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Thread: Unicorn RCBS A4, Big Max????

  1. #1
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    Unicorn RCBS A4, Big Max????

    THis one can be purchased, a member here who lives in Australia has access to it. At this point neither of us have seen this design.

    Anyone have an idea? Seen one?

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  2. #2
    Boolit Master maxreloader's Avatar
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    Is there any chance that this was cut and fabricated then carefully painted with what looks to be RCBS original paint? Unless it was done in-house by Huntington that would be my best guess. I have never seen this in person or in print.
    Looking for Ideal mold 419181 (44 Evans Long)
    "Joined Dates" are deceiving if you factor-in "lurk" dates.

  3. #3
    Boolit Master



    skeettx's Avatar
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    NRA Benefactor 2004 USAF RET 1971-95

  4. #4
    Boolit Bub

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    G'day from Downunder

    G'day All , thank you Pressman for posting the pictures of this A-4 for me , this press is an original proto type of the A-4 big Max it is owned by the bloke that I bought my standard A-4 Big Max from in his collection of early RCBS presses , he sent me pic's of his A-2 and A-3 presses that he wants to sell and included a couple of picture's and short message about this proto type A-4 and I pounced on it quicker than a seagull on a hot chip and if I can get a sale done it will live down here with its brother A-4 Big max .

    Regards Paul.

  5. #5
    Boolit Master
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    The big A4s were massive (and costly) but not well suited for much jacketed bullet swaging and were overkill for common reloading work. The "A"s were BIG presses but, being neither fish nor fowl, the smaller and cheeper Rock Chuckers soon killed off their bigger brothers.

  6. #6
    Boolit Buddy
    John Wayne's Avatar
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    That is an interesting piece of history there. I would have jumped on it too. I hope you're able to grab his other presses also.
    HOLLYWOOD Collector Left hawg 405#, right one 315#, had my elderly neighbors granddaughter treed and why I got the call. Both charged, one from 20' and one from 40'. Thanks to the good Lord and Samuel Colt I won. May God bless our Lawmen & Soldiers!

  7. #7
    Boolit Bub darrondb's Avatar
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    Great find. I've never seen one in that configuration.

  8. #8
    Boolit Master OBXPilgrim's Avatar
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    That is one big press
    Avatar - 2006, my oldest son (6'2"), trying to lift the 95lb Cobia he caught at Cape Hatteras, NC from the beach.

  9. #9
    Boolit Master
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    would love to add one more to my bench!

  10. #10
    Boolit Bub

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    G'day from Downunder

    G'day All , I have a rope around the unicorns neck and in the next few weeks I will be leading it down with me in the meantime I have got a bit more info on it , it is a one of one prototype that was made by Huntington's and his sons sold it along with some other prototype's ( which are also for sale ) to the bloke who I am getting it from and I will try to add more pictures when I receive it .

    Regards Paul .

  11. #11
    Boolit Bub

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    G'day from Downunder

    G'day All , I finally have the RCBS A-4 Unicorn Press it came with quite a few original accessories as follows
    the green cartridge box , the 3 jaw shell holder , the standard shell holder , the spanner , the wierdest flat top non shell holder , the heavy duty double bar swagging handle , the solid swagging pin , the waisted pin , the original box and manual , as I said earlier this is a north - south orientation as opposed to east - west orientation of the standard A-4 press and was the only proto type made by Huntingtons , a truly unique item

    Regards Paul.
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  12. #12
    Boolit Bub

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    G'day from Downunder

    G'day All , more picture's of my prize
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    Regards Paul

  13. #13
    Boolit Grand Master
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    Wow, just wow! Well done BBMF1! Looks like you picked a real winner. Congratulations.

    Froggie
    "It aint easy being green!"

  14. #14
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    I am guessing that came from Fred Jr's basement/garage sale in 2008. Fred didn't have any interest in collecting or historical items and sold off several historical RCBS pieces, most of which have found there way to my basement. Paul has made a remarkable find, a truly one of a kind reloader. Now, he has to ID all the parts and pieces for us.

    Ken

  15. #15
    Boolit Master
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    I think the prototype should have been put in production instead of the east—west Big Max. It would have been more ergonomic than the Big Max.

  16. #16
    Boolit Bub

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    G'day from Downunder

    G'day All , this is the swaging double handle and accessories that came with the unicorn A-4 press for you guys that have not seen one , it is a big piece of kit and I am considering if I need it or not .

    Regards Paul.Click image for larger version. 

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  17. #17
    Boolit Buddy
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    This old RCBS is currently on ebay. The seller (not me) has a Lachmiller that's interesting too.

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    HOLLYWOOD Collector Left hawg 405#, right one 315#, had my elderly neighbors granddaughter treed and why I got the call. Both charged, one from 20' and one from 40'. Thanks to the good Lord and Samuel Colt I won. May God bless our Lawmen & Soldiers!

  18. #18
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    The Lachmiller is the #707, it is a neat little, aluminum press.

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