Modern Ram for Herter’s Press

[Green Frog]

I’ve had a Super U press for many years, and with much effort I’ve acquired a small assortment of the proprietary shell holders, but as I simplify my loading bench, I’m thinking it would be desirable to replace the ram so I can use standard RCBS type shell holders. I checked the standard solution which is to go to CH4D, but they are sold out of all of their replacement rams, but taking “back orders”. No promise of when or even whether they will be back in stock. Sooooo, does anyone know of any other source that might have them in stock? Remember, I’m easily distracted by “the next shiny object” so don’t wait too long to respond. ;) Oh yeah, and thanks in advance!
Froggie

[Wayne Smith]

RCBS used to supply rams that are pretty much universal - don't know if they still do.

[kr54]

I got an RCBS ram for my old Pacific C press.

[abunaitoo]

RCBS and Lyman make an adapter so you can used "regular" shell holders.
I have one on my turret, and it works fine.
C4HD might have them.
https://www.rcbs.com/dies-and-shell-holders/single-stage/shell-holder-herters-adapter/16-99200.html

[Mk42gunner]

Know any hobby machinists?

I'm not familiar with the Herter's Super U press; but if it is anything like a Pacific super C, the ram shouldn't be too hard to turn to diameter and mill a few slots.

Shiny new toys perhaps?

Robert

[Green Frog]

Mk42gunner, the Super U press was like a combination of a C-type and an O-type press, giving a lot of iron around the chamber where the action takes place. It is sensationally strong.
I found out on the ARTCA website that the ram is ever so slightly larger than larger in diameter than most of the others of that ilk, so it looks like I’ll need to have one custom turned for it or settle for the adaptor already have.
Froggie

[Shopdog]

Froggie,probably have what you need here to make one. Maybe work out a trade for something vs monies?

*word of caution however,I have some other equipment (reloading) that you may want so.... be prepared,haha. Shoot me a pm.

[j4570]

Here’s the RCBS ram

https://www.rcbs.com/dies-and-shell-holders/single-stage/shell-holder-ram-c-adapter/16-9109.html

Everyone shows out of stock but Grafs

https://www.grafs.com/catalog/product/productId/12898

And that is the wrong product image but right part number and description


Not sure if it fits your press. But it does fit a lot.

[RickinTN]

Tag this thread for later please.
Rick

[atr]

RCBS and Lyman make an adapter so you can used "regular" shell holders.

get the adapter, I've been using one on my Herter's press for 60 years.

[gwpercle]

CH4D also makes shell holder adapters ... I got two presses back in service with their adapters .
I don't know any other source for Universal Rams or shell holder adapters but CH4D ... you might want to go ahead and get on the list for the things you need ...
Things can't stay like this forever ... I hope !
Gary

[j4570]

RCBS make an adapter too

https://www.rcbs.com/dies-and-shell-holders/single-stage/shell-holder-herters-adapter/16-99200.html

[Shawlerbrook]

The adapter seems like the easiest and cheapest solution.

[Green Frog]

I have a fairly useful assortment of the proprietary Herter’s shell holders and adaptors for both of my Herter’s presses, but I just would like to have a conversion just for the convenience. I’d like to then put the Super U3 on the bench in the place of honor for general use, confident that it will never wear out!
The search continues!
Froggie

[Reg]

Really a whole new ram for any of the Herters presses would be a simple basic make for anyone with a lathe and a mill. If I am not mistaken even the slot that the RCBS shell holder fits in is based on a standard Woodruff key seat end mill cutter.

[j4570]

Froggie,

What’s the diameter of that ram?

[challenger_i]

Not Froggie, however my two Herter's measure 1.185". Just curious: what does the RCBS Rock Chucker ram mic out? Also, what is the measurement from the center of the link pin to the face of the shell holder?

[Green Frog]

I’ve been told (by pressman, the biggest Herter’s expert I know) that the RCBS and other “standard” rams are just enough smaller to be sloppy in the Herter’s presses.
Froggie

[challenger_i]

Figures... :)

I have the adapters, but on occasion I like to use the priming arm. Once upon a time, someone made longer plungers to use with the adapter, but I wasn't smart enough to buy a couple of sets...

[j4570]

Here a discussion from the past:

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?290225-Rock-Chucker-ram-dimensions

I also measured my Rockchucker IV and it is 0.998” with calipers and about about 9 1/4 from face of a shellholder to center of the link pin using a ruler and that’s not exact. I think the IV has a longer stroke than older Rockchuckers. Doesn’t matter as ran is too small.

[j4570]

Interestingly,

1.185 is right at 30mm.

I don’t know what you would machine it out of.


O1 precision ground is available to start with. You could have 3 made hopefully.

https://www.onlinemetals.com/en/buy/tool-steel/30mm-tool-steel-drill-rod-o1-36/pid/26483?variant=26483_36_0&gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAjwoPOwBhAeEiwAJuXRh8iUFNiA_VwyZK7EXKRL 6D-dNI6PoKVgjkpugU4O1B1bQcgU7JatqBoCixIQAvD_BwE

[poorman]

Seem to be in stock now
https://chtoolanddie.com/products/presses/sh/409190

[challenger_i]

Thank you, sir, for that intel. :)


Here a discussion from the past:

https://castboolits.gunloads.com/showthread.php?290225-Rock-Chucker-ram-dimensions

I also measured my Rockchucker IV and it is 0.998” with calipers and about about 9 1/4 from face of a shellholder to center of the link pin using a ruler and that’s not exact. I think the IV has a longer stroke than older Rockchuckers. Doesn’t matter as ran is too small.