Turret press ID and parts

[cheese1566]

Need help ID'ing this turret press, finding a manual/parts diagram, and locating parts.
I am guessing Lyman or maybe a Herters...
In excellent shape and only a little surface rust on the back upright. No markings or name of any kind anywhere. Takes universal shellholders, but is missing the retaining clip. The paint is a black crinkle coat and is original.

It is missing the locking mechanism underneath for locking the turret ring in place.
I also think it is missing a primer rod to.
But sorry, not for sale...

[HeavyMetal]

I have seen one of these before!

For the life f me I can't remember the name on it. I really want to say Hollywood but I don't think so.

Will check my library and see what I can find out.

[cheese1566]

Texan?

[HeavyMetal]

Yes!

Not sure about model number but the shell holder design and the handle are a "trade mark" Texan design.

I have an old reloaders digest from the late 60' early 70's that shows three Texan reloaders and the all have that cool "triangle" handle on them! None of them was the turret design you have.

I have seen that press in an old friends shop and it worked real well!

Not sure what the relationship between them and CH is if there ever was one.

I'd google CH4D you might get lucky if they made them for Texan he may still have the parts you need.

[cheese1566]

Ch has been helpful in the past, i'll drop them an email.

I just found that it is missing a ball bearing under the turret plate to hold it in place. The spring is there, but will need to pick up a new ball at the hardware store.

With that I did a search here. Pressman said the primer apparatus is not the best. I don't think this one had it originally but was an option looking at an extra mounting arm and a threaded hole in the main base under the shellholder. It does have some scroing in the main shaft and could be from grit and primer dust. Everything seems solid and should clean up quite well. Found more rust on the side of the handle arm. Should clean off with some oil, #0000 steel wool and TLC.

Would be nice to find some catalog pages or a copy of manual in paper or .pdf.
hmmm.....

[.30/30 Guy]

The press is a Texan.

Primer rod is easy to make. Get a 5/16" course thread bolt that is as long or longer than you need. Cut the head off and drill and tap that end 8 x 32. RCBS makes replacement primer cups. Screw the primer cup assembly into the rod. Easier to do if you have a lathe.

[101VooDoo]

Texan - I've got one at the house, I can get the measurements and pic of the primer rod if you'd like.

Jim

[cheese1566]

Sounds good. I almost think there is one in the Where's George PIF (1 or 2) that may work.

[scrapcan]

Cheese1566,

I think you are right about the rod in the wheres george box. It may be for a different press like a herters or c-h. It woudl not fit the old herters two station that I have nor the C-H 111.

[NoDakJak]

It is most definetly a Texan. Mine was purchased new in July, 1963. Mine still has the original round rod handle and base casting with the front and rear machined at approximately a 90 degree angle. Perhaps a year later they adopted the shovel handle and the sloped base. Texan marketed good equipment and it wasn't cheap. Mine was priced at $82 new and is still in use. I have loaded well over a hundred thousand rounds with it and it is still in excellent condition.

[cheese1566]

Thanks for the help!

I did a google search for an inflation calculator:

http://www.westegg.com/inflation/

What cost $82 in 1965 would cost $551.76 in 2009.

[HeavyMetal]

Inflation has ruined many good product!

[Kevin Rohrer]

One just sold on Ebay for around $275.

[cajun shooter]

well Kevin, If I was teaching a economics class e-bay would be a good visual aid to use on How not To Lose Money.

[101VooDoo]

Jason,

I haven't forgotten ya, I've pulled out the press and parts now just need to find the camera.

Jim

[Kevin Rohrer]

I deleted my earlier post due to it being incorrect. A similar Texan turret DIDN'T sell on Ebay for $165.

I a constantly amazed at how people think that just because a press isn't good looking or brand new, there is something wrong with it.

[101VooDoo]

Priming rod is on the instructions, there are two, for small/large primers. Priming arm is the red piece to the left with a primer tube sticking up.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/101voodoo/DSCN0952-1.jpg

Here's a shot with a rod in place.

http://i67.photobucket.com/albums/h308/101voodoo/DSCN0951-1.jpg

Never actually used the priming feature on the press...

Jim

[cheese1566]

Thanks!
The priming rod looks easy enough to build.
I have the Where's George box coming this way that may have one very close to it.

Gives me an idea what to look for when digging through junk boxes at gunshows!

(Even though I would probably use my RCBS hand primer anyways, I like to have thing somewhat complete.!)