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These are the techniques and equipment that I use to produce reloaded cartridges for bolt and semi-automatic rifles. Other techniques and equipment may be: better/worse, cheaper/costlier, safer/more dangerous or whatever. Read this stuff and use it or not, at your own risk!

I am going to restrict my discussion to single stage manual presses. These have a 7/8-inch x 14 TPI threaded hole (to accept dies and such) centered above a vertically traveling ram.

Above us pictured an RCBS "Rock Chucker" press. This is the older model, I understand that a newer version is now being marketed. This press is a "D" frame (as opposed to a "C" frame, which is open on the front) cast iron construction unit. The ram is moved vertically by a handle (not seen), and the two parallel-bar links. The two-link system equalizes tension and generally gives better bushing life. The cast-iron body provides enough strength so the anything other than 50 Cal. cases can be resized. As the press is used to de-prime cases, a lot of abrasive dust from the spent primers can accumulate. This dust must be wiped away and the ram and bushings lubricated occasionally. If this is done, the life of this style press is unlimited.

This is an older, and cheaper, RCBS press, probably comparable to their "Reloader Special" now being sold. This photo shows the ram raised and a die is barely visible, installed, at the top.

Above is seen an older Pacific press, also a "D" frame, but this press has an Aluminum body, and although it looks substantual, it's pretty lightweight.

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