RCBS AmmoMaster

[No_1]

Anyone using one of these OR have any spare parts. I am not talking of the stuff that RCBS will replace, I am taking shell plates, ect.

R.

[dromia]

I use one, have had it operating for over twelve years without a problem, for me its a great press don't know why RCBS dropped it.

Sorry no spares I'm using all my kit.

[dromia]

BTW I'm assuming that its the progressive version your on about when you mention shell plates?

[No_1]

Yes, it is the progressive model. I picked one up in trade the other day with 4 shell holders (plates) and minus the powder dispenser. It sat in a shed for at least 3-4 years with the previous owner (he never used it) and no telling how long it has beens since last used. I cycled it a little and saw that is would not "time" right when actuated. I downloaded the manual, did some adjustments, added some oil and it worked as designed. I have called RCBS with a list of missing parts and they indicate the package is on the way no cost. While I was on the phone with them I ask why they dropped it and the answer was that there was problems with the timing mechanism when not adjusted properly and they were getting too many calls about it. I ask if the parts would ever be discontinued and the answer was a quick no. I see the shell plates are still available @$34 each. I guess I will see what I can do to get the ones I want.

It is in a little rough shape at the moment. I will take some pictures as I rebuild it. The powder coating paint is still pristine but the blued parts have surface rust. I will clean it up, get it running, find a place on the bench next the the Redding single stage, Dillon 550b and use it for my high volume pistol bullets.

BTW, I found the correct powder measurer in my box of parts so that is good to go.

Any tips user tips you can pass on?



BTW I'm assuming that its the progressive version your on about when you mention shell plates?

[45nut]

if thats a 5 station shellplate the ones from the piggyback may fit.

[No_1]

Correction: You are correct. It is a 5 station shell plate. A close look at the packaging that the shell plates came in indicated the plates fit the ammo master and the piggyback.


if thats a 5 station shellplate the ones from the piggyback may fit.

[Bullshop]

On my press I did away with the auto indexing and installed the manual indexing star on the shell plate. Lots less problems that way.
BIC/BS

[No_1]

There was one of those brand new in the box. I am not sure if it came with it new or maybe it was one of the previous owners idea of a fix. I seem to have it fixed now and it index's on time. Since it is free, it will be my Dillon 650 until I get one. I am still looking for more shell plates as I need one in 45 to start. I figure that one will work on 45 as well as any rifle case with the .473 case head which will cover some of my rifles.


On my press I did away with the auto indexing and installed the manual indexing star on the shell plate. Lots less problems that way.
BIC/BS

[johnp]

I have the piggyback and the only advice I have is to make certain that you cycle it completely. If you stop mid stroke it will mess up the indexing bushing. Other than that my has run like a top.
Good luck with it.

[No_1]

Thank you. As I was figuring mine out, I figured the full stroke thing too. Also found it like aggressive action for good function. In other words, pull it like a slot machine...


I have the piggyback and the only advice I have is to make certain that you cycle it completely. If you stop mid stroke it will mess up the indexing bushing. Other than that my has run like a top.
Good luck with it.

[be603]

So I'm looking at one locally that's been sitting NIB for years for a $100. It comes w/ the "auto" kit. Sounds like maybe I should jump on it?

edit:
No sales tax or shipping...
Thinking that worst case it'd be a decent deal on a single stage, no?
Best case it works out as an additional progressive.

[No_1]

Looking for a RCBS 5 station shell plate (#30 I believe). This fits the 41 Mag. Please pm with details.

Robert

[Patrick L]

I have to agree, I think these are great machines and I too wish RCBS still made it.

I have both the Ammomaster and the Piggyback. RCBS introduced the PB first, then just upsized it, gave it its own dedicated frame and Viola! The Ammomaster Auto.

I actually had the PB first, and when I decided I needed to load .30-06 progressively decided to go with the Ammomaster since it was the same system. Yes, the shellplates are the same. What I do is use the PB for loading everything that uses small primers;.38/.357, 9mm, .30 carbine, and .223. The Ammomaster does all the large primer stuff; .45ACP, .30-06, 7.7 jap (all with the same shellplate!) and .30-30. Not that its a big deal, but why switch parts if you don't have to.

My PB does slightly mis cycle about once in the entire 5 station rotation, but so slightly that the pointed alignment post straightens it all out on the downstroke. When I called them, RCBS told me to replace the clutch and sent me the part for free, along with 4 100 capacity primer feed tubes, after I inquired about purchasing them since I had gotten the press used with only 1 50 cap tube! Anyhow, I figured I'd just hold tha part until the misalignment got really bad. That was easily 15 years ago, and I still have the part packed away!

I've had this PB for about 17 yrs, and the Ammomaster for probably 13 or 14, and I couldn't be happier.

[No_1]

Hi Pat,

Nice of you to chime in. In addition to the ammomaster I also have a piggyback. One of the members here who was a disgruntled owner of the piggyback sent me it for free. It appears new in the box even though the box is kinda rough looking. It is still under the bench and in the box because I do not have a RCBS single stage. I do have a redding big boss that could be adapted I guess but why spend the time eh? I may never use the piggyback and offer it for sale since I have the ammomaster and the 550b.

In the mean time I am still looking for the 41 mag shell plate. I guess I could buy one outright but that would take all the fun out of trading something I do not need for it....

R.

[Patrick L]

No.1,

I acquired my Piggyback the same way. I was a poor struggling school teacher loading a lot of ammo on my single stage press. An older friend and mentor bestowed his Piggyback on me, since he had moved on to an Auto 4x4. Even though I didn't have a Rockchucker, it was cheaper to buy one of them than a progressive press. I remember I was getting ready to spring for a Sqare Deal B, which at the time I think was still about $135.

Ironically I had bought a new single stage press about a year earlier, and had hemmed and hawed over either a Rockchucker or a Lyman Orange Crusher. I went with the Lyman because it was $49.99 and the RCBS was around $65 (I really was poor & struggling.)