I had a guy contact me to ask what could be done about his BPM Hand Press that had developed some play in the top and bottom plates. I told him I'd have to look at it and deal with whatever was wrong with it so he sent it to me. Everyone should know by now that I will take care of any problems with the tool up until I croak.
I got it on Saturday 6/3/23. Sure enough there was some play present and needless to say I was pretty interested to find out why it was there. This tool didn't have one mark on it! It looked new but the top and bottom plates both had a slight amount of movement.
So I took it apart and all 4 Roll Pins that secure the top and bottom plates were sheared off ? This is new? and this press was #274 so it has been out there for 2-3 years. So I called the owner.
First thing I asked him, was how many rounds have you loaded with this tool? He said around 10,000 !!! 15 different calibers both Rifle and Pistol from .22 Hornet to .50 Beowulf, +many Large Rifle Calibers
I was blown away!
He works Construction away from home for long periods of time, and he likes to shoot, so he has to reload wherever he is to be able to shoot on his days off. Hence the high number of Rounds Loaded.
The fix was to put "Hardened Steel Roll Pins" in place of the Stainless Roll Pins that every press is held together with. I put it back together and replaced all the plastic washers and put a new Primer Catcher on it.
The tool looks like new because this guy takes care of it. He keeps it well Lubricated, and keeps it in the case when not in use. I did find one little ding in one of the handles so I touched it up with a Sharpie.
As most of you know I claim this tool is the "Worlds Finest Portable Reloading Press." This one tool (#274) backs all of that claim up.
I also took a bunch of measurements off the various parts that could wear but there was NO WEAR WHATSOEVER,,, anywhere! (Blown away again!)
I have received lots of Positive Feedback on this Tool, and I have not heard one negative comment about it since it's release in 2016, so apparently I did something right? I have people tell me they Size Boolits with their press? I have one video on YouTube where a guy is F/L Sizing .308 Machine Gun Brass in one stroke! It takes me 3 strokes to push one of those cases into the sizing die on my Rock Chucker. I have sent these tools to many places around the world including the Farthest North outpost on the planet North of Norway. the UK, AUS, S.Africa, and Every State in the Union!
Many people say how much they like the tool, but no one has come forward that has actually used their tool as much as this guy has. I was impressed !!!
It was shipped back to him on Monday with a big N/C on the invoice! He should be getting it soon.
I'll let him chime in if he wants to, since he is a member here at Castboolits.com.
But as far as I'm concerned, the Tool has Exceeded my expectations by a long shot. It will certainly outlive me and most of the people I know.
Randy