RCBS Lube-A-Matic 2 - Good, Bad, Ugly?

[DougGuy]

There is a RCBS Lube-A-Matic 2 for sale new in the box I think I can get it for $100 bucks. I think this is a good deal, but how does the machine itself rate?

[Hickory]

I like mine.

[pjames32]

Mine works good! Better than my old Lyman 45.
PJ

[gnostic]

For a hundred bucks, new in the box, it's a 'steal.'

[RED BEAR]

i just got mine a couple weeks ago (have been pan lubing for a year or so) and love it cant imagine doing with out it now. for 100 bucks jump on it with both feet

[ncbearman]

If you decide against it Doug I'll take it. I can be in Raleigh in 20 minutes.

[Maven]

Doug, It's much better made than the Lyman #450 & 4500, but it's also more difficult to make fine adjustments than on either of the Lyman models. Mine's an older one and finding the correct piston and O-ring even from RCBS has been difficult. However, that's not likely to be a problem given the NIB condition. In short, it's a bargain @ $100.

[bpatterson84]

Only real downside is base first sizing(Not a big deal, but nose first seems more consistent for me with long rifle boolits) and making sure you find the correct top punches....can be difficult with certain lee molds. Once all this is figured out, it's awesome.

[dannyd]

I have two they work great also have a star.

[GOPHER SLAYER]

I have nine sizers, one of which is an RCBS. If I could only keep one, the RCBS would be it.

[smoked turkey]

I agree with the others that the RCBS sizer is a fine piece of equipment. I would have bought it in a minute if it came my way except a Lyman 45 came my way the other day that I am cleaning up and repainting. I believe the RCBS to be a little stronger sizer than the Lyman. Otherwise they are both good pieces of equipment. Buy it!

[DougGuy]

Welp, got it for $85 never been out of the box. It is STILL in the box LOL..

Okay, for a newb at the RCBS, I only need a .452" die right now, and a flat nosed top punch. I have one 230gr RN boolit that is already lubed, so I'm good.

Should I look for an RCBS die and punch or should I get one from a forum member here? Any recommendations appreciated.

Also, it came with a stick of RCBS lube, but I favor Felix at the top of the list, and other soft lubes like Felix. Who to get those from?

I have a decent Logan lathe with enough tooling to make dies and punches, are there any technical drawings around that I can use to make my own?

I have .45 caliber reamers, a dial bore gage that reads in .0001" increments AND a sunnen hone so getting things smooth and to the proper size shouldn't be an issue.

[paraord]

I have one, I put a 1/2" socket that I cut out the sides on the top and use a 1/4" drive ratchet tp move the lube. easier than the little handle. Just a couple clicks per boolit.

[Ole Joe Clarke]

I have .45 caliber reamers, a dial bore gage that reads in .0001" increments AND a sunnen hone so getting things smooth and to the proper size shouldn't be an issue.[/QUOTE]

I need to borrow that Sunnen hone, I need to open up a sizing die from .401 to .402. It's been a long time since I operated one of those, or remembered the name.

[fred2892]

DougGuy, amusing thread here:-
http://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?t=48453
Post number 144 has a good drawing of a lube die which I have used.

Sent from my GT-P5110 using Tapatalk

[Airman Basic]

Welp, got it for $85 never been out of the box. It is STILL in the box LOL..

Okay, for a newb at the RCBS, I only need a .452" die right now, and a flat nosed top punch. I have one 230gr RN boolit that is already lubed, so I'm good.

Should I look for an RCBS die and punch or should I get one from a forum member here? Any recommendations appreciated.

Also, it came with a stick of RCBS lube, but I favor Felix at the top of the list, and other soft lubes like Felix. Who to get those from?

I have a decent Logan lathe with enough tooling to make dies and punches, are there any technical drawings around that I can use to make my own?

I have .45 caliber reamers, a dial bore gage that reads in .0001" increments AND a sunnen hone so getting things smooth and to the proper size shouldn't be an issue.

452 is pretty standard. Get them just about anywhere that sells the sizing dies. Bought several custom sizers from Buckshot on this forum. Good stuff

[Wayne Smith]

I use a cut off 1/4" brass bolt with the head filed smooth for a flat pusher. I actually have two - one turned down to go into the 30 caliber die just a touch.

[MBfrontier]

I've had my RCBS LM2 for several years and it works well for me.

[yenningComity]

I got one a few months back. It seems to work very well. Only thing I hate is getting the top punch out. If you forget to hold up the arm the top punch will come down and pinch your fingers.

[fred2892]

I got one a few months back. It seems to work very well. Only thing I hate is getting the top punch out. If you forget to hold up the arm the top punch will come down and pinch your fingers.
Use a blob of lube to hold your top punch in place. That way the set screw cant fractionally offset the top punch and it's much easier to get in and out.

Sent from my GT-P5110 using Tapatalk

[yenningComity]

Use a blob of lube to hold your top punch in place. That way the set screw cant fractionally offset the top punch and it's much easier to get in and out.

Sent from my GT-P5110 using Tapatalk

Going to have to try this. My things thank you!

[rodsvet]

My sizer is a pre-RCBS made by Lachmiller who was purchased by RCBS. Most parts will swap but in 45 years nothing ever needed replacing. The only difference in the two is mine is metalic blue and yours is green. Rod