mystery press

[chadface]

Hello all,

I am new to this site so I suppose I should say hi! I was referred here by someone on calguns.net for a question I posted over there.

I want to start loading and I recently got a hold of an old reloading press. I am having a couple problems that I was hoping you all could help with. I wanted to get some more information on the press I have but there is no marking on it at all. It is a turret style press but I do not know who made it. I have searched through hundreds of pictures online but I can't find anything that looks similar. Does anyone recognize it (pictures below)? Some of the kind folks at calguns were suggesting it may be holywood or ponses but did not seem too certain. I searched both but did not come up with anything.

The other problem I am having is I cannot get the dies down low enough to touch the shell holder. I was thinking about putting the dies in from the bottom, but the lock nut will not clear. Are there different sizes of dies? The dies I was testing with were RCBS 30 Carbine.

Any ideas would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!

Here are some pictures of it, click to enlarge:
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/etbll.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/etbll) http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/mna5p.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/mna5p) http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/1znih.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/1znih)

[Woody3]

I'm not sure on the press, but it looks like you don't have a shell holder on the press. Are my eyes playing tricks on me?

Woody

[chadface]

I'm not sure on the press, but it looks like you don't have a shell holder on the press. Are my eyes playing tricks on me?

Woody

Hi Woody, thanks for the response. I double checked and I believe the shell holder is on there. the mouth of it is just facing the camera, as opposed to off the side. I might see if I can just raise the shell holder up by putting something under it.

[Kevin Rohrer]

The press looks like a Texan. Pressman will be able to give you more info.

[chadface]

The press looks like a Texan. Pressman will be able to give you more info.

Winner winner chicken dinner! Thank you very much! I did a search on texan turret press and sure enough, it looks like it is the same!

Now I just have to see what I am doing wrong setting it up :)

Thanks again!

[LUBEDUDE]

Chadface- your press is definitely a Texan model 101-T-2 . Which is easily confused with the Model T(?) shown below which has a different base. I have only seen these referred to as Model T's, but no actual documentation. Maybe someone can confirm or deny.

As far as getting the dies to reach your shell holder; just reverse your locknuts and run them up from the bottom. And your dies if necessary.

[chadface]

As far as getting the dies to reach your shell holder; just reverse your lock nuts and run them up from the bottom. And your dies if necessary.

Great info, thank you! I tried to run the dies up from the bottom but there was not enough clearance for the lock nuts. I will try again this morning.

A member of another forum (calguns) noticed that the lower links are aluminum and suggested that they may have been replaced, causing the issue of being too short. Does anyone have one they can compare it to?

Thanks again everyone!!

[chadface]

A member of another forum (calguns) noticed that the lower links are aluminum and suggested that they may have been replaced, causing the issue of being too short.

After further investigation, it looks like this is not the case. I tried to take a picture of it but if the lower links are any longer, they will not clear the base when the lever is raised back up (putting the shell holder down).

Also, I tried to put the lock nut on from the bottom, it works but the turret (top carousel part) will not turn with the bolt in place

I did notice that it will not accept all shell holders. There were some no name black ones that fit but the RCBS ones will not fit (too big). I measured them with a caliber and there is .002" difference. Small but apparently big enough. I am going to see if the local reloading place has a different shell holder carrier (I am making up my own names for parts).

http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/ez34z.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/ez34z)

[DennisMcharold]

That's a Texan.

[Wayne Smith]

Are your dies Dillon? The short ones? If so that's your problem.

Nice turret press, btw.

[chadface]

Are your dies Dillon? The short ones? If so that's your problem.

Nice turret press, btw.

Hi, the dies are RCBS, I just tried some texan ones too with the same result. The only way I was able to get it to touch the shell holder is to put a couple of thick washers under the shell holder and screw the dies all the way in with no lock nut on top. The problem I just saw is that the primer seater will no longer reach :???:

I guess that means there is something on top that is messing it up. I am running out of ideas.

another odd thing is when you have dies in, you cannot turn the top all the way around. I am wondering why you would have 7 holes if you can only use 3 at a time?

I will play with it some more. Just to be certain, am I correct in wanting the dies to go all the way to the shell holder?

thanks again everyone!

[wv109323]

My guess is to use all the holes in the turret you have to remove and turn the turret 180 degrees.
If it helps Dillon makes a smaller 7/8 x 14 nut for dies. They are about 1/8" smaller in diameter. They may help in getting clearance for the turret to turn.

[oldtoolsniper]

I took one of their progressive shot gun reloaders completely apart and put it all back together. What I do when I take them apart is take a picture of each step as I take it apart. Stick the bolts or screws or bearings or springs or whatever you have onto a piece of cardboard either through the cardboard or tape them on. do it in rows in the order that you take the item apart when you put back together just go the opposite direction. Take pictures of each step so you can remember what went where. In doing that I was able to get my press adjusted properly and get it timed the way it was supposed to be. The Texans are built like tanks. I can't wait to find one like yours to tear into that. This is my 12 gauge progressive Texan loader torn down to its stump.

59250

[daniel lawecki]

What is yhe nut under the shellholder do? Does it adjust shellholder up?

[LUBEDUDE]

Chad, I'm totally perplexed. I had to get rid of my model T before I was able to get it running.

As far as the dies and lock rings; see if you can borrow someones 1" Dillon lockrings. They are thinner than the RCBS if I remember correctly. Don't know if that is enough or not though.

[chadface]

PMoldtoolsniper - I have taken it down quite a bit to see if there are any adjustments or wiggle room but I didn't see anything. I will probably do it again though, just to make sure. The picture of your base looks identical to mine, I wonder if they used the same base for both?

daniel lawecki - the shell holder is a bolt with a nut on the bottom. I was able to take it out and put washers under the shell holder but now the primer seat will not reach.

I just tried to deprime a 30-06 shell (could not find small rifle primers so switched from 30 carbine to 30-06) without success. I noticed that it is korean surplus brass which may be the issue. I am going to try a remington shell as soon as it is done tumbling and see if it works.

Oh the fun of it all!

thanks again everyone for your help!

[oldtoolsniper]

59263
See the brass or copper thread protector plugs.

I just want one of those. The bases look the same. I have not torn one of those down yet but the shotgun loader had some adjustments of different parts on the shaft. Under the cap on top of the shell plate must be a nut with a set screw. I don't know but are there shims around the shaft under that die holder plate to adjust the height? Remember some presses use a tall shell holder. RCBS markets them for something. Some older Lymans look tall as well.

If you take that nut off there should be a copper plug behind the set screw to protect the threads.

Please be advised I am guessing based on what I learned from the progressive shotgun press.

[oldtoolsniper]

59264

Set screw locks the top nut to the shaft not torque.

If the top nut is to tight it will bind the top plate or die plate if it's to loose then it fails to operate properly as well. I had to polish out the divots in the shaft from some previous owner, the set screw drifted back out of adjustment because of the indentation on the shaft. Having the copper plug tells you that you don't need to set the set screws with a cheater bar.

Just thinking as to why you can't get the die plate to rotate.

[chadface]

Set screw locks the top nut to the shaft not torque.

If the top nut is to tight it will bind the top plate or die plate if it's to loose then it fails to operate properly as well. I had to polish out the divots in the shaft from some previous owner, the set screw drifted back out of adjustment because of the indentation on the shaft. Having the copper plug tells you that you don't need to set the set screws with a cheater bar.

Just thinking as to why you can't get the die plate to rotate.

This is great info, thank you! I took the top plate off earlier today and did not see any shims. However, I am going to tear it down again and see if I missed something. The reason the die plate did not rotate is the dies hang down and hit the back part of the casting. I just thought it was silly to have spots for 7 dies when you can really only use 3. I think I am going to give it a rest for now, the wife is looking a little upset :)

[FLHTC]

I have the exact same press and you're going to chuckle when you read how easy the fix is. First of all, its an extremely strong press and universal shell holders do fit with a little persuasion. I had to file the piece that accepts the shell holder but now they all fit snugly. Anyway, the press is a "hoss" and if stored, that handle really creates an issue for space. My guess is that whoever owned it, removed the handle and installed it 180 degrees out so, (here it comes) remove the handle and rotate the shaft to pick the optimum position and reinstall the handle. The silver links should be rolling up from the back instead of the front.

Hit that "easy button" and enjoy your Texan

[FLHTC]

I've studied your pictures closely and if your dies are threaded as deep as you say, they will hit on the back support and the ear on the right side under the turret plate. Mine will turn 360 degrees without hitting anything because my dies only extend a half inch. There is a groove cut in the back support to allow clearance for decapping pins so that's proof that the turret will turn completely around. The silver links look the same as mine as do the blackened steel ones so unless someone made some serious modifications to the ram and support bar, the handle will be your fix. You might need to disassemble all the linkage to get the stroke correct.

[oldtoolsniper]

I hope it's that simple for him. It was pretty simple to get the timing set on the progressive shotgun shell loader after I tore it down and had some help from fellow owners on this forum.

[chadface]

I have the exact same press and you're going to chuckle when you read how easy the fix is. First of all, its an extremely strong press and universal shell holders do fit with a little persuasion. I had to file the piece that accepts the shell holder but now they all fit snugly. Anyway, the press is a "hoss" and if stored, that handle really creates an issue for space. My guess is that whoever owned it, removed the handle and installed it 180 degrees out so, (here it comes) remove the handle and rotate the shaft to pick the optimum position and reinstall the handle. The silver links should be rolling up from the back instead of the front.

Hit that "easy button" and enjoy your Texan

Oh how I hope this is right! I am at work now so I can't go check it out. I just looked at the pictures I have and I think the alum links are swinging to the back. However, it is possible that they are on the wrong side of the shaft that the handle is attached to (crank shaft??). I will be looking into this tonight.

Either way, thanks for the reply! I am certain that I will be bugging you in the future :)

thanks again everyone, I am sure I am kind of a pain in the butt since I have little to no clue what I am doing...



I've studied your pictures closely and if your dies are threaded as deep as you say, they will hit on the back support and the ear on the right side under the turret plate. Mine will turn 360 degrees without hitting anything because my dies only extend a half inch. There is a groove cut in the back support to allow clearance for decapping pins so that's proof that the turret will turn completely around. The silver links look the same as mine as do the blackened steel ones so unless someone made some serious modifications to the ram and support bar, the handle will be your fix. You might need to disassemble all the linkage to get the stroke correct.

This is very good news! Now if I could just get off work early... I think I feel a cold coming on...

[LUBEDUDE]

FLHTC -

Looking at the first two picks of the post.

The links are rolling up from the back - from the top pivot point of the silver link. Or are you talking about the bottom pivot point(unseen)?

I have the same base set up in the shotgun loader, like Oldsniper's. And that is how it is supposed to work as pictured.

[oldtoolsniper]

Man you gotta love those presses. They are beasts!

[FLHTC]

Lubedude, i know they're suppose to work that way. It looks as though the shaft the handle attaches to isn't at top dead center because the links seem to be canted. When i bought mine about two years ago, i disassembled it to clean and lube it and had a similar stroke issue. That's why im leaning this way. It would help if Chad had a ruler showing the exact length of travel he's getting. With my handle in the down position, my shell holder kisses the die with it being extended out the bottom of the turret plate 1/2".

[FLHTC]

5929559295

[FLHTC]

59296

[FLHTC]

59297

[chadface]

It would help if Chad had a ruler showing the exact length of travel he's getting. With my handle in the down position, my shell holder kisses the die with it being extended out the bottom of the turret plate 1/2".

I will try to take some pictures this evening, maybe a video of it in action will help too.

[LUBEDUDE]

Your press definitely does have a lot more reach there FLHTC. I'm sure you have it fiqured out. I hope Chad can interpet it and implement ok.

[chadface]

Hello all, the story continues....

So I rushed home and flipped the press over to see if the linkage was on the wrong side of the handle shaft. The shaft has flat spots on one side for the linkage to ride on, making it impossible to get backwards.
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/9hybl.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/9hybl) http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/q45j6.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/q45j6)
Nevertheless, I still gave it a shot and put the linkage on the opposite side of the shaft. This made the linkage stick out too far and would no longer clear the base when the handle was raised back up :(
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/6vdxr.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/6vdxr)

So I turned my attention to the top of the press and took the turret off. There appears to be nothing odd about the top or any adjustment. There is a part that the turret rides on, it appears to be seated properly, no adjustments that I can see.
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/xoy81.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/xoy81) http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/7uugo.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/7uugo)

looking at the bottom of the guide rods, they appear to sit on top of the base (as opposed to being recessed).
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/ta3kx.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/ta3kx) http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/e9rlw.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/e9rlw)

I am fresh out of ideas for now. I was thinking that the linkage was on backwards but it looks the same as FLHTC's. The aluminum links cannot be any bigger without hitting the base when the handle is raised. The black links are the only thing I can think of. I measured them and they are 4" from center to center.

I also took measurements of the stroke:
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/74gfi.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/74gfi) http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/53hkh.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/53hkh)

Still playing with it....

[oldtoolsniper]

I looked at some of them on the net. Is it an extended shell holder? Are there more than one version of the same type of press. I also have a bunch of Herters presses and there are two different shell holders for those. It seems as though we have eliminated most everything else. Time to think simple yet not obvious. Perhaps starting a new thread called having problems with my Texan press would get fellow Texan users to help.

[chadface]

I looked at some of them on the net. Is it an extended shell holder?

I was thinking about the extended shell holder as well but the primer seater (?) will not reach if the shell holder is up any higher.



Perhaps starting a new thread called having problems with my Texan press would get fellow Texan users to help.

I will see what I can do.

[oldtoolsniper]

Let us know. I want to follow this. I am hunting down one of these as my next need to have press. Glad I only have to report to my dog these days!

[chadface]

A couple more pictures:


Measurement of the gap between shell holder carrier and turret:
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/mh2fg.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/mh2fg)

All put back together
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/wt3hv.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/wt3hv)

[chadface]

After studying the pictures of FLHTC's, it looks like the black linkage on mine is smaller. I have no idea how or why, but I am pretty sure that is the problem. Look at where the half moon cuts are compared to the bottom of the shell carrier.

I think I will try to get ahold of CH4D and see about ordering another one.

[LUBEDUDE]

It appears that his links are 1-11/2" longer. But pics can be deceiving. You two may want to measure and compare notes.

[FLHTC]

It appears that his links are 1-11/2" longer. But pics can be deceiving. You two may want to measure and compare notes.

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner
Lubedude, you called that correctly. From pictures, everything looked equal but my blackened links are
5 1/4" long.
Chad, does CH make parts for the Texan? We all are learning some interesting stuff here.

Hey Sniper, there's one on ebay right now with a little iron oxide dusting it. That's what i paid for mine

[chadface]

Winner Winner Chicken Dinner

He gets all the chicken dinners!!!


Chad, does CH make parts for the Texan? We all are learning some interesting stuff here.

I read on another forum that they were related so I sent an email to CH4D last night, this morning Dave from CH4D replied with the following:
"I am aware there was a Texan company 30-40 years ago. No connection between Texan & CH or myself. I was told the last time Texan went bankrupt was in Akron Ohio about 1980. Never did hear if there was any remaining product or what happened to it."

I am thinking the next step is to try and find a machine shop to make the links.
It is very odd to me that mine are shorter. They do not appear to be tinkered with unless someone really knew what they were doing. There are no machine marks on them. I am wondering if the press came with 2 linkage sets, one for full sizing (yours) and one for neck sizing (mine)?


Hey Sniper, there's one on ebay right now with a little iron oxide dusting it. That's what i paid for mine
I saw that one too, search for "VINTAGE TEXAN RELOADING PRESS WITH DIES" and it should come up. $200 seems like a fair price seeing as it is free shipping. Probably cost $50 just to ship the dang thing!

[FLHTC]

It might be that the shorter links were used for swaging but i know the press wasn't offered with two sets. Someone could have easily cut, ground and drilled your links to make the stroke shorter. I believe the Texan could do light duty swaging but nothing bigger than 257 in my opinion. Im not sure what the crecent cut in the link is for but the links could be made without them. Any welding shop should have the steel and a bench grinder would give you the radius. A small drill press could give you the holes and you're done.

[oldtoolsniper]

Thanks for pointing that out. Like I need to spend more money on reloading equipment. I just got an entire pile of modern Bond reloading junk that I have no idea what it does.

[oldtoolsniper]

I love auctions. 59348

[chadface]

It might be that the shorter links were used for swaging but i know the press wasn't offered with two sets. Someone could have easily cut, ground and drilled your links to make the stroke shorter. I believe the Texan could do light duty swaging but nothing bigger than 257 in my opinion. Im not sure what the crecent cut in the link is for but the links could be made without them. Any welding shop should have the steel and a bench grinder would give you the radius. A small drill press could give you the holes and you're done.
Thanks for the reply. I was actually considering swaging 223 sometime in the future so maybe it was all meant to be :)
If someone shortened mine, they did a fine job because it looks great.
I think the crescents are so that the links do not hit the shaft when the handle is all the way up. Either way, I should be able to find someone to make them.

I found a manual for a texan loadmaster, here are the links:
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/psd8q.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/psd8q) http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/9t3e6.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/9t3e6) http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/lp2nt.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/lp2nt) http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/us8b8.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/us8b8)

Thanks again everyone, this has been fun!

[FLHTC]

I love auctions. 59348

Looks like some swaging dies in there. I've seen those horizontal presses before

[chadface]

my blackened links are
5 1/4" long.

FLHTC- Did you measure from center to center? I just want to make sure I give accurate measurements when I try to have some made.

Thanks!

[BCall]

I love auctions. 59348

Looks like a Modern Bond "C" press. with some dies and mounting clamps. Some of the dies look like B&M dies for the B&M straightline press though.

[.30/30 Guy]

I have one of the red Texans with the straight handle instead of the shovel handle. I suppect the dimensions should be the same.

I get about 5 1/8" from center of hole to center of hole.

[chadface]

I have one of the red Texans with the straight handle instead of the shovel handle. I suppect the dimensions should be the same.

I get about 5 1/8" from center of hole to center of hole.

Thank you!!

[FLHTC]

FLHTC- Did you measure from center to center? I just want to make sure I give accurate measurements when I try to have some made.

Thanks!

Yes i did

[chadface]

Just dropped off the old links to the machine shop. should be done next week :) $75 for both.

[LUBEDUDE]

Awesome, let us know how it works out.

[chadface]

I picked up the new links today :)

Here is a picture of the old vs. new links:
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/v58vc.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/v58vc)

Here is one of it all back together:
http://www.freeimagehosting.net/t/gl93a.jpg (http://www.freeimagehosting.net/gl93a)

It is a little stiff where the new links tie in to the aluminum parts due to a tight fit. I am going to see if it loosens up on its own or if I need to persuade it a little. Some more finking with the primer feed and I think I will be able to start loading some ammo!

Thanks again to everyone who helped!

[FLHTC]

You're going to love it Chad. I removed my primer system due to the clutter in front of the press but i have an old RCBS bench mounted primer tool that i love so no real loss. Congrats on the Texan! !!!

[LUBEDUDE]

Those links look great. Sure hope everything smooths out.

Glad it turned well.

Have fun!

[chadface]

Hi everyone,

I have started a new thread for this project, it can be found here: http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?183253-Texan-Press

Thanks everyone for their input and help!