Jack Bolt...do I need it?

[9mmepiphany]

So I picked up a Mark 7 Apex-10 progressive press when they discounted them down to MAP pricing (about 30% off). I have to admit it is a very impressive piece of equipment and I can see why it is considered a product-improved Dillon 1050

Being a piece of the well known rabbit hole that Reloading is, there are add-ons you can buy for it.

A couple of my shooting buddies who own Apex-10s...1 running manually, 1 running automated... highly recommend the addition of the Mark 7 Tool Head Jack Bolt to replace the head retained by a single bolt that comes installed in the press




It is supposed to make it easier to tighten the tool head correctly and maintain consistency of OAL and such. it cost a bit less than $90 and I'm trying to figure out if it's something I really need to add.

Any insight from knowledgeable members would be much appreciated

 

[sevt_chevelle]

The apex is pretty popular on Brian Enos forum.

 

[Tilos]

If this is what it replaces:

It looks like adding the correct Belleville Washer would do the same thing for much less money.

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jmo,
.
Edit: Those conical washers can be stacked for more pressure too.

 

[9mmepiphany]

It looks like adding the correct Belleville Washer would do the same thing for much less money.

I think you're correct.

At first glance I thought the bolt around the outside would screw though and bear on the something (?), but it looks like it is just designed to apply even pressure over a wider area of the tool head as opposed to just the center.

Is this an example of over engineering/thinking?

 

[EricBu]

The jack bolt is a great investment. I bought one for each of my revos. Jackbolt plus extra rod equals zero deflection on rifle. Jackbolt alone removes all deflection on pistol. Tip: only install with torque wrench, do not shortcut that. Also, make sure you loosen guiderod completely when swinging toolheads, tighten jackbolt per directions, then gradually tighten guiderod. If you feel binding, loosen and tighten again. The jackbolt dramatically increases rigidity, so you have to tighten everything carefully. The results are worth it though, especially with rifle.

Oh, and the pic above left out the new washer that comes with it, and insets inside the jackbolt. The old bolt and washer are both replaced.

 

[9mmepiphany]

The jack bolt is a great investment.

I was hoping you'd chime in...since you are using similar presses. I don't mind spending money if it really provides an improvement of the process. It just seemed like a lot...even discounted at Midway...for a disc with 6 extra bolts in it

 

[EricBu]

I was hoping you'd chime in...since you are using similar presses. I don't mind spending money if it really provides an improvement of the process. It just seemed like a lot...even discounted at Midway...for a disc with 6 extra bolts in it

Yeah, the revos had a deflection issue stock, I don't know if the Apex does, or to what degree. But even with the extra guiderod, it still wasnt great. I played with stacking washers and such, but didn't help. The jackbolt sure did though. I think if you are only going to do 9, 40, 38 SPL... It's probably over kill...but 5.56, 300 blk, 458 socom, any tall straight wall magnum....it is super worth it, and I think a must have for 5.56 and .308 imho