Best $40 that I've spent in a long time !

[Ben]

I went to a small " Swap Meet " today in Birmingham, AL. About 25 shooters / reloaders were there buying , selling and trading.

As soon as I arrived, I immediately spotted a 3 hole Texan reloading press. It was smooth and corrosion free but needed a real face lift and major cleaning. Cleaning and " refurbing " old presses is certainly nothing new to me, so I asked the owner for the price ? He offered it for $40.00.

I gladly paid him the $40.00 and took it to my vehicle.

I came home and found a " Tooth Brush " with thin stainless steel bristles. I opened a fresh gallon jug of Castrol's Purple Degreaser ( better be real careful with this stuff, it will do a real number on your skin ). The degreaser along with the use of the brush removed old caked up dirt , grease and oil residue. Once clean, I hit it with a high velocity stream of water and rinsed everything off real good. I blew it off with an air hose and allowed it to sit in the hot 98 degree sun for about 1.5 hrs.

I brought it inside and gave it 3 coats of Rust - Oleum Flat Black enamel paint out of a 1 pint can using a medium width artist brush. Here are the before and after photos. It is set up for 357 Magnum right now. Works beyond my expectations. Super smooth. This thing is built like a tank !

I wonder when this one was made ?

Here is a " Before Photo "

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/010-17.jpg

Here are some " After Photos " :

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/027-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/028-2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v494/haysb/029-4.jpg

[seagiant]

Hi Ben,
First off, I'm REALLY jealous! Excellent work! If I was going to go with a 3 station press it would be this one instead of the CH as you have more room and I know the Texan is stout! Looks smooth too! I use Mobil 1 motor oil on my PW! Nice snag!

[Ben]

seagiant :

I had looked at the C-H 3 hole presses and the C-H 444 , 4 hole presses on " Flea - Bay " for the past year or so. They are pretty pricey, I bid on a few but I couldn't / wouldn't keep up with the insane madness of bidding.

Yes, this one is a massive press. I'm planning to dedicate it on my bench to loading pistol rounds.

I like to F/L size , clean the pockets, and prime off the press, so the 3 hole arrangement is no handicap to me.

I just wish in 100 yrs. that I would look and work as well as this press.

Ben

[thegreatdane]

yes, nice work!

[gon2shoot]

Now thats sweet right there.

[FUBAR 6]

That's very nice, looks heavy..

[Iowa Fox]

Great job cleaning the old girl up. Thanks for posting the pics as I really enjoy seeing old presses and reloading equipment.

[UNIQUEDOT]

I went to a small " Swap Meet " today in Birmingham, AL. About 25 shooters / reloaders were there buying , selling and trading.

Lucky you! bummer for me though as i missed it!!!

[LUBEDUDE]

Great snag Ben, and awesome refurbish!

Here's mine.


http://castboolits.gunloads.com/imagehosting/thum_75704fe6b17a2766a.jpg (http://castboolits.gunloads.com/vbimghost.php?do=displayimg&imgid=5662)

[seagiant]

Hey Lube,
What's going on? You keep coming out with these "sleepers" how much stuff you got in that shop???:smile:

[Ben]

LUBEDUDE :

Looks like a twin to mine. Do you like yours ?

Ben

[LUBEDUDE]

SG, this press is in Shop #2, a work in progress.

Ben, I have not used it yet. I just have the one shell holder and have not bolted it down yet either. I am slowly getting this shop set up and planned out before I start drilli'n.

[OverMax]

Ain't to bad. Nice to see someone fix one up that knows how to do it correctly. i.e. taken apart before spraying. "Good look'en press now."

[44Vaquero]

Nice Find! cool press.

[Whiterabbit]

I just wish in 100 yrs. that I would look and work as well as this press.

Ben

Just send me a note when you hit 100 and I'll come over with the degreaser, high velocity water, 98 degree sun, and rustoleum paint and we'll get you cleaned up right good.

[kd185]

nice score
nice restore
congrads

[shaper]

I'm new to the forum and this is my first post.
When I saw the picture of the Texan I thought, send it to me, I'll make it look new for you. I have a powder coating shop. I recently did a RCBS for my son n law.
I have 3 Texan loaders, models FW, GT, and Loadmaster.

[429421Cowboy]

Very awesome deal on a beautiful press, I am so used to seeing RCBS green or Lee red it is really neat to see the older stuff that is totally different and still does the same job it was meant to so long ago. Thank you for sharing!