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dddddmorgan
01-18-2021, 08:45 PM
Just picked up an RCBS RS today and couldn't be happier. It is solid cast iron and I look forward to using it. After I clean it up it goes on the bench.

Those were the days huh? When a cast iron press that looks like it could handle 338 Lapua Magnum was the "junior" issue.

I'm tickled to now have two presses on the bench, makes life so much better.

dddddmorgan
01-18-2021, 11:04 PM
Well, all taken apart, cleaned and lubricated. Lots of accumulated gunk, the press runs as smooth as glass now.

Only problem is the shell holder ram clip spring (part #09111) broke.

Am I in trouble? Where can I source one?

Oh, the press is stamped H 9 V on the left side; is this a date code?

Pressman
01-18-2021, 11:28 PM
H 9 VS should be a casting code, the date is stamped on the top near the die hole.

dddddmorgan
01-19-2021, 06:50 AM
Ahh, I found it. "79".

A good year, I started high school ;-)

jeepyj
01-19-2021, 06:57 AM
That's a great ole work horse. RCBS is always a great addition to a bench. Congratulations on your find.

dddddmorgan
01-19-2021, 07:02 AM
Ty, I'm thrilled I found it. I've learned I have to stop in the local candy store a couple of times a week if I'm to find anything interesting, stuff just gets snapped up so quickly.

Between this cast iron beauty and my C&H 204 I've got iron that I will be able to pass on to the grandkids.

Moleman-
01-19-2021, 08:50 AM
I ran across a JR3 which looks like the same press in the mid 90's and bolted it to my bench. Very happy with it.

dddddmorgan
01-19-2021, 09:03 AM
Yes I believe the JR3 and my press are the same.

marlin39a
01-19-2021, 09:08 AM
I’ve got my original RS from 1978. Still on my bench. Doesn’t get used as much as the Redding T-7, but works just fine.

Moleman-
01-19-2021, 10:40 AM
There are some of the 09111 retainers listed on ebay if RCBS won't send you one. If rcbs no longer stocks them the retainer looks easy enough to make. The wire dia is .062" or close enough, drill a 1/16" hole on the side next to the top of a piece of 11/16" rod, stick the music wire in the hole and bend it around the rod about 2/3 of the way. Make a few, put in the oven at 500 degrees for a half hour to stress relief the spring.

dddddmorgan
01-19-2021, 10:54 AM
Thanks for the advice Moleman, I will call the Big Green Machine on Oro Dam Road this morning.

dddddmorgan
01-19-2021, 11:08 AM
Well that didn't work! Called and the phone system is broken, not taking any calls!

Pressman
01-19-2021, 11:22 AM
Try CH4D.com They probably have them.

dddddmorgan
01-19-2021, 09:51 PM
I emailed RCBS this morning and they've already contacted me and they're shipping the clip. So it's good to see they're still in the customer service business.

After looking online it seems an o-ring of the proper size will work as well, and since there will probably be a delay in RCBS shipping my little item out I will probably try this in the interim.

The Dar
01-20-2021, 12:38 AM
You may be surprised at the shipping time from RCBS. I've contacted them a couple times for small items and shipping only took 3 to 4 days. Great customer service.

dddddmorgan
01-21-2021, 08:27 AM
The Dar is right! RCBS has already shipped my clip, as always I'm happy with their customer service.

metricmonkeywrench
01-21-2021, 12:44 PM
I was reading a set of articles, i believe from the midsouth blog, where the author recommended removing the spring steel clip and replace it with an O-ring to allow the shell holder a bit of float to allow for better alignment with the dies.

Might work in a pinch til your clips arrive

Tortoise1
01-21-2021, 01:35 PM
I just got a JR2 and it is missing the bolt between the handle and ram. Good to know RCBS is so responsive, I’ll have to shoot them a message. Thanks.

Tortoise1
01-21-2021, 04:30 PM
Another vote for amazing RCBS customer service. I called about the part I need and they are sending to me under warranty even though I am not the original owner.

dddddmorgan
01-21-2021, 08:18 PM
Metric, I also came across the wisdom of the o-ring while searching for the clip.

When I have the money to get a case comparator it would be interesting to see the difference that could be measured accurately.

Right now having been away from reloading for so long it's gonna be basic for a while, stock up on handgun ammo, I have tons of notes for pet recipes, and work up loads for a 30/30 and an 06 and a 223.

Should be enough to keep me busy till next winter.

dddddmorgan
01-23-2021, 09:49 PM
We should make a "Straight Shooter" heading for RCBS.

My clips showed up today, note the plural. I'm glad to see that RCBS in the midst of this crisis is still looking out for poor schleps like me. ;-)

jambuster
03-31-2022, 03:29 PM
I bought my RS (Reloader Special) in 1980 in Memphis Tennessee at York Arms. I still use it regularly . This is one of the finest presses ever designed and should still be in production. Last year I got an In-Line Fabrications quick change mounting stand for it . I've loaded go-zillions or rounds on this thing and it is still very tight. There is no better press for seating bullets.

I also have a Rock Chucker I bought in 1991 from Cabela's , a Redding T-7 I bought in 2008 from the Sportsman's Warehouse , and a brand new Redding "The Boss" (their small press similar to the RS size wise but with compound linkage ) . The Redding "The Boss" is a great piece of equipment you don't hear about much.

Shawlerbrook
03-31-2022, 04:06 PM
Bought my RS used and my Rockchucker new in 1990. Love them both.

Landy88
04-01-2022, 01:10 AM
IIRC the JR and RS were/are the same presses, that simply came in different boxes. The JR was in a little box alone. The RS was in a big box with a very good beginner's kit (what with I started), that even had a coupon on the box for a die set and shellholder of your choice.

I have added much over the years, but I still regularly use the contents of that first big box full of green stuff. RCBS makes good stuff and treats its customers well.

414gates
04-01-2022, 06:37 AM
I got my RS a few months ago. Still zero play on the ram.

Fitted a Lyman primer tube assembly in case I need to prime with it.

Use it with the Lee case trimmer dies and for bullet sizing.

1hole
04-05-2022, 04:56 PM
Keep the ram lightly oiled and free from spent primer grit and all common presses will last a very long time.