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Thread: RCBS A2 press

  1. #1
    Boolit Buddy

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    RCBS A2 press

    I Have an RCBS A2 press. Its a monster of a press. Does anyone know what the thing is worth? I have 2 other rcbs presses that i use, i dont need the a2. I read somewhere that folks use these for swaging. Any info on this press would be helpful.

    thanks

  2. #2
    Boolit Grand Master Char-Gar's Avatar
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    The A2 was the last of the RCBS A series presses. If your press has a bushing in the top to reduce the threads to the standard 7/8 X 14 it is made from cast steel. If not it is made from cast iron.

    The cast steel presses are extremely strong and long lived. As such they are desired. I have one and would not be without it. I don't watch the prices on these things, so I can't give you a number except the value would be somewhere north of $250.00.
    Disclaimer: The above is not holy writ. It is just my opinion based on my experience and knowledge. Your mileage may vary.

  3. #3
    Boolit Master
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    I didn't know reloaders sold A2 presses -- I thought reloader's widows sold A2 presses. Don't know what they are bringing these days -- bought mine in 1962 for $50? and haven't needed another single-stage press.

  4. #4
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    ^^^ That is funny

    I have two A2s
    They are worth north of $300 in good condition
    Some do not have an insert in the top and take standard dies only, no bushings, and have less value, but I bet you could get $300 for that version, easily.
    They sure are nice
    Crazy strong cast steel press

  5. #5
    Boolit Master flashhole's Avatar
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    They make great "donation: presses.

    I am a willing donatee if you are so inclined.
    ,,, stupidity comes to some people very easily. 8/22/2017 Pat Lengyel (my wife) in a discussion about Liberals.

  6. #6
    Frosted Boolits

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    The A2 was not the last of the A series presses. The A3 came after the A2 and 2A Presses. Then, technically, came the A4 Big Max which is a totally different design from the previous A series presses. It is hard for me to consider the A4 part of the A series presses LOL.
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  7. #7
    Boolit Buddy LaPoint's Avatar
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    Have any of you removed the 7/8"-14 adapter bushing? Was it installed with a thread locking compound? The one I have was installed with it. Just wondering if they came that way from RCBS or if a previous owner did it.

  8. #8
    Boolit Bub Pumpkin's Avatar
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    My 2A bushing didn't have any thread locking compound, but I bought it used, so a previous owner may have cleaned it ????

  9. #9
    Boolit Buddy Ozark Howler's Avatar
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    Click image for larger version. 

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    A few that I've owned, still have one left, from my experience either model (with or without bushing) perform exceptionally well, too bad RCBS hasn't figured out why this model is still so popular and re-introduce a similar one?

  10. #10
    Frosted Boolits

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    Ozark, did you repaint those or did someone else? They look nice.

    These presses would probably be way too expensive to reproduce these days. That's probably why RCBS doesn't produce them anymore. These presses are basically overkill lol. A Rockchucker will fill the needs for most reloaders.
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  11. #11
    Boolit Grand Master Char-Gar's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by IllinoisCoyoteHunter View Post
    Ozark, did you repaint those or did someone else? They look nice.

    These presses would probably be way too expensive to reproduce these days. That's probably why RCBS doesn't produce them anymore. These presses are basically overkill lol. A Rockchucker will fill the needs for most reloaders.
    Terry Murback talked to RCBS some years back about bringing the A2 back into production. He was told that a cast steel A2 would have to be sold for $700.00 and there would be no market for it.
    Disclaimer: The above is not holy writ. It is just my opinion based on my experience and knowledge. Your mileage may vary.

  12. #12
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    The Rockchucker came out in 1967, the same year the A2 went from cast steel to cast iron and no bushing. 1968 saw the A3, but it lasted just 1 year and was dropped as the Rockchucker would do everything the the A3 did, but it cost less to make, weighed less (shipping cost) and was taking most of the A market.

    The A4 is a different beast and cannot be considered part of the original A series.

    Ken

  13. #13
    Boolit Master


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    My first press was the Rockchucker. I remember hearing of the cancellation of the A3 press. I hurried down to McBride's Guns in Austin, only to see a buddy walk out with their last one. Years later, I traded my friend out of that press and it's on my bench now.

  14. #14
    Frosted Boolits

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    Yeah theres not that many A3s out there. Glad I got one when I had the chance. It is my go-to single stage.
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  15. #15
    Boolit Buddy
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    My A2 will go to my son, he's got one of my Rock Chucker's now.

  16. #16
    Boolit Grand Master



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    Nib on eBay. Was at 270 but will go higher

  17. #17
    Boolit Master
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    This is the NIB A2 on ebay.
    This is provided to show that it has no bushing and it is dated 68 per pressman's comment.

    EClick image for larger version. 

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    EDG

  18. #18
    Boolit Buddy Ozark Howler's Avatar
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    Click image for larger version. 

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    These were repainted from a group of four A series I purchased a few years ago.

    I find it hard to believe RCBS could not produce A series today considering they did developed and are producing the Summit press (which I did own one and sold it ASAP). On a good note; Lyman has just introduce a new series of presses that provide better leverage and construction than its previous Crusher series.



    Quote Originally Posted by IllinoisCoyoteHunter View Post
    Ozark, did you repaint those or did someone else? They look nice.

    These presses would probably be way too expensive to reproduce these days. That's probably why RCBS doesn't produce them anymore. These presses are basically overkill lol. A Rockchucker will fill the needs for most reloaders.

  19. #19
    Boolit Master

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    Those A2 presses look beefy. I am starting to think that I want one. Definitely don't need one.

  20. #20
    Boolit Master
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    looking for a-2 press as well

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BP Bronze Point IMR Improved Military Rifle PTD Pointed
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BT Boat Tail PL Power-Lokt SP Soft Point
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