herters press

[lordgroom]

I may have a chance to obtain a low cost or free Herters single stage press. It looks like it is built very solidly. The press appears to be a C type press with an additional bar installed to close the "c". Anyone familiar with this press? I do not have a single stage press (only a progressive) but I am in the market for a single stage for Depriming, FL re-sizing, and using a collet puller.

Is this a good press to own?
What should I look to pay?
Are the shellholders still available?

Thanks in advance

 

[Gnarly]

Herters Presses

I own 2 Super #3 Herters presses;one since 1987 or so.They are super- strong.Wouldn't take a share-in-the-railroad for mine.
What model is the one you're looking at? (Should be on the side, in raised letters.) Check the ram to see if the shellholder is held in by a setscrew on each side.Here's why:
IMHO, avoid the ones that have the ram with screw-in shellholders-they're kinda rare/obsolete/oddball/I dunno where to find ANY parts for them except a shellholder adapter,made by ch4d.com for ~$40 each.Or might check VegaTool.com.Both outfits make excellent parts for old & obsolete presses of several brands.$$$$ but high quality.
I lost my original Herters catalog, but I do have spare parts: 4 extra shellholders in original boxes, primer arms for both small & large primers,and a primer-catcher I'll sell you, if that'll help.
Properly maintained & lubed, they'll last another 50 years.
----Gnarly
[email protected]

 

[Okiecruffler]

You can find the old Herters shellholders on ebay, but they don't come cheap. Seems a buncha people have started collecting Herters stuff. The stuff was made about half as great as the catalog said it was, which makes it good stuff indeed.

 

[lordgroom]

Gnarly- I saw pics of Herter No.3 and the Super O Maximum. The press I have seen is neither. I will look for the model number. The press appears older than the #3 but similar in design

Thanks for the offer of parts. Let's see if I get the press.

 

[PecosRiverM]

My Dad has been (and still is) using a Herter press since the mid 70's.

I don't like the way primers are installed so I got a hand primer.

 

[ftierson]

I am still using a Herters U3 press as my dedicated decapping press...

I've been very happy with it since first purchased in about 1974...



Forrest

 

[Gnarly]

Herters Presses & Parts

Got a new toy coming....price just dropped on my extra stuff!
Going back to garage to try & finish my loading bench project :banghead:

----Gnarly

 

[rocklock]

I use a Model C which I bought new in the early seventies. I dedicated it to reloading my .270 since I have several other presses now for all the other calibers. I bought the .270 in the early seventies, too, and it has had thousands of rounds through it. I also have a Herter's powder measure that still gets regular use.

 

[zxcvbob]

I have a Herter's powder scale and a fancy Lyman's scale. The Herter's is the one I use because it is much more sensitive. (and it looks "retro")

 

[iiranger]

beware...

#1). Herters made very little Job lotted to about everyone. One friend, retired gunsmith, thinks that CH (the company at the time and it has changed hands much) did much of their work. But most of the stuff was top drawer. Heard of one cast press that just shatterred first time it was used. ?? They replaced it promptedly... Well promptly for them (ha, ha). De Hass thought that their rifle actions were Yugo 2nds (Mark X).
#2). The shell holder was originally screw in. I think ch4d.com still sells and adapter. Others do to. Makes it like all the others today. If the press is free another $10 bucks is no big deal. (holder and shipping).
I certainly would not refuse it. AT worst it will make a very good boat anchor. luck.

 

[Okiecruffler]

I love Herter's stuff. Here's my favorite piece.

 

[Rampant_Colt]

I love Herter's stuff. Here's my favorite piece.

A telescoping antenna?

 

[Okiecruffler]

Close, that's my universal neck sizer.

 

[lordgroom]

The herters press is a Model 3A. The shellholder is held in place by 2 set screws. It is built like a tank and the price is $20. Is it worth buying? Will I be able to use it as a single stage with a shellholder adapter?

 

[Gnarly]

Re: Herters model 3A

Jump on it!Or if you don't want it,I do!
Order a universal shellholder adapter ~$18.95 @ch4d.com....order extra clips for ~$1.(I call them Jesus clips,as in ,"Jesus! Did you see where that thing went?!?".
And where else are you gonna find a single-stage piece of history at that price?

If you need some original accessories, email me.
----Gnarly
[email protected]