Hunter]

I'll be in San Marcos soon and will bring you a couple set screw locking nuts if you need them. Will also give you a hand setting your dies up if you need the help.

~Michael

[dustoffer]

Get an RCBS Rockchucker press--last one you'll ever need unless you get into high-volume AR or pistol competitive shooting and need to load buckets of ammo.

[BuckySWT]

That sounds like a plan.

I need to build me some kind of bench. I've got a workbench in the garage, but it's not going to work...already checked it out.

PM sent

[BuckySWT]

Get an RCBS Rockchucker press--last one you'll ever need unless you get into high-volume AR or pistol competitive shooting and need to load buckets of ammo.

I want a rockchucker, but as the saying goes "champagne tastes on a coca-cola budget"

The JR2 is about all I can afford.
Just got some Lee dies ordered and that's it for the month.
Scale and powder stuff next month.

then by May I should be able to start rolling my own stuff.

[ProV1]

My Lee Challenger cranks them out with no problems, I would put it up against the rockchunker crowd any day of the week. You JR2 should be fine. Thinking of getting a progressive now that my wife is getting into shooting her 9mm.
Best place I have found to buy dies so far is Ebay, I don't think I have bought a brand new set of dies yet.

[Tommyh]

Looks like I need to get me some rcbs dies...or some lock nuts with set screws for other dies.

Thanks for the advice!

Wanted to get into reloading but not spend a ton.

i dont like the lee dies for this reason, but the only difference is a drilled and tapped allen screw hole in the nut to make it secure. get creative, man!


well, that and the warranty

[cwill37]

I went with a Lee Classic Cast and find it's as good as my brothers Rockchucker.

[Tommyh]

My Lee Challenger cranks them out with no problems, I would put it up against the rockchunker crowd any day of the week. You JR2 should be fine. Thinking of getting a progressive now that my wife is getting into shooting her 9mm.
Best place I have found to buy dies so far is Ebay, I don't think I have bought a brand new set of dies yet.

its really not cost beneficial to reload 9 instead of buy WWB or some other stuff. 9mm is pretty dang cheap as it is, so unless you just WANT to reload it, its not worth the effort or savings to me.

[BuckySWT]

I have a 9mm, but right now just want to focus on rifle.

First the 300BLK, then after I get a .308...add those dies.