Looking for info on RCBS "A" press

[IllinoisCoyoteHunter]

I have an old RCBS press, grey in color, massive in size, and it has an "A" on the front. It does not have A2 or A3...just "A". The shell holder adapter on the ram uses a setscrew to hold the shellholder. Where the dies screw in there is a bushing (threaded in and held in place by two setscrews) that brings the opening back down to standard die thread size. Also, the mounting baseplate give the reloader the option to tilt the press at an angle or mount it level. I have heard of A2 and A3 presses, but never just an "A". It is in great shape and just wanted some info on it. Thanks in advance everyone!!


64746

64747

ICH

[LUBEDUDE]

Wow, I think you have something special there. I remember Pressman talking some about that press here a time back. I think he said that one came after the very first weld jobs. And something about manufacture dates from Guns Digest back in the 50's or 60' don't jibe with RCBS's info.

I'm sure Pressman would want to see a picture of your press. He is your go to guy, he will be along.

[Pressman]

1955 was a banner year for RCBS. At the SHOT show that year they had a new press (the A), a new powder measure and something else that Fred Huntington did not think enough of to patent, the snap in shellholder.
The A is notable in that it was the first press where the mechanics of the pivot block had finally been worked out. The 1951-54 press's had a different pivot block that was not as efficient at converting leverage from the handle to force at the ram head.
Yours is missing the primer arm, it is a longer version of the current style and uses a flat spring that attaches to the screw in the front of the frame above the "A".
Your shellholder adapter is held in with a tapered pin. The original shellholders can replace the adapter, if you run across one someday.

Nice find and a good, usable press.
Ken

[IllinoisCoyoteHunter]

Wow! Thanks for the info. The primer arm was broken so I just removed it. I can't wait to use it!

[yooper]

That's a beauty. It'd fit in well with my A2, A3 and B presses. Maybe some day I'll run across one. Congratulations.
yooper

[LUBEDUDE]

That is nice shape ICH!

Thanks

[IllinoisCoyoteHunter]

Thank you! I think I have my new primary SS press. Works out well because my Lee CC and RCBS ammomaster are getting retrofitted for swaging, and that other RC in the picture will be set up with a pneumatic cylinder to draw 22lr shells to 22 jackets. I think I still have another SS floating around somewhere..... [smilie=1: